The P599 Black Snake Hair Barrette: History, Care, and Styling Tips

The P599 black snake hair barrette clip is a vintage piece that collectors recognize by its coiled serpent shape and black resin finish. Its design draws on a long tradition of snake motifs in British hair accessories, from Victorian tortoiseshell combs to mid-century acetate clips. The serpent motif slithered through jewellery and hair ornaments for centuries, finding a particularly resonant home in British fashion during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, as well as the revivalist styles of the 1990s and 2000s. This barrette's sinuous black silhouette carries both historical weight and modern versatility.

The Serpent in British Hair Accessory History

The snake has never been a shy symbol. In the Victorian era, Queen Victoria’s engagement ring – a serpent set with an emerald – sparked a craze for snake motifs in jewellery, often representing eternal love and wisdom. Hair accessories followed suit. Tortoiseshell combs and silver hairpins carved into coiled snakes became treasured heirlooms.

By the early 20th century, Art Nouveau designers like René Lalique elevated the snake into a fluid, organic form that wrapped around the head with almost botanical grace. In Britain, the snake barrette saw a quieter but persistent presence through the 1920s and 1930s, often rendered in black ebonised wood or early plastics like casein. The post-war decades allowed for a new interpretation. The P599 barrette belongs to this lineage – a mid- to late-20th-century piece that borrows the serpent’s elegance without its Victorian density. Black became the colour of choice for its dramatic contrast against light hair and its ability to disappear into dark locks, leaving only the sculptural form visible.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The P599 snake barrette is typically crafted from black resin or high-quality acetate, materials favoured in mid-century British accessory manufacturing for their durability and ability to hold fine detail. The head of the snake is moulded with defined eye sockets and a slightly curved jaw, while the body narrows into a tapered tail that acts as the barrette’s spring-loaded lever. The underside usually features a metal spring hinge – often brass or chrome-plated – that provides the tension to grip hair securely.

Collectors should look for three tell-tale signs of quality: the clarity of the scale pattern (if carved or moulded), the smoothness of the polished finish, and the absence of warping in the plastic, which can occur if the piece was stored near heat sources for decades. The black colour should be consistent, without fading to grey or brown. A genuine vintage P599 will sometimes show a faint maker’s mark or “Made in England” stamp on the inner surface of the clip, though many unmarked pieces of equal quality exist.

• Scale detailing: Look for sharp, even ridges that mimic reptile skin.
• Hinge action: The clip should open and close with a firm, even pressure – no sticky or grinding sensation.
• Surface condition: Minor surface scratches can be buffed with a soft cloth, but deep gouges or cracks near the hinge reduce the barrette’s lifespan.

Styling the Black Snake Barrette with Contemporary Wardrobes

The P599 snake barrette works well across different styles. It looks just as good on a slick low bun for the office as it does on a loose, textured side-sweep for an evening out. Its black colour makes it a neutral anchor – pair it with a white blouse and tailored trousers for a 1990s minimalism nod, or let it contrast against a velvet collar for a darkly romantic Victorian echo.

For those who appreciate the sculptural quality of mid-century barrettes, our guide to the Bettie Lurex Triangle Clip Barrette offers insights into a very different but equally iconic silhouette. While that piece plays with metallic thread and angular geometry, the snake clip relies on organic curves and monochrome depth – together they represent the breadth of mid-century British hair accessory design.

Berevy Choice and Care

“Berevy” – a term borrowed from the Russian concept of бережный (careful, gentle) – describes the mindful approach required when selecting and maintaining vintage hair accessories. The P599 snake barrette is not a piece to be tossed into a handbag or left loose in a drawer. Its metal spring hinge can corrode if exposed to humidity, and its resin surface can be scratched by metal-bristled brushes or other sharp accessories.

To keep the barrette in wearable condition, store it in a soft cloth pouch or a small lined box, separate from other clips. Clean it with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth after each wear to remove hair oils and product residue. If the hinge becomes stiff, apply a microscopic amount of sewing machine oil to the pivot point with a toothpick – never use WD-40 or household lubricants that can leach into the plastic. If you are building a collection of vintage hair accessories, you may find the P292 Brie Barrette details complement the snake clip's dark elegance – its soft rounded shape contrasts nicely with the serpent’s angular curves.

Where the Design Thrives

The snake barrette is at its best when worn in a way that allows its shape to be read clearly. A half-up twist that gathers hair at the crown and leaves the rest loose gives the serpent room to coil along the top of the head. Alternatively, using it to secure a side-swept French twist creates a line that draws the eye upward along the snake’s body. Because the clip is relatively long (typically 8–10 cm), it works best on medium to thick hair; those with finer hair should use a small amount of dry texturising spray at the roots before clipping to prevent slipping.

When securing the barrette, ensure the spring hinge clicks firmly into the widest section of your gathered hair to prevent slipping. The snake's tail should rest against the scalp while the head curves outward, a configuration that makes the most of its sculptural form.