What’s the difference between a barrette and a hair clip?

Barrettes and hair clips are often used interchangeably in reference to hair accessories , but there are slight differences. A barrette is usually more ornamental with less gripping power, while a hair clip can typically hold large amounts of hair for a long period of time. Both barrettes and hair clips can be functionable and fashionable. They may be understated and barely visible, or ornate and statement-making.

From open snaps to buckle closures, barrettes are designed to pin back small to medium sections of hair. Different kinds of these compact clips can sweep your fringe out of your eyes, dress up a simple ponytail, or create an instantly polished look, whether you’re walking the dog or getting ready for date night. Here are some of the most popular barrette types: Bow barrettes: These are accented with a silk or fabric bow to give the appearance of the hair being held back with a ribbon. Sectioning barrettes: Sectioning barrettes are used by stylists to portion parts of hair for cutting or dyeing. French barrettes: These keep hair securely in place with a folding lock, that’s released by squeezing two buttons. Ponytail barrettes: These have a similar folding lock, but have a rounded top bar to hold back an entire head of hair in a ponytail.

Hair clips can be small, medium, or large—designed to hold back some or all of your mane. Even the smallest clips can still offer major style and staying power. For example, butterfly clips are famously compact but accent any half-up hairstyle. Clips for thick hair have a wider jaw to grip coarse strands, while clips for thin hair have more compact jaws to grasp delicate locks. Claw clips are one of the most popular accessories, and use a simple spring design to compress and keep hair in its hold. Buns, twists, sprays, and sections pair perfectly with claws and other clips of various shapes and sizes. Popular types of hair clips include: Alligator hair clips: These long tapered clips have jagged teeth for a secure grip. Banana hair clips: Curved to fit the shape of your head, these long clips pull back a whole head of hair in a gentle cascade. Butterfly clips: The wings of the butterfly shape to open and close to secure small sections of hair. Claw hair clips: These have a hinge system and secure grip, used to twist up large amounts of hair. Comb clips: This type of clip pulls hair back and can be elegant, jeweled accessories. Minimalist clips: These are designed to be tucked in buns and ponytails. Setting clips: These clips hold hair in place while it dries or cools after styling. Snap clips: Made of either metal or plastic, these secure hair when clamped shut.

How do you wear barrettes and hair clips?

Barrettes and hair clips elevate your everyday style or dress up your locks for a special occasion. For instance, you can use barrettes to hold back the front pieces of your hair and a tie or elastic to pull back the rest for an easy everyday look. Or, use a claw clip or hair pin to create an elegant updo that keeps your tresses neatly tucked in place.

Decorative hair clips

Some sellers on Etsy make elaborate hair clips. Glam up your look with a pearl hair accessory like an embellished barrette or clip, perfect for wedding hairstyles. Rhinestone hair clips add sparkle to any outfit. Gold or silver metal hair clips can be dressed up or down, holding your bangs back for a quick grocery run or providing the finishing touch to a sleek formal look.

Barrettes & Clips

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Blush Hair Clip, Romantic Hair Barrette, Boho Wedding Clip, Crystal Shell Hair Barrette, Bridal Hair Clip, Barrettes for Thick Hair

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Large Vintage Style Rhinestone Jeweled Hair Clip, bridal, bridesmaid gift, bling, crystal

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Large Rhinestone Crystal Vintage Style Jeweled Gold Hair Clip, bridal, bridesmaid gift, bling

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Sale Price $8.00
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Semi-circle beige tortoiseshell barrette, brown or beige, fine geometric boho accessory, simple, brown, Brown and beige acetate barrette.

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Solid Color Scrunchie, Bow Scrunchie, Top Knot Scrunchie, Bunny Ear Scrunchie

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Satin White Bow-LUXURY BOWS-Oversize Bow -Long Bows - Hair Tie or Barrette-white bow - white big bow - white silk bow - wedding bow

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Velvet Bow-LUXURY VELVET BOWS-Oversize Velvet Bow -Long Bows -Velvet Hair Tie or Barrette

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Silk purple luna moth hair clips with 3d wings hair jewelry for women and girl gift

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Sale Price $15.30
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From shop TarnavskayaStudio
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Chiffon Hair Bow Blue Bow with Pointed Tail Accessory for Girl Medium Bow for Woman Gift for Girl Christmas Gift for Girl Single Layer Bow

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Barrettes & Clips

Barrettes & Clips

Blush Hair Clip, Romantic Hair Barrette, Boho Wedding Clip, Crystal Shell Hair Barrette, Bridal Hair Clip, Barrettes for Thick Hair

Flower Linen Hair Clips, Handmade Floral Embroidered Hair Clips, Cute Hair Clip, Hair Barrettes, Christmas Gift, Bridesmaid Gift

Minimalist Metal Hair Barrette, Crescent Metal Bar Clip, Dainty Gold Daily Hair Pin, Hair Clip for Thin Hair, Sisters and Girlfriends Gift

Large Vintage Style Rhinestone Jeweled Hair Clip, bridal, bridesmaid gift, bling, crystal

Large Rhinestone Crystal Vintage Style Jeweled Gold Hair Clip, bridal, bridesmaid gift, bling

Semi-circle beige tortoiseshell barrette, brown or beige, fine geometric boho accessory, simple, brown, Brown and beige acetate barrette.

