Seen on Rachel, Monica and Phoebe, the 90s claw clip is trending again. What sparked the comeback, who wears it now, and how to style it today.
That unmistakable click is back. The claw clip – the cult hair accessory seen in countless Central Perk scenes – has jumped from 90s reruns to today’s streets, feeds and office elevators. Simple, practical, a little cheeky, it holds hair in seconds and brings instant Friends energy to any outfit.
Context helps. “Friends” ran for 10 seasons and 236 episodes from 1994 to 2004, with the finale drawing 52.5 million U.S. viewers according to Nielsen. The 2021 reunion then pulled in 2.0 million U.S. households over its first weekend, measured by Samba TV. That cross-generational pull keeps the show’s style alive – and right now, the accessory with the biggest second life is the claw clip, a regular on Rachel Green, Monica Geller and Phoebe Buffay.
Why the Friends claw clip from the 90s is trending again
Two big forces converge: nostalgia and function. The clip looks like the 90s – but feels made for today’s quick routines. It tames hair without heat, saves time on busy mornings and slots into a low-waste mindset because one good clip lasts.
Search behavior backs the comeback. According to Google Trends, worldwide interest for “claw clip” reached a five-year high in August 2022, and has stayed elevated since. The curve mirrors what many see offline: more clips in gym lockers, on commutes, in open-plan offices.
There is the TV effect too. When a show that peaked in 2004 still attracts new viewers, its wardrobe never fully leaves. The Friends archive keeps circulating – and the claw clip, unlike micro bags or frosted lipstick, translates directly to daily life. No dress code required.
From Rachel Green to now : celebrity signals and retail proof
Rewatching reveals the playbook. Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel favored a half-up twist with tortoiseshell claws. Courteney Cox as Monica went for clean French twists on date nights. Lisa Kudrow’s Phoebe tried oversized clips with loose tendrils. Those frames aged well – and celebrity street style picked up the thread.
Fashion media regularly spot the clip on off-duty looks worn by Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, which nudged high-street aisles to restock. Beauty chains expanded hair-accessories walls through 2022 and 2023, with acetate and tortoiseshell finishes sitting next to drugstore basics. The effect snowballed : when the piece keeps selling, brands keep shipping.
Numbers around Friends still explain the stickiness. A show that could pull 52.5 million viewers for a finale sets deep visual memories. The 2021 reunion date – 27 May 2021 on HBO Max – put those images back in front of Gen Z and millenial audiences at the same time, an unusual overlap in trend cycles.
How to wear a claw clip now, the Friends way
The charm lies in ease. A clip should feel low-effort and a bit undone, like a coffee run after a late night at Central Perk. Translation : skip perfection, keep movement, let a few strands fall.
- Channel Rachel Green : half-up twist with a medium tortoiseshell clip, center part, soft layers left loose.
- Try Monica Geller for work : sleek French twist using a large matte clip, ends tucked for a clean profile.
- Go Phoebe Buffay on weekends : oversized clip, loose face-framing tendrils, pair with a long skirt or denim.
- Short or curly hair : use a small claw at the crown, clip above a low pony to add lift without pulling curls out.
Color matters. Tortoiseshell reads 90s instantly, while matte black or cream keeps things modern. For thick hair, prioritize wide-tooth claws with strong hinges. Fine hair holds better with smaller teeth and a lighter body.
What to buy : materials, prices and longevity
Material decides comfort. Cellulose acetate claws feel smooth, resist snapping and grip without snagging – a reason many premium clips cost more. Inexpensive molded plastic is lighter and everywhere, handy for gym bags or travel spares.
Price ranges vary widely. Entry clips start under 5 dollars at mass retailers. Mid-tier acetate options usually sit between 12 and 35 dollars from specialist labels. At the top, handcrafted acetate can go higher, traded for durability and stronger springs. One good clip can replace a drawer full of elastics and reduce breakage compared to tight ties.
Storage keeps them alive. Tossing a clip into the bottom of a tote weakens the hinge. Instead, park it on a vanity tray or clip it to the bag strap when not in use. That tiny habit extends the life of the spring and teeth.
The broader story is clear : a small, useful object moved from a sitcom frame into daily life because it solves a real problem fast. Between measurable search peaks on Google Trends and the long-tail audience of Friends documented by Nielsen and Samba TV, the claw clip’s second act is not a fad – just a smart return of a cult accesory that still works.