Claw clips, the quintessential hair accessory of the 90s, are making a comeback and are among the hottest hair trends of the 21st century. They’re taking over the internet, and for good reason.
Unlike plastic hair elastics and other fabric accessories that can pull, snag, and place a lot of pressure on your hair—leading to breakage—claw clips are gentle on the hair when used correctly. However, some have voiced discontent, especially those with textured hair or thicker hair, as claw clips aren’t optimal for certain hair types and may not hold securely.
I remember originally using claw clips back in the day, and it’s fascinating how fashion trends circle back and get recycled. While they can be a healthier alternative to traditional hair elastics that can wick moisture and pressure your hair, they’re not optimal for everyone.
If you have textured hair or thicker hair, you might have concerns about the clip’s ability to hold your hair without causing issues. But when used correctly, claw clips can minimize pressure on hair and reduce the risk of breakage, making them a stylish and practical choice in today’s hair fashion landscape.
Are Claw Clips Really Bad for Your Hair? The Answer
Why Are Claw Clips So Famous Again?
The comeback of claw clips is driven by their comfort, simplicity, and style. Celebrities, models, and influencers like Bella Hadid, Madison Beer, and Alexander Wang have been spotted donning them everywhere from running errands to high-profile FW18 fashion shows.
They offer a relaxed look perfect for Zoom calls and WFH—a casual, laid-back style, and also people want to become simple after the lockdown. It is not just a quick hair fix that takes less than a minute to style; claw clips are also less aggressive than other hair accessories that might tug your hair back.
They can be easily thrown in the bottom of your bag and used at any time, making them a convenient, lowkey choice that lets people embrace and give their natural hair a break without the damage from applying heat tools to their hair daily.
Why People Are More Concerned About Claw Clips?
As a Hair Stylist at Twisty Treasure, my personal opinion is many people have a little bit of concern regarding this fabulous yet necessary hair essential because they think the teeth of Claw clips might harm the hair strands and cause hair breakage, but honestly speaking it solely depends upon how you will use it?
Claw clips are gaining attention as a healthier alternative to hair elastics, which often pull and snag hair. These 90s hair accessories are making a comeback for a good reason: they are gentle on the hair and don’t carry the risk of damaging it like plastic hair elastics.
Whether you’re styling an iconic half-up style, sleek up-dos, or big messy buns, claw clips offer endless styling opportunities without compromising hair health. They are becoming a must in your hair accessory collection due to their versatility and the safe way to secure your hair.
Always remember to use it with precautionary measures to avoid any potential risks—a small effort to LOVE and care for your hair’s health and style.
Can Claw Clips Cause Hair Loss?
Claw clips potentially contribute to hair loss in certain situations, but there is not a well-established direct causal relationship. The risk of damage depends on how the clips are used and the individual’s hair type and condition.
Using them correctly is important to avoid unnecessary strain on your hair. If you have fragile or fine hair, be careful to minimize any potential harm.
What Are the Potential Risks to Which People Are More Concerned About Claw Clips?
Exploring the various factors that contribute to hair loss can help us delve deeper into the potential connection between claw clips and this issue.
Exert Tension Toward Hair Strands
Claw clips can exert tension and traction on the hair when applied too tightly or worn for extended periods. This use can lead to excessive strain on the hair shaft and follicles, potentially causing a condition known as traction alopecia. It’s important to be cautious and ensure that these clips are not improperly positioned or overly tight to avoid these concerns.
Prolonged Usage
Prolonged use of claw clips can subject your hair to repeated mechanical stress. This can gradually weaken the hair structure, contributing to increased shedding and thinning of the hair over time. It’s essential to monitor how often and how tightly you secure these clips to minimize potential damage to your hair.
Hair Texture Matters
Hair loss because of using claw clips can greatly depend on an individual’s hair type and overall hair health. Individuals with finer and more fragile hair, or those with pre-existing hair loss conditions, may be susceptible to experiencing further hair loss from the use of claw clips.
It’s crucial to consider the texture and strength of your hair when choosing how and when to use these accessories.
Inappropriate Insertion and Removal Technique
Incorrectly positioning or abruptly removing a claw clip can cause damage to the hair and potentially lead to localized hair loss or breakage. When using claw clips, it’s important to handle them gently to prevent any undue stress on your hair strands. Making sure to ease them out and not pull them harshly can save your hair from unnecessary harm.
Quality of the Clip
The quality of claw clips matters when it comes to avoiding damage to your hair. A good claw clip should have functioning springs that don’t lose their grip easily and shouldn’t have sharp spots along the tongs. Also, make sure your clip has smooth and seamless edges to prevent snagging or breaking your hair. Without these essential qualities, claw clips can cause more harm than good.
What are the Essential Points Kept In Mind to Minimize the Ill Effects of Claw Clip Usage?
Although claw clips are not harmful at all. Mostly inappropriate usage leads to any potential risk. So it is good to remember all the factors that aid in minimizing its potential risk.
Appropriate Clip Selection
When selecting claw clips, it’s important to choose the appropriate size and weight based on your hair thickness and length. If the clips are too heavy or too tight, they can exert excessive tension on your hair, which may lead to damage. Always avoid using clips that feel uncomfortable or put too much pressure on your scalp.
Limit Wear Time
To protect your fragile or thinning hair, it’s important to limit the amount of time you wear claw clips. Aim to give your hair breaks from the clips throughout the day or even during the week, allowing it to rest and recover. This practice helps prevent unnecessary strain and keeps your hair healthier over time.
Use with Care
It’s important to be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging your hair while inserting claw clips. Similarly, when removing the clip, do so slowly and carefully to minimize any sudden tugging or stress on the hair. Being mindful during these steps can help protect your hair from unnecessary damage.
Always Apply in Dry Hair
It’s detrimental to clip your hair when it’s fully dry. You should avoid using a claw clip on wet hair, as this is when your hair is at its weakest. Applying a clip to wet hair can cause breakage, so make sure your hair is dry before securing it with a clip to minimize damage.
Keep Changing Your Style
A key factor to keep in mind is to never wrap your hair too tightly to fit a clip. It’s also good to keep changing the way you wear your clip from time to time. Wearing the same hairstyle one day to the next can cause additional pressure on your hair and scalp, leading to potential damage. Shifting your style regularly helps reduce stress on your hair.
Maintain a Healthy Hair Care Routine
Practicing good hair care habits is essential to keeping your hair strong and resilient. Use gentle shampoos, make sure you’re conditioning regularly, and try incorporating leave-in conditioners or a hair mask. By avoiding excessive heat styling, you can strengthen your hair and reduce the potential effects of using claw clips. Keeping your hair healthy will make it more resistant to damage from daily wear.
Can You Sleep With A Claw Clip In Your Hair?
While claw clips are generally harmless due to their gentle nature and no-snag design, it’s better not to sleep with them in your hair. Keeping them in overnight can cause unnecessary tension on your scalp, which may potentially lead to hair breakage or loss.
For a restful sleep and to keep your hair free, it’s best to remove all accessories before bed—even if you feel a bit wild without them.
Final Words on Claw Clips
Claw clips have become fashion-forward tools in the haircare world. They are handy for quickly putting up your hair. But it’s vital to remember that your hair needs a breather too. Using them daily can be rough on your strands. It’s key to determine which clip suits your hair type. If you use them right, you can care for your hair and still wear them with flair.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.