How to Style a Muse Clip for a Secure High Ponytail: A Step-by-Step Guide

A high ponytail is a classic go-to, but getting it to stay put without slipping or causing tension headaches can be tricky. Enter the muse clip: a versatile hair accessory that combines the hold of a claw clip with the sleekness of a barrette. Unlike elastic ties that can snag and break hair, a muse clip grips securely without pulling, making it ideal for fine or delicate strands.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to style a muse clip for a secure high ponytail that lasts all day. Whether you're heading to the office or out for the evening, this technique keeps your ponytail lifted and polished—no touch-ups required.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather a few essentials: a muse clip (like the Daily Clip in Birch or the Form Clip in Midnight for a sleek finish), a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb, a small amount of lightweight hairspray or texturizing spray, and optional bobby pins for extra hold. If your hair is very slippery, a pre-styling powder can add grip.

The key is choosing a muse clip with strong spring tension and smooth edges. Avoid clips with sharp seams that could snag hair. The Daily Clip in Blonde Tortoise is a great option for medium to thick hair, while the Scallop Barrette in Black works well for finer textures due to its narrower opening.

• Muse clip (e.g., Daily Clip or Form Clip)
• Brush or comb
• Lightweight hairspray or texturizing spray
• Optional: bobby pins, pre-styling powder

Step 1: Prep Your Hair for Grip and Volume

Start with day-old hair or add a bit of texturizing spray for extra grip—clean, slippery hair is harder to secure. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove tangles, then flip your head forward and spray a light mist of hairspray at the roots. This creates lift at the crown and gives the clip more surface to hold onto.

If you have fine hair, you can also backcomb gently at the crown using a fine-tooth comb. Just be careful not to create visible tangles. The goal is a subtle volume boost that helps the ponytail sit higher and feel fuller.

• Use texturizing spray on day-old hair for best grip.

Step 2: Gather Your Ponytail at the Desired Height

Decide where you want the ponytail to sit—high on the crown for a perky look, or mid-height for a more relaxed vibe. Using your hands, gather all hair as if you were tying a ponytail, but instead of an elastic, hold the base firmly with one hand. Smooth any bumps with the other hand, and tilt your head back slightly to keep the line clean.

For a truly secure hold, position the muse clip so it sits horizontally across the base of the ponytail. This distributes the weight evenly and prevents the clip from sliding down. If your hair is long or heavy, you can wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the clip and add extra security.

• Hold the ponytail base firmly with one hand while positioning the clip.
• For heavy hair, wrap a strand around the base to conceal the clip.

Step 3: Secure with the Muse Clip

Open the muse clip fully and slide it over the gathered hair at the base, making sure the teeth catch a good amount of hair on both sides. Press down until you hear a satisfying click. Gently tug on the ponytail to test the hold—if it feels loose, reposition the clip slightly higher or lower. The clip should feel snug but not tight enough to cause discomfort.

A well-placed muse clip should hold the ponytail securely even during movement. If you have layers or shorter pieces that escape, use a few bobby pins to tuck them in. For a sleeker look, you can also use a finishing set like the Finishing Set in Silver to polish any flyaways.

• Test the hold by gently shaking your head—adjust if needed.

Step 4: Finishing Touches for All-Day Hold

Once the clip is in place, take a moment to smooth the ponytail with a brush or your fingers. If you want extra volume, gently pull on the sides of the ponytail to loosen it slightly. Mist a light layer of hairspray over the top and around the clip to lock everything in place.

For a more polished look, you can accessorize with a hair cuff like the Hair Cuffs in Silver or the Pleated Hair Cuff in Silver—simply slide it over the ponytail above the clip. This adds a touch of elegance and keeps the style from looking too casual.

• Use a light-hold hairspray to avoid stiffness.
• Add a hair cuff for a dressier finish.

With just a few steps, you can achieve a secure, damage-free high ponytail using a muse clip. This method works for most hair types and lengths, and it’s gentle enough for daily wear. Experiment with different clip styles and accessories to make the look your own—whether you prefer the understated elegance of the Easy Headband in Honey or the bold statement of a Scallop Barrette, the possibilities are endless.