Updated October 2026 · By Krissy Sexton, founder of The Hair Bow Company
Quick answer: Pick an alligator clip if you want a bow you can move from pigtails to half-up to a ponytail in seconds. Pick a French clip for a classic barrette look across a fuller section of hair. Pick a Pony-O when the bow should go in together with the ponytail elastic, which is our go-to for cheer and game day. Not much hair yet? A soft satin headband is the easy answer.
Here's a question we get all the time: "I love this bow, but which clip should I get?" Totally fair! The bow's size changes the look. The clip changes how she wears it, and whether it's still in her hair at pickup.
We've been designing hair bows since 2008, and as a mom of four, I've clipped more than a few of them into wiggly little heads. This guide walks you through every attachment we use, which hairstyles each one is best for, and exactly which of our bows come with which clip.
Hair Bow Clip Types at a Glance
| Attachment | Best for | Hair needed | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single prong alligator clip | Small bows, side clips, pigtails, fine hair | A small gathered section | 3" Original Grosgrain Bow |
| Double prong alligator clip | Everyday medium bows, half-up, above a ponytail | A small to medium section | 4.5" Classic Grosgrain and 4.5" Classic Scalloped |
| Large alligator clip | Big statement bows above a ponytail or on half-up hair | A fuller section or an existing ponytail | 5.5" Oversize Grosgrain and 6.5" Texas Size Grosgrain |
| French clip | Centered half-up styles, a classic barrette look | Enough hair for the clasp to close comfortably | 4.5" Classic Grosgrain and 6.5" Texas Size Grosgrain |
| Pony-O | Ponytails, cheer, school spirit, game day | Enough hair for a full ponytail | School Spirit Cheer Bows and Sequin School Spirit Cheer Bows |
| Soft satin headband | Newborns, babies and little ones without enough hair | None | 3" Original, 4.5" Classic, 4.5" Classic Scalloped and 5.5" Oversize |
Attachment options shown are current as of October 2026. Choices can change by style and color, so always check the attachment menu on the product page before you pick your color.
Alligator Clip Hair Bows: The Everyday Favorite
An alligator clip is the hinged metal clip you pinch open, slide into the hair and let snap shut. It's the most flexible attachment because you add it after the hairstyle is done. Side bangs, the top of a braid, half-up, above a ponytail, next to a bun: an alligator clip goes pretty much anywhere.
Single prong vs. double prong vs. large alligator clips
Not every alligator clip is the same, and the clip on each of our bows is matched to the bow's size:
- Single prong alligator clip: one slim clip. Ours is on the 3" Original Grosgrain Hair Bow. It slides easily into a small section, which makes it great for little bows, pigtails, side clips and fine hair.
- Double prong alligator clip: two prongs grab a wider section of hair, which helps a medium bow sit steady. You'll find it on the 4.5" Classic Grosgrain Hair Bow and the 4.5" Classic Scalloped Hair Bow, our everyday workhorses.
- Large alligator clip: a longer clip built to carry a bigger bow. It's on the 5.5" Oversize Grosgrain Hair Bow and the 6.5" Texas Size Grosgrain Hair Bow.
Choose an alligator clip when:
- You want one bow that works with lots of different hairstyles.
- You're clipping the bow above a ponytail elastic that's already in.
- She wears side clips, braids, pigtails, half-up hair or buns.
- You want quick, no-fuss mornings.
Fine-hair tip: Start with a smaller, lighter bow and gather a small section of hair before you slide the clip in. Bow weight matters more than anything here. A big bow on a tiny section of fine hair is going to slide, no matter which clip it's on.
French Clip Hair Bows: The Classic Barrette Look
A French clip is a barrette-style clasp. You open it, lay a section of hair inside and snap it closed underneath. It gives you a smooth, centered look that's especially pretty on half-up hair or across a fuller section above a ponytail.
The catch: a French clip needs enough hair to fill the clasp so it closes comfortably. An alligator clip can grab a smaller section. So if her hair is still thin or short, start with an alligator clip and switch to a French clip as her hair fills in.
Want to compare the two on the exact same bow? The 4.5" Classic Grosgrain Hair Bow comes with a double prong alligator clip, a French clip or a satin headband, and the 6.5" Texas Size Grosgrain Hair Bow comes with a large alligator clip or a French clip. Just pick your attachment first, then your color.
Choose a French clip when:
- You love a traditional barrette look.
- You want the bow centered across a half-up section.
- She has enough hair for the clasp to close without pulling.
