It’s a fact that claw clips are one of the hottest hair trends of the 21st century. But did you know they were originally the quintessential hair accessory of the 90s? It’s commonly said that fashion trends always circle back and become recycled, and these hair clips are proving that fact. While this hair trend is taking over the internet, there are concerns that claw clips aren’t optimal for certain hair types; those with textured or thicker hair have voiced discontent in using claw clips. Moreover, there are beliefs that hair claws are better for thinning hair than other hair accessories. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of using claw clips for different hair types.
Common Hair Accessories
There are a plethora of hair accessories and tools available on the market. The idea of jazzing up your hair can be dated back to ancient times - but there are a select few hair accessories that reign most popular throughout modern years.
Hair Ties (Scrunchies)
Hair ties are undoubtedly one of the most popular ways for people to move hair out of their faces. It’s a simple hair accessory that is as straightforward as it gets. Simply gather the hair you’d like to put up, and loop a hair elastic around it until you have achieved your desired tightness. However, did you know that this can also be one of the most damaging hair accessories to your hair? Your scalp and hairline are the biggest victims of hair ties. When your hair is pulled back too tightly and aggressively you can create hair traction along your temples and hairline. This hair traction can eventually lead to hair thinning if done too roughly or frequently. Additionally, if a hair tie is wound too tightly around your hair, your hair strands can become weakened over time. Not to mention scrunchies can often twist and pull out your hair when you remove them.
Headbands
Headbands are also a common Y2K hair trend that stems from popularity in the 90s and early 2000s. People dawn all types of styles of headbands from plastic-tooth comb headbands, stretchy fabric headbands, headwraps, and knotted covered headbands, just to name a few. Headbands are often preferred for people trying to tame cowlicks and flyaways. That being said, headbands also aren’t optimal for scalp health. A headband's goal is to pull hair back from your face - which, like hair ties, does damage to your hairline and temples. Headbands with built-in combs especially put pressure on your hair, and when they’re removed, can cause hair breakage. If a headband is too tight, that can also add pressure to your noggin and cause hair traction and headaches.
Hair Clips
Hair clips can definitely be more gentle on your hair than its other hair accessory counterparts. They help prevent the heavy tugging and breakage that comes with putting hair up in a ponytail or pulled back with a headband. The trending ways to put your hair up in a claw clip helps to avoid putting too much strain on your hair - it gets the job done of getting your hair out of your face without damaging your hair in the process.
Hair Clips vs Hair Ties
So what’s the difference between hair clips and hair ties? Hair ties are more aggressive on your scalp, as your hair is being pulled back at the root. Hair clips are more gentle, as your hair is being cocooned rather than stretched. It really comes down to your hair being taut vs gathered. A tell-tale sign that your hair needs a break is if you begin to form a headache or feel pressure on your temples. Always do what feels best for you.
Why Are Claw Clips So Popular Again?
Celebrities, models, and influencers alike all seem to be donning claw clips these days, from Bella Hadid rocking claw clips while running errands, to Madison Beer snapping a flick in one and Alexander Wang featuring them at his FW18 fashion show. This comeback of claw clips most likely stems from the idea of comfort and care being prioritized in beauty and fashion again. In the age of Zoom calls and WFH, many people have opted for a more casual and relaxed look. It makes sense that after a lockdown that the general public is favoring a more simple, laid-back style. Instead of applying heat tools to hair every day, something as lowkey, yet put together, as a claw clip allows people to embrace and give their natural hair a break. It is convenient because it takes less than a minute to put your hair up, and is also less aggressive than other hair accessories which tug your hair back. Claw clips can also be thrown in the bottom of your bag for a quick hair fix at any time.
Where Can You Buy Claw Clips?
Claw clips were originally sold in drug stores but can now be found anywhere from department stores and high-end shops to Amazon or other online shopping sites. The general consensus is that you usually pay for what you get, so the quality and material of higher-priced clips may be better. There are also all types of sizes, colors, and varying shapes of claw clips you can consider.
Claw Clips and Different Hair Types
Those with super long hair, curly textured hair, and thicker, voluminous hair have stated some complaints with flimsy claw clips. Claw clips that are especially lesser quality have been known to eventually lose its spring or break when used on thicker, longer hair. Those with textured hair, have voiced aggravation in claw clips being tangled within their curls.
Claw Clip Hairstyles
There are countless ways to do up your hair, but here are some popular favorites when styling with claw clips:
- Ponytail Twist: After collecting your hair into a “centered” ponytail, use a hair tie to secure it in place. Twist the ponytail until about 50-75% of the way down and then wrap once the base, like forming a bun, with the tip facing upward. Apply the hair clip vertically and let the loose ends hang.
- French Twist: First, put your hair into a ponytail and twist until about half of the ponytail is tightly coiled. Keeping the coil tight, lift the coil flush to the upper back of your head and use the hair clip to connect the coil to your roots. Allow the uncoiled end drape over the secured coil.
Avoid Damaging Your Hair With Claw Clips
In order to avoid damaging your hair with a claw clip, you should consider a few hair clip qualities to keep in mind:
- Favor clips with functioning springs that doesn’t lose its grip easily
- Choose a clip that doesn't have sharp spots along the tongs
- Your claw clip should also have smooth and seamless edges
Also to be noted, you shouldn’t wrap your hair too tightly to fit a claw clip. If it doesn’t all fit in one clip, it might be best you find a bigger or differently shaped claw clip. It’s also detrimental to only clip your hair up when dry. Note to avoid using a claw clip while your hair is wet (as that’s when your hair is the weakest) as well.
Thinning Hair and Claw Clips
So are hair clips better for your hair if it’s on the thinner side? Most likely yes. Claw clips are definitely a more gentle option for your hair when applied carefully. Those who have hair that is thinning need to be a bit more cautious with how they are handling their hair everyday. A tight, sleeked-back pony or a tooth-comb headband can definitely add to hair thinning as your scalp and hairline is being pulled back. If you are suffering from hair loss or would like to avoid aggravating thinning hair, consider using a claw clip over other hair accessories.
Conclusion
So whether you decide to clip or not to clip, it really is up to your own hair type and preferences! Hair health is key, and how you care for your hair on a daily basis is what will determine its vitality. If you have thinning hair, definitely opt to use a claw clip over other hair accessories; remember to only clip up dry hair, use a form-fitting (and high quality) claw clip, and to keep a delicate hand when putting your hair up and you should avoid hair breakage.
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