Claw Clips vs Scrunchies: The Complete Comparison

Claw clips and scrunchies are both gentler alternatives to traditional hair ties, and both are having major comebacks. If you're trying to decide between them, or wondering whether to add both to your routine, this comparison covers everything from hair health to style to practical everyday use.

The quick answer: claw clips offer more styling versatility and visual impact, while scrunchies are gentler for sleeping and high-activity situations. Most people benefit from having both.

For complete claw clip information, see our ultimate guide to claw clips.

At a Glance Comparison

Hair Health Comparison

Both accessories are promoted as "gentle" alternatives to traditional elastics. But how do they actually compare?

Claw Clips: Hair Health Profile

Damage mechanism: Minimal. Teeth grip hair without wrapping or creating friction.

Tension: Distributed across multiple teeth rather than concentrated in one spot.

Breakage risk: Very low when properly sized.

Crease factor: Any indentation is superficial and temporary (10-15 minutes to disappear).

Best practice: Match clip size to hair volume for gentle, effective hold.

Scrunchies: Hair Health Profile

Damage mechanism: Depends entirely on material.

Tension: Less than regular elastics, but still wraps around hair.

Breakage risk: Low with silk, moderate with other fabrics.

Crease factor: Silk scrunchies minimize creasing; other materials may leave marks.

Best practice: Always choose silk or satin for daily use.

The Verdict on Hair Health

Silk/satin scrunchies and claw clips are comparably gentle. Both are significantly better than regular elastics. If you're using cotton or polyester scrunchies, switching to clips would be an improvement for hair health.

For more on this topic, see are claw clips bad for your hair?.

Styling Versatility

This is where the two accessories differ most dramatically.

Claw Clip Style Options

1. Classic twist updo
2. French twist
3. Half-up half-down
4. Low bun
5. High bun
6. Side twist
7. Banana clip style
8. Double clip looks
9. Decorative accent placement
10. Braided twist styles

Each creates a distinctly different look. The clip itself becomes part of the aesthetic. See our 10 easy claw clip hairstyles for tutorials.

Scrunchie Style Options

1. Low ponytail
2. High ponytail
3. Basic bun
4. Top knot
5. Half-up ponytail

Scrunchies work with multiple styles but the options are more limited. The scrunchie adds color or pattern, but the overall silhouette is similar across styles.

Style Versatility Winner

Claw clips win decisively. If you want variety in your everyday looks, clips offer far more options.

Visual and Aesthetic Impact

Claw Clips as Accessories

Modern claw clips are statement pieces. They come in:

• Acetate tortoiseshell patterns
• Bold colors and matte finishes
• Oversized statement sizes
• Minimalist metal designs
• Luxury materials (pearl, resin, semi-precious stones)

A quality claw clip elevates an outfit the way jewelry does. It's a visible, intentional accessory choice.

Scrunchies as Accessories

Scrunchies add color and texture but read as more casual than decorative. They're associated with:

• Comfortable, relaxed vibes
• Coordinating with outfits (matching sets)
• Playful patterns and prints
• Nostalgic/retro aesthetics

Scrunchies can be styled as wrist accessories when not in hair, adding versatility.

Aesthetic Winner

Depends on the situation. Claw clips read as more polished and intentional. Scrunchies read as more casual and playful. Neither is better, they just serve different aesthetic purposes.

Professional Settings

Claw Clips at Work

Generally accepted in most professional environments. Tortoiseshell and neutral colors are especially office-appropriate. The polished look of a well-done claw clip updo is suitable for:

• Corporate offices
• Client meetings
• Presentations
• Business casual environments
• Creative industries

For work-specific styles, see professional claw clip hairstyles for work.

Scrunchies at Work

Acceptance varies more widely:

• Tech/creative industries: Generally fine
• Casual workplaces: No issue
• Corporate/traditional: May be seen as too casual
• Client-facing roles: Depends on client expectations
• Remote work: Nobody cares

If in doubt, choose a black or neutral satin scrunchie that's less visually prominent than a bright patterned one.

Professional Setting Winner

Claw clips offer a safer, more universally professional look. Scrunchies are fine in casual workplaces but may raise eyebrows in traditional settings.

Activity Suitability

Workout Comparison

For intense cardio, scrunchies provide more security. Claw clips can work for moderate activity but may shift during high-impact movement.

