Hair Ties vs Hair Clips vs Claw Clips: What's The Difference?

Hair ties wrap around the hair, holding it in place with elastic tension. Hair clips, like banana clips, are long and curved with teeth designed to hold ponytails and low updos. A claw clip is toothed and spring-loaded for quick use.  

Hair ties and clips are common, but repeatedly pulling on the same section of hair can, over time, cause a condition calledtraction alopecia, a form of hair loss. This means that the accessory, and how you wear it, are not just an aesthetic choice; they can make a real difference to your hair.

In this article, we will be covering the difference between hair ties and clips, their strengths and weaknesses, which is the gentlest for your hair, and which one you should choose. 

What's The Difference Between Hair Ties, Hair Clips, and Claw Clips?

The three options all hold up hair, so it is easy to see them as interchangeable, but each has a different form factor and its own strengths and weaknesses. 

Hair Ties

Hair ties simply hold hair in place by wrapping around the hair and holding it in place with tension. Some are elastic with fabric wrapped around them, while others have ruffled fabric, like scrunchies.

Strengths 

• Fast and simple - There is no special technique to learn; it can live on your wrist and put your hair up in seconds. 
• Gentler than elastic - Fabric-covered ties are gentler on hair than pure elastic. 
• Suits different hair thicknesses - They come in lighter or thicker versions to suit people's hair. 

Weaknesses

• Tension - Wrapping can put a consistent pull on one spot, which can lead to breakage if it is too tight. 
• Snagging and dents - Grabbing the hair and putting it up quickly can leave your style uneven.

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Hair Clips (Banana Clips)

Named after the fruit, banana clips are long, curved, and hinged at one end, with teeth along the inside. Typically, it is used for cascading ponytails and low updos. 

Strengths

• Even hold - The clip spreads hair evenly along its length, giving a secure hold. 
• Fuller look - It can enhance hair, making it look thicker and fuller without extensions. 
• Smart finish - Banana clips can make a ponytail look polished, and decorative styles can dress up a simple outfit.

Weaknesses

• Requires technique - They can be unintuitive for beginners and take a little practice before sitting right. 
• Less flexibility - Banana clips are mostly used for cascading ponytails and low updos, while a claw clip suits a wide range of styles. 

Claw Clips

Claw clips grip hair between two curved rows of teeth, a little like a jaw opening and closing at a spring at the back. They have a lot of uses, including ponytails, messy buns, French twists, and many more. 

Strengths

• Quick and easy - Gathering your hair, twisting upwards, and quickly clipping it takes seconds. 
• Casual or dressy - A claw clip can be clipped on in seconds for a casual day, or styled with more care for a dressier look. 

Weaknesses

• Hold can vary - The spring can weaken over time; if hair is thin, the clip can slip over time. 
• Plastic - Claw clips are typically made from plastic or metal. Plastic can crack over time, so how long a clip lasts matters as much as what it is made from. 

Which is Gentlest on Your Hair?

All hair ties and clips have the potential to cause damage, but it depends on what you use and how you wear it. As mentioned before, the risk is in tension in the same spot, leading to breakage. It is worth mentioning that hair is at its weakest when it is wet. Tying it back when wet can cause snapping around the temples and crown.

Soft, smooth materials such assilk, satin, or fabric-covered bands are kinder to hair. Steer clear of ties with metal parts or rough joins, as these can snag and pull at hair. 

Be sure to move your hair tie, giving your scalp breaks from being pulled back in the same place. It can also help to wear your hair down now and again. 

How to Choose Between Hair Ties, Hair Clips, and Claw Clips

You don’t need to pick just one option; match the accessory to the job and keep a few on hand.  If you often wear your hair up, you can alternate between fabric-covered ties and claw clips to balance a strong hold with gentleness to the scalp. 

In everyday life, a ponytail or bun only needs a hair tie. It is a simple and fast option.Cotton and natural rubber hair ties are perfect for daily use, as they are designed to hold hair for regular use and sport without snapping or stretching. 

For quick and casual updos, half-up styles, or messy buns, a claw clip is a great choice. They are easy to put in and suit a relaxed style. 

For a fuller, sleeker ponytail, a banana clip is perfect. It takes a little practice to position, but once you have it, it gives a polished look. 

Choosing What Suits Your Hair and The Planet

There is no one right choice; it is going to depend on your hair and the look you are going for. Often, this means having a few different choices on hand. Whichever you choose, it is important to remember that you should not have your hair tightly pulled back, especially when it is wet.  

If you want to live more sustainably, swapping your normal hair ties can make a big difference. Most normal hair ties are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, and because they combine several materials, theyoften cannot be recycled. Ours are different; they are fully biodegradable. 

Ready to make the switch? Our plastic-free hair ties come in black, natural, blonde, and multi-colour, to suit every shade and style.Shop our range of hair ties for healthier hair and planet.