How to maintain and care for your hair clips for a long life?
Hair clips aren't just accessories. They add that finishing touch to a hairstyle, reveal a person's personality, and sometimes hold our unruly locks in place for the entire day. But like any accessory we love to wear every day, they deserve a little TLC.
If you've ever had a tarnished barrette, a jammed mechanism, or a scratched finish, this article is for you. Here are all our tips for caring for your barrettes, keeping them looking beautiful longer, and wearing them proudly again and again.
Why maintaining your hair clips is essential
The most common types of materials
Barrettes come in a variety of materials: metal, acetate, resin, wood, fabric, pearls... Some are more delicate than others. Metal models can rust, fabric ones can get dirty, and pearly or gold versions can lose their shine over time.
Why Maintenance is Crucial
Just like a hairbrush or a comb, regular use can affect their appearance if you're not careful. Styling product residue, fingerprints, dust... all of these can affect their shine. And when you take the time to choose pretty accessories , you might as well enjoy them for as long as possible, right?
How to gently clean your hair clips
The best products for cleaning hair clips
Good news: no need for a complicated arsenal! Mild soap, warm water, and a clean cloth are all you need in most cases. For details or hard-to-reach corners, a cotton swab or soft toothbrush will work wonders.
The steps to effective cleaning
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild soap.
- Gently dip a clean cloth or soft brush into this mixture.
- Clean your barrette without rubbing too hard, especially if it contains pearls or a gold coating.
- Rinse with clean water (never completely immerse metal clips).
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid moisture.
Little bonus: to revive the shine, you can wipe the metal parts with a cloth lightly soaked in white vinegar (then rinse well and dry).
Tips to keep your barrettes shiny longer
Proper storage to avoid damage
We tend to throw our clips, barrettes or elastics in a pencil case, but this is not always a good idea... To preserve their appearance, it is better to store them flat in a fabric-lined box or on a display stand, away from humidity and sunlight.
Helpful tip : If you have small pearl or mirror effect hair clips, slip them into a separate small pouch to avoid scratches.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not wear your barrettes in the shower or with wet hair.
- Avoid using hairspray, oils or serums after attaching the barrette.
- Do not force the mechanism if it gets stuck: it is better to unblock it gently with a clean toothbrush.
- Do not leave them lying around in a handbag without protection (beware of scratches!).
What to do if your hair clips are damaged?
Repair a closing mechanism
Is your barrette no longer closing properly? It's often possible to repair the small spring or straighten a metal rod using fine pliers . If that doesn't work, a local shoemaker or craftsman can often replace the mechanism.
Revive the shine of a tarnished accessory
A microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of water and white vinegar can work wonders. For gold barrettes, a little white toothpaste (non-abrasive) applied with a comb or soft brush can restore a beautiful shine in just a few minutes.
FAQ – We answer all your questions 💬
Do people still wear barrettes?
Oh yes, more than ever! Barrettes have made a comeback in recent years. They're featured in both bohemian and chic looks, and have become an essential accessory in today's fashion.
How to style your hair with barrettes?
You can do it all: pin a side strand, create a half-bun, adorn a braid, or simply twist your look with a pretty pearly barrette on long, loose hair. It's all in the choice of accessory and the little wow effect you're looking for.
Do barrettes damage hair?
No, not if they're good quality and used properly. Avoid pulling too hard, opt for barrettes with soft clips or secure clips, and avoid sleeping in them. As with a brush or comb, gentleness is your hair's best friend.
How to clean hair clips?
With water, a little mild soap, and a clean cloth! Regular maintenance will keep your accessories looking beautiful and shiny, without damaging them.
💫 In short: your hair clips are little marvels that deserve your full attention. Simple maintenance, gentle practices, and a few good habits are enough to keep them beautiful and functional for a long time.