Sleep Comparison

Scrunchies: Excellent for overnight use. Silk scrunchies protect hair from friction against pillows while keeping it loosely contained. Comfortable side-sleeping in a loose ponytail.

Claw clips: Possible but less ideal. Flat clips can work if positioned carefully, but there's risk of discomfort if you roll onto them.

Winner for sleep: Scrunchies, specifically silk ones.

For more on this, see how to sleep with a claw clip.

Portability and Convenience

Scrunchie Advantages

• Fits on wrist when not in use
• Fits in any pocket or bag
• Weighs almost nothing
• Functions as bracelet accessory
• Easy to carry multiples

Claw Clip Considerations

• Bulkier to carry
• Needs bag space or to be worn in hair
• Some find clipping to bag straps works
• Harder to carry multiples

Convenience Winner

Scrunchies are more portable and accessible. You can wear them on your wrist until needed, which claw clips can't match.

Price and Longevity

Scrunchie Costs

• Basic fabric: $5-10 for multi-packs
• Quality silk/satin: $8-15 each
• Premium silk (Slip, etc.): $20-30 each

Lifespan: 6 months to 2 years depending on material quality and frequency of washing.

Claw Clip Costs

• Budget clips: $8-15 for multi-packs
• Mid-range clips: $15-25 for 2-4 clips
• Premium (Emi Jay, Machete): $28-68 each

Lifespan: 3-10 years with proper care. Quality clips rarely need replacement.

Value Comparison

Long-term: Claw clips offer better value because they last years longer.

Upfront: Scrunchies have lower initial cost.

A $40 clip lasting 5 years costs $8/year. A $15 silk scrunchie lasting 1 year costs $15/year. The math favors clips over time.

Hair Type Recommendations

By Hair Texture

By Hair Length

For Damaged Hair

Claw clips are gentler because they don't wrap around hair. If your hair is fragile, recovering from damage, or prone to breakage, clips are the better daily choice.

For hair-type specific recommendations, see our guides for fine hair, thick hair, and curly hair.

When to Use Each

Use Claw Clips For

• Work and professional settings
• Date nights and social events
• Daily styling variety
• Hair health (daily wear)
• Making a style statement
• Quick updos that look intentional
• Bad hair day camouflage

Use Scrunchies For

• Sleeping (especially silk)
• Workouts and exercise
• Casual weekends at home
• Under hats and helmets
• Travel (compact, lightweight)
• Pool and beach days
• Quick, no-fuss situations

Building a Complete Collection

The ideal hair accessory collection includes both. Here's what we recommend:

Essential Claw Clips

1. Large neutral clip for everyday updos
2. Medium clip for half-up styles
3. Statement clip for special occasions
4. Mini clips for accents and short hair

Essential Scrunchies

1. Black silk scrunchie for sleeping
2. Neutral silk scrunchie for workouts
3. Color/pattern scrunchie for fun

Total investment: ~$50-100 for a collection that covers all situations.

FAQs

Which is more trendy right now?

Both are experiencing revivals, but claw clips currently have more fashion momentum. They're seen on runways, red carpets, and fashion influencers more frequently than scrunchies.

Can I use scrunchies with claw clips?

Yes! Some people create a ponytail with a scrunchie, then twist and clip the length for extra security and visual interest.

Which is better for children's hair?

Scrunchies are often easier for kids to manage themselves. They're also less likely to be lost or broken. Claw clips can work for older children who want more style options.

Do either cause hair loss?

Neither causes hair loss when used properly. However, wearing anything too tight repeatedly (tight ponytails, tight twists) can contribute to traction alopecia over time. Use both accessories loosely.

Which is better for traveling?

Scrunchies pack smaller and weigh less. But a single medium claw clip is reasonably packable and offers more styling versatility. Consider bringing one clip and one scrunchie for travel.

The Bottom Line

Claw clips and scrunchies serve different purposes in a complete hair accessory collection. Clips excel at creating polished, varied looks for daily wear. Scrunchies (especially silk) excel at gentle, comfortable use for sleeping and exercise.

For most people, the best approach is using both:

• Claw clips for daytime styling, work, and going out
• Silk scrunchies for sleeping and workouts

This combination maximizes hair health, style options, and practical functionality across all situations.

For help choosing the right clips, explore our complete claw clip guide or see our comparison of claw clips vs hair ties for more context on accessory choices.