Can you show an exerpt of the text?
Is it "griffes" or "griffés". If it has the accent then it would mean "designer nails", griffe being, among other things, a logo and generally used for upmarket products in the beauty and fashion industries.
Otherwise, as you say, it refers to long fingernails.
The tone of the rest of the article should give clues as to whether claws are appropriate.
Maybe TALONS would be a better choice.