Pony-O Hair Bows: Built Right Into the Ponytail
A Pony-O bow has an elastic hair tie attached to the back. Instead of making the ponytail and clipping a bow on top, you use the bow's elastic to make the ponytail. The bow becomes part of the ponytail itself, which is why it's such a favorite for cheer, school spirit days and game day.
Our 6" School Spirit Cheer Bows and Sequin School Spirit Cheer Bows come on a Pony-O. Not every cheer bow does, though; some of our cheer styles come on clips. A Pony-O also isn't the best pick for side clips, braids or half-up looks, since it's designed around a full ponytail.
Choose a Pony-O when:
- The bow is going on a full ponytail.
- You want the bow and elastic to go in together in one step.
- You're shopping for cheer, school spirit or game day.
Shopping for a team? Check with the coach first. Teams and age groups often have their own rules for bow size and attachment, so it's worth a quick text before you order.
Which Hair Bow Clip Is Best for Each Hairstyle?
Side clip or swept-back bangs
A small bow on a single prong alligator clip. It slips into a little section of hair without needing a ponytail.
Pigtails
Two small alligator-clip bows are the easiest. If the pigtails already have elastics, clip each bow right above the elastic so it has something to hold onto.
Half-up hair
Either one works. Go with an alligator clip for quick, adjustable placement, or a French clip when there's enough hair for a centered barrette look.
Everyday ponytail
Clip an alligator-clip bow just above the elastic so you can swap bows without redoing her hair. Or use a Pony-O if you'd rather do the ponytail and bow in one step.
Cheer or team ponytail
Start with whatever size and attachment the coach requires. If you have options, compare the Pony-O and clip styles in our cheer bow collection.
Bun
An alligator clip can sit above, below or beside a finished bun. Pick a bow size that fits the bun and her hair thickness.
Not Enough Hair for a Clip? Go With a Headband
For newborns, babies or any little one whose hair isn't ready to hold a clip, a soft satin headband is the simplest choice, with no hair required. Several of our everyday bows come on a satin headband, including the 3" Original, 4.5" Classic and 5.5" Oversize bows. Just choose "Satin Headband" in the attachment menu. You can also browse all of our baby and girls' headbands.
Still deciding how big a bow to get? Our Hair Bow Size Guide breaks down every size by age.
Your 30-Second Hair Bow Clip Checklist
- Pick the hairstyle: side clip, pigtails, half-up, ponytail, bun or headband.
- Look at how much hair will hold the bow: a small section, a fuller section or a whole ponytail.
- Choose the attachment: alligator for flexibility, French clip for a barrette look, Pony-O for ponytails, headband for little or no hair.
- Match the bow to her hair: fine or thin hair does best with a smaller, lighter bow.
- Check the product page: attachment options vary by style and size.
- For teams, ask the coach first.
Hair Bow Clip FAQs
What's the difference between a single prong and double prong alligator clip?
A single prong alligator clip is one slim clip that slides easily into a small section of hair, so it's great for small bows and fine hair. A double prong alligator clip has two prongs that grab a wider section, which helps a medium bow like our 4.5" Classic sit steady. Bigger bows, like our 5.5" Oversize and 6.5" Texas Size, use a large alligator clip.
Is an alligator clip or French clip better for fine hair?
For fine hair, start with a small, lightweight bow on an alligator clip. It can grab a small section, while a French clip needs enough hair inside the clasp to close comfortably.
Can I put an alligator clip bow over a ponytail?
Yes! Put the ponytail in with a regular elastic, then slide the alligator clip into the hair right above it. That way you can change bows anytime without redoing the ponytail.
Does every bow come with every attachment?
No. Attachments vary by style and size. Our 4.5" Classic Grosgrain Hair Bow offers the most choices (double prong alligator clip, French clip or satin headband), while many printed, seasonal and cheer bows come with one attachment. Always check the attachment menu on the product page.
Is a Pony-O only for cheer?
Nope. A Pony-O works on any ponytail, but we mostly offer it on our cheer, school spirit and game-day bows.
Should a baby wear a clip or a headband bow?
If there's little or no hair, go with a soft headband. Once there's enough hair to gather a small section, a small, lightweight clip bow can work. Always supervise little ones wearing hair accessories, and take bows and headbands off for naps and bedtime.
Pick the Clip, Then the Color
The cutest bow in the world won't get worn if the clip doesn't work for her hair. Decide where the bow will sit and how much hair will hold it, choose the attachment, and then have fun picking colors.
Shop all hair bows at The Hair Bow Company and check the attachment menu on your favorite style before choosing a color.
About the author: Krissy Sexton founded The Hair Bow Company in 2008. A mom of four, she has spent more than 15 years designing hair bows and helping families find the right bow for every age, hairstyle and occasion.