The Asta Flower Hair Clip: A Collector’s Guide to Colours, Care, and Styling
Among the most sought-after vintage hair accessories in the UK, the Asta flower hair clip stands out for its delicate enamel petals and distinctive colour palette. While collectors often refer to the clips by their colour codes—'Color 1' being the iconic Blush Coral—the range of hues tells a story of mid-century British craftsmanship that rewards close attention.
What Is the Asta Flower Hair Clip?
The Asta clip emerged from small workshops in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter during the early 1950s. Typically measuring about 4 cm across, it features a five-petal flower form stamped from brass, with each petal hand-painted in vitreous enamel. The clip mechanism is a simple spring-loaded barrette that grips hair firmly without tugging. What distinguishes the Asta from other floral clips of the era is the precision of its enamel application—the colours are never muddy, and the edges of each petal remain crisp even after decades.
The Colour Palette: From Blush Coral to Midnight Blue
Asta clips were produced in a limited but thoughtfully chosen range of colours. Each shade was assigned a number by the manufacturer, and collectors today still use these codes to identify variants. Below is a summary of the most commonly encountered colours, though rare transitional shades occasionally surface at vintage fairs.
| Colour Code | Name | Era | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blush Coral | 1952–1956 | Common |
| 2 | Mint Leaf | 1953–1958 | Uncommon |
| 3 | Buttercup Yellow | 1955–1960 | Common |
| 4 | Lavender Mist | 1956–1962 | Rare |
| 5 | Midnight Blue | 1958–1963 | Uncommon |
| 6 | Rose Quartz | 1960–1965 | Rare |
Colour 1, Blush Coral, was the first shade released and remained in production the longest. Its soft pink with warm undertones complements everything from tweed jackets to linen blouses. The enamel on early Colour 1 clips often shows a slight translucency that later batches lack—a detail that serious collectors look for.
How to Identify Authentic Asta Colours
Because the Asta clip is relatively well known, reproductions exist. Genuine clips carry a tiny stamped mark on the underside of the barrette—usually “ASTA” in block capitals, sometimes accompanied by a number. The enamel on authentic pieces has a vitreous, glass-like feel; if you gently tap the petal with a fingernail, it produces a clear ring rather than a dull thud. Faded or chalky enamel may indicate prolonged sun exposure, but a light patina around the metal edges is normal and actually desirable among collectors. For those new to collecting, our beginner’s guide to vintage British hair accessories offers a solid foundation in identifying hallmarks and construction methods.
Styling Your Asta Flower Hair Clip with a Modern Wardrobe
The Asta clip’s modest size and clean silhouette make it surprisingly versatile. A single Blush Coral clip can anchor a low chignon for a day at the office, while two Buttercup Yellow clips worn side by side add a cheerful note to a simple white shirt. The clip also sits beautifully against the soft wool of a classic beret—a combination we detailed in our guide to vintage berets. For summer, try pairing a Mint Leaf clip with a linen midi dress or a cotton scarf tied as a headband. The enamel catches the light gently, never overwhelming an outfit.
Caring for Enamel and Metal Finishes
To keep an Asta clip in good condition, follow these simple practices:
- Keep it dry. Enamel can craze if exposed to frequent moisture. Remove the clip before washing your face or hair, and never store it in a damp bathroom.
- Store separately. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewellery box prevents scratches from other metal pieces. Avoid tossing it loose into a handbag.
- Clean gently. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away dust. For stubborn residue, a barely damp cotton bud with a drop of mild soap can be used on the metal only—never on the enamel itself.
- Check the spring. Over time the barrette mechanism may loosen. A jeweller can tighten it without damaging the enamel, but avoid bending the clip yourself.
When you find an Asta clip in its original Colour 1 finish, the enamel often retains a subtle lustre that modern reproductions cannot replicate. It is that quiet, authentic glow—the result of hand-applied enamelling and decades of careful storage—that makes the Asta flower clip a true treasure for the discerning collector.