Wipe and check a claw clip

Hold the clip open to free hair and wipe its reachable surfaces, then dry it and check its closing action before putting it away.

Hands-on time (estimate): 2–5 min
Waiting time: Let the clip air-dry completely before reuse or storage; drying time varies.

When to use it

Claw-clip care removes caught hair and surface residue from the jaws while checking that the teeth and spring still open and close smoothly.

When a personal claw clip has trapped hair or surface residue, or before using it after storage.

An ordinary personal claw clip whose maker permits a damp-cloth wipe. Fabric-covered, glued or special-finish clips may need different care.

Do not soak the clip or flood its spring unless its own maker specifically permits it. This wipe does not disinfect equipment shared between clients.
Keep fingers clear of closing teeth. Stop using a clip with cracks, rough broken teeth or an unreliable spring rather than filing or bending it back.

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

Set the clip aside

Do not take apart its spring or force the jaws. Ask the maker about care or replace the damaged clip.

STEP 1 OF 2
Free caught hair and wipe the jaws
- Remove the clip from your hair. Read its care directions and look for cracked teeth, sharp edges or a loose spring; set a damaged clip aside.
- Hold its tabs to open the jaws. Use your free fingers to lift out loose caught hair, keeping them clear of the teeth if your grip slips.
- Wipe accessible teeth and surfaces with a soft cloth, barely damp if permitted. Keep liquid out of the spring and avoid soaking or forcing into the hinge.
STEP 2 OF 2
Dry and check its movement
- Wipe remaining surface moisture with a dry part of the cloth and leave the clip on a clean towel until completely dry.
- Over the table, gently open and close the dry clip using its tabs. Stop using it if teeth catch, edges feel rough or the spring will not hold reliably.
- Put the clean dry clip away without crushing its jaws. Follow separate professional hygiene rules for any equipment used on different people.

Cleaning one personal clip; allow additional drying time.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

Visible caught hair and residue are removed, the clip is fully dry and its intact jaws open and close without catching.