Asta Flower Hair Clip Colours: From Tortoiseshell to Bright Red

Run your fingers over the enamel petals of an Asta Flower Hair Clip and you'll feel the colour isn't just a surface—it's a small piece of history. These British-made accessories, popular from the 1950s through the early 1970s, are prized for their delicate floral silhouette and the remarkable range of hues they were produced in. Collectors and casual finders alike prize them—understanding the colour palette changes how you wear, value, and preserve an Asta.

The Anatomy of the Asta Flower Hair Clip

Before diving into colours, it helps to recognise the clip's construction. The Asta typically features a spring-loaded metal barrette base, overlaid with a moulded flower shape in either celluloid or early plastic. The petals are often hand-painted or dipped in enamel, giving each piece a slightly different depth. A central faux pearl or faceted glass stone completes the look. The clip measures about 5–6 cm across — substantial enough to hold a section of hair, yet delicate enough to wear in a half-up style.

The “color 2” designation occasionally found on vintage packaging refers to a specific shade within a numbered series. In practice, Asta offered at least eight distinct colour families, each with its own charm and period associations.

The Classic Colour Palette

Tortoiseshell

The most common and versatile Asta colour is tortoiseshell. Using a mottled blend of amber, brown, and black, these clips mimic the natural shell material that was becoming scarce after World War II. Tortoiseshell Astas work beautifully with brunette and auburn hair, and they pair effortlessly with modern neutrals. Many collectors start with a tortoiseshell piece before branching out.

Black

Black enamel Asta clips are less common than tortoiseshell but equally practical. They were often produced for formal occasions or to complement dark evening wear. The black finish can be glossy or slightly matte; a well-preserved piece will show no chipping around the petal edges. Black Astas also make excellent contrast on blonde or grey hair.

Pastel Pink and Blue

These two shades are the heart of the Asta range. Pastel pink was the most popular colour for daywear in the late 1950s, often paired with a single pearl centre. Pastel blue, sometimes called “powder blue,” became a favourite in the early 1960s as part of the New Look's soft femininity. Both shades can fade if exposed to sunlight, so a clip with vibrant colour is a treasure.

Bright Red and Yellow

Rarer and more sought-after, bright red and yellow Astas were produced in smaller batches. Red enamel was used for Christmas and party seasons, while yellow reflected the optimism of the 1960s Mod scene. These colours are harder to find in good condition because the enamel was thinner and more prone to cracking. A pristine red or yellow Asta can command double the price of a pastel one.

Green and White

Green Astas range from soft mint to deep forest. The white ones are often off-white or cream, made to resemble ivory. Both were sold as “bridal” or “summer” options. White clips with intact pearl centres are particularly desirable for wedding vintage styling.

Two-Tone and “Color 2” Variants

The label “color 2” on an Asta package usually indicates a two-tone treatment — for example, a pink flower with a white centre, or a blue flower with gilded edges. These are not common. If you find an Asta marked “color 2” on the back of the metal barrette, it is likely a special edition from a department store like Harrods or Selfridges. The two-tone technique required an extra hand-painting step, which means the colour transitions are rarely perfect — a feature that adds to the charm.

How Colour Affects Value and Collectibility

Collectors rank Asta colours by rarity and condition. The most valuable are:

• Bright red and yellow — due to low production numbers and fragility.
• Two-tone “color 2” — because of the extra manufacturing effort.
• Pastel pink with intact pearl centre — demand is high among fashion historians.
• Black — sought after for evening wear.

Conversely, tortoiseshell and pastel blue are widely available and more affordable, making them ideal entry points for new collectors.

Styling Asta by Colour

One of the joys of the Asta clip is how easily it adapts to modern wardrobes. Here are practical pairings:

• Tortoiseshell — wear with camel coats, tweed jackets, or a simple white blouse. It anchors a messy bun without looking fussy.
• Pastel pink — perfect for spring midi dresses and floral prints. Clip it at the side of a low ponytail for a casual 1960s feel.
• Bright red — use as a statement piece against a black or navy dress. Let the clip be the only accessory.
• Blue — complements denim and chambray shirts. Try two clips in a row on a French braid.
• Green — works with olive, khaki, and rust tones. A single clip at the back of a crown braid adds a whisper of colour.
• White — ideal for minimalist outfits and bridal showers. Pair with a silk scarf for a classic 1950s silhouette.

Preserving the Colour of Your Asta Clip

Enamel and celluloid are sensitive to light, heat, and chemicals. To keep the colour bright:

• Avoid direct sunlight when storing — use a lined jewellery box or a fabric pouch.
• Never use nail polish remover or acetone on the enamel. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not wear the clip in the rain or during heavy exercise. Moisture can lift the enamel from the metal base.
• Store separately from other metal clips to prevent scratches. A small velvet pouch works wonders.

If you acquire a clip with a missing pearl or chipped enamel, consider consulting a restorer who specialises in vintage costume jewellery. Restoration is often worth it for rare colours.

Building a Collection Around Colour

Some collectors aim to acquire one Asta in every shade. Others focus on a single colour family, such as all pastels or all brights. The Annabel Hair Clip, another British vintage staple, shares a similar colour logic but with a different floral shape. Comparing the two can give you insight into mid-century design preferences.

For those who prefer to choose by era, remember that the Asta's colour directly reflects its decade. Soft pastels scream 1950s, while bright reds and yellows point to the 1960s. If you own a vintage Anika tortoiseshell clip, you'll notice the same amber tones used in the Asta, linking the two pieces through shared material sourcing.

Where to Find Asta Clips Today

Car boot sales, vintage fairs, and online marketplaces like Etsy are the main sources. Prices range from £8 for a common tortoiseshell clip to £40 for a rare two-tone in excellent condition. Always examine the colour in natural light before buying; flash photography can hide fading. If you are shopping online, ask the seller for a photo of the clip against a white background — that shows the true undertone.

Next time you spot an Asta in a dusty antiques shop, tilt it under a daylight bulb. The colour's true depth will tell you more than any label ever could.