Are Claw Clips Better Than Hair Ties for Working Out? The Honest Comparison

Hair ties have been the gym default for decades. But claw clips offer real advantages—if you use them right.

The question isn't which is "better" overall. It's which is better for your specific workouts, hair type, and priorities. Both have clear strengths and weaknesses that matter during exercise.

We've tested both extensively across every workout type. Here's the honest breakdown.

For claw clip recommendations, see best claw clips for the gym. For our existing comparison, check claw clips vs hair ties: which is better?.

The Workout Comparison Table

Summary: Claw clips win on hair health, comfort, and styling. Hair ties win on security and simplicity. Neither is universally better.

The Hair Health Factor

This is the biggest difference, and it compounds over time.

How Hair Ties Damage Hair

Tension damage:

• Constant pulling at hairline
• Stress on the same spots daily
• Can contribute to traction alopecia with repeated tight use

Breakage points:

• Where tie wraps around hair
• Where metal clasp (if present) contacts hair
• Where hair bends sharply over elastic

The crease problem:

• Hair bends at a sharp angle
• Repeated creasing weakens hair structure
• Creates breakage at that point

How Claw Clips Are Gentler

Distributed pressure:

• Weight spreads across entire clip
• No single point of high tension
• Hair isn't wrapped or bent sharply

No crease damage:

• Hair lies naturally in the clip
• Remove clip, hair falls without marks
• No repeated bending at same point

Less pulling:

• No tension at hairline
• Clip holds by gripping, not stretching
• Can be adjusted without removing

Long-Term Impact

If you work out 5x per week:

For daily gym-goers, this is the most compelling reason to switch to claw clips.

The Security Factor

Hair ties have a genuine advantage for high-impact activity.

When Hair Ties Hold Better

Maximum impact activities:

• Running (especially long distance)
• HIIT with lots of jumping
• Box jumps and plyometrics
• Rope jumping

Why they hold:

• Elastic maintains constant tension
• No mechanical parts to fail
• Tested by millions of athletes

When Claw Clips Hold Just As Well

Moderate-impact activities:

• Weightlifting
• Yoga and Pilates
• Cycling and spinning
• Walking and hiking
• Moderate cardio

With proper technique:

• The double-twist lock (see gym styling guide)
• Metal-spring clips with matte surfaces
• Correct positioning for activity

The Technique Gap

Hair ties require almost no technique. Claw clips require learning:

• How to twist hair correctly
• Where to position for each activity
• Which clip type for which workout

This learning curve is real, but the techniques are simple once learned.

Comfort Comparison

For longer workouts, claw clips typically win on comfort.

Hair Tie Discomfort

Common complaints:

• Tension headaches after 30+ minutes
• Pulling at temples and hairline
• Having to loosen mid-workout (reduces security)
• Sore spots where tie sits

The tightness trap:

• Loose = hair falls
• Tight = discomfort
• Hard to find middle ground

Claw Clip Comfort

Advantages:

• No constant tension
• Can reposition without removing
• No hairline pulling
• Comfortable for extended sessions

Potential issues:

• Wrong clip can dig into scalp
• Poor positioning causes pressure points
• Solved by: flat clips for floor work, proper sizing

Floor Work Differences

During ab work, yoga, or Pilates:

Hair ties: Ponytail creates a bump when lying down. Either uncomfortable or forces you to position head oddly.

Claw clips: Flat-back clips lie flush. No bump, no discomfort. Clear advantage for floor-based exercises.

Workout Type Recommendations

Best Choice by Activity

The Hybrid Approach

The smartest athletes use both.

Example: Mixed Workout

Warm-up (10 min): Claw clip

• Comfortable for stretching
• Easy to adjust
• Looks polished if arriving from elsewhere

Main workout - HIIT (30 min): Hair tie

• Maximum security for jumping
• No adjustment needed

Cool-down (10 min): Claw clip

• Comfort for stretching
• Transitions well to post-gym activities

Keep Both in Your Gym Bag

One small hair tie takes zero space. Having both options means using the right tool for each portion of your workout.

Breaking the Hair Tie Habit

If you want to try claw clips for workouts, here's how to transition:

Start with Lower-Impact Workouts

1. Week 1: Use clips for warm-up/cool-down only
2. Week 2: Add clips for weightlifting
3. Week 3: Add clips for yoga/Pilates
4. Week 4: Try clips for moderate cardio

Keep Hair Ties as Backup

Don't throw away your hair ties. Keep them for:

• High-impact activities
• Days your clip fails
• Backup if you forget clip technique

Learn Proper Technique

The double-twist lock makes the biggest difference. See how to use a claw clip at the gym for complete instructions.

Special Considerations

For Very Long Hair

Hair ties: Work well but create more damage at contact point Claw clips: Need larger size (XL) and possibly double-clip technique

Long hair benefits most from claw clips due to cumulative breakage from hair ties.

For Very Thick Hair

Hair ties: May need multiple ties or thick elastic bands Claw clips: Need XL sizing with strong springs (see thick hair gym clips)

For Fine Hair

Hair ties: Cause noticeable breakage over time Claw clips: Need textured surfaces for grip (see fine hair clips)

Fine hair is most fragile—claw clips' gentleness matters most here.

For Curly Hair

Hair ties: Disrupt curl pattern, cause frizz Claw clips: Preserve curls better, less frizz when removed

Curly hair definitely benefits from claw clips.

FAQ

Is it bad to wear a hair tie every day for workouts?

Yes, daily tight hair tie use can cause breakage and traction alopecia over time. If you work out daily, consider alternating with claw clips or using them for lower-impact portions.

Do claw clips work for marathon running?

For most marathons, hair ties are more reliable. The 3-4 hour duration with constant impact tests even the best clips. Some runners use clips successfully with double-twist technique, but hair ties are the safer choice for race day.

Can I use both in the same workout?

Absolutely. Many people clip for warm-up, tie for intense portions, clip for cool-down. Use the right tool for each phase.

Which is better for hair health?

Claw clips, clearly. Less tension, no crease damage, no hairline pulling. The difference is significant for daily gym-goers.

Why don't more athletes use claw clips?

Habit and simplicity. Hair ties have been the default forever. Claw clips require learning technique. But the hair health benefits are driving more athletes to switch.

The Bottom Line

Claw clips are better for:

• Hair health (significant long-term advantage)
• Comfort during longer sessions
• Floor work and yoga
• Post-workout appearance
• Daily exercisers

Hair ties are better for:

• Maximum security during high-impact
• Simplicity (no technique needed)
• Swimming
• Running races

The best approach: Use both. Claw clips for most activities, hair ties for high-impact portions. Your hair will thank you.

For claw clip recommendations, see best claw clips for the gym. For styling techniques, see how to use a claw clip at the gym. For the complete workout hair guide, see our ultimate guide to claw clips for working out.