Are Claw Clips Actually Bad For Your Hair?

Thanks to the resurgence of iconic ’90s and Y2K hairstyles in recent years, claw clips have made a major comeback. Aside from looking chic and cute, claw clips are also super convenient and give off a very effortless vibe. However, anyone who uses claw clips has probably wondered how healthy they are for their hair. After all, they can get tangled in your hair and you may get a headache after using them.

To find out how harmless (or harmful) claw clips really are, we reached out to Angela C. Stevens, co-creator of Cantu Protective Styles by Angela. In an exclusive for Glam, Stevens shares what anyone who uses claw clips should know. “I don’t consider claw clips to be bad for your hair, but surely anything done in excess can be damaging,” she tells us. However, Stevens clarifies that there are a couple of things you should pay attention to to ensure your claw clip hair experience is the best it can be.

Do the size of the hair clip and duration of wear affect how harmful it is?

When it comes to using hair clips, there are two key things that can affect the damage that occurs to your hair. The first is the type of clip you use—and we don’t mean its aesthetics. “Size and clamp-to-density ratio do matter when using hair clips for styling,” Angela C. Stevens shares exclusively with us. “The best rule of thumb is to pay attention to how tight it feels or how difficult it is to get them around your hair. If they feel uncomfortable, they may be causing damage.” Once you put the clip on, you should barely feel it’s there. One of our favorite tips here is to buy a variety pack online, like New Live’s 16-Count Non-Slip Hair Clips, to find the size that works best for you. Then, you can share the extras with friends and family. Figuring out which clip works best for your hair may take some trial and error, but once you find the size that works for you, any hair damage should be minimal.

The second factor that can affect hair damage is how long you wear a claw clip in your hair, as well as how often you wear it. “Using a claw clip in the same position for days with a tight hold can be damaging to your scalp and hair,” Stevens adds. While claw clips are great for delicate updos and super convenient when you need to keep your hair out of your face, wearing them every day isn’t doing your hair any favors.

What are some healthier hair accessories that could replace a claw clip?

We’ve established that claw clips aren’t bad for your hair per se, but using the wrong type of claw clip and using it too often is what can damage your hair. However, if this is still too risky for you, there are healthier alternatives that can help you achieve a similar style.

“While I still consider claw clips to be healthy, alternatives to consider are satin or silk scrunchies,” Angela C. Stevens tells us exclusively. “Banana clips, satin sock bun, alligator clips, and flat clips are all great alternative accessories that can be included in your styling routine.” In this case, a variety pack like Sufermoe’s 12-Piece Satin Scrunchie Set could come in handy, giving you a solid-color option for every outfit.

Ultimately, like Stevens, we also believe that you shouldn’t ditch claw clips entirely, but with these tips, you can approach using them with newfound confidence. In fact, using them has some unexpected benefits!