How to Store Hair Accessories

Organized hair accessories are easier to find.

Left on counters, rolling around in dresser drawers and hiding in the bottom of purses -- hair clips, ponytail holders, barrettes and bobby pins can easily get lost. These tiny accessories may be used just once before you lose track of them, so you buy replacements and the cycle starts again. But you can keep your collection of hair accessories clean, organized and easy to find so they're ready to use the next time you need them.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry cleaner
• Plastic makeup or jewelry carry case
• Plastic tabletop container with drawers
• Drawer dividers or divided trays
• Decorative baskets
• Decorative ceramic or wood container with lid
• Small, clear containers with lids

1. Clean all your hair clips and barrettes with gentle soap and a little water to remove dulling hair-care products. Use jewelry cleaner for best results on sensitive metals and ornate pieces. Rinse each piece and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

2. Separate your hair accessories into categories. Make piles of bobby pins, small barrettes, large barrettes, small clips, larger clips and ponytail holders.

3. Clip together matching pairs in each category. Loop bobby pins together or lock the teeth of clips together.

4. Place large and small hair clips in plastic makeup or jewelry carry cases with dividers. If you have a lot of pieces, store them in different cases according to size or color.

5. Deposit the pieces you wear on a regular basis -- such as ponytail holders and neutral barrettes -- in a small container that fits on your bathroom counter or dressing table. A container with small drawers allows you to keep everything tidy.

6. Install dividers or divided trays in a vanity or dresser drawer so your hair accessories won't slide all over the place when you open and close the drawer. Organize items by type in each divided area.

7. Display your hair accessories attractively by using an open basket rather than a plastic container. If you don't use the pieces regularly, they can get dusty; in that case, opt for a decorative ceramic or wood container with a lid.

8. Store delicate pieces in their original packaging or put them in small, clear containers with lids. This will keep them from getting damaged or dusty.

Tips & Warnings

• Clipping together isn't as necessary for larger pieces, since pairs are easily recognizable.

• Make the effort to put hair accessories back after you've used them. Keeping them in an easily accessible spot will make you more inclined to return them to their proper places.

• Use your best judgment when clipping pieces together. If the barrettes are easily scratched or the metal bends when you try to fasten them together, then leave them separate.

References

• Redbook: The 12 Best Clutter Cures