Hair Pins, Claws & Clips

10 Stunning Hair Pins, Clips & Claws: Top US Stores and How to Style Them

Why hair pins, clips, and claws are worth your attention

Hair accessories do more than hold your hair in place — they finish a look, express personality, and save time on busy mornings. Whether you’re chasing a polished office vibe or a playful weekend style, the right clip or pin can transform a simple ponytail into a statement. Think of clips as tiny tools with oversized mood: one snap clip can make you feel nostalgic, while a pearl barrette sends instant elegance. Ready to upgrade your stash?

Spotlight: Cerqular — playful snap clips and curated sets

Cerqular has made a name for itself with colorful, well-designed snap clips and themed sets that appeal to anyone who loves fun details. From rainbow snap clip sets to peace sign motifs, these small pieces pack a lot of style for little money. Many snap clips measure around 1.5 to 2.0 inches, perfect for pinning back bangs or adding a pop of color along a side part. If you enjoy mixing and matching, Cerqular’s bow hair clip sets like "Blush Bloom" and "Tuscany" offer coordinated looks without fuss.

Cerqular's snap clips: playful, durable, and cheap to experiment with

Snap clips are wonderful because they’re forgiving: they don’t need perfect placement and they suit almost every hair length. Cerqular’s snap sets often feature bright colors, hearts, suns, and peace signs — little accents that echo current trends. If you’re trying out trends for the first time, grab a set of 4–6 clips around 1.5 in long and see how they change your vibe in minutes.

Bows, grip clips, and matte finishes for everyday polish

Not all clips scream "seasonal." Cerqular’s matte clip sets and bow clips in neutral shades like “Stone” or “Burlwood” add effortless sophistication. Grip clips and matte options typically run between 2.0 and 3.0 inches and are built to handle more hair while keeping a low profile. They’re great for half-up styles, quick updos, or securing a loose ponytail with a touch of texture.

Walmart: affordable bridal and everyday options

Walmart carries a broad spectrum of hair accessories, from affordable daily clips to formal barrettes suitable for weddings. A popular item you’ll find is the Ga247 2.75 inch wedding bridal hair barrette with silver and white pearl detailing — a classic choice for anyone planning a formal look without splurging. Because Walmart stocks thousands of styles online and in stores, it’s an excellent place to try a trendy piece and then decide whether to invest in pricier versions later.

Bridal barrettes and pearl accents: the 2.75 inch sweet spot

A 2.75 inch barrette hits a useful middle ground: it’s large enough to secure medium-thick hair for half-up looks and small updos, yet small enough to sit gracefully in more formal arrangements. Pearls and rhinestones stay popular because they photograph well and complement a wide range of dresses. If you prefer minimalist wedding accessories, look for silver or gold-tone bases without heavy crystals.

Other US stores to shop for hair clips, pins, and claws

Beyond Cerqular and Walmart, the US market is full of retailers that cater to different tastes and needs. Whether you want high-fashion statements, budget-friendly packs, or professional styling tools, stores like Claire’s, Target, Anthropologie, Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Nordstrom, and Etsy sellers provide excellent choices. Each store has a niche: Claire’s for youthful trends, Target for affordable basics, Anthropologie for artisan-inspired pieces, Ulta and Sally for functional styling tools, Nordstrom for higher-end finishes, and Etsy for handmade, one-of-a-kind items.

Claire’s: the go-to for youthful, trend-driven sets

If you grew up clipping glittery shapes into your hair, Claire’s still has that joy. Expect seasonal sets, character-driven clips, and costume-ready pieces that are easy to mix into everyday looks. Most Claire’s snap and alligator clips are about 1.25 to 1.75 inches — ideal for short styles and layered looks.

Target: budget-friendly basics with on-trend updates

Target blends practicality and current trends. You’ll find multipacks, simple tortoiseshell barrettes, and oversized claw clips that measure 3.0 to 4.5 inches — great for thick or long hair. Target’s lines often mirror higher-end trends at accessible prices, making it a reliable stop when you want to try a trend without committing.

Anthropologie and Nordstrom: decorative pieces and designer finishes

For embellished barrettes, artisan finishes, or metal hair pins that elevate special outfits, Anthropologie and Nordstrom are excellent. Expect materials like acetate, gold plating, and hand-applied pearls. These pieces tend to have a polished weight and finer clasps, often in the 2.0 to 3.5 inch range depending on the design.

Ulta Beauty and Sally Beauty: tools that work as hard as they look

Ulta and Sally focus on performance as much as style. If you’re after strong claw clips with reinforced springs, heavy-duty barrettes, or professional hair grips for styling, these retailers stock items that can withstand frequent use. Claw clips in their shelves often range from 2.5 to 4.5 inches, intended to secure long or thick hair comfortably.

