How to Care for Your Hair Accessories: Clips, Bows, and Scrunchies

Hair accessories are the unsung heroes of any outfit. Whether you're pulling your hair back for a busy day or adding a playful touch to a casual look, clips, bows, and scrunchies can instantly elevate your style. But just like your favorite tops or bags, these small items need proper care to stay beautiful and functional. Without regular maintenance, hair accessories can become dull, sticky, or even break, leaving you frustrated and reaching for replacements.

At Brandy Melville USA, we understand that your hair accessories are more than just functional—they're a key part of your personal style. From classic scrunchies to trendy barrettes, each piece deserves attention to keep it looking fresh. In this guide, we'll walk you through simple steps to clean, store, and maintain your hair accessories so they last longer and continue to add charm to your daily looks.

Why Hair Accessories Need Special Care

Hair accessories accumulate oil, dirt, and product residue from your hair and scalp over time. If you wear styling products like gels, sprays, or dry shampoo, these residues can build up on your accessories, making them look greasy or sticky. Additionally, metal components in clips and barrettes can tarnish or rust if exposed to moisture, while fabric scrunchies can lose their elasticity or become discolored.

Regular care not only preserves the appearance of your accessories but also prevents damage to your hair. Dirty accessories can transfer buildup back onto clean hair, causing it to look limp or dull. By cleaning and storing them properly, you ensure that your accessories remain a healthy and stylish addition to your routine.

• Always remove hair accessories before sleeping or showering to avoid unnecessary wear.
• Rotate your collection to prevent overuse of a single piece.

Cleaning Your Hair Clips and Barrettes

Hair clips and barrettes, especially those with metal or plastic parts, benefit from gentle cleaning. For everyday grime, wipe them down with a soft cloth slightly dampened with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking them, as water can seep into hinges or adhesive decorations. For stubborn buildup, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to carefully clean crevices. Rinse with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately with a towel.

For decorated clips like the Gold Button Barrette, extra care is needed to protect the finish. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface. After cleaning, let them air dry completely before storing to prevent moisture damage. A quick polish with a dry microfiber cloth can restore shine to gold-toned pieces.

• Use a soft toothbrush for gentle scrubbing of textured or patterned clips.
• Store clips in a dry, lined box or pouch to prevent scratching.

How to Maintain Fabric Bows and Ribbon Accessories

Fabric bows and ribbon hair accessories add a romantic or playful touch to any hairstyle, but they require different care than hard clips. To clean them, spot treat stains with a mild detergent diluted in water. Use a clean cloth to dab—never rub—the stained area, as rubbing can fray the fabric. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with a gentle soap, then reshape and lay flat to dry.

Avoid wringing or twisting fabric bows, as this can distort their shape. If the bow has a wire edge for styling, be extra gentle to avoid bending the wire out of shape. Store fabric bows separately from metal accessories to prevent snagging. A simple drawer divider or small box works well to keep them organized and free from dust.

• Never machine wash or dry fabric hair accessories—hand washing is safest.
• Steam or lightly iron fabric bows on a low setting if they become wrinkled.

Storing and Caring for Scrunchies

Scrunchies are beloved for their gentle hold and stylish versatility, but they can lose their elasticity or become stretched out if not cared for properly. To clean scrunchies, hand wash them in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without twisting, then reshape them into a circle and let them air dry. Avoid machine washing or drying, as heat can damage the elastic.

For scrunchies like the Basic Scrunchie, which come in a variety of colors and fabrics, proper storage is key. Keep them in a dedicated container or drawer to prevent them from getting tangled or stretched. Avoid hanging them on hooks or doorknobs, as this can cause the elastic to elongate over time. Rotating your scrunchie collection helps each piece maintain its bounce and hold.

• Replace scrunchies if the elastic becomes loose or the fabric shows signs of fraying.
• Store scrunchies loosely in a small bowl or pouch to maintain their shape.

General Tips for Extending the Life of Your Hair Accessories

Beyond cleaning and storage, a few simple habits can dramatically extend the life of your hair accessories. Always remove accessories gently to avoid bending metal or pulling fabric. Avoid exposing them to extreme heat, such as from hair dryers or curling irons, which can warp plastic or melt adhesive. If you swim or exercise, take off your accessories beforehand to protect them from sweat and chlorine.

Organizing your collection by type and frequency of use makes it easier to rotate pieces and spot any that need cleaning. Consider using a small jewelry box with compartments or a fabric pouch for travel. By treating your hair accessories with the same care as your clothing and jewelry, you'll enjoy them for seasons to come.

• Keep a small cleaning cloth in your bag for quick touch-ups on the go.
• Inspect accessories regularly for loose parts or damage to prevent breakage.

Caring for your hair accessories doesn't have to be time-consuming. With a few simple habits, you can keep your clips, bows, and scrunchies looking fresh and ready to style. Whether you love the classic Basic Scrunchie or the elegant Gold Button Barrette, a little maintenance goes a long way. Start your accessory care routine today and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting pieces that complement every outfit.