The quick answer: For long hair, the accessories that actually stay put are matched to how thick your hair is. Large claw clips with interlocking teeth hold thick, heavy hair. Snap barrettes and slim bows suit fine hair, and silk scrunchies and U-shaped pins work for nearly everyone. Oscar Blackwood's guide below matches nine picks to the hair type and length each one holds.
If you have long hair, you probably own a drawer of pretty clips that slide down your head by lunchtime. That's not bad luck. Most hair accessories are sized for medium-length, medium-density hair. Once your hair passes your shoulder blades or gets thick, the weight pulls on the hinge, spring or elastic until it gives. The fix isn't buying more accessories. It's buying the right mechanism for your hair, then using it to finish an outfit.
Interest in hair accessories keeps growing. Grand View Research valued the global hair accessories market at roughly $22 billion in 2023 and projected growth of about 7% a year through 2030. With that many options on shelves, here's how to pick the ones that last all day.
Which claw clips actually hold thick, long hair?
Claw clips that hold thick long hair are at least 4 inches (10 cm) wide, have a strong metal spring, and have teeth that interlock instead of just meeting at the tips. Anything smaller, or with a flimsy plastic hinge, will pop open under the weight of waist-length or very dense hair.
1. The jumbo claw clip (4–5 inches)
This is the best everyday pick for thick hair that reaches past your shoulder blades. Twist your hair into a vertical roll against the back of your head, fold the ends up, and clip across the twist so the teeth grip both layers. Matte acetate or resin clips grip better than glossy plastic, which tends to slide on silky hair.
2. The rectangular or "flat" claw clip
Flat claw clips sit closer to the head, so they're more comfortable against a car seat or office chair. They hold medium-to-thick hair from shoulder length to mid-back. Tortoiseshell and solid neutrals look polished with knitwear and tailoring, which makes them an easy fall pick.
Before you buy, check these signs of a claw clip that will last:
- Spring: a visible metal coil spring, not a molded plastic flex hinge.
- Teeth: long and interlocking, reaching at least two-thirds of the clip's depth.
- Material: cellulose acetate or thick resin. Thin, lightweight plastic cracks first at the hinge.
- Opening width: the clip should open wide enough to fit your whole twist without forcing it.
What hair accessories work best for fine or slippery long hair?
Fine or slippery long hair is best held by accessories that grip a smaller section close to the scalp, such as snap or French barrettes, mini claw clips, and bows on an alligator clip. Big, heavy pieces slide down fine hair because there isn't enough volume for them to grip.
3. The French barrette
A French barrette closes with a tension bar that clamps hair flat, which makes it one of the most secure options for fine hair. Use it for a low half-up style or to pin back one side. If it still slips, add a light texture spray or dry shampoo to the section first to give it grip.
4. Mini claw clips in pairs
Two small clips holding back the front sections share the load, so neither one has to carry much weight. This is the easiest way to wear cute hair accessories on fine hair without them drooping by noon.
Are scrunchies and bows actually good for long hair?
Yes. Scrunchies are among the gentlest ponytail holders for long hair, and bows hold well when they're attached to a sturdy clip or tied over an elastic rather than used on their own. The fabric spreads tension out, so there's less crease and breakage than with a bare rubber band.
5. The silk or satin scrunchie
Silk and satin create less friction than cotton, which matters if you wear your hair up every day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ponytails pulled tight day after day can cause hair loss known as traction alopecia, which is why loose, fabric-covered ties are worth switching to. Wrap a scrunchie three times for thick hair, or use one with a stronger elastic core made for heavy hair.
6. The ribbon bow over a low ponytail
Bows have been one of the most visible hair trends of recent seasons, and they suit long hair especially well because the hair falls through the ribbon tails. Secure your ponytail with a plain elastic first, then tie the ribbon over it. The elastic does the holding and the bow is just for show, so it won't slip.
As hair stylists often note, "The accessory you see should rarely be the one doing the work. Anchor long hair with something hidden, then let the pretty piece sit on top."
7. The velvet or oversized bow clip
Velvet bows on a barrette base work on medium to thick hair and look made for fall. Clip one at the base of a low bun or half-up style. Pick a bow whose clip is at least as long as the bow is wide, or the bow will tilt to one side.
How do you use hair pins to keep a long-hair updo in place?
