Buttercups Midi Colors 6: A Collector’s Guide to Six Vintage Hair Barrettes

The Buttercups Midi Colors 6 set, produced in the late 1990s, is one of the most sought-after small collections from the British hair accessory brand. Unlike the larger Midi Colors 10 set, this six-piece series focuses on a restrained palette of celluloid barrettes, each measuring approximately 6 cm in length. The colours—buttercup yellow, ivory, coral, sage, lavender, and tortoiseshell—were chosen to complement the softer, pastel-dominated wardrobes of the era. For collectors, the set represents a transitional moment when Buttercups began moving from solid, single-colour designs toward more nuanced, layered tones.

What Makes the Midi Colors 6 Distinctive

Each barrette in the set is made from a single piece of celluloid, a material that Buttercups used extensively until the early 2000s. The ‘midi’ designation refers to the length: shorter than full-sized barrettes (which often exceed 8 cm) but longer than mini clips. This size makes them ideal for half-up styles, securing side sections, or adding a discreet accent to a low bun. The six colours were not chosen at random; they correspond to six natural or near-natural hues that were popular in late-1990s British fashion: buttercup yellow echoed the floral prints of Laura Ashley; coral mirrored the lipstick shades of the time; sage matched the olive tones in high-street knitwear; lavender appeared in everything from cardigans to scarves; ivory served as a neutral; and tortoiseshell provided a classic, grounding element.

What sets the Midi Colors 6 apart from later multi-colour sets is the finish. The celluloid was hand-polished after moulding, giving a subtle gloss that catches light without appearing plastic. Over time, the surface may develop a faint craquelure—a network of fine lines that is not a defect but a natural ageing process. Many collectors prize this patina as evidence of the barrette’s history.

Dating Your Buttercups Midi Colors 6 Set

Production dates can be narrowed down by examining the clasp mechanism. Early runs (1996–1998) use a spring-loaded metal clip with a small ‘Buttercups’ stamp on the interior. Later examples (1999–2001) feature a plastic hinge and a moulded logo on the back of the barrette. The six colours themselves offer clues: the coral and sage shades were discontinued by 2002, making them rarer than the yellow and ivory. If you find a set with original packaging—a cream-coloured cardboard box with a gold foil Buttercups logo—the value increases significantly. The box typically has a printed label reading ‘Midi Colors 6’ with a small illustration of a buttercup flower.

Styling the Six Colours with a Modern Wardrobe

The beauty of the Midi Colors 6 lies in its versatility. Each colour can be worn singly or combined for a curated, tonal look. Here are three ways to incorporate them into a contemporary outfit:

• Monochrome with a twist: Wear the buttercup yellow barrette with a cream linen dress and tan sandals. The yellow adds a single pop of warmth without overwhelming the outfit.
• Colour blocking: Pair the coral and lavender barrettes together on one side of a half-up style. This works especially well with a navy or charcoal top, as the bright accents stand out against a dark background.
• Unexpected neutrals: Use the sage barrette to secure a side braid when wearing an olive-green blazer. The tonal match feels intentional, while the barrette’s vintage shape introduces a subtle contrast in texture.

For readers who enjoy experimenting with silhouettes, the Arizona Bow Barrette in grey offers a different scale and shape that can complement the Midi Colors 6 when you want a more dramatic statement. The Buttercups set, by contrast, excels at understated elegance.

Care and Preservation of Celluloid Barrettes

Celluloid is a semi-synthetic material that requires gentle handling. Avoid exposing the barrettes to direct sunlight for extended periods, as ultraviolet light can cause the colours to fade unevenly. Store them in a cool, dry place—a fabric-lined jewellery box is ideal. Never use alcohol-based cleaners or abrasive cloths; a soft, dry cotton cloth is sufficient to remove dust. If a barrette becomes sticky or develops a vinegar-like smell, it may be undergoing decomposition (a known issue with early celluloid). Isolate it immediately from other accessories to prevent damage. Fortunately, the Buttercups Midi Colors 6 sets from the late 1990s are generally stable if stored properly.

Where to Find the Set Today

Complete sets in good condition appear occasionally on British online marketplaces and at vintage fairs in cities like Brighton, Bath, and Edinburgh. Prices vary widely: a set with all six barrettes and original box can fetch £80–£120, while individual barrettes sell for £10–£25 each. The coral and sage colours command the highest prices due to their shorter production run. When buying, check the clasp for rust and inspect the surface for cracks. A light scratch is acceptable; a deep gouge is not.

For those who prefer to curate their collection gradually, start with the buttercup yellow or ivory barrette—they are the most common and easiest to find. Once you have a feel for the material and size, you can hunt for the rarer shades. The Bertha Hair Comb, with its three iconic colourways, offers a parallel collecting experience focused on a different accessory type, but the principles of colour matching and material care remain the same.

One final practical note: if you plan to wear these barrettes frequently, rotate them to avoid putting constant pressure on the same spot of the celluloid. A small, designated stand can help you display all six colours at once, turning your collection into a decorative element on your dressing table. The Buttercups Midi Colors 6 is not just a set of hair accessories—it is a snapshot of late-1990s British design, one that still holds its charm two decades later.