How to Clean and Care for Your Hair Clips

By Skin O2 | Creators Of Clean Beauty | Make up | Skincare | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the best way to clean hair clips, remove product buildup, and extend their lifespan with simple steps using gentle ingredients.

Quick Answer

Clean your hair clips every few weeks with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly to prevent damage and keep them looking like new.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Hair products, oils, and styling residue build up on clips over time, making them slippery and less effective at holding your hair. Regular cleaning restores grip and keeps your accessories hygienic.

For clips made from cellulose acetate, like the Skin O2 Lux Large Hair Clip, harsh chemicals can cloud or warp the material. Stick to gentle cleansers to preserve the finish.

What You'll Need

You probably already have everything: a small bowl, lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap or shampoo, a soft toothbrush or cloth, and a lint-free towel for drying.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

Prepare the soak: Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or gentle shampoo. Swirl to mix. Avoid hot water, which can damage acetate or metal finishes. Hot water may warp plastic or loosen metal hinges.
Soak and loosen buildup: Place the hair clips in the soapy water and let them soak for 5–10 minutes. This softens hairspray, oil, and product residue without scrubbing. Do not soak longer than 15 minutes, especially for clips with metal springs.
Gently scrub: Use a soft toothbrush or clean cloth to gently scrub the clip surfaces, focusing on grooves and the hinge area where buildup collects. For acetate clips, avoid abrasive pads. A soft brush prevents scratching the polished surface.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse each clip under cool running water until all soap is gone. Any leftover residue can attract dust or dull the shine. Residual soap can cause clips to feel sticky once dry.
Dry completely: Pat clips dry with a lint-free towel, then leave them on a dry towel or rack to air dry completely for several hours. Moisture trapped in hinges can cause rust or corrosion. Never store damp clips — moisture promotes mold and metal damage.
Store properly: Keep clips in a dry, clean pouch or drawer compartment, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid tossing them loose in a bag where they can scratch or bend. Proper storage prevents scratches and keeps clips ready to use.

Product Spotlight

Lux Large Hair Clip: Handmade from high-quality cellulose acetate, ideal for normal to thick hair. Cellulose acetate is durable and glossy, but it can be sensitive to alcohol and acetone, so always use mild soap when cleaning.
Lux Large Hair Clip