Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time on the "toy" side of TikTok or scrolled through gift registries lately, you’ve probably seen the Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set. It looks flashy. It’s got that satisfying "click" sound. But as someone who has untangled more "hair gems" and cheap plastic beads from a crying child’s head than I care to admit, I wanted to see if this thing actually works or if it’s just another piece of plastic destined for the junk drawer by March.
It's a hair tool. Basically, it’s a stamper. You load it with these little "snaps"—which are essentially colorful plastic clips—and then you press it onto a section of hair. Presto. Instant flair.
But does it stay? Or does it fall out the moment they run to the kitchen for a snack?
How the Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set Actually Functions
The mechanics are surprisingly simple. The Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set comes with a mechanical tool that resembles a cross between a stapler and a hole punch. You get a variety of "snaps" in the box—usually around 24 or 30 depending on the specific retail pack you grab at Target or Amazon.
Here is the thing about the gems: they aren't stickers.
Most people expect the "Blinger" style of hair accessories, which use a sticky adhesive back. Those are a nightmare for thin hair because the glue eventually attracts lint and looks gross. The Snap N Glam uses a physical clip mechanism. It’s a mechanical "snap" that locks onto the hair shaft.
You load the cartridge. You line up a small section of hair—and I mean small, if you grab too much, the tool jams—and you squeeze.
It’s tactile. Kids love the sound.
Honestly, the learning curve is mostly about hair tension. If the hair is too loose, the clip slides right down. If the hair is too thick, the snap won't close. You have to find that Goldilocks zone of "just enough" hair to provide resistance without overwhelming the plastic teeth.
What is actually in the box?
You aren't just getting the tool. Make It Real is pretty good about "kitting" their products so they feel like a full experience. In the standard set, you’re looking at:
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- The Snap N Glam tool itself (usually a teal or purple aesthetic).
- A set of 24 decorative snaps.
- An applicator tool that helps guide the hair.
- Instructions that, frankly, most kids will ignore immediately.
The snaps themselves are reusable. That is a huge selling point. With the adhesive versions of these toys, once you use the gem, it’s done. With this set, you just un-snap them and put them back in the tray.
The Reality of Tangles and "Ouch" Moments
Let's talk about the hair.
I’ve seen reviews where parents claim this thing "ruined" their kid's hair. Is that true? Not really, unless you’re being incredibly reckless. The Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set is designed to be a "break-away" style toy. If the hair gets caught in the gears, you can usually wiggle it out because the plastic isn't industrial grade.
However.
If your child has very curly or textured hair, proceed with caution. The way the snap closes involves a tiny hinge. Tiny hinges and curls are historically not best friends. If you're working with Type 3 or Type 4 hair, you’ll want to make sure the hair is smoothed out with a little bit of serum or cream first. Otherwise, the snap might snag on a coil during removal.
It's not painful if you do it right.
My advice? Don't let a six-year-old do it to themselves the first time. They will try to snap it onto their bangs while looking in a mirror, get the angle wrong, and end up with the tool hanging off their forehead. Assist them. Show them how to hold the hair taut.
Does it hold up for an entire school day?
This is the million-dollar question for parents. If you send your kid to school with a head full of Snap N Glam gems, will they come home with them?
Maybe.
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If they’re sitting in a classroom, the snaps stay put. If they’re doing cartwheels in PE or playing tag? You’re going to be findng little plastic hearts and stars all over the playground. The grip is decent, but it’s not "gym class" decent.
The "E" in STEM: Is it actually educational?
Make It Real likes to market themselves as a brand that bridges the gap between "play" and "creativity." While I wouldn't go as far as to call this a science kit, there is a legitimate fine motor skill element here.
Loading the snaps requires precision.
Positioning the tool requires spatial awareness.
It's basically a low-stakes introduction to styling. For a kid who is interested in cosmetology or fashion, it's a way to experiment without the mess of hair chalk or the permanence of real dyes.
Comparing the Snap N Glam to the Competition
You’ve probably seen the "Blinger" or the various knock-offs on Temu and Wish.
The biggest difference is the Snap N Glam's lack of adhesive. Most hair bedazzlers use a sticky disc. The problem with those is that they are one-and-done. You buy the refills, you spend more money, and you eventually throw the plastic tool away when you run out of gems.
Make It Real’s version is more of a "jewelry for your hair" vibe.
Since the snaps are plastic clips, they have a 3D profile. They pop off the head. The adhesive ones lay flat. If you want a "sleek" look, this isn't it. This is bold. This is "I have a plastic butterfly on my head" energy.
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Common Frustrations and How to Fix Them
Jams happen. It's a toy.
If the Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set jams, it’s almost always because the hair section was too thick. The tool cannot "bite" through a thick braid. You need a section of hair about the width of a shoelace.
Another issue: the snap won't stay closed.
This usually means there’s some hair caught in the hinge of the snap itself. Just clear it out and try again.
And for the love of everything, don't use this on wet hair. The clips will slide right off the hair shaft like a water slide. Dry, slightly textured hair (maybe a day after washing) provides the best grip.
Why the Price Point Matters
Usually, you can find this set for under $20. For a birthday party gift, it’s a slam dunk. It’s large enough to look like a "substantial" gift, but cheap enough that you won't feel heartbroken if it ends up at the bottom of a toy bin in six months.
Compared to a $60 LEGO set or a $50 video game, the "play value per dollar" is actually pretty high here, especially if you have a kid who loves playing "salon."
The Verdict on the Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set
Is it a revolution in hair care? No.
Is it a fun, tactile toy that actually does what it says on the box? Yeah, mostly.
It's one of those rare toys that actually looks like the commercial. You click it, it snaps, and the kid feels like a rockstar for ten minutes. Just be prepared to help them out with the back of their head, and maybe keep a small Ziploc bag handy for when they inevitably lose the storage tray.
Next Steps for Success:
- Prep the hair: Ensure it is 100% dry and brushed thoroughly to remove any knots before using the tool.
- Sectioning is key: Use a "rat-tail" comb or just your pinky finger to grab a very thin, uniform section of hair.
- The "Click" Test: Listen for a firm click when pressing the tool; if it sounds muffled, the snap didn't engage and will likely fall out.
- Removal: Always un-snap the clips manually with your fingers rather than pulling them out, which prevents hair breakage.
- Storage: Keep the snaps in a dedicated container; they are small and easy to lose, and the tool is useless without them.
The Make It Real Snap N Glam Hair Styling Set is a solid choice for the 6-to-10-year-old demographic. It’s clean, it’s reusable, and it’s a lot less messy than glitter glue. Just keep your expectations realistic regarding how long those clips will stay in during a game of tag.