Are Claw Clips Dangerous for My Hair?

Within the ’80s and ’90s, scrunchies grew to become the It-girl hair accent as a result of they supplied a easy answer to pulling again strands in a classy method. At present, that very same precept is strictly why the comfort of the claw clip has taken over the web.

Hair in your face? Throw it in a clip. On day three hair and never fairly prepared to clean it? Throw it in a clip. On the lookout for an informal updo model however don’t desire the crease of a hair tie? Throw it in a clip. You perceive the premise.

That being mentioned, pulling again your hair can probably trigger some harm, particularly resulting in breakage (I am speaking to you, slicked-back bun). So, does a claw clip pose the identical threat? We requested the specialists to seek out out. Forward, be taught every part there’s to find out about claw clips and methods to put on them most successfully.

What Are Claw Clips?

“A claw clip is a hair accent used to carry hair in place,” says Dr. Mina Amin, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist. “It encompasses a spring-loaded hinge with two curved, toothed jaws that grip the hair. The “tooth” interlock when the clip is closed, permitting it to carry a piece of the hair. Claw clips are widespread for creating fast, informal updos or half-up kinds and are available in varied sizes and supplies, starting from plastic to steel.”

Claw clips are thought of to be one of the vital widespread hair equipment due to how versatile they’re. The distinctive form of the clip permits for limitless model choices from a safe ponytail to a half-up half-down look.

Can Claw Clips Harm Your Hair?

As a rule, our favourite styling instruments and developments can result in harm or breakage in hair. Breakage, in essentially the most extreme case, may cause hair loss. So you will need to perceive the dangers forward of time. “Any hair accent can harm the hair if used excessively or improperly and claw clips aren’t any exception,” explains Michelle Cleveland, proprietor of Hair Addicts Salon & Extension Bar. “When utilizing a claw clip chorus from pulling the hair too tight and clipping them in the identical spot day by day. This could trigger hair to interrupt.”

Equally, if you’re a creature of behavior and have a tendency to put on the identical model day by day, concentrate on potential long-term results. “Tight elastic hair ties can create rigidity on the hair shaft, resulting in breakage and thinning, particularly when worn repeatedly in the identical spot,” says movie star hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “Metallic hair clips have sharp edges that may snag and pull on the hair. This could trigger cut up ends and weaken strands over time. Claw clips, particularly if used repeatedly or too tightly, can create stress factors on the hair, resulting in breakage or rigidity on the roots.”

The Most secure Methods to Use Claw Clips

The excellent news is that every one the specialists agree that claw clips may be worn safely. How does one do this? Cleveland suggests merely gathering the hair gently, twisting it up in opposition to the scalp, then securing it with a claw clip. Ensure that your model is safe however not too tight that it creates continued rigidity in your hair. Lastly, keep away from leaving the clip in the identical spot time and again. This can additional restrict any possibilities of power breakage in a particular space.

Be conscious of your claw clip’s design. Whereas sharp pointed edges would possibly match the vibe of your look, it may result in a much less snug model. “Select claw clips with easy edges to forestall snagging and decrease hair harm whereas styling,” suggests Korab.

Lastly, Dr. Amin provides one other angle of safely carrying a claw clip, past the realm of hair well being. “It’s advisable to keep away from carrying a claw clip when driving as a result of it might probably intrude along with your consolation and security,” Dr. Amin says. “Claw clips have a tendency to stand proud of the again of your head, which might push in opposition to the headrest. This may increasingly trigger discomfort, have an effect on your posture, or stop you from resting your head correctly, which may restrict head motion and cut back your capacity to verify blind spots or react shortly. Within the occasion of a sudden cease or accident, the clip may additionally pose a threat of harm if it presses in opposition to your head or neck. For safer driving, it is higher to go for a decrease or much less cumbersome coiffure.”

Alternate options to Claw Clips

When you’ve got a protracted drive and wish the hair out of your face, or maybe claw clips do not swimsuit you, the specialists have suggestions for backups.

• Bobby Pins or Hair Combs: Cleveland recommends bobby pins and hair combs to safe the hair in the same method.
• Silk Scrunchies: Dr. Amin recommends silk scrunchies, noting that they’re mushy and will assist cut back friction in opposition to the hair and frizz in comparison with commonplace hair ties. “Silk scrunchies additionally are likely to not depart creases within the hair,” she provides.

The Takeaway

Be conscious when utilizing claw clips, simply as you might be with every other hair accent. When used the proper method, the clip provides a straightforward and easy solution to pull your hair again on the go. Nevertheless, watch out about how tight you pull again your hair, how usually you put on the identical model, and any design parts that may result in additional breakage.