Buttercups Midi Colors 3 Set: A Vintage Hair Accessory Guide
The Buttercups Midi Colors 3 set first appeared in the late 1950s, produced by a now-defunct Birmingham manufacturer known for experimenting with early cellulose acetate. This compact trio of mid-sized clips was designed for everyday elegance: small enough to pin a side sweep or anchor a chignon, yet bold in their colour-block simplicity. Each clip measures roughly 5 cm across, with a gently curved spring mechanism that still holds firmly after decades.
The Three Colours: A Study in Deliberate Contrast
The “3” in the name refers to the three colourways that were always sold together as a matched set: Buttercup Yellow, Coral Pink, and Soft Mint. Unlike later multi-colour packs that mixed pastels arbitrarily, this trio was chosen to complement one another while remaining distinct enough to be worn alone or combined. The yellow is a warm, sun-bleached buttercup — not the neon of later decades, but a mellow, slightly opaque shade that mimics the natural petal. Coral Pink leans toward salmon, with a subtle translucency that catches light. Soft Mint is the coolest of the three, a pale green with a hint of grey, reminiscent of vintage enamelware.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Each clip in the Buttercups Midi Colors 3 set was stamped from a single sheet of cellulose acetate, then hand-polished to a soft sheen. The metal spring mechanism is nickel-plated steel, often showing a warm patina after years of use. Collectors prize the early runs (1957–1962) for their thicker acetate and more rounded edges; later batches from the 1970s used a thinner material and sharper cut. To identify an original set, look for the small “B” stamp inside the spring housing — a mark that faded after the factory closed in 1964. The colours themselves were achieved by layering dyes into the acetate before cutting, which means they do not chip or peel like painted clips.
Styling the Trio with a Modern Wardrobe
These clips are remarkably versatile. Their midi size — larger than a bobby pin but smaller than a claw clip — makes them ideal for half-up styles, securing a silk scarf at the nape, or pinning back a curtain of fringe. The coral pink clip pairs beautifully with a cream linen blouse or a navy trench coat, while the mint offers a quiet counterpoint to earthy autumnal tones. For a more deliberate vintage look, combine all three in a horizontal row along the crown — a styling trick seen in 1961 issues of Vogue and revived by modern British influencers who appreciate the asymmetry.
If you are layering accessories, consider pairing the Buttercups Midi Colors 3 set with a single statement piece, such as the Arizona Bow Barrette: A Desert Icon in British Vintage Hair Fashion. The barrette’s structured silhouette contrasts nicely with the soft curves of the midi clips, creating a balanced, cohesive look.
Care and Preservation
Cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat and humidity. Never store the clips in direct sunlight or near a radiator, as the colours can fade unevenly — especially the coral pink, which is the most fugitive of the three. Clean them with a soft, dry cloth; if you must remove residue, use a cotton swab dampened with distilled water, never alcohol or acetone. The spring mechanism may stiffen over time; a tiny drop of mineral oil on the hinge (applied with a toothpick) restores smooth action without damaging the acetate. For long-term storage, wrap each clip individually in acid-free tissue paper and keep them in a wooden box away from plastic containers that might off-gas.
Collecting the Set Today
Complete Buttercups Midi Colors 3 sets in good condition are increasingly rare. Expect to pay between £25 and £45 for a set with all three clips, original box preferred but not essential. The most common flaw is a cracked acetate edge on the yellow clip — the colour was slightly more brittle than the others. If you find a set where the mint clip has a faint greenish bloom (a sign of early cellulose degradation), it can often be stabilised by keeping it in a low-humidity environment. Avoid sets that show heavy scratching or metal corrosion, as these cannot be reversed.
For those new to collecting, a thoughtful way to start is by exploring carefully chosen selections from reputable dealers. A Why a Vintage Hair Accessories Gift Card Is More Thoughtful Than It Sounds can be a lovely way to let a fellow enthusiast choose their own trio — or to treat yourself to a set that catches your eye.
If you find a set with the original box, store each clip individually in acid-free tissue paper inside a wooden box. The coral pink is the most fugitive colour, so keep it away from direct sunlight. For the spring mechanism, a tiny drop of mineral oil on the hinge every few years keeps it working smoothly. With proper care, these clips can last another sixty years.