How to choose the right clip for your hair type

Choosing clips isn’t rocket science, but a few small details will save you time and frustration. Think about hair density, length, and texture. Fine hair often needs narrower clips and pieces with teeth or silicone grips to avoid slipping. Thick or coarse hair benefits from larger clamps and sturdy springs that measure about 3.0 to 4.5 inches for reliable hold. Curly hair may need wide-tooth claws that allow curls to sit naturally without deforming them.

Fine or thin hair: small clips, strong grip

If your hair is fine, favor snap clips and small barrettes in the 1.0–2.0 inch range and look for rubberized or lined grips. Metal alligator clips with micro teeth can help too. The goal is to distribute weight across multiple clips rather than one heavy clip that slips.

Thick, long, or coarse hair: go bigger and sturdier

Thicker hair needs larger jaw clips and stronger barrettes. Aim for claws around 3.5 to 4.5 inches with deep teeth and a reinforced spring. Metal or acetate barrettes with solid clasps will keep volume in place, and layered clips can secure the base of an updo while decorative barrettes finish the look.

Short hair and layered cuts: small accents and bobby pin companions

Short cuts respond well to tiny snap clips, micro barrettes, and embellished bobby pins. Choose clips around 1.0 inch for bangs or cropped layers, and mix them in asymmetrically for a modern touch. Small clips work best when used in multiples to create pattern and hold without tugging.

12 styling ideas to get more mileage from your clips

Want inspiration? Here are practical, quick styles that make clips feel fresh: half-up with a bow, side-swept cascade with two matching snaps, low twisted bun pinned with decorative barrettes, stacked clips near the temple, a single statement barrette anchoring a French twist, and a ponytail secured with a claw clip and wrapped ribbon. These techniques work for day-to-night transitions and require minimal effort.

Casual everyday looks

Use small snap clips to create playful patterns — align three clips along a side part or scatter them above one ear like tiny constellations. A matte 2.0 inch grip clip behind the crown can instantly add lift without a teasing comb. Think of everyday clips as jewelry for your hair: subtle but mood-setting.

Event and wedding styling

For weddings or special events, combine functional clips with decorative pieces: secure a low bun with a strong barrette then hide the functional clip under a pearl-encrusted barrette about 2.75 to 3.5 inches long. This creates an elegant silhouette while keeping everything secure for photos and dancing.

Quick fixes and on-the-go styling

Need a fast fix between meetings? A 3.0 inch claw clip can transform a messy day into an intentional updo. Slide it into a loose twist and pull a few tendrils out for softness. Keep one in your bag and you’ll be surprised how often it saves the day.

Materials, durability, and what to watch for

Materials matter. Acetate and cellulose-based plastics look and feel nicer than cheap injection-molded plastic and often have richer patterns like tortoiseshell. Metal clips — especially stainless steel springs and gold-plated finishes — last longer but can be heavier. Pearls, rhinestones, and hand-applied embellishments create instant impact, but inspect posts and glue points to avoid losing a gem mid-use.

Care and storage tips to extend the life of your favorites

Store clips in a shallow box or fabric pouch to avoid scratches, and keep embellished pieces separate to prevent rubbing. Wipe metal clips with a dry cloth after use to remove oils, and avoid spraying hairspray directly onto decorated surfaces. If a clip starts to squeak, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil at the spring hinge (wiped clean afterward) can often restore smooth action.

Trends to watch: what’s gaining traction right now

Oversized claws, pearl-adorned barrettes, and colorful snap clips are continuing to dominate social feeds. Sustainability is also trending — look for reclaimed acetate, recycled metals, and handcrafted pieces from independent sellers. Vintage-inspired metal pins echo the return of retro silhouettes, while micro-clips and layered sets cater to minimalist and maximalist wardrobes alike.

Where to buy and price expectations

Price ranges vary widely: expect to pay under $10 for snap sets and basic clips at big-box retailers, $10–$30 for higher-quality acetate or embellished pieces at stores like Anthropologie and Nordstrom, and $30+ for artisan, designer, or hand-crafted accessories. Etsy is a great place to find unique, handmade options, whereas Target and Walmart are perfect for trend pieces you’ll wear seasonally.

Final thoughts before you click “add to cart”

When shopping for clips, balance form and function. Do you need something that will brave a windy commute, or are you hunting for a delicate piece that photographs beautifully for an event? Measure the kind of hold you need in inches — a 2.75 inch barrette will behave differently from a 4.0 inch claw — and choose a mix that covers quick fixes, daily reliability, and special-occasion sparkle. A few well-chosen clips can change how you feel about your hair every morning, and that’s worth investing in.

Conclusion: Hair pins, clips, and claws are small investments with big returns — they save time, refresh tired styles, and let you experiment without a trip to the salon. Whether you shop playful snap sets from Cerqular, affordable bridal barrettes at Walmart, or artisan finishes from Anthropologie or Etsy, there’s a perfect clip for every mood and moment. Try mixing sizes from 1.0 inch micro-clips to 4.5 inch claws to cover all your styling bases, and don’t be afraid to play; the best looks often come from bold combinations.