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Gather hair with a round puff clamp

Choose a clamp that fits the gathered hair without forcing it closed. Place its teeth into the puff’s base rather than combing them through the lengths.

Step by step

  1. An adult checks an opened round puff clamp off the hair.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Check the clamp and gather hair

    • Practice its opening and closure off hair. Check for broken teeth or hooks and use the maker’s sizing guide; set the open clamp within reach.
    • Gather dry manageable hair into a loose, reachable puff with one hand. Keep the roots comfortable and any tangles out of the clamp’s path.
  2. An adult holds a gathered puff with one hand while positioning a round clamp arm at its base.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Insert each arm and engage the hooks

    • Keep the puff gathered. With your free hand, insert one arm’s short teeth at its base, then bring the opposite arm around and place its teeth on the other side.
    • Following the maker’s closure, bring the arms together until the hooks overlap, then move them oppositely to interlock. Keep hair out of the hooks and do not force.
    • Let go slowly and check for pulling, pinching or slipping. If it does not sit comfortably, reopen and remove it rather than tightening against the scalp.
  3. An adult holds the opened clamp fully away from released curls.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Disengage before releasing the arms

    • Support the gathered hair. Reverse the hook closure as directed, open the arms and ease each set of teeth outward from the puff base.
    • Free caught strands with your fingers before moving farther. Set the clamp down and let the hair fall loose; do not drag the clamp through the lengths.

One gathered puff, including the fit check.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The hooks are engaged, no hair is trapped in the closure, and the puff remains comfortable when your hands let go.