The short answer: tic tac clips (also called snap clips) grip a small bit of hair close to the head, so they suit fine baby hair and fringes. Duckbill clips (also called alligator clips) hold a bigger section, for half-up styles and braids. Bows are the showpiece, and mini claw clips hold twists and little buns.
Tic tacs
The small clip that clicks shut. It holds a thin section of hair flat against the head, which is why it stays put in wispy hair that a bigger clip would slide out of. Tic tacs usually come in sets, so you can line up three in a row or mix colours. Shop Tic Tacs
Duckbill clips
A slim spring clip that opens like a beak and slides in flat. It holds more hair than a tic tac, so it's the one for pulling a fringe to the side, finishing a half-up style or holding the end of a braid. Shop Duckbill Clips
Bow clips
Bows are about the look: a small satin bow for every day, a big one for a birthday or a wedding. Ours come on clips, Hair Ties and Headbands, from tiny to statement size. Shop Bows
Mini claw clips and bobby pins
Once she has more hair, a mini claw clip holds a twist, two little buns or a half-up in one go. Bobby pins tidy the bits that escape. See all Hair Clips
Quick pick
- Very little hair: tic tacs
- Fringe in her eyes: a tic tac or duckbill to the side
- Half-up or braids: duckbill clips
- Birthdays, functions and photos: a bow
- Thicker hair, twists and buns: mini claw clips
Every product page says which kind of clip it is, so you always know what you're getting.