How To Prevent Hair Clips From Slipping

Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

How the heck do you prevent hair clips from slipping?

I often use hair clips to keep a small section of my hair from continually slipping in front of my eyes. Or to keep in place the more elaborate hairdos I sometimes wear on special occasions.

You know the feeling, right? You’ve styled your hair just the way you like it, and that one pesky section keeps falling forward, messing up your whole look. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve taken the time to make everything else perfect. Whether it’s a casual day at home, a busy day at work, or a special event where you want every hair in place, hair clips can be a lifesaver.

The Problem with Some Hair Clips

Problem is,some hair clips don’t grip hair as tightly as they should. They stubbornly insist on slipping down, ruining your hairstyle and annoying the hell out of you.

It’s like they have one job (just one!) and they can’t seem to do it right. You carefully place the clip, it feels secure for about five minutes, and then it starts its slow, inevitable slide. It’s almost like it’s mocking you, laughing as it undoes all your hard work.

And it’s not just about the look. Having to constantly readjust a slipping hair clip is downright irritating. You’re in the middle of a conversation, a meeting, or just trying to get things done, and there you are, fiddling with your hair yet again. So distracting!

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

Why Do Hair Clips Slip?

Why do some hair clips just refuse to stay put? Well, it depends on a few factors:

• Hair Texture: If you have fine or silky hair, clips may have a harder time gripping.
• Clip Design: Some clips are simply not designed for a secure hold. They look cute but are more about style than functionality.
• Product Residue: If your hair has a lot of conditioner or styling product residue, it can make it more slippery.

No matter the reason, the end result is the same: a hairstyle that falls apart before you even leave the house.

The Solution

Luckily, there’s a solution. And it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.

Give the hair clip a shot of hairspray. Once it becomes a bit tacky (it usually takes about a minute), put it in your hair. It’s like magic.

The tackiness from the hairspray gives the clip something to hold onto, preventing that annoying slip. It’s a quick fix that can save you a lot of frustration.

How to Do It Right

To get the best results, follow these simple steps:

1. Spray the Clip: Hold the clip about 6 inches away and give it a light mist. You don’t need to drench it. A quick spray will do.
2. Wait a Minute: This is the key! Let the clip become tacky before putting it in your hair. If you put it in too soon, it won’t have the grip you need.
3. Secure the Clip: Once it feels tacky, place it where you need it and press it in firmly. You’ll notice the difference right away. It stays put!

The Alternative Way To Prevent Hair Clips From Slipping

You can also use hairspray on the section of hair where you plan to put the hair clip. I’m not a fan of this because I always tend to spray too much product. But that’s just me.

If you decide to go this route, here are a few tips:

• Spray Sparingly: A little goes a long way. Too much product can make your hair feel sticky or stiff.
• Focus on the Roots: Spray close to the roots where the clip will sit for extra hold.
• Let It Dry Slightly: Just like with the clip, let the hairspray get tacky before putting the clip in.

This trick works so well because hairspray creates a slight stickiness, which gives the clip a better surface to hold onto. It’s especially effective if your hair is fine (like mine) or freshly washed, both of which can make it more slippery.

Related: 7 Ways To Wash Your Hair

My Experience

Of course, you can use the same trick to keep any other kind of hair accessory in place. Headbands, barrettes, decorative pins… you name it. Anything that tends to slip can benefit from a little extra grip from hairspray. It’s a game-changer, especially for special occasions when you want your hairstyle to last all day (or night).

I’ve tried this trick on everything from casual clips to fancy hair combs for weddings, and it’s never let me down. It’s saved me from countless moments of frustration and given me the assurance that my hairstyle will stay put, no matter what.

The Bottom Line

Hair clips are great… until they start slipping and driving you crazy. A quick shot of hairspray on the clip (or the section of hair) gives it the grip it needs to stay put. It’s simple, effective, and works for any hair accessory. Now you know how to prevent hair clips from slipping. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!