Are Claw Clips Actually Bad For Your Hair?

Thanks to the resurgence of iconic '90s and Y2K hairstyles in recent years, claw clips have had a major comeback. Apart from looking stylish and cute, claw clips are also super convenient and give off a very effortless vibe. However, anyone who wears claw clips has probably wondered just how healthy they are for their tresses. After all, they can get tangled in your hair, and your head can hurt after wearing them.

To figure out just how harmless — or harmful — claw clips really are, we reached out to Angela C. Stevens, co-creator of Cantu Protective Styles by Angela. Exclusively for Glam, Stevens shares what anyone who wears claw clips should know. "I don't consider claw clips bad for hair, but surely anything done in excess can be harmful," she tells us. However, Stevens clarifies that there are a couple of things you should pay attention to that can ensure your claw-clip hair experience is the best it can be.

When it comes to wearing claw clips, two key things can affect whether your hair gets damaged. The first is the type of claw clip you use, and we're not talking about its aesthetic. "The size and clip-to-density ratio does matter when using a claw clip for styling," Angela C. Stevens shares exclusively with us. "The best rule of thumb is paying attention to how tight it feels or how hard it is to clap around the hair. If it feels uncomfortable, then it may be causing damage." Once you put the claw clip on, you should barely feel that it's there. One of our favorite tips here is to buy a variety pack online, such as New Live's 16-Count Nonslip Hair Claws, to find a size that works best for you. Then, you can share the extras with friends and family. Figuring out which claw clip works 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 thing that can affect hair damage is the duration that you have a claw clip in your hair, as well as how often you wear it. "Wearing a claw clip in the same position for days with a tight hold could be harmful to the scalp and hair," Stevens adds. While claw clips are great for delicate updos and super convenient when you need your hair out of your face, wearing them every single day isn't doing your hair any favors.

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

"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, the satin sock bun, crocodile clips, and flat clips are all great alternative accessories that can be included in your style regimen." Here, a variety pack like the Sufermoe 12-Piece Satin Scrunchies set could serve you well, giving you a solid color option for every outfit.

Ultimately, just like Stevens, we also believe you shouldn't ditch the claw clip entirely, but with these tips, you can approach wearing them with newfound confidence. In fact, there are some unexpected benefits to wearing them!