How to nail the ’90s claw clip hairstyle trend

Wet weather is the theme of 2022 thus far, much to the chagrin of styled hair everywhere. Between rain bombs and sideways sprays, humidity has been off the charts – literally. Sydney passed its annual long-term average rainfall total – three months in – earlier this month. Our hair is feeling it.

“Human hair is extremely sensitive to humidity,” says Tara Sutton, co-owner of Stanley & Co salon in the inner Sydney suburb Chippendale. “[High levels of moisture in the air] break down the hydrogen bonds in your hair which then causes your hair to swell, resulting in frizzy/wavy hair.”

One tool outshines umbrellas and raincoats for sanity-sustaining practicality. The claw clip – the darling of throwback hairstyles that boomed last year, thanks in part to the uptake of TikTokers and celebrities including Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner – is the answer to the current fashion moment and the ticket to solving the woes of humid hairstyles. (Stylistically, it endures; the clip evolved from the hair combs of Ancient Rome.)

Gone are the days of the sole tortoiseshell clip; options now come in bubblegum pink, glitter, tie-dye, checkerboard and everything in between. Sydney freelance hair stylist Elyston Hayden loves the clip for its simplicity and ease of use.

“They are gentler on the hair for breakage than hair ties, and look great as a hair accent,” he says. (And, unlike other things that have tripled in price since the ’90s, they’re affordable: a two-pack starts at $12.50 at The Iconic.)

“We have seen significant growth and an increase in the popularity of hair accessories in recent months,” says Ally Saviane, womenswear buyer at David Jones. “The most popular hair accessories include tortoise and matte claw clips, particularly in highlight colours, yellow, green and pink.”

Joe Orlowski, co-owner at Stanley & Co, says the key to a flawless look is preparation. “For a frizzless base, start with damp hair and dry your products into the hair.” He recommends a humidity blocking curl creme “to give you a frizz-free wave or curl using your natural textures”.

If you have a claw clip sitting in the bottom of your bag, you’re wielding a weapon of mass relief. Here are three ways to style your hair and pretend like we aren’t living in a washing machine.