The unsung hero of my curly hair routine? Surprisingly, it’s something far simpler than a brush, hair dryer, or even a scrunchie. After finding 4 of these in my vanity and shower, the answer is a clear winner.
From morning self-care rituals to hair styling sessions and nighttime prep, my alligator styling clips are the true MVPs.
What are Alligator Styling Clips?
Alligator styling clips (or crocodile clips) are incredibly versatile tools, perfect for making your hair routine smoother. Think of them as an extra pair of hands during styling or other activities where you need to keep your hair out of the way.
These clips are long and slender with handle grips on one side, making them easy to use. Similar to a claw clip, their jaw teeth hold the hair up rather than pressing it, which is perfect for protecting wavy and curly hair. The hold is both loose and comfortable, and still very secure.
Where & How to Use Them
Today I’ve used 4 alligator clips for all my routines. While I don’t need that many, as they are used during different times of day, I would have a hard time not having at least one! Here’s where and how I use them daily.
At the Vanity
Styling clips are essential at my vanity. I have at least one for holding up my hair during my morning and night beauty routines.
Skin Care Routines – I loosely twist up my hair and secure it at the top of my head. With my long hair these days, I’ve been using two clips to hold it all up. For added water protection, I’ll also use a spa headband to keep any face-framing curls from falling forward while washing my face, brushing my teeth, etc.
Hair Styling – On wash day, I wear my hair towel like a cape over my shoulders and use a clip in the front to hold my ‘cape’ closed. I use another 1-2 clips while styling or refreshing my hair to help with sectioning.
Overnight Hairstyle – I use a styling clip for my overnight hairstyle. It keeps the top layer and ends of my curls protected to preserve them for another day of wear.
On the Shower Curtain
I keep two sturdy alligator clips conveniently placed on my shower curtain at all times. One clip is dedicated to holding my shower cap, and the second is always ready to hold up my hair when needed. On wash days, I clip my hair up after conditioning until I’m ready to start styling. On non-wash days, I use it to secure my hair under the shower cap, ensuring it stays completely tucked and dry.
Where to buy them
While alligator styling clips aren’t designed to be decorative, you can easily find them in the hair and beauty department, near the hair accessories. They typically range from $4 to $12 for a pack of 3-5, with prices varying by store and brand.
Choose a High-Contrast Color
I recommend buying a clip color that sharply contrasts with your hair (like yellow or pink on dark hair, or black on blonde). This makes the clip handle highly visible against your curls, preventing accidental tangling and making it much easier to locate the handle grip and remove quickly.
Alligator vs. Styling Clips
While the names are often interchanged, be sure to grab the clips with strong teeth for reliable, everyday tasks. Smooth styling clips (which I also love for gentle root volume!) offer a much softer grip. However, it is the toothed clips, typically called Alligator Clips, that provide the strong, non-slip hold required to keep your hair securely tucked up when wet or dry. Just note that the quality and spring strength of these clips can vary, so you may want to try different brands to find your favorite.
Check the Grip
When selecting your clips, pay close attention to the thumb grip pad. Look for clips where the thumbpad has a textured grip. This crucial detail ensures the clip won’t slip out of your hands, especially when wet or covered in conditioner. Trust me, it helps to prevent your clip from launching across the room while you are sectioning and styling your hair!
Why You’ll Love Them
If you have at least one alligator clip, you’ll find it’s the most-used styling tool that you didn’t know you needed! It might not be the flashiest product on your shelf, but its versatility is unmatched.
From the shower, where it keeps your hair safely tucked away, to the vanity, where it aids in styling and sectioning, these clips are the secret to streamlined wash days and non-wash days too. They give you an extra pair of hands to help you achieve your curl goals.
So, go ahead and stock up! A few well-placed clips are all you need to elevate your routine from messy to managed.
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