How to Store and Protect Your Hair Claw Clip Collection
By Jenny Lemons: Fun, Creatively Designed Accessories | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, step-by-step routine for keeping claw clips scratch-free, untangled, and travel-ready—without turning your collection into a drawer of broken teeth.
Quick answer
Store claw clips in a divided container or soft pouch so the teeth never press against each other, and keep them away from heat and direct sun. For travel, use a hard-shell case with individual slots or wrap each clip in a soft cloth. Check the hinge and teeth every few weeks—catching a small crack early is the easiest way to keep a favorite clip in rotation.
Why claw clips break in storage (and not on your head)
Most claw clip damage happens off-duty. Teeth are the weakest point, and they crack when a heavy clip lands on a hard surface or when several clips are jumbled together and pressed tooth-to-tooth. Cellulose acetate—the plant-based material used in many Jenny Lemons clips—is durable but can become brittle with prolonged heat or sunlight. A closed car in summer or a sunny windowsill is harder on a clip than daily wear.
The fix is not complicated: give each clip its own space, keep the collection cool and dry, and handle the hinge gently when opening. The steps below turn that into a repeatable routine.
Choose a container that matches your collection size
A single divided box works for a small collection, but once you own more than a dozen clips, shallow drawers with adjustable dividers or a hanging organizer with pockets scale better. Clear lids help you see what you have without digging. Avoid deep, open bins where clips pile on top of each other—that is where teeth interlock and snap.
For very large statement clips, measure the clip before buying storage. A 4-inch-wide claw needs a compartment with room to spare so the teeth do not rest against a wall.
Your 5-step claw clip storage routine
- 1. Clear and sort by size: Empty your current storage onto a soft towel. Group clips by size—mini, midi, large—and set aside any with loose hinges or missing teeth. Checkpoint: if a clip wobbles at the hinge, retire it before it cracks completely.
- 2. Assign one slot per clip: Place each clip in its own compartment or pouch, teeth facing inward or downward so they cannot hook onto a neighbor. Adjust dividers so large clips have breathing room. Common mistake: overfilling a compartment 'just for now'—that is how teeth get compressed and break.
- 3. Control heat and light: Store the container in a drawer or cabinet away from radiators, sunny windows, and hot cars. Cellulose acetate can warp or become brittle with sustained heat. Checkpoint: if the storage spot feels warm to the touch, move the collection.
- 4. Pack a travel kit: For trips, use a hard-shell case with individual elastic loops or wrap each clip in a soft cloth inside a pouch. Do not toss loose clips into a toiletry bag with bottles. Common mistake: packing clips in a checked bag without padding—baggage handling is rougher than your bathroom shelf.
- 5. Do a monthly hinge check: Open and close each clip slowly. Listen for grinding, feel for stiffness, and look for hairline cracks near the hinge or teeth. Wipe with a dry cloth—avoid soaking. Next step: rotate heavier clips to the back of the drawer and keep daily favorites within easy reach.
Clips that benefit from a little extra care
- Midi Tinned Fish Hair Claw Clip: Midi size, made from eco-friendly cellulose acetate with hand-painted details. The midi size fits half-up styles and medium-thickness hair, so it is a good candidate for a dedicated slot in a divided box rather than a crowded bin.
- Large Confetti Cake Hair Claw Clip: Large 4" x 3.25" claw handmade from cellulose acetate and painted with colorful details. Its wide footprint means it needs a compartment with extra clearance; stacking it under smaller clips can chip the painted surface.
- Large Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Hair Claw Clip: Large statement claw made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based alternative to plastic. The large size offers a sturdy hold for sweeping up more hair, but it also takes up more room—plan storage around your bulkiest clips first.
