A trend that started in the 1990s has started to make a comeback with different patterned or sized claw clips. The plastic hair accessories are becoming popular after being featured on TikTok Shop. The uniqueness of styles and capabilities appeal to the younger, middle-aged female population. However, the hard plastic could be an issue when driving.
“Claw clips got their name because they have two rows of ‘teeth’ that clamp down like a claw on hair,” said Lauren Cabral, a content writer.
These cute hair accessories didn’t just appear out of nowhere. They had their star debut in the 1990s and were modeled after the banana clip of the 1980s. Some could argue that it became popular due to the hit TV show “Friends” when Jennifer Aniston messily wore her hair in a claw clip. The clip’s popularity lasted for about ten years until it died out in the early 2000s, only to make a comeback in recent years.
What contributes to the popularity of claw clips has to be the versatility of the product. Claw clips work for short or long hair, can be styled with hair up or down and can have many shapes and patterns to match any outfit. They can be dressed up or down and serve many purposes.
You can also find them fairly cheap. They have become a major selling point for small and large businesses, and they have been successful in mastering the strength factor of these clips.
However, with the commonality of claw clips arising, so do the risks of wearing these teeth-like accessories, especially while driving. There have been multiple reported cases of drivers wearing claw clips and getting into an accident, in which the clips become embedded in their skulls.
These clips won’t break either. The individual teeth become extremely difficult to remove, piece by piece. A woman in Connecticut who was involved in a car accident had a claw clip that became lodged in her skull and once removed, left an 11-inch gash in her scalp.
This type of issue can be detrimental to those affected and police are asking drivers to think about removing them before hitting the road.
Personally, I love claw clips. I received a pack of eight neutral colors when I had short hair and wore them religiously. As my hair grew out, I was able to check TikTok and YouTube for different hairstyles and ways to dress up or down my clips. However, in recent months, I have started to notice the pains that come with claw clips. The hard plastic, if situated right on my head, can dig into my scalp and cause headaches. Also, if the hair is pulled back too tight or gripped too strongly, it begins to hurt. I’ve had to start wearing them less and less because the hard plastic is sturdy enough to hold my long hair, but also sturdy enough to hurt my head.
So the question stands. Is the stylish fashion of claw clips worth the risk of headaches, scalp pain or possibly having it embedded in your skull? The choice is yours.
