Hair Accessories: Resin Clips and How to Style Them

Resin clips are among the most popular hair accessories because they do two jobs at once: they hold your hair and they add color or pattern to an outfit. Pick a claw clip for volume and quick updos, a barrette for tidy sections, and a small snap clip for accents.

The finish matters as much as the shape. Tortoiseshell and neutrals read polished, pastels read soft, and glitter or bold color reads playful. Below is how to choose by type, color and hair, plus outfit formulas.

Section 01

What types of resin hair clips are there?

Resin is a lightweight, hard plastic that can be molded into almost any shape and finished in marbled, glittery, translucent or solid color. That is why the same material shows up in several clip styles.

• Claw clips: chunky and practical for twists, buns and half-up styles.
• Barrettes: flat and sleek, good for pinning back a section or finishing a low ponytail.
• Snap clips: small and easy to layer, useful for bangs or side sections.
• Resin-topped bobby pins: the most minimal way to add a little color.
• Oversized clips: statement pieces that act as the focal point of the hairstyle.

If you are choosing among claw clips and barrettes, think about what you need first. Claws hold more hair with less effort. Barrettes give a cleaner line and sit flatter against the head.

Section 02

How do you choose a clip for your hair?

Match the clip size to how much hair it has to hold. Thick or long hair usually needs a larger claw or a wide barrette with a firm spring. Fine hair does better with smaller clips, because a heavy clip can slide out.

For hair accessories for long hair, a large claw twisted into a bun is the easiest all-day option. Short hair and bobs suit snap clips and small barrettes pinned at the temple or along a part.

A fit check works like a shoe fit: shake your head gently. If the clip shifts, go up a size or move it to a thicker section. Also avoid pulling hair tight every day. If you notice breakage or soreness, ease off and check with a dermatologist.

Wet hair is more fragile, so detangle with a wide-tooth comb before clipping, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises.

Section 03

Which colors and finishes work with which outfits?

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd look at finish before color. A glossy marbled resin and a matte solid in the same shade do not read the same, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye.

Pastels: blush, lavender, mint

Soft and low-contrast. They suit flowy dresses, white shirts and light denim, and they read gentle against most hair colors.

Bright colors: red, yellow, blue

These bring energy. Try a bright claw clip on a high ponytail with an all-one-color outfit, so the clip is the only loud thing.

Neutrals and tortoiseshell

Beige, olive and tortoiseshell blend with hair and clothes, which makes them the easy choice for work. A tortoiseshell barrette on a sleek low bun goes with a blazer without any effort.

Glitter and metallic flecks

Better for evenings. A gold-flecked clip with loose curls pairs well with a black dress, since the sparkle is small and the outfit stays simple.

Section 04

How do you style resin clips for different occasions?

Casual days

Pin one side back with a pastel barrette and wear it with a denim jacket and sneakers. Or put a chunky claw in a half-up bun with a graphic tee.

Work and meetings

Use a tortoiseshell barrette on a low ponytail, or a beige snap clip to hold bangs off your face. Keep the rest of the look clean: a silk blouse or tailored trousers.

Evenings and events

A glitter or gold-flecked claw clip on a textured updo works with a satin midi dress. Several small glitter snap clips down one side of loose waves make an easy asymmetric look.

Romantic looks

A pale marbled barrette on a loose braid, or a floral clip holding a side twist, suits lace, skirts and delicate jewelry.

Statement looks

Two oversized snap clips in contrasting colors framing the face stand out against a monochrome outfit. A bright claw on a high bun is a good match for a leather jacket.

Section 05

Which resin clip trends are popular now?

Among the best hair accessories to watch are oversized claw clips in bold colors, layered clips of different sizes, and neon or graphic prints. Wearing clips on just one side is common too, as are pearly, iridescent finishes.

Classics hold up year after year: tortoiseshell, soft neutrals, simple snap clips, small floral shapes and quiet marbling. If you want a clip you will still wear in a few seasons, start there.

For more shapes beyond resin, see our look at the '90s claw clip revival and this roundup from headbands to clips.

Section 06

How do you wear and care for them?

1. Balance the look. With a bold clip, keep earrings and necklaces simple.
2. Coordinate color with your outfit, either matching a shade in it or contrasting on purpose.
3. Try different placements: framing the face, holding a bun, or pinning one side.
4. Wipe clips with a damp cloth and mild soap, and avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the finish.
5. Store them in a pouch or box so the glossy surface does not scratch.

If resin is your thing, the same idea carries over to resin jewelry, and a clip pairs well with beaded hair accessories if you like mixing textures.

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