"If you manage to break it,
short of deliberate destruction,
I will replace it."

All barrettes and chignons are made of manganese bronze. They are hand welded, forged, and polished. I don't use any anti-tarnish treatments, so there's nothing to flake off. You can expect them to get a little darker, but they won't turn green. Brasso will polish them nicely. Hair spray build up can usually be removed with soap and warm water.