Hair health
Guide
Claw clip materials and care
What a claw clip is made of changes how it feels, how it ages and how you look after it. Here are the three main materials, then how to clean, store and repair a clip.
The three materials
Most claw clips are made of cellulose acetate, of molded plastic or of metal. The body changes how a clip feels and ages. The hold comes from somewhere else: the size, the teeth and the spring.
| Material | What it is | How it feels | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellulose acetate | A plastic made from plant cellulose, cut from sheets and polished | Smooth and slightly flexible. Patterns have depth | Softens with heat. Acetone and alcohol-based products damage the surface |
| Molded plastic | Plastic injected into a mold, such as acrylic or ABS | Light and rigid, with an even color | Usually the lightest option. A tooth can snap if the clip is forced shut |
| Metal | Cast or stamped metal with a plated or painted finish | Heavier, slim and cool to the touch | The finish can wear or dull with moisture and hair products. Check that the edges are smooth |
The material of each of our clips is given on its product page.
Acetate or plastic: how to tell
The two can look alike in a photo. In the hand, three things set them apart.
- The pattern. On acetate, a tortoise or marbled pattern runs through the material, so no two clips are identical. On molded plastic, the pattern is usually printed or mixed evenly.
- The edges. Acetate is cut and polished, so the edges are rounded and there is no mold line. Molded plastic often shows a fine seam where the two halves of the mold met.
- The flex. Acetate gives a little under pressure. Rigid plastic does not, which is why it tends to snap instead of bending.
Cellulose acetate starts from plant fibers, but it is still a plastic. We do not describe it as biodegradable or eco-friendly.
The part that does the work: the spring
Whatever the body is made of, a claw clip closes with a small metal spring at the hinge. The spring gives the grip, and it is the part that tires first.
Two habits protect it. Choose a size that closes over your hair without forcing, so the spring is not held wide open all day. And dry the hinge after it gets wet, because a spring that stays damp can rust.
How to clean a claw clip
Hairspray, oils and dry shampoo leave a film on the teeth. Clean your clip when you see it.
Clear the teeth
Pull out any hair caught between the teeth and around the hinge.
Wash by hand
Use lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap or shampoo. A soft toothbrush reaches between the teeth.
Rinse and dry
Rinse, then dry the whole clip with a soft cloth straight away, hinge included.
Avoid hot water, soaking, alcohol, acetone and nail polish remover. Do not dry a clip with a hair dryer.
How to store it
Closed
Store the clip closed, so the spring rests and the teeth are protected.
Away from heat
Keep it off the dashboard, the radiator and a sunny windowsill. Heat softens acetate and can warp plastic.
Not under weight
A clip crushed at the bottom of a bag can lose a tooth. Use a pocket or a pouch.
Can a claw clip be fixed?
Sometimes. It depends on what gave way.
| What happened | Can it be fixed | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The spring slipped out of place | Sometimes | Each end of the spring sits in a small notch. If one end has slipped, it can sometimes be pushed back with a small flat tool. Keep your fingers clear: the spring is under tension |
| The spring feels weak | No | A spring that has lost its strength does not recover. It is time for a new clip |
| A tooth broke off | No | Glue rarely holds on a part that flexes, and a broken edge can catch your hair. Stop using the clip |
| The body cracked | No | A crack grows each time the clip opens. Stop using the clip |
If a clip arrived broken, write to us with your order number and a photo: see the help center.
Questions
Are acetate claw clips better than plastic ones?
They are different. Acetate is smoother, a little flexible and has more depth of color. Molded plastic is lighter and costs less. Neither holds better because of the material: hold comes from the size, the teeth and the spring.
Can a claw clip get wet?
Water does not harm acetate or plastic. The spring and metal finishes are the parts that suffer if they stay wet. After the shower, the pool or the sea, rinse the clip with fresh water and dry it.
Why did my claw clip break?
Common causes are a clip forced shut over more hair than it can hold, a clip crushed in a bag or sat on, and heat. A size that closes without forcing takes strain off the hinge and the teeth.
How long does a claw clip last?
It depends on the material, the spring and how the clip is used, so we do not give a number. What helps: a size that closes without forcing, a dry hinge and no heat.
Do metal claw clips rust?
The finish protects the metal, but it can wear with moisture and hair products. Dry a metal clip after it gets wet, and stop using it if the finish flakes or an edge feels rough.
The right size takes the strain off.
A clip that closes without forcing puts less load on the hinge and the teeth. The size guide takes a minute.