Tangle Free Hair Clips
In collaborating with Lillie Belle, the client identified a clear gap in the market: most hair accessories are simply not designed for full-bodied or curly hair. Lillie Belle introduced us to the community of people with textured or voluminous hair who often struggle to find clips that hold securely without snagging, pulling, or breaking. Their vision was to create a clip designed specifically for natural, textured, curly, and full-bodied hair types.
Our research revealed that traditional clips rely heavily on metal springs, which often cause painful tangles, frustration, and even tears—especially for children. To address these challenges, the client set out ambitious design goals: eliminate the need for metal springs, create a secure hold without bristles or teeth that cause tangles, develop a latch mechanism that is strong yet simple to operate with one hand, ensure the product is durable and flexible enough to manage various hair volumes without breaking, and design it to be cost-effective to manufacture while still allowing for a variety of colors and patterns.
Though ambitious for such a small product, this challenge was one we at Unbox were excited to take on. Through our proven design process, multiple prototypes, and material testing, we delivered a solution that met every requirement, helping our client bring an inclusive, innovative, and much-needed product to market.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
To eliminate the need for metal springs, we developed a seamless molded living hinge integrated directly into the clip’s single-piece construction, making it both durable and highly cost-effective to produce. Instead of relying on thin bristle teeth that cause tangles, we designed rounded nubs that grip hair securely while allowing it to release smoothly. For the latch, we avoided intricate moving parts and created a simple open hook that uses the natural tension of the clip arm to stay closed. With a gentle push, the arm opens effortlessly, releasing hair without snags or frustration.
user-centric design
As a product design firm, the core of our work is rooted in user-centric design. We believe that great design encompasses not only aesthetics but also functionality and user experience. The ultimate goal of user-centric design is to create products that are useful, usable, and satisfying. To achieve this, we emphasize four key principles:
1) focusing on users and their tasks,
2) using empirical measurement to evaluate and improve,
3) iterating to test, refine, and revise, and
4) involving users and gathering feedback throughout the development process.
Together, these principles ensure that both the product and the brand successfully meet their objectives.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Bringing the Lillie Belle Clip from concept to production required careful material testing and engineering refinement. We optimized the molded living hinge for both durability and flexibility while maintaining a single-part construction for cost-efficient manufacturing. With each CAD iteration, we performed FEA analysis to verify strength and manufacturability. Through prototyping and tooling, we rigorously tested and validated the design to ensure it met all specifications—setting the stage for product and market success.
Branding & Packaging
When launching a new, innovative product, a company must develop a strong brand language to establish a reputable and trustworthy image. While branding provides the first visual interaction, packaging serves as the first physical touchpoint in shaping a customer’s perception of the company. For Lillie Belle, we created a range of valuable assets, including hang tag packaging and point-of-purchase (POP) displays for retail, as well as branded shipping boxes for e-commerce, sales sheets, brochures, letterheads, and business cards for trade shows. Together, these elements position the company as an established and professional brand to both consumers and buyers.
Color, Material, & Finish (CMF)
A defining hallmark of the Lillie Belle brand is its wide range of color options. By understanding our target market of young, stylish women, we developed a color palette that reflects their vibrant energy. The fun, bright colors stand out against the black packaging, designed to capture consumers’ attention. The variety of colors allows customers to choose clips that match any outfit, season, or mood, encouraging them to accessorize and collect. Made from polypropylene plastic, the clips are strong, flexible, and recyclable, while a polished finish adds a glamorous, reflective shine.
Web Design
No product brand is complete without a dedicated e-commerce website. At Unbox, we handle both the design and development of our clients’ sites under one roof. For Lillie Belle, we prepared and launched a multi-page site, complete with a shop integrated with all major sales channels and social media. Every site is optimized for SEO and ease of maintenance, ensuring that clients can rely on their website to perform at its best while remaining simple to manage and update.
Visualization
At Unbox, we believe the most effective collaboration relies on regular feedback from our clients. Throughout the development process, from industrial design to product engineering, we review progress and gather input to ensure objectives are being met. High-quality 3D renderings allow us to visualize designs early, evaluating form, finish, and color. These visuals not only help clients see their product taking shape but also serve as valuable content and marketing materials to share with stakeholders, investors, or buyers well before the product is complete.
Concept Development
In our research and analysis phase, we gain a deep understanding of our client’s company, user needs, and market trends. These insights inform the development of concepts, ensuring that every piece of information contributes to designs that meet the project’s objectives. Through each sketch iteration, we work to seamlessly integrate ideas into a cohesive and thoughtful design. Early sketches capture concepts for clip geometry, hinge flexibility, and latch usability. These traditional methods are proven to produce more effective solutions in a fraction of the time compared to using CAD software alone. Once the details are refined, we confidently progress to product engineering and prototyping.
