The Pros and Cons of Using Claw Clips on Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, you know how hard it can be to find the proper hair accessories that work nicely with your natural texture. One hair accessory that has become increasingly popular for curly-haired folks is the claw clip. But are claw clips good for curly hair? Let’s explore the pros and cons.

What are Claw Clips?

Claw clips, also known as jaw clips or barrette clips, are a type of hair accessory that have two hinged “jaws” that open and close to grab the hair. They come in a combination of sizes, materials, and designs. Claw clips are a convenient way to quickly pull back or secure your hair without the use of elastics or pins.

Advantages of Claw Clips for Curly Hair

1. Less Damage to Curls

One of the biggest benefits of using claw hooks on curly hair is that they can be gentler on the hair than other styling techniques. Unlike elastics or scrunchies, claw clips don’t pull or tug at the hair, which can lead to frizz, breakage, and loss of curl pattern over time.

The wide, flat gripping surface of a claw clip distributes the weight of the hair more evenly, putting less stress on individual strands. This makes claw clips a good option for curly-haired people who want to pull their hair back without damaging their precious curls.

2. Versatility

Claw clips come in a wide range of sizes, which makes them suitable for all hair lengths and thicknesses. Smaller clips work well for securing short to medium-length curly hair, while larger clips can handle thicker, longer curly manes.

Claw clips also allow for a variety of styling options. You can use them to create half-up and half-down hairstyles, cute buns, or simply to keep your hair off your face. This versatility is great for curly-haired folks who want to switch up their look without committing to a more permanent style.

3. Minimal Maintenance

Unlike hairstyles that require heat styling, braiding, or complex techniques, claw clips are a low-maintenance option for curly hair. Simply open the clip, gather your hair, and snap it closed. No special skills or products are required!

Claw clips also don’t require the constant re-adjustment or retouching that some other hairstyles do. Once your hair is clipped in place, it tends to stay put throughout the day without much fussing.

Disadvantages of Claw Clips for Curly Hair

1. Potential for Creasing

One potential downside of using claw clips on curly hair is that they can sometimes leave noticeable creases or dents in the curl pattern. This is especially true if the clip is left in for an extended period of time or if the hair is very tightly coiled.

These creases can be difficult to brush out and may take some time to blend back into the overall curl pattern. For some curly-haired people, this may be a dealbreaker when it comes to using claw clips.

2. Slippage

Claw clips, while good at gripping the hair, don’t always have the same staying power as other fasteners like scrunchies or bobby pins. Depending on the weight and thickness of your curly hair, the clip may gradually slide down or even fall out completely throughout the day.

This can be frustrating if you’re trying to keep your hair securely pulled back. It may take some trial and error to find the right size and style of claw clip that works best for your individual curl type and hair density.

3. Potential for Breakage

While claw clips are generally gentler on curly hair than other fasteners, there is still a risk of breakage if the clip is not applied properly. If the clip is clamped down too tightly or if it’s repeatedly opened and closed in the same spot, it can lead to weakened or snapped strands over time.

To minimize this risk, be sure to gently open and close the clip, avoid excessive tension on the hair, and move the clip’s position around to distribute the pressure evenly.

Tips for Using Claw Clips on Curly Hair

1. Choose the Right Size

As mentioned earlier, claw clips come in a variety of sizes. For curly hair, it’s generally best to opt for larger clips that can accommodate thicker, coiled strands. Smaller clips may not have enough gripping power to hold all of your curly hair in place.

2. Go for Wider Clips

In addition to size, the width of the claw clip is also important. Wider clips with a larger surface area tend to be gentler on curly hair, as they distribute the weight more evenly. Avoid narrow or pointed clips, as they can create more concentrated pressure points on the hair.

3. Use a Curly-Friendly Finish

To keep your curls looking their best, finish your claw clip hairstyle with a lightweight, curl-enhancing product. A small amount of curl cream, serum, or oil can help smooth the hair and revive the curl pattern after being clipped up.

4. Give Your Curls a Break

While claw clips can be a convenient and low-damage option, it’s still a good idea to give your curls a break from any kind of hair accessory or styling now and then. Let your natural texture shine by wearing your hair down for at least part of the day.

Conclusion

Overall, claw clips can be a great hair accessory option for those with curly hair, as long as you choose the right size and style and use them with care. They offer the convenience of a quick updo without the potential for excessive damage or styling challenges that some other methods present.

Just be mindful of potential issues like creasing or slippage, and make sure to handle the clips gently to avoid breakage. With a little trial and error, you can find the claw clips that work best for your unique curl pattern and styling needs.

FAQ Are Claw Clips Good for Curly Hair?

Q: Are claw clips safe for curly hair?
A: Yes, claw clips can be a relatively safe and gentle option for curly hair, especially if you choose wider clips and avoid clamping them down too tightly. However, it’s still important to use caution and give your curls breaks from any kind of fastener to prevent potential damage over time.

Q: How do I prevent claw clips from leaving creases in my curls?
A: To minimize the risk of creasing, try not to leave the claw clip in for too long, and gently move the position of the clip around to distribute the tension. You can also use a curl-enhancing product after removing the clip to help blend any creases back into your natural curl pattern.

Q: What size claw clip is best for thick, curly hair?
A: For thicker, coily curly hair, a larger claw clip (around 2-3 inches wide) is generally recommended. This will provide enough gripping power to keep all of your hair in place without putting extreme tension on individual strands.

Q: How can I prevent claw clips from slipping out of my curly hair?
A: To help claw clips grip your curly hair better, try spritzing the hair lightly with a flexible-hold hairspray before clipping it up. You can also experiment with different clip styles and materials to find the ones that work best for your curl type and hair density.

Q: Are there any alternatives to claw clips for curly hair?
A: Yes, other hair accessory options can work well for curly hair, such as scrunchies, clawless claw clips, and various types of hair clips or pins. The key is to look for accessories that are wide and flexible and won’t create too much tension on the hair.

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Are Claw Clips Good for Curly Hair?

What are Claw Clips?