Emergency room physicians are advising against the use of claw hair clips, particularly while driving, due to the risk of severe head injuries. The popular hair accessory, a staple since the 1980s and recently revived by Y2K and vintage fashion trends, can become embedded in the skull during sudden impacts, such as car crashes.
Doctors have noted in online discussions that if a person's head is forcefully propelled backward into a headrest, metal claw clips can cause significant damage to the head, neck, and scalp. These injuries can lead to lacerations and may require surgical intervention for removal. A retired ICU nurse cautioned that during a collision, these clips "get embedded in your skull." Death investigators have also echoed these concerns, with some stating they would never wear claw clips while driving.
Instances of serious injury related to claw clips have been reported. In 2023, a 19-year-old British college student sustained severe injuries to her skull, face, and eye sockets when her car overturned. Her hair clip dug into her head during the accident. Another case in Australia involved a 22-year-old fashion influencer who suffered a severe concussion from a plastic claw clip. She noted that doctors believed a metal clip could have been fatal in her situation.
Despite their convenience and aesthetic appeal, medical professionals emphasize that the potential for life-threatening injury outweighs the benefits of wearing claw clips, especially in potentially hazardous situations like driving.