Malena Dul Uno Hair Comb: A 1960s Floral Resin Statement Piece – History, Styling & Care

The Malena Dul Uno hair comb is immediately recognisable by its asymmetrical cluster of hand-carved resin flowers, a design that owes as much to the English cottage garden as to the Italianate influences that swept through mid-century British accessories.

Unlike the more common barrettes and headbands of the era, this comb was made to be worn as a single statement piece, tucked into a chignon or a side-swept wave. Its name, Malena Dul Uno, appears to be a playful contraction of a maker’s signature – perhaps a nod to the Italian word dolce (sweet) and uno (one), suggesting a single, sweetly made item. The code p442 places it within a known numbering system used by a small London-based workshop active from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a workshop that specialised in limited-run hair accessories for the independent boutiques of Carnaby Street.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The comb itself is moulded from a cellulose acetate resin, a material that was favoured for its lightness and ability to mimic the warmth of tortoiseshell without the ethical concerns.

Each flower – typically a small rose, a daisy, and a single unopened bud – was carved by hand from a separate piece of tinted resin, then individually attached to a metal clip hidden behind the main comb. The petals are painted with a translucent enamel that catches the light, giving the piece a subtle, almost watercolour effect. This technique required a steady hand and a knowledge of how different pigments behave under heat; the workshop’s artisans often trained for years before being trusted with the final assembly.

A Cultural Snapshot: The 1960s Mod Scene

The Malena Dul Uno arrived at a moment when British women were experimenting with shorter, geometric hair cuts – the Vidal Sassoon bob, the Mary Quant five-point cut – yet still wanted a touch of ornament.

A comb like this offered the perfect compromise: it could be inserted quickly to hold a sleek twist in place, or used to secure a lightweight fall of artificial hair for evening. The floral motif, while delicate, was not merely decorative. It echoed the revival of Arts and Crafts ideals that many young designers of the 1960s were embracing – a return to handwork in an age of mass production. Wearing a Malena Dul Uno was a quiet statement of individuality, a way to signal that you valued the maker’s art as much as the latest trend.

Collectors today often find the comb in unexpected places: tucked into a box of vintage sewing notions, or passed down as a second-hand gift. Because the resin is sensitive to prolonged sunlight, many surviving examples have faded to softer pastel tones, which only adds to their charm. The original colour palette ranged from deep coral and moss green to a pale ivory, but the most sought-after versions are those that retain a strong pink or turquoise hue.

How to Wear a Malena Dul Uno Today

Integrating a piece like this into a modern wardrobe is simpler than it might seem. The comb works beautifully as a subtle anchor for a low bun, especially when the rest of the outfit is minimalist – think a fine-knit cashmere jumper and tailored trousers. For a more playful look, slide it into a side part just above the ear, letting a few strands of hair fall loose over the flowers. The comb’s modest size (approximately 6 cm across) means it never overwhelms, but rather adds a whisper of vintage texture.

If you are drawn to shell motifs, you may also appreciate the Ariel shell hair clip from the same era – a different shape but a similar philosophy of nature-inspired adornment. Both pieces share the same care requirements: gentle handling, avoidance of water, and storage away from direct heat.

Care and Maintenance for Your Comb

Because cellulose acetate is a semi-synthetic material, it is vulnerable to warping if exposed to high temperatures. Never leave the comb in a hot car, near a radiator, or under a hairdryer.

To clean it, use a soft, dry cloth – no polishes, no alcohol, and certainly no ultrasonic cleaners. If the enamel has dulled over time, a very light application of a dedicated plastic-safe wax (such as Renaissance Wax) can restore a gentle sheen, but test on an inconspicuous area first. The metal clip inside the comb should not be oiled; if it becomes stiff, a tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge pivot is acceptable, but wipe away any excess immediately.

Storage Guide

• Keep it flat: Store the comb lying flat in a padded box, not standing on its teeth, which can bend over time.
• Acid-free tissue: Wrap the comb in a layer of acid-free tissue paper to prevent chemical reactions between the resin and other materials.
• Avoid humidity: A silica gel packet inside the storage box will help maintain a stable environment, especially in the British climate.
• Separate from other metal: Do not store the comb loose in a drawer with metal jewellery, as scratches can occur.

One common mistake among new owners is to attempt to reshape the comb by heating it. This is strongly discouraged; the original artisan set the curve during manufacture, and any attempt to remould it will likely distort the flowers or cause the resin to become brittle. If the comb does not fit comfortably in your hair, adjust your hairstyle rather than the comb.

Where to Find Authentic Examples

Because the Malena Dul Uno was produced in small numbers, it appears infrequently at auctions and vintage fairs.

Specialist dealers in British mid-century accessories often list them with the code p442, but it is worth learning to recognise the distinctive hand-carved flowers. Check the back of the comb for a very faint impressed mark – a tiny ‘MDU’ inside a circle – which confirms authenticity. Reproductions exist, but they tend to use injection-moulded plastic with painted details that lack the depth of the original enamel. A genuine piece will have slight irregularities in the petal shapes, which is a sign of handwork, not a flaw.

To store your Malena Dul Uno, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a padded box, away from damp – a simple step that helps keep the resin flowers lustrous for decades.