This 90s hair accessory is back in vogue and we’re here for it
From claw clips to snap clips, these are some of our favourite 90s-inspired hairclips plus how to style them for a modern aesthetic.
Thought hair clips were passé? Think again! The ’90s staple is making a big-time comeback.
Sydney-based stylist Rosie McKay explains that the return of hair clips works beautifully into the “2024 effortlessly stylish aesthetic”.
“Hair clips enable you to style hair into an up-do, or half-up do with minimal effort,” explains Rosie. “And they’re versatile, so you can wear them at the office, the gym or out to dinner!”
The great hair clip comeback
Social media and celebrity influence are behind the renewed interest in hair clips, according to Elvarl Hair Artistry stylists, Carly Dent and Storm Luppnow.
“Claw clips have recently been worn by celebrity ‘it’ girls like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber,” explains Carly.
The hair expert adds that this accessory trend has been popularised on social media and ‘Beautytok’, empowering new generations to “experiment with hair clips”.
Rosie, the founder of My Virtual Stylist, also notes that in these budget-conscious times claw clips offer “an inexpensive way to update your look”.
A 2024 interpretation
Compared to the 90s era, there are subtle differences in the look of today’s hair clips and the way they’re being worn.
“They’re more understated and less kitsch,” explains the fashion stylist. “They can work with both elegant outfits and street style looks.”
The Queensland-based Elvarl team notes that the way hair is styled with hair clips has also changed.
“The most obvious difference is texture,” says Storm. “In the 90’s styling was very sleek, immaculate and pulled very tight. Nowadays, styling is more casual and low maintenance, which means more texture and loosely clipped.”
How to choose the best claw clip
Claw clips are at the forefront of this hair accessory resurgence and stylist Rosie notes that there’s a variety of trending styles.
“Popular looks are resin styles, animal print, tortoise shell, clear clips with gold hardware or matte pastel colours.”
Additionally, the Elvarl hair stylists suggest closely examining a claw clip to gauge its quality.
“The material used in the clip and joints is really important,” explains Carly. “It should feel strong and remain firm when you open and close it.”
Styling with hair clips
Hair clips offer an array of styling options.
Here, hair educator Renee Saville of Frais Studios gives her suggestions to suit different hair clips.
Large Claw Clip
“The most striking way to style a claw clip is to smooth hair into a low pony, tightly twist the lengths and secure it along the back of the head with the clip. So chic!” says Renee.
We love:
Small Claw Clips
A small claw clip is perfect for a “90s-inspired effortless half-up half-down do”, according to the founder of Frais Studios.
“Gather the top section of hair into a half pony and secure with a small claw clip.”
We love:
Snap Clips
Snap clips compliment both a smoothed-out texture or beachy wave – so take your pick!
“Place the snap clips above the highest point of your brow bone and allow hair to flow freely from the clip,” Renee says.
We love:
Metal Clips
The hair expert suggests “clustering” metal clips to make a statement.
“On blow-waved hair, place a few clips close together somewhere between your part line and the top of the ear.”
We love:
- Capelli Ladies Metal Clip 5pk $6.99
- Lady Jayne Round Barrette Clip $6
- Capelli Ladies Clip 2 pack $7.99
Large Rectangle Clip
“A big rectangular clip is gorgeous with natural waves or ‘wash & wear’ hair,” says Renee.
“Simply pull hair back loosely and secure with a large clip, leaving a few face-framing strands.”
We love:
More hair care tips and advice:
- Why the modern mullet isn’t just for rock stars and footballers
- A guide to hair serums (and how to choose the right product)
- Hair conditioner 101: Your ultimate guide to lustrous locks
- The game-changing haircare technique Brazilians swear by
- Why a curling iron is a must-have in your hairstyling toolkit
Written by Sharon Hunt.
