The Future Is Psychedelic Abstract Tribal: Hair Accessories Reimagined
When I first held a 1966 French hair comb carved from deep violet resin, its surface swirling with gold and orange like a sunset caught in amber, I realised that the most forward-looking designs often come from looking backward. The piece was unmistakably tribal in its bold, asymmetrical silhouette — yet the colours were pure psychedelia. That collision of ancient form and futuristic palette is precisely what I call the psychedelic abstract tribal aesthetic, and it is quietly reshaping how we think about vintage hair accessories today.
This is not a revival of any single decade. It is a fresh visual language that draws from the organic geometries of 1970s abstract expressionism, the ritualistic ornamentation of indigenous art (interpreted with respect, never appropriation), and the iridescent, hallucinatory colour shifts found in early Op Art and liquid light shows. For the collector, it means seeking pieces that feel both primal and otherworldly — combs that look like they could have been carved from a meteorite, or barrettes whose enamel work suggests a microscopic view of a butterfly wing.
What Makes a Hair Accessory Psychedelic Abstract Tribal?
The term sounds like a mouthful, but the pieces themselves are instantly recognisable once you know what to look for. Three characteristics define the style:
- Abstract tribal silhouettes — think elongated, asymmetrical shapes that echo African or Oceanic ceremonial combs, but simplified into pure geometric form. The tines may be uneven, the top edge may sweep upward like a bird’s wing, and the overall profile avoids symmetry.
- Psychedelic colour fields — deep violet, electric magenta, acid green, burnt orange, and silver-grey marbling. These colours are not painted on but embedded in the material itself, whether through celluloid marbling, resin casting, or layered acrylic.
- Textural complexity — matte meets gloss, smooth meets ribbed. A comb might have a polished front face and a textured, sandblasted reverse. The interplay of light across different surfaces creates a shifting, almost hypnotic effect as the wearer moves.
British manufacturers of the late 1960s and early 1970s were particularly adept at this style. Companies like Artel and Rembrandt produced hair slides and combs that married the streamlined shapes of Art Deco with the riotous colour experiments of the psychedelic era. The result was an accessory that felt equally at home in a Carnaby Street boutique and a contemporary art gallery.
Materials That Made the Movement
Understanding the materials is essential for any collector who wants to identify authentic psychedelic abstract tribal pieces — and to care for them properly once they are found.
| Material | Era Peak | Key Characteristics | Care Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celluloid | 1930s–1960s | Lightweight, mimics tortoiseshell or marble; can develop a camphor smell with age. Prone to warping if exposed to heat. | Store flat, away from direct sunlight. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth only. |
| Cased resin (Lucite, Perspex) | 1950s–1970s | Solid, heavy, with deep internal colour layers. Can be carved or faceted. Resists moisture well. | Clean with mild soapy water and dry immediately. Avoid acetone or alcohol. |
| Bakelite | 1920s–1940s | Rich, opaque colours (especially red, green, butterscotch). Distinctive formaldehyde smell when rubbed warm. Can be carved with sharp detail. | Polish with a drop of linseed oil on a soft cloth. Never use modern plastic polish. |
| Enamel over metal | 1960s–1970s | Vibrant, glossy colour on a brass or silver base. Abstract tribal patterns often painted by hand or applied via cloisonné technique. | Keep away from perfume and hairspray. Gently clean with a damp cotton bud. |
For the psychedelic abstract tribal aesthetic, cased resin and enamel over metal are the most common and most expressive. The depth of colour achievable in resin — especially the marbled, swirled varieties — perfectly captures the hallucinatory quality of the style. I once found a 1970s resin slide in a Brighton flea market that had a core of deep turquoise bleeding into magenta, with tiny gold flecks suspended like stars. It was unmistakably tribal in shape, yet utterly futuristic.
How to Wear Psychedelic Abstract Tribal Today
The beauty of this aesthetic is that it does not demand a full vintage wardrobe. In fact, it works best as a bold counterpoint to modern minimalism. Here are three ways I have styled such pieces with my own contemporary wardrobe, and they have never failed to draw compliments:
1. The single statement comb — slide a large abstract tribal comb into a low, sleek ponytail or a side-swept bun. Keep the rest of your outfit monochrome: a cream silk blouse, black trousers, bare skin. The comb becomes the entire focal point. The contrast between the organic, swirling colour of the accessory and the clean lines of modern tailoring is electric.
2. Layered barrettes — two or three smaller psychedelic abstract tribal barrettes worn in a row along the temple, like a modern take on Victorian hair jewellery. Choose pieces that share a colour family (all blue-green, for example) but differ in shape. The effect is architectural yet playful, and it works beautifully with short hair or a blunt bob.
3. The evening accent — for a dinner or a gallery opening, wear a large enamel tribal slide at the nape of the neck, with hair loose and slightly waved. Let the accessory catch the light as you move. I have worn a 1970s orange-and-silver enamel slide this way with a simple black velvet dress, and it felt both ancient and utterly modern.
Finding Authentic Pieces: What to Look For
The market for this style is still relatively quiet compared to mainstream Victorian or Art Deco accessories, which means bargains can still be found — if you know where to look and what to examine.
- Check the back — authentic vintage resin and Bakelite pieces often show signs of hand-finishing: slight unevenness in the carving, a tiny mould seam, or a maker’s mark stamped into the reverse. Modern reproductions tend to be perfectly uniform and lack any marking.
- Smell test — for Bakelite, rub the piece vigorously with your thumb until it feels warm. If it smells like formaldehyde or old electrical wiring, it is genuine. Celluloid will smell faintly of camphor.
- Weight — cased resin is surprisingly heavy for its size. A large 1970s slide should have a satisfying heft. If it feels hollow or plasticky, it is likely a modern replica.
- Colour depth — hold the piece up to the light. Genuine vintage resin and celluloid have a translucency and internal colour variation that modern injection-moulded plastic cannot replicate. You should see subtle swirls, tiny bubbles, or colour gradients.
If you are new to collecting this style, I recommend starting with a single cased resin comb from the late 1960s. They are still relatively affordable — often between £15 and £40 at car boot sales or online vintage marketplaces — and they are robust enough for daily wear. For a deeper dive into the geometric roots of this aesthetic, you might enjoy reading about A February 2017 Discovery: The Enduring Geometry of 1920s Hair Pins, which traces how early modernist abstraction fed into later psychedelic designs.
Caring for Your Psychedelic Treasures
These pieces have survived fifty or sixty years already; with a little care, they will outlast us. The single most important rule is to keep them away from heat and strong light. A resin comb left on a sunny windowsill can warp in an afternoon. Enamel can craze if exposed to sudden temperature changes — never wear your favourite slide into a sauna or steam room.
For cleaning, less is more. A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient. If the piece is genuinely dirty, use a cotton bud dipped in lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap, then dry immediately. Never soak resin or celluloid. For Bakelite, a tiny amount of linseed oil on a soft cloth will restore lustre; for enamel, a gentle wipe with distilled water is all you need.
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a compartmented box. Resin and Bakelite can scratch each other if jumbled together. I keep my collection in a wooden chest lined with velvet, organised by colour — it makes dressing a joy to open.
The psychedelic abstract tribal aesthetic is not a passing trend. It is a way of seeing that honours the craftsmanship of the past while embracing the boldness of the future. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious about adding one striking piece to your wardrobe, these accessories offer a bridge between eras — a small, wearable sculpture that carries the spirit of a revolution in colour and form. Start with one comb, wear it with confidence, and watch how it transforms not just your hair, but your entire approach to dressing.