How to Organize Hair Tools - Organization Ideas & Storage Hacks

Does getting ready take too long because you’re fighting for countertop space? Organizing your hair tools will save you time – here’s how!

It’s so annoying – that tangled mess of hair tools, hot surfaces, and frustrating searches for the right curling iron. The answer is to set up an organized hair tool hot zone! What you need a specific area on your bathroom counter, vanity, or dresser, where your tools live and stay.

When you set up a hair tool hot zone, it will reduce the clutter in your bathroom (which is fantastic after you work hard to organize your bathroom). It will also make your bathroom safer, help your stuff last longer, and streamline your getting-ready routine.

In this post, you’ll learn cord management, heat-safe storage, space-saving solutions, ideas and practical tips for every hair tool.

The Unruly Cord Conundrum

First, let’s look closer at the problem that so many of us face. From flat irons to hair dryers, the cords intertwine, creating clutter and hazards. What kind of hazards? You might trip over cords on the floor, hot irons might fall on your feet, or damaged cords might be dangerous.

Plus, when you have too many things plugged in, you’ll have a harder time finding outlets! Thankfully, I have some simple solutions that everyone, no matter how big or small your bathroom is, can use.

Solutions For Cord Management

Here are my favorite solutions for taming those unruly cords. Pick and choose which ones work for you and use them today. You’ll feel so much better.

Cord Wraps & Ties

Wrap up the cords for each thing using something that you can use and reuse over and over. I like to use Velcro ties because they take a long time before they wear out. Cable clips and ties are semi-permanent solutions.

You can save money with DIY ideas, too. Use hair ties or rubber bands. They are less ideal but effective in a pinch.

Cord Organizers

If possible, get some hair dryers or curling irons that have cord wraps as part of the design. This is the ultimate solution. But if that’s not possible, get some dedicated cord management boxes/sleeves.

Wall-Mounted Solutions

Anyone that has a really tiny bathroom, this is for you! Use your wall as a space to store your stuff. Hooks or command strips are perfect for hanging tools by their cords (when tools are cool). Or use some small caddies with cord cutouts.

Smart Outlet Usage

And if you are struggling to find enough outlets, get some power strips with built-in surge protection and multiple outlets. Be careful with this idea. Read how much it can handle and don’t overload it.

Set up USB charging stations for hair accessories. This will work for heated brushes with USB charging capability.

Taming the Heat Beast: Safety & Storage

Owning and using too many hair styling tools isn’t just an unsightly mess. It’s also very dangerous. Storing or using them incorrectly could cause skin or surface burns. It can also be a fire hazard. For example, a curling iron could be sitting on something flammable and cause a fire.

You also need to be careful with them because they could damage your countertops and furniture. And if your hot tools are too close to your plastic organizers, they could melt (and that’s a terrible mess to try and clean up).

So when you’re thinking of how to store them, keep safety in mind too.

Heat-Safe Storage Solutions

Use these heat-safe storage solutions to protect your furniture, skin, and countertops.

Heat-Resistant Mats/Pads: When you’re using (or cooling off) your tools, always set them on either silicone mats or heat-resistant pouches. The silicone mats are ideal for setting down hot tools during use or immediately after. They come in sizes large enough to cover your entire countertop. The pouches are good for quick storage right after use, especially for travel.
Dedicated Heat-Resistant Holders: Also consider how you’re going to store the hot tools before they are completely cooled down. The best solutions are countertop caddies with heat-resistant compartments (metal, silicone-lined). But you could also use over-the-cabinet door holders with heat-safe pockets. And if you keep things in a drawer, protect them with drawer inserts with heat-safe sections.
Cooling Down Strategy: Allow your tools to cool completely before storing in enclosed spaces. It will help to designate a “cooling zone” on a heat-resistant surface.

Maximizing Space: Storage Solutions for Every Tool

Now that you know how to be safe, let’s take a closer look at specific strategies for each type of tool you might have. Scroll through and find the hacks and ideas that you need the most.

Categorize Your Tools

Start by sorting everything. Put them into groups like this:

Hair Dryers (bulkiest, often with attachments).
Flat Irons/Straighteners (long, prone to tangling).
Curling Irons/Wands (various barrel sizes).
Hot Rollers/Curlers (sets, pins).
Specialty Tools (hot brushes, wavers, crimpers).

Storage Strategies by Location

After everything is sorted correctly, here are some places they will fit the best. I’ll share hacks and places for bathrooms of all sizes, whether you have extra space in your vanity or not.

Under-Sink Storage: This is a good place to use pull-out drawers/bins. If your curling irons will fit, place them in stackable containers. And if you have a cabinet door under your sink vanity, consider using over-the-door organizers.
Drawer Organization: Don’t just throw everything in a big drawer. Keep it sorted by using drawer dividers/inserts (adjustable for different tool sizes). Remember to use silicone or heat-safe drawer liners. You can also use vertical storage within your drawers. For example, use file holders for flat irons.
Countertop & Vanity Solutions: Use vertical caddies with multiple compartments (metal, acrylic). Another popular tips is to use lazy susans for easy access to frequently used items. If you want to make it look nicer, use stylish baskets or decorative boxes for less frequently used items, or if tools are fully cooled.
Wall-Mounted Storage: If you need to use your wall for storage, then use wall racks with tool holders. For metal tools, use magnetic strips. You can also install pegboards with custom hooks.
Creative & DIY Solutions: Or save money by doing it yourself. Use PVC pipe sections for curling irons/brushes in a drawer. Repurpose magazine files for flat irons. And shower caddies are used for wall-mounted tool storage.

Maintaining Your Organized Hair Tool Zone

After going through all this hard work, set yourself up for long-term success. Regularly go through and make sure your storage areas are still easy to use and update anything that isn’t working.

My favorite way to maintain my organized bathroom is to follow the One-In-One-Out rule. Every time you bring something in, take one more thing out. You can also maintain everything with regular decluttering routines. When things break or you haven’t used them in a long time, get rid of them.

Audit your storage spaces to make sure they’re easy to use. If the “homes” are too hard to reach or use, then things will sit out (which creates all that clutter).

Finally, set up a cleaning schedule, too. I’m talking about your hair tools. Wipe them down and keep them looking like new!

Organizing Your Hair Tools Keeps You Safe

It’s so important to keep your hair tools organized. Not only does it make your getting-ready routine faster and more efficient, but it keeps you safe, too. Plus, you won’t stress out about whether you forgot to turn something off!

Put these tips into practice and transform your “hot zone” into a tidy and functional space.

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