(So They Stay Beautiful—and Last Longer)

Hair accessories are the unsung heroes of everyday beauty. They hold our ponytails during workouts, add polish to date-night looks, and save the day when our hair just isn’t cooperating. But just like anything you wear regularly, hair accessories need proper care to look and perform their best.

Whether you’re investing in handmade bows, plush scrunchies, or statement clips, understanding how to clean and store them properly can extend their lifespan, preserve their appearance, and even support your hair health.

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about caring for your accessories—by material, type, and use case. Let’s get into it.

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Why Hair Accessory Care Matters

Before we dive into how, let’s talk about why this matters.

Over time, accessories collect:

• Natural oils from your hair and scalp
• Hair product residue (like dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, or hairspray)
• Sweat and dirt from daily wear
• Lint or dust from storage
• Environmental particles, especially if worn outdoors or during workouts

If not cleaned regularly, buildup can:

• Weaken elastic or fabric
• Discolor lighter materials
• Dull shiny surfaces
• Cause hair tangling or breakage
• Trigger scalp irritation

Proper care keeps your accessories fresh, hygienic, and effective—so you can enjoy them for longer.

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General Guidelines by Accessory Type

1. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are a daily go-to for many of us—and they tend to collect the most dirt and oil. Here’s how to care for them based on material:

Cotton & Jersey

• Cleaning: Machine washable! Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent stretching. Wash on cold with gentle detergent.
• Drying: Air dry to preserve elastic life. Avoid direct sunlight for bright or patterned fabrics.

Velvet

• Cleaning: Hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent. Swish gently—don’t wring or twist.
• Drying: Lay flat on a towel and reshape while damp. Velvet can lose texture if overheated, so avoid dryers.

Satin & Silk

• Cleaning: Always hand wash. Use cold water and gentle detergent (or a fabric-specific wash like for delicates).
• Drying: Blot excess water with a towel. Air dry flat. Never tumble dry—heat breaks down silk proteins.

Pro Tip: Rotate scrunchies every few days to avoid over-stretching a favorite and allow them to “rest.”

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2. Hair Bows

Hair bows are more structured and decorative than scrunchies, and often require more delicate care.

Fabric Bows (Cotton, Velvet, Linen)

• Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap when possible. For full cleaning, hand wash carefully and avoid soaking the structure.
• Drying: Lay flat and reshape. Use clips to pin the bow into shape while it dries if necessary.

Structured or Wired Bows

• Never machine wash. Spot clean gently to avoid warping the shape or damaging internal wiring.
• Store clipped to a hanger or hanging ribbon to keep their structure intact.

Avoid: Ironing bows unless you’re certain the fabric can handle heat. Instead, steam lightly or use a wrinkle releaser spray.

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3. Hair Clips, Barrettes, and Pins

These often come in contact with product residue, scalp oil, and sweat—especially near the temples or behind the ears.

Metal or Plastic

• Wipe with a damp cloth after use to remove buildup.
• For deeper cleaning: Soak in warm water with mild soap for a few minutes, scrub with a soft brush (like an old toothbrush), then dry thoroughly.

Acrylic or Resin

• Use a microfiber cloth to clean and polish.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners—these can cloud or damage the finish.

Avoid: Soaking clips with glued embellishments or fabric overlays. Instead, spot clean.

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4. Elastic Hair Ties

These wear out over time but can last longer with some care.

• Cleaning: Hand wash with warm water and gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• Storage: Keep away from sharp edges (they can fray), and don’t stretch them unnecessarily when storing.

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Storage Tips: Keep Them Clean Longer

Cleaning is important, but how you store your accessories matters too. Here are our top tips:

1. Use a Drawer Divider or Tray

Separate scrunchies, bows, and clips to avoid tangling or flattening. Bonus: it’s easier to find what you need!

2. Hang Bows or Use Ribbon Displays

Keep shape intact and avoid wrinkles. You can even repurpose an embroidery hoop or bulletin board to clip your favorites.

3. Avoid Humidity

Bathrooms might seem like a convenient place to store hair tools, but humidity can damage fabric, warp shapes, and shorten elastic life. A cool, dry drawer is best.

4. Travel Smart

Use a small fabric pouch or jewelry organizer with compartments. Don’t toss accessories loose into a bag where they can snag or flatten.

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How Often Should You Clean Hair Accessories?

The frequency depends on how often you wear them and what you’re doing while wearing them:

Accessory Type	Everyday Wear	Gym/Outdoor Use	Styling Only
Scrunchies	1x/week	After each use	Every 2–3 weeks
Bows	Every 2–3 weeks	As needed	Monthly
Clips/Pins	Every 2 weeks	After each use	Monthly
Elastics	Weekly	After each use	Biweekly

Tip: If a scrunchie or bow starts to smell, feels sticky, or looks stretched/distorted, it’s time for a refresh.

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Reviving Worn-Out Accessories

Before you toss a favorite piece, see if it can be revived!

✨ For Scrunchies

• Stretched elastic? You can resew scrunchies if you’re handy with a needle.
• Fabric dull or dingy? A gentle hand wash and air dry might bring it back to life.

✨ For Bows

• Wrinkled or crushed? Light steaming or laying under a heavy book can help reshape.
• Loose seams? Stitch them back with invisible thread or fabric glue.

✨ For Clips

• Loose grip? If it’s a spring barrette, gently pinch the clasp back into shape.
• Cloudy surface? Buff gently with a microfiber cloth and a little white vinegar.

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When to Let Go

Even with the best care, accessories don’t last forever. Watch for these signs that it’s time to say goodbye:

• Elastic no longer holds a ponytail
• Fraying fabric beyond repair
• Rust on clips or exposed metal
• Stretched bows that won’t bounce back
• Loss of structure in wired or styled pieces

When this happens, consider repurposing them:

• Cut up fabric to use as ribbon ties
• Turn worn bows into gift toppers
• Keep old clips for crafting or pin boards

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Final Tips: Accessory Longevity at a Glance

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your accessories fresh and functional:

✅ Rotate your accessories—don’t overwear one item
✅ Avoid using wet or sweaty accessories in clean, styled hair
✅ Store away from humidity and sunlight
✅ Use mesh bags for laundry and air dry only
✅ Spot clean delicate fabrics and wires—never soak
✅ Steer clear of harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners
✅ Handle with care—especially structured or wired designs

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Because They Deserve Better (And So Does Your Hair)

You spend time curating your collection. You choose your bows, scrunchies, and clips with intention. So don’t let them get worn out, grimy, or forgotten in the back of a drawer.

Caring for your hair accessories is an easy, feel-good way to extend their life, protect your hair, and keep your collection beautiful and functional. A little attention goes a long way.

So tonight, toss your favorite scrunchies in a quick wash. Wipe down those clips. Untangle those bows. Your hair will thank you—and your morning routine just got easier.