Hold two claw clips that look exactly the same online, and you'll often feel the difference straight away. One feels light and a little hollow. The other feels smooth, solid and almost warm in your hand. That difference is the material.
So what is acetate?
Cellulose acetate is a plant-based material, made from wood pulp and cotton fibres. You probably already own some: it is the material used for good glasses frames. It is loved there for the same reasons we love it for hair clips: it is strong, it feels pleasant against your skin, and it can be polished to a deep shine.
Why it looks so different
In acetate, the colour sits inside the material itself instead of on the surface. That is what gives a tortoiseshell like Leo its depth, and why a marbled clip like Moonstone looks different in every light.
It is also why acetate is polished rather than painted: there is no coating that can chip or wear off over time.
Acetate and plastic, side by side
- What it's made of: acetate comes from renewable plant fibres; most standard plastic comes from petroleum.
- How it looks: acetate has colour with depth; plastic often looks flat or printed.
- How it feels: acetate is smooth, with soft polished edges; cheaper plastic can have sharp seams.
- How it lasts: acetate is strong and made for everyday use.
How to take care of it
Acetate doesn't ask for much. Keep it away from heat, like radiators, a hot car or your hair dryer. Try to keep hairspray and water, especially salt water, off it. And give it a wipe with a soft cloth now and then. That's it. More tips in our care guide.
Which one suits you?
That mostly depends on your hair. Thick or long hair needs a bigger clip than fine hair. We explain it simply in how to choose the right claw clip.
Questions we often get
Is acetate better than plastic for hair clips?
For most people, yes. Acetate has deeper colour, a smoother finish and is made from renewable plant fibres instead of petroleum.
Is acetate a kind of plastic?
Not in the usual sense. Cellulose acetate is made from plant cellulose (wood pulp and cotton), while most everyday plastics are made from oil.
Can acetate clips break?
Any clip can break if it falls hard or gets very hot. With a little care, an acetate clip lasts for years.
Can I wear my clip to the beach?
You can, but rinse it with fresh water afterwards and keep it out of the hot sun when you're not wearing it.
