Start with dry hair that’s lightly textured. Mist the ghd Curly Ever After, designed to support curl hold evenly through the hair, focusing on the top and mid-lengths.
GET THE LOOK
Claw Clip Hairstyles For Long Hair: Step By Step Guide
Create an effortless, easy claw clip hairstyle for long hair. This claw clip updo combines a smooth crown, soft waves and face-framing pieces, with confidence clipped into place. The result is a polished yet undone finish. It's the kind of style that looks naturally put together. Ideal for busy mornings or everyday wear.
Follow our step-by-step guide below for this claw clip hairstyle to recreate the look in minutes. Made for the confidently chic girl, whether she has five or fifty minutes to get out of the door.
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS
GHD PERFECT ENDING - FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY 400ML
STEP-BY-STEPS
PREP & HEAT PROTECTION
CURL THE LENGTHS
Using ghd Chronos Curve Conical Wand, curl sections of the hair away from the face. Keep the barrel angled down and release each curl gently into your hand before letting it fall. Keep two face-framing sections free for later.
LOOSEN THE CURLS
Once curls have cooled, use your fingers to soften them – the goal isn’t brushing out curls, but letting them bend gently.
GATHER THE HAIR BACK
Sweep the hair back into a low to mid-position at the back of the head. Keep the surface smooth without overworking it – sleek, not tight. The softer the sweep, the more effortless the style will be.
TWIST AND SECURE
Twist the hair around itself to form a loose bun, leaving some ends hanging freely. Place the claw clip underneath the twist and secure upwards, so the bun sits neatly against the head. The twist should feel secure but relaxed, not rigid.
SET AND FINISH
Using ghd chronos curve conical wand, curl the front sections away from your face. Lightly mist ghd Perfect Ending, over the crown and front sections, avoiding the bun itself. Use your fingers to refine the shape if needed.
FINAL LOOK
TOP TIPS TO REFINE THE FINISH
- Keep the crown smooth – don't pull the hair too tight.
- Leave the ends loose for a relaxed, chic silhouette.
- Curl the front sections last for soft face-framing pieces.
- Let curls cool fully before touching them – patience pays off.
- Finger-style instead of brushing for natural movement.
WHO THIS STYLE WORKS BEST FOR
This claw clip hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair. Straight or lightly textured hair works best – movement gives shape without adding bulk. Perfect for everyday wear, work, or evenings when you want an updo that feels polished but effortlessly chic.
It provides structure at the top and ease through the ends, a balance that makes the style wearable, versatile and modern.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
Is this a claw clip bun or a claw clip updo?
Somewhere in between – a twist that resembles a bun, with loose ends creating a relaxed, chic claw clip updo.
Should I brush the hair before clipping it?
Yes. Brush or smooth the hair before gathering, but once curled, finger styling gives the softest, most natural finish.
How do I stop the claw clip from sliding?
Secure the twist before clipping and position the clip at the base of the twist, not just at the ends. This keeps everything comfortably in place.