Claw clips have become my favorite answer to the mid-workday hair shuffle.

With medium hair, they can hold things neatly in place while still leaving room for a little personality, which is exactly what I want from an office hairstyle.

I also like how much the finish can change with a small twist, a few loose pieces, or a different clip.

These ideas make a practical workday staple feel fresh, with options that look polished without feeling overly fussy.

Medium Hair in a Low Claw Clip With Face-Framing Pieces

A low twist keeps the medium-length hair gathered at the back, while two long front pieces fall along the cheeks and jaw. The loose, slightly undone shape makes this a relaxed option for keeping hair out of the way at work.

I’d keep the twist low and avoid pulling the sides too tight, so the face-framing pieces stay in place. A claw clip can secure the gathered hair without hiding the natural shape of the style.

Half-Up Claw Clip With Face-Framing Layers

A small claw clip holds the top section of this medium-length, softly layered cut, while the rest falls in loose waves. Long curtain pieces blend into the sides and keep the half-up shape relaxed rather than pulled tightly away from the face.

For work, I’d keep the clip simple and let the loose texture show through. The half-up arrangement clears hair from the crown without sacrificing the length around the shoulders.

Twisted Claw Clip Updo

A smooth twist gathers medium-length hair into a neat updo, with the ends tucked into a small roll at the back. The large claw clip holds the shape while blonde highlights show through the swept-back sections.

I’d keep the twist relaxed rather than pulling it too tight, especially if you want a few wispy strands around the hairline. It’s a tidy option for work that still lets the clip be part of the hairstyle.

Medium-Length Layers With a Claw Clip

Loose, shoulder-grazing layers give this auburn hair a relaxed shape, while the wispy bangs blend into longer pieces around the face. Gathering the top section with a claw clip keeps the style casual and leaves plenty of texture visible.

For work, I’d keep the clip simple and let a few shorter strands fall naturally near the temples. The medium length makes this half-up option easy to adapt without tucking every layer away.

Curly Half-Up Style With a Claw Clip

The upper section is gathered back with a claw clip, leaving the shoulder-length curls loose around the sides and back. A few defined tendrils fall near the forehead, giving the half-up shape a relaxed, curly finish.

I’d keep the clip secure but not pull the top too tight, so the curls keep their natural shape. This is a nice option when you want some hair out of your face without pinning up all of your length.

Low Bun With a Claw Clip and Loose Front Pieces

The hair is gathered into a low bun, with two long front sections left loose beside the face. The simple shape suits medium-length hair, and the warm brown highlights show through the twist.

I’d keep the bun relaxed rather than pulling it tight, so those face-framing pieces stay part of the style. A claw clip holds the hair in place while keeping the finish casual enough for a workday.

Loose Medium Hair With a Pearl Claw Clip

A pearl claw clip gathers the upper section of this medium-length brunette hair, leaving the ends loose and a long side fringe swept across the forehead. Wispy pieces around the cheeks and neck keep the pinned shape relaxed rather than tightly pulled back.

I like the contrast between the neat clip and the loose, slightly tousled lengths. It’s a simple way to keep some hair off your face while still showing off the layers.

Tousled Claw Clip Updo With Loose Pieces

The hair is gathered into a relaxed updo, with the claw clip holding the back loosely and short layers sticking out at the crown. Wispy pieces around the temples and ears keep the shape from looking too tightly pulled back.

For medium hair, I’d keep the twist loose so those shorter layers can sit naturally instead of being forced into the clip. The brown highlights also show through the swept-back sections, giving the updo a little definition.

Wavy Medium Hair in a Half-Up Claw Clip

The top sections are pinned back with small claw clips, while the rest falls in loose waves to the shoulders. Blonde face-framing pieces stay out, keeping the half-up shape relaxed rather than pulled tight.

For work, I’d keep the waves natural and let a few shorter pieces soften the part. This is a handy option when you want your hair partly out of the way without putting all of it up.

Sleek Low Twist With a Clear Claw Clip

A smooth, center-parted twist keeps medium-length hair gathered low at the nape, with the ends tucked into a compact shape. The clear claw clip holds the twist in place while keeping the style neat and understated.

I’d keep the front fairly sleek to suit a workday, or loosen a couple of fine strands if you prefer a softer finish. This is a useful option when you want your hair up without a tall or bulky bun.

Medium Hair in a Claw Clip With Long Curtain Pieces

Long front pieces and a loose, low twist give this medium-length updo a relaxed shape. The dark hair is swept back with a silver claw clip, while the parted sections fall beside the face.

I’d keep the twist a little loose so it doesn’t look too formal, and let the front pieces sit naturally rather than matching them perfectly. It’s a simple way to wear medium hair up for work without pulling every strand away from the face.

Half-Up Claw Clip With Gray Face-Framing Layers

Silver strands run through the medium-length layers, with longer pieces left loose around the face. A tortoiseshell claw clip gathers the upper section at the back, keeping the rest of the hair down.

