How Do You Make Hair Clips? Expert Tips for Perfect Hair Accessories

Hair clips are an essential accessory for anyone with long or medium-length hair. They can be used to hold hair back from the face, create stylish updos, or simply add a touch of personality to your look. But did you know you can easily make your own hair clips at home? This blog post will guide you through the process of creating stunning hair clips, from choosing the right materials to adding unique embellishments.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you dive into crafting your own hair clips, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. Here’s a list of essential supplies:

• Hair clip blanks: These are the basic metal or plastic clips that you’ll be decorating. You can find them in various sizes and shapes at craft stores or online.
• Glue gun and glue sticks: You’ll need a hot glue gun to secure embellishments and decorations to your hair clip blanks.
• Embellishments: Get creative with your decorations! You can use anything from fabric scraps, ribbons, beads, rhinestones, faux flowers, or even small charms.
• Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors will be helpful for cutting fabric, ribbon, and other materials.
• Optional:
• Wire cutters: For working with wire embellishments.
• Pliers: For bending or shaping wire embellishments.
• Paint: If you want to paint your hair clip blanks before decorating them.

Choose Your Hair Clip Blanks

The first step in making your own hair clips is choosing the right blanks. There are many different types of hair clip blanks available, including:

• Alligator clips: These clips have a strong grip and are ideal for thick or long hair.
• Claw clips: These clips are larger and have a claw-like design that can hold a lot of hair.
• Barrettes: These clips are usually smaller and have a flat design that makes them easy to attach to hair.
• Snap clips: These clips are similar to barrettes but have a snap closure that makes them easy to use.

Consider the size and style of your hair clip blanks based on the type of hair you have and the look you’re going for.

Embellishment Ideas: Unleashing Your Creativity

The beauty of making your own hair clips lies in the endless possibilities for embellishment. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Fabric: Use fabric scraps to cover your hair clip blanks. You can create simple designs with fabric squares or get more elaborate with patterned fabric.
• Ribbon: Ribbons come in various colors, textures, and widths. You can tie ribbons around your hair clip blanks or create bows for a more feminine touch.
• Beads: Beads come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. You can string beads onto wire or use them as individual embellishments.
• Rhinestones: Rhinestones add sparkle and glamour to your hair clips. You can arrange them in patterns or create simple designs.
• Faux flowers: Faux flowers add a touch of elegance and femininity. You can use single flowers or create clusters of flowers for a more dramatic effect.
• Charms: Charms are small decorative objects that can be attached to your hair clips. You can find charms in various themes, such as animals, food, or hobbies.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Hair Clip

Now, let’s get into the actual process of making your hair clip. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare your hair clip blank: Clean your hair clip blank with rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean surface for adhesion.
2. Apply glue: Use your hot glue gun to apply a small amount of glue to the area where you want to attach your embellishment.
3. Attach your embellishment: Carefully press your chosen embellishment onto the glue. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets.
4. Repeat as needed: If you’re using multiple embellishments, repeat steps 2 and 3 until you’re satisfied with your design.
5. Let the glue dry: Allow the glue to dry completely before using your hair clip.

Tips for Creating Stunning Hair Clips

Here are a few extra tips to elevate your hair clip crafting game:

• Experiment with different materials: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and textures to create unique hair clips.
• Consider the occasion: Think about the occasion you’re making your hair clips for. If you’re making them for a special event, you might want to use more elaborate embellishments.
• Use a variety of colors: Don’t be afraid to use a variety of colors to create eye-catching hair clips.
• Add a personal touch: Add a personal touch to your hair clips by incorporating your favorite colors, themes, or symbols.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

For those looking to take their hair clip crafting skills to the next level, here are some advanced techniques:

• Wire wrapping: You can use wire to create unique designs and embellishments. Wire wrapping involves wrapping wire around beads, charms, or other objects to create intricate patterns.
• Resin casting: Resin casting allows you to create custom shapes and designs for your hair clips. You can mix resin with pigments, glitter, or other materials to create unique effects.
• Fabric manipulation: Explore techniques like fabric folding, pleating, or even crocheting to add texture and dimension to your hair clips.

The Final Touch: Finishing Your Hair Clip

Once you’ve created your hair clip design, there are a few final touches you can add to make it even more special:

• Add a sealant: You can use a clear sealant to protect your embellishments and prevent them from fading or chipping.
• Attach a ribbon or string: Tie a ribbon or string to your hair clip to add a touch of elegance.
• Create a matching set: Make a matching set of hair clips for yourself or as a gift.

A World of Possibilities: Embracing Your Inner Artist

Making your own hair clips is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to express your creativity and style. With a little practice and imagination, you can create stunning hair clips that you’ll love to wear or give as gifts.

Popular Questions

Q: What type of glue is best for hair clips?

A: Hot glue is the most commonly used type of glue for hair clips. It dries quickly and provides a strong bond.

Q: Can I use hot glue on metal hair clip blanks?

A: Yes, hot glue can be used on metal hair clip blanks. However, it’s important to use a high-quality glue gun and to apply the glue carefully.

Q: How do I make my hair clips last longer?

A: To make your hair clips last longer, use a sealant to protect your embellishments from fading or chipping. Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat on your hair clips.

Q: Can I sell my handmade hair clips?

A: Yes, you can sell your handmade hair clips. However, it’s important to check the regulations in your area regarding selling handmade goods.

Q: What are some other creative ideas for hair clip embellishments?

A: You can also use natural materials like dried flowers, shells, or even feathers to embellish your hair clips. You can also create unique designs using wire, clay, or even paper.