Name Embroidered Hair Bow, Girls Hair Bows with Name Embroidery, Personalised Hair Clip for Girls, Pink Hair Clip, Keepsake Gift for Girls

Solid Color Scrunchie, Bow Scrunchie, Top Knot Scrunchie, Bunny Ear Scrunchie

Grace Hair Claw in Dream Orange, Modern hair clip, Long hair accessory, Acetate jewelry, Orange hair clip, Fall accessory, Autumn color clip

Satin White Bow-LUXURY BOWS-Oversize Bow -Long Bows - Hair Tie or Barrette-white bow - white big bow - white silk bow - wedding bow

Velvet Bow-LUXURY VELVET BOWS-Oversize Velvet Bow -Long Bows -Velvet Hair Tie or Barrette

Peach Satin Large Double Hair Bow Women Giant Bow with Tail Apricot Big Bow with Barrette Christmas Gift for Girl Oversized Hair Bow

Christmas Candy Custom Name Hand Embroidered Hair Bows Personalized Letter Bow Christmas Mothers Day Bridesmaid Gift Mrs Hair Clip Kids Bows

Special For Valentine's Day I Love You Lettered Hair Bow.Initial Hair Bow,Kids Hair Bows,Girl Baby Hair Bow,Gift Hair Buckle,Custom Hair Bow

Silk purple luna moth hair clips with 3d wings hair jewelry for women and girl gift

Ivory Bow Satin with Long Tail Big Ivory Single Bow with Barrette Bridal Ivory Satin Hair Bow for Hen Party Comb Slide Satin Hair Bow Ivory

Ukrainian Hand Painted Hair Barrette For Woman, Handmade Accessories, Wooden Hair Clip, French Barrette, Petrykivka Gift Ukraine Shop, S221

Chiffon Hair Bow Blue Bow with Pointed Tail Accessory for Girl Medium Bow for Woman Gift for Girl Christmas Gift for Girl Single Layer Bow

Chiffon Pistachio Green Double Hair Bow Sailor Bow Accessory for Girl Small Green Bow for Woman Gift Hen Do Bow Party Ligth Weight Hair Bow

Double Bow Chiffon Blue with Pointed Tail Accessory for Girl Medium Bow for Woman Gift for Girl Christmas Gift for Girl Hen Do Bow Party

Navy Chiffon Sailor Hair Bow with Pointed Tail Light Weight Navy Blue Bow for Girl Medium Hair Bow Woman Gift Single Layer Bow For Party

Bride to Be Heart Sunglasses with Pearls and Pink Retro Bridesmaid Sunglasses

SALE - Lennon Hair Pin *ready-to-ship

Leather hair clip personalization wedding Bridal hair accessory flower petal bridesmaids

Miniature book hair clip barrette, bookish gift for book lover, librarian, teacher, bibliophile or reader

Toddler hair bows non slip hair clips back to school hair bows girls school bows pigtail hair bows toddler hair clips baby hair bows

Hair clip -Crown - You are my princess

Children Hair Accessories - Nautical Set

Personalized name floral hair clips for kids & adults

Froggy hair clip // small frog clippy

Jumbo hair claw/XL criss cross claw Set/Large claw clip/Big hair claw clip/Hair clip for thick hair/VSCO/Strong Hold Jaw Clip/Black Owned

Pearl Veil and Hair Bow Clip for Bachelorette party, 5, 6, 7 , 8 + GET BULK DISCOUNT, Southern Bell, Retro Bride to be White and Pink favors

Mini Tortoise Bangs Clips, Hair Claws for Women, Retro Style Hair Claw, Colorful Girl Hairpin, Hair Accessories, Birthday Gift For Her

MORGAN // small pearl claw clip // spring capsule

Minimalist gold hair accessories, brass hair clip, round barrette, hair pin, gold hair slide, geometric hair clip

Cute white daisy print hair bow

Mini French Claw Collection| Cellulose Acetate Resin Small Tortoise Shell Stainless Steel Hair Clip

Mini Lock Keychain Set in Petals - Cream, Lavender, Rose

Sheila Hair Clips Gold, Name Hair Clips, Vintage Hair Clips Gold, Hair Clips, Gold Clips, Vintage Hair Clips, Vintage Name Jewelry

French Hair Claw in Spanish Moon | Green and Brown Hair Clips Acetate Stainless Steel

Buzzfeed Featured French Hair Claw in Rainbow Tortoise| Acetate Resin Tortoise Shell Multi-Colored Hair Clip Confetti Multicolored

Pigtail Bow Set - Antique Flower Bow - Cotton Fabric Bows - Bows for Girls - Pinwheel Bows - Summer Outfit

Twirly Worm hair clip // pink worm clippy

Autumn Red Leather Leaf Hair Barrette in Leather Autumn whimsical accessory head piece woodland cottagecore

Ivory Satin Personalised Hand Embroidered Bow

Velvet hair bows fully lined hair clips toddler hair bows toddler hair clips baby hair bows Christmas hair bows Valentine’s Day hair bows

Christmas hair clips Christmas holly hair clips Christmas hair bows holly hair bows toddler hair clips winter hair clips

Mini botanical bow comb , Veil alternative, Unique veil, Embroidered flower girl bow, Bachelorette bow

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