To make a hair clip, start with a blank clip base, such as an alligator clip, snap clip or barrette, and decorate it. Cut your fabric, ribbon or trim to size, attach it to the top of the clip with fabric glue or a hot glue gun, and let it set completely before wearing. Most simple clips take 15–20 minutes.
You don’t need sewing skills. The base clip does the holding; everything else is decoration.
What You Need to Make a Hair Clip
- Blank clip bases: alligator clips, snap clips, barrette bases or plain claw clips from a craft store.
- Decoration: ribbon, fabric scraps, felt, faux pearls, beads or small flowers.
- Glue: a hot glue gun for fabric and ribbon, or a strong craft adhesive for beads and metal.
- Scissors, a lighter or fray check to seal cut ribbon ends.
- Felt scraps to cover the underside so nothing scratches your scalp.
How to Make a Bow Hair Clip, Step by Step
- Cut a piece of ribbon about 8 in (20 cm) long and a short strip about 2 in (5 cm) for the center.
- Fold the long piece into a loop, overlapping the ends at the back, and glue them together.
- Pinch the loop in the middle to form the bow shape.
- Wrap the short strip around the pinch and glue it at the back.
- Glue the bow to the top arm of an alligator clip, keeping glue away from the hinge so the clip still opens.
- Let it set for at least an hour before wearing.
How to Make a Fabric-Covered Snap Clip
Trace the snap clip onto fabric, adding about 0.25 in (6 mm) all round, and cut it out. Glue the fabric to the top of the clip, folding the edges over to the underside, then glue a slightly smaller piece of felt underneath to hide the raw edges. Keep the moving part of the clip clear of glue so it still snaps.
How to Decorate a Plain Claw Clip
Glue faux pearls, small beads or a strip of ribbon along the top edge of a plain claw clip. Stick to the outside of the clip and keep decoration off the teeth and spring, or it won’t close properly over a twist.
Once you’ve made one, our guides show how to wear it: how to put thick hair in a claw clip, how to claw clip short hair and how to use a banana clip.
Tips for Making Clips That Don’t Snag Curly Hair
- Cover the underside with felt so rough glue edges don’t catch curls.
- Seal ribbon ends so loose threads don’t tangle in your hair.
- Choose snap clips and alligator clips with smooth, rounded edges.
- Keep embellishments on top of the clip, never on the gripping side.
Not sure which clip base suits your hair? Our guide to types of hair clips explains what each one holds best, and our hair accessories range has ready-made styling clips too.
FAQ
What glue is best for hair clips?
Hot glue works well for fabric, felt and ribbon. For beads, pearls or metal charms, a strong craft adhesive made for jewelry holds better.
How long does a homemade hair clip last?
With fabric glued well and the underside covered, a homemade clip lasts as long as a shop-bought one. Check the glue now and then, especially if you get it wet.
Can kids make their own hair clips?
Yes, with an adult handling the hot glue gun. Fabric glue and stickers are a safer option for younger children.
