Pins, grips and clips are the small tools that hold everything together — sectioning for a cut or colour, setting an updo, or pinning a curl. They're easy to muddle up, so here's a clear guide to the difference between pins, grips and clips, the main types, and what to use for each job.
Pins, grips and clips: what's the difference?
The three names are often used loosely, but they're distinct tools:
- Grips (kirby grips) — sprung metal grips with one straight and one wavy side that press together to hold hair firmly. The go-to for securing sections, updos and flyaways.
- Pins (hairpins) — open U or V-shaped pins that slide in to hold hair lightly. Ideal for setting, dressing and updos where you need hold without a hard grip.
- Clips — sprung or hinged tools (section clips, clamps, crocodile clips) for holding larger amounts of hair out of the way during cutting, colouring and styling.
Types of grip and pin
- Kirby and waved grips — the firm, everyday workhorse for sectioning and securing, such as Triple Wave Grips and waved kirby grips.
- Plain hairpins — straight-legged pins for setting and updos, like 2.5" plain pins and 3" hairpins.
- Fine wavy pins — finer, gentler hold for delicate work and finishing, such as fine wavy hairpins.
- Barber grips — stronger grips for holding sections in barbering work, like Head Jog Barber Grips.
Pins and grips come in black, brown and blonde so you can match them to the client's hair and keep them invisible.
Types of clip and clamp
- Section clips — long sprung clips for holding clean sections during cutting and colour, such as Hair Tools Section Clips or LJ Salon Section Clips.
- Butterfly clamps — wide clamps that hold larger sections without leaving marks, like Large Butterfly Clamps.
- Double-prong curl clips — flat clips for pin curls and setting, such as Double Prong Curl Clips.
- Crocodile and multi-grip clips — strong-toothed clips for thick hair and quick sectioning, like Klip-Itz and Supa-Klipz.
- Claw clips — for pinning hair up quickly between steps, such as the Head Jog Claw Clip.
How to choose
- Sectioning for cutting or colour — section clips or butterfly clamps.
- Updos and setting — hairpins for light hold, kirby grips for firm hold.
- Pin curls and finger waves — double-prong curl clips.
- Thick or coarse hair — crocodile or multi-grip clips.
- A complete starter set — a pins and grips session kit covers most jobs in one box.
Where to buy professional pins, grips and clips
Hairco & Beauty stocks salon pins, grips and clips in bulk boxes from Hair Tools, Head Jog and more, at trade prices with next-day UK delivery. Browse the full pins, grips & clips collection.
FAQs
What is the difference between a kirby grip and a hairpin?
A kirby grip is a sprung grip with one straight and one wavy side that presses closed to hold hair firmly; a hairpin is an open U or V-shaped pin that slides in for a lighter hold, used mainly for setting and updos.
What clips do hairdressers use for sectioning?
Long sprung section clips and wide butterfly clamps hold clean sections during cutting and colour. For thick hair, strong crocodile or multi-grip clips give a firmer hold.
What are double-prong clips for?
Double-prong curl clips are flat clips used to hold pin curls and finger waves in place while they set.
How do I choose the right pin or grip colour?
Match the colour to the client's hair — black, brown or blonde — so the pins and grips blend in and stay invisible in the finished style.
What is a butterfly clamp used for?
A butterfly clamp holds larger sections of hair out of the way during cutting, colouring or styling, with a wide grip that's less likely to leave a mark than a small clip.
