These clips are for anyone who needs to divide hair into sections while working on it — hairstylists sectioning for a cut, color application, or blowout, and home users doing the same for their own hair or someone else's.

They work on any hair type or length since they simply clamp a section rather than interacting with the hair chemically or thermally; very short hair may not give the clip enough to grip, but otherwise there's no hair-type restriction.

The reason to use a duck-bill clip over a plastic claw clip is mostly about grip and airflow: the metal spring holds a section firmly against the scalp without slipping once hair is wet or coated in color or product, and the holes through the body mean a dryer or color-processing heat can still reach the hair underneath the clip. That combination is what makes it a standard sectioning tool for cutting and color work rather than just a way to keep hair out of your face.

• Comb or part the hair into the sections you plan to work on.
• Squeeze the two ends of the clip together to open its jaw.
• Position the jaw around the base of a section, close to the scalp, and release to let it clamp shut.
• Repeat for each section until the head is fully divided.
• Open and remove each clip as you finish working on that section.

Pros

• Metal spring construction grips heavier or wetter sections more securely than a lightweight plastic claw clip.
• The perforated body lets a blow-dryer's airflow or color product reach the clipped section instead of being blocked by solid plastic.
• The low, flat profile sits close to the scalp, which helps keep sectioning lines clean during a cut or color service.
• A 12-count pack is enough to section an entire head for most services without running out mid-application.

Cons

• Being metal, the clip can heat up under a blow-dryer or hooded dryer and may feel warm against the scalp if positioned too close to the heat source.
• The spring tension can loosen with heavy repeated use over months of salon-level use.
• Uncoated metal edges can leave a temporary crease or mark on very fine or fragile hair if clamped too tightly.
• Without a plastic coating, the clips can show water spotting or surface rust if left wet in a drawer between uses.