Use U-shaped hair pins instead of standard bobby pins for long hair. Push them into the bun against the direction of the twist so the two prongs catch both the bun and the hair at your scalp. Four to six U-pins will hold a thick bun more securely than a dozen bobby pins.
8. Decorative U-pins and hair sticks
Metal or acetate U-pins (sometimes called French pins) can hold a whole chignon on their own once you learn the twist. Decorative versions with pearl or gold tips double as jewelry. If you're not sure gold suits your coloring, our guide on making gold jewelry work with cool undertones applies to metallic hair pieces too.
9. Pearl or embellished bobby pins as accents
Use these to decorate, not to hold. Slide three or four in a row above one ear on hair that's already secured. They work on any hair type because they aren't carrying weight, so they're an easy way to dress up an everyday style for dinner.
Here's a quick reference for matching each accessory to your hair:
| Accessory | Best hair type | Best length | Hold level | Fall outfit pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo claw clip (4–5") | Thick, heavy, coarse | Shoulder blade to waist | High | Teddy jacket, wide jeans |
| Flat claw clip | Medium to thick | Shoulder to mid-back | Medium-high | Plaid blazer, loafers |
| French barrette | Fine to medium | Any length | High (small sections) | Pleated dress, ballet flats |
| Mini claw clips (pair) | Fine, slippery | Any length | Medium | Casual knit, denim |
| Silk scrunchie | All types | Any length | Medium (gentle) | Co-ord sets, loungewear |
| Ribbon bow over elastic | All types | Long, mid-back+ | High (elastic holds) | Coat and ankle boots |
| Velvet bow clip | Medium to thick | Shoulder+ | Medium | Evening skirt, heels |
| U-pins / hair sticks | Medium to thick | Mid-back+ | High (in a bun) | Tailored coat, pinstripe set |
| Pearl bobby pins | All types | Any length | Decorative only | Dressy night-out looks |
How do you style hair accessories with fall outfits?
Style hair accessories with fall outfits by repeating a texture or color from your clothes in your hair piece. A tortoiseshell clip goes with brown leather, velvet bows go with wool and knits, and gold pins go with gold hardware on bags and belts.
Here are a few combinations that work:
- Weekend cozy: A jumbo tortoiseshell claw clip with the Amina Teddy Zip Jacket and wide-leg denim. The relaxed twist suits the soft texture of the jacket.
- Polished office: A sleek low bun with gold U-pins, the Audrey Plaid Jacket and the Beaumont Croc-Embossed Loafers. Pulling your hair off the collar shows off the jacket's lapels.
- Date night: A black velvet bow at the nape with the Aveline Pleated Dress and ankle boots. For more evening ideas, see our skirt and boots combos for a night out.
- Matching leather: A brown acetate clip with a saddle-tan bag and belt, so the clip ties the whole look together.
To build looks around your hair accessories, browse our accessories collection, find fall layers in women's apparel, and finish with boots or loafers from women's footwear. Our new arrivals are a good place to find seasonal colors to repeat in your hair pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size claw clip do I need for thick long hair?
Choose a claw clip at least 4 inches (10 cm) wide with a metal spring and interlocking teeth. For very thick or waist-length hair, go up to 5 inches.
Why do my hair clips keep slipping out?
Clips usually slip because they're too small for your hair's weight, or because your hair is too smooth to grip. Size up for thick hair, and use a texture spray or dry shampoo on fine or silky hair to add grip.
Are claw clips bad for your hair?
Claw clips are generally gentler than tight elastics because they don't crease or pull hair at a single point. Avoid sleeping in them, and rotate where you place them so the same spot isn't under pressure every day.
What are the most secure hair accessories for long hair?
For long hair, the most secure options are large claw clips with interlocking teeth, French barrettes for smaller sections, and U-shaped pins in a bun. Scrunchies over a hidden elastic also hold well all day.
Can you wear hair bows as an adult without looking childish?
Yes. Choose bows in muted colors like black, navy, cream or burgundy, and in grown-up fabrics like velvet, satin or grosgrain. Wear them low at the nape rather than high on the crown.
How many bobby pins does it take to hold a long-hair bun?
Usually far fewer than you'd expect if you use U-pins instead: four to six placed against the direction of the twist will hold most thick buns. Standard bobby pins work better for small sections and flyaways than for carrying weight.
Ready to finish your fall looks? Shop accessories, layers and footwear at oscarblackwood.com and find the pieces that work with how you wear your hair.