Want a lifted, fuller-looking ponytail without using a hair tie? This easy claw clip ponytail takes only a minute or two and requires just one accessory: a claw clip.
Instead of securing your hair with an elastic, you will gather the entire length into a ponytail, twist it as one section, lift it toward the crown, and place the claw clip underneath the twisted base. Once the clip is secure, simply lower the loose length back down.
The result is a soft, elevated ponytail with natural movement and a little extra lift at the base.
Claw Clip Ponytail at a Glance
Time: 1–2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Medium, long, and extra-long hair
Hair Tie Required: No
What You’ll Need: One claw clip
Finished Look: Lifted, full, and softly polished
Model Hair Profile
Use the model’s hair profile as a reference when comparing the finished result with your own hair. The height, fullness, and hold may look slightly different depending on your hair length, texture, density, and the size of your clip.
What You’ll Need
For this hairstyle, you only need:
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One claw clip that fits securely around the twisted base of your hair
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A brush or wide-tooth comb, optional
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Dry shampoo or texture spray, optional
You do not need a ponytail holder or hair elastic.
Choose a clip that can close completely around the twisted base without forcing the teeth apart. The clip does not need to hold the full length of your ponytail—only the compact twisted section near the base.
How to Do a Claw Clip Ponytail
Step 1: Gather Your Hair Into a Ponytail
Bring all of your hair together at the back of your head as though you were making a regular ponytail.
Hold the hair at the height where you want the finished ponytail to sit. A position around the middle of the back of your head usually creates a balanced, naturally lifted look.
For a polished finish, smooth the crown and sides with your hands or a brush. For a softer look, leave some natural texture and a few loose pieces around your face.
Step 2: Twist the Ponytail as One Section
Continue holding the base of the ponytail with one hand.
With your other hand, twist the entire ponytail in one direction for approximately two to three full turns. Keep all of the hair together as one section.
You are not braiding the ponytail or dividing it into separate pieces. The goal is to create a compact twist close to the base that the claw clip can hold securely.
Keep the twist firm, but do not pull so tightly that it feels uncomfortable against your scalp.
Step 3: Lift the Twisted Ponytail Up
While keeping the twist in place, lift the ponytail upward toward the crown of your head.
Hold the loose length against the back of your head so the twisted base remains compact and easy to see.
The ponytail will temporarily point upward during this step, but it will fall back down once the clip is secure.
Keep one hand around the twisted base so it does not unravel.
Step 4: Place the Claw Clip Under the Base
With your free hand, open the claw clip and position it directly underneath the twisted base of the ponytail.
Place the clip close to your scalp. The teeth should catch hair on both sides of the twisted section.
Close the clip completely so it supports the base from underneath.
Do not try to fit the entire length of the ponytail inside the clip. Only the twisted section near the base should be secured.
This placement is what creates the lifted shape.
Step 5: Lower and Shape the Ponytail
Once the clip feels secure, slowly lower the loose length of the ponytail back down over the clip.
Let the hair fall naturally. Use your fingers to gently spread, separate, or fan out the ponytail until it looks even from both sides.
For a little more volume, gently loosen the hair at the crown. You can also pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer, more relaxed finish.
Check the hairstyle from the back and side to make sure:
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The clip is centered
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The ponytail falls evenly
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The twisted base feels secure
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The clip is fully closed
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The style feels comfortable
Tips for Different Hair Types
Fine Hair
Fine or silky hair may work better with a smaller, lightweight claw clip.
If your hair slips easily, apply a small amount of dry shampoo or texture spray before styling. This can add grip and help the twist stay in place.
You may also need one additional turn to create a more compact base.
Thick or Dense Hair
Choose a larger claw clip with enough room to close completely around the twisted base.
Focus on clipping only the base. Trying to fit too much of the ponytail inside the clip may prevent it from closing securely.
If the clip feels strained, use fewer turns or switch to a larger size.
Straight Hair
Smooth, straight hair can slip more easily than textured hair.
Keep the clip close to the roots and make sure the teeth catch hair on both sides of the twist. A light texturizing product can also improve grip.
Wavy or Curly Hair
Use your fingers to gather the hair so you do not brush out the natural texture.
Allow the waves or curls to fall naturally over the clip for a softer, fuller finish.
Long or Extra-Long Hair
Long hair creates a beautiful cascading ponytail, but the extra weight may pull the style downward.
Use a properly sized clip, keep the twist secure near the base, and position the clip close to your scalp for better support.
Troubleshooting Your Claw Clip Ponytail
The Clip Keeps Sliding Down
The clip may be too large, positioned too low, or not catching enough hair near the roots.
Try moving it closer to your scalp and making the twist slightly firmer before clipping.
If your hair is very smooth, add a small amount of texture spray or dry shampoo.
The Ponytail Looks Flat
Make sure the clip is underneath the twisted base rather than behind the loose ponytail.
Lift the ponytail fully before placing the clip, then gently fan out the hair after lowering it.
The Clip Will Not Close
You may be placing too much hair inside the clip.
Release more of the loose length and secure only the compact twisted base. If it still will not close, choose a larger claw clip.
Never force the clip shut.
The Twist Unravels Before Clipping
Keep one hand around the twisted base while lifting the ponytail.
Do not release the twist until the claw clip is fully closed.
The Hairstyle Feels Too Tight
Use fewer turns or loosen the twist slightly before applying the clip.
The hairstyle should feel supported without pulling painfully at the scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a claw clip ponytail without a hair tie?
Yes. For this method, the hair is gathered and twisted as one section. The claw clip is then placed underneath the twisted base to secure and lift the ponytail.
No hair elastic is required.
Is this the same as a French twist?
No.
A French twist usually folds or tucks most of the hair vertically against the back of the head. In this hairstyle, only the base is twisted and secured. The remaining length is released and falls naturally like a ponytail.
How many times should I twist the ponytail?
Start with two to three full turns.
Fine or slippery hair may need a slightly firmer twist. Thick or dense hair may need fewer turns so the clip can still close comfortably.
What size claw clip should I use?
Choose the clip based on the thickness of the twisted base rather than hair length alone.
The clip should catch hair on both sides of the twist and close completely without being forced.
Will this hairstyle work for short hair?
It works best when the hair is long enough to twist upward and still fall back down as a visible ponytail.
Some medium-length hair can create the look, but shorter layers may fall loose around the sides or nape.
Why is the claw clip still visible?
Some visibility is normal and can be part of the hairstyle.
To hide more of the clip, gently spread the ponytail after lowering it. To feature a decorative clip, leave part of it visible as an accessory.
