Half-Up Claw Clip

The claw clip was an essential, defining hair accessory of the 90s, offering a quick, chic way to secure hair. This specific style, often associated with characters like Rachel Green, uses a medium-to-large clip to gather the top half of the hair. It is prized for being incredibly low-effort, functional, and stylish, providing a casual yet polished look while leaving the bottom layers loose.

Instructions

1. 1

   Start with dry, detangled hair. Apply a light smoothing product to the bottom half of your hair to enhance shine.

2. 2

   Using your fingers or a comb, create a clean horizontal part, separating the top section of your hair (from ear to ear or temple to temple) from the hair that will hang down.

3. 3

   Gather the top section of hair into a small, tight ponytail position at the back of your head.

4. 4

   Take the gathered top section and twist it tightly once or twice upward against your scalp. Then, fold the twisted hair back down toward the neck.

5. 5

   Open the claw clip and secure it vertically over the folded hair and down onto the scalp to ensure a firm hold. The clip should lock the hair twist firmly in place.

6. 6

   Adjust the bottom half of the hair to fall smoothly over your shoulders and ensure the claw clip is positioned neatly at the crown.

Styling Tips

• For extra volume on the top, avoid pulling the hair too tight before twisting. Keep the roots slightly lifted.

• If you have thin hair, use a smaller clip or use a zig-zag parting line for the half-up section to make the look feel more intentional.

• The full updo—where all hair is twisted and clipped—is another popular variation, perfect for very hot days.