I like this half-up approach for work because it keeps hair away from the crown without hiding the layered shape. The loose ends can stay natural, so there’s no need to make the style look overly neat.

Medium Hair in a Loose Claw Clip With Curtain Bangs

The hair is gathered into a relaxed low twist, with long curtain bangs and a few loose strands left around the face. The medium length keeps the updo soft rather than tightly pinned.

For work, I’d keep the twist simple and let the front pieces stay loose so the style doesn’t feel too formal. A claw clip can hold the gathered hair while leaving those face-framing layers in place.

Half-Up Claw Clip With Wavy, Highlighted Layers

The half-up shape keeps the crown gathered while the rest of this medium-length cut falls in loose waves. Long, center-parted pieces stay around the face, and lighter ends make the layers easy to see.

For a workday, I’d keep the clip secure but leave the waves relaxed rather than trying to make them match perfectly. The style suits medium hair that has some natural bend, and a few loose strands keep the pinned section from looking too formal.

Low Claw Clip Updo With Swept-Back Layers

The medium-length layers gather into a low, rounded updo, with the top and sides swept back into a tortoiseshell claw clip. Long front pieces curve along the cheek and tuck loosely near the ear, keeping the style from feeling too severe.

I’d keep the twist relaxed so the layers can settle into their natural shape rather than forcing every strand into place. It’s a handy work option when you want your hair up but still like a little softness around the face.

Straight Medium Bob With a Half-Up Claw Clip

A blunt, shoulder-grazing bob keeps its shape simple, while the top section is swept back and secured with a small claw clip. The smooth, pale blonde lengths stay loose around the sides, so the style feels neat without pulling all the hair away from the face.

For work, I’d keep the twist relaxed rather than pinning it tightly, especially with shorter layers near the front. It’s a useful way to get hair off your face while still showing the bob’s clean outline.

Medium Hair in a Loose Claw Clip With Silver Face-Framing Pieces

The loose low bun keeps medium-length hair gathered at the back while a few curled pieces fall around the face. Silver-gray streaks stand out against the darker base and make those front sections especially noticeable.

For work, I’d keep the clip secure but leave the bun slightly relaxed so it doesn’t feel too formal. The loose pieces can stay as they are or be tucked back when you need a tidier finish.

Curly Medium Hair Pinned Up With Curly Bangs

Curly medium-length hair is gathered up with a claw clip, leaving the defined curls loose around the sides and neckline. Short, curly bangs sit across the forehead, while a few longer tendrils curl forward near the temples.

I like the contrast between the lifted shape and the curls left out around the face. For a workday, you could gather the top and sides into a clip, then let your natural curl pattern shape the loose pieces.

Medium Hair in a Low Claw Clip With a Side-Swept Front

The low clip gathers medium-length auburn hair at the nape, while a long, side-swept front section curves across the forehead and blends into the rest of the style. A few loose ends keep the updo from looking too tightly pulled back.

For work, I’d keep the front section relaxed rather than pinning it flat, so the shape still feels natural. A claw clip makes this a simple way to wear medium layers up while leaving some length visible at the back.

Braided Low Bun With a Claw Clip

A loose braid sweeps across the back of this medium-length style and joins a low, tucked bun secured with a tortoiseshell claw clip. The brown hair has subtle lighter pieces, while a few fine strands are left loose near the face.

I’d keep the braid relaxed rather than tightly pulled, so it sits naturally against the head. It’s a handy way to add detail to a low updo without making the style feel too formal.

Sleek Medium Hair in a Low Claw Clip

A smooth, low twist keeps medium-length dark hair neatly gathered at the back, while two slim front pieces curve along the face. The simple shape feels tidy without pulling every strand away from the hairline.

For work, I’d keep the finish smooth and let those front pieces stay loose rather than pinning them back. A sturdy claw clip can hold the twist in place while making the updo quick to redo during the day.

Medium Hair in a Relaxed Half-Up Claw Clip

The upper section is gathered into a small, loose twist and held with a clear claw clip, while the rest of the medium-length hair falls in soft waves. Blonde face-framing pieces are left out at the front, keeping the half-up shape from feeling too pulled back.

I’d keep the twist relaxed rather than smoothing every strand into place, especially with this kind of wavy texture. It’s a useful workday option when you want hair off your face but still prefer wearing most of it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I keep a claw clip from slipping out of fine, straight hair? A: Add a little texture with dry shampoo or a light texturizing spray before styling. A smaller clip with teeth that grip closely may hold better than a large, heavy one.

Q: Can I wear a claw clip with medium-length layers at work? A: Yes. Twist your hair loosely and tuck shorter layers into the clip, then use a couple of discreet pins to catch any pieces that fall out. It still looks relaxed, just a bit more polished.

Q: Are claw clips comfortable for a full workday? A: Keep the twist loose and place the clip where it won’t press against your chair or headrest. If it starts to tug, redo it lower and with less tension.