By Joke Kujenya with agency reports
REPEATED USE of trendy claw clips for tying back hair is contributing to an increase in female baldness, a trichologist has revealed.
Hair expert Rachel Valentine explained in a TikTok video that she recently examined two clients who suffered breakage around the crown area of their scalp.
She said the common cause in both cases was the daily use of a crocodile or claw clip in the same position, which resulted in localised tension and subsequent hair loss.
According to Valentine, the fashion trend for claw clip hairstyles – seen as a stylish and convenient alternative to hair bands – has become a major factor behind a growing number of women reporting hair thinning, receding hairlines, or bald patches.
“The epidemic of claw clip hairstyles is the reason you’re seeing breakage around your crown area,” Valentine said in her post. “We understand these clips are better than hair bands, and yes, they are.
But what isn’t good is wearing your hair in exactly the same place every day. There’s a lot of tension in that same area, which causes repeated stress and breakage.”
Claw clips, which come in multiple sizes and designs, have been a fashion staple across social media and celebrity trends for months.
However, the stylist warned that the aesthetic appeal often masks the damaging effects of constant tension on hair roots when clips are positioned in the same spot.
Experts call the condition tension alopecia or traction alopecia, a form of hair loss triggered by consistent pulling or strain on the hair follicles.
The follicles, which are responsible for producing new hair growth, can become inflamed and permanently damaged if subjected to sustained stress.
Hair loss resulting from this condition, Valentine explained, occurs when the follicles are weakened to the point they stop producing new strands, sometimes leading to permanent baldness if untreated.
She advised that varying hairstyles regularly can help prevent damage.
“So, claw clip one day, maybe a silk scrunchie the next, wear it high or low, and then wear it down,” she suggested. “You’ll spread the tension around the hair so it doesn’t cause stress just on one area.”
Valentine’s remarks have prompted renewed discussions among trichologists and dermatologists about how everyday beauty routines can contribute to avoidable forms of alopecia.
Supporting her comments, the team at UK Hair Transplants emphasised that early detection and intervention play a critical role in reversing many hair conditions.
The clinic noted that while some cases can be reversed if caught early, waiting too long can cause permanent damage to the follicles.
“When it comes to traction alopecia, prevention is the best cure,” the group stated. “Mix up your hairstyles – and if you can’t because you need your hair pulled back for work or sports, alternate where the clip sits, high, low, or off-centre.”
They advised that individuals who must wear their hair tied daily should consider softer or less restrictive options. “Swapping the clip for a silk or non-snag hair tie reduces the pressure on the same spots,” the team added.
Experts further noted that early symptoms of traction alopecia typically appear as thinning or snapped hair around the crown or hairline.
They encouraged women to act promptly if such signs occur, as hair follicles have a limited recovery window before permanent damage sets in.
According to the British Association of Dermatologists, if the excessive tension on hair is halted early enough, the follicles can recover and regrow naturally.
The association stated that early management can restore the affected areas without the need for surgical intervention.
However, when damage becomes irreversible, the only remaining treatment is a hair transplant. The procedure involves transferring hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to the affected bald spots.
Data from the British Association of Dermatologists indicates that fewer than 15 per cent of hair transplant procedures are carried out on women, though the success rate of such operations remains high, averaging between 85 and 95 per cent.
Specialists have also highlighted that not all female hair loss stems from hairstyling practices. Other causes include hormonal fluctuations, vitamin deficiencies, or genetic predispositions.
Women may also experience hair thinning during menopause, following pregnancy, or as a result of specific medical conditions.
The warning by Valentine has reignited public awareness on hair health, encouraging women to adopt less restrictive styles, use protective accessories, and maintain scalp wellness as part of their beauty routines.
The renewed focus also underscores the importance of informed grooming choices and professional consultation in managing long-term hair care.
As social media trends continue to influence beauty practices globally, experts caution that style convenience should never come at the expense of scalp health.
Repetitive tension hairstyles, they noted, remain one of the most common yet preventable causes of hair loss among women.
