Doctors warn: Don't get in the car with a hair clip, it can be fatal in an accident

Doctors have issued a warning against wearing hair clips, known as “clips,” while driving, citing the potential for fatal injuries during accidents. The alert comes after reports of severe head trauma caused by these seemingly harmless accessories. In a widely shared discussion on social media platform Threads, medical professionals and nurses from emergency departments revealed that they would personally avoid certain everyday activities, including wearing such clips while operating a vehicle. The advisory highlights a growing concern among healthcare workers who warn that hair clips can become deadly projectiles during collisions. According to a report by New York Post, some of these warnings were unexpected, particularly regarding the common use of clip-style hairpins, which have gained popularity among younger generations since the early 2000s. These clips, often worn by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, range in price from several euros in regular stores to hundreds of euros at luxury fashion houses such as Prada. Despite their widespread use, medical experts caution that these small accessories pose serious risks. Dr. Dorieann O’Leary, a physician, explained on Instagram that hair clips can cause severe damage to the head, neck, and scalp during traffic accidents. She noted that metal or hard plastic clips could embed deeply into the scalp, leading to tears and requiring surgical removal. A retired nurse from an intensive care unit corroborated this, stating that a forceful collision might drive the clip directly into the skull. Another former funeral home worker added that he never wears such clips while driving, and his eight-year-old daughter is forbidden from doing so. These statements reflect a broader shift in awareness, with more individuals recognizing the dangers associated with these seemingly innocuous items. Real-life cases underscore the severity of the issue. In 2023, a 19-year-old British student named Jenna Panesar suffered extensive facial injuries, including damage to her jaw and eyes, after her car overturned on a rural road. The incident reportedly occurred because the hair clip had embedded itself deep into her head. Similarly, in 2024, a 22-year-old Australian fashion influencer named Ella Carter sustained a severe brain injury due to a plastic hair clip. Her followers later learned that doctors believed the accident could have been fatal if the clip had been made of metal. These incidents highlight the need for greater public awareness. While hair clips remain a popular accessory, especially among young women, the risk of injury during accidents has prompted calls for caution. Medical professionals emphasize that even minor impacts can lead to life-threatening consequences, urging drivers to reconsider their choice of hair accessories behind the wheel. As more cases emerge, the conversation around safety in daily routines continues to evolve.