Products Finola Colours: A Collector’s Guide to a British Hair Accessory Palette
When you begin collecting vintage British hair accessories, you quickly notice that certain names appear again and again in catalogues and on auction listings. One of those recurring names is Finola. The Finola range of hair clips and combs, produced primarily in the 1970s and early 1980s, is known for its distinctive colour palette — earthy, muted, and surprisingly versatile. If you have ever held a Finola clip in your hand, you will recognise the soft, almost matte finish of the resin and the way the colour seems to shift slightly in different light. This article is a practical guide to understanding the Finola colour system, what makes it unique, and how to identify authentic pieces when you are hunting through charity shops or online marketplaces.
The Origins of the Finola Colour Range
Finola was not a single company but a brand name used by several British manufacturers during the post-war boom in plastic hair accessories. The name appears most frequently on resin hair claws and mid-size combs, often stamped with a small ‘Finola’ mark on the reverse. What sets Finola apart from its competitors is the deliberate, restrained colour selection. While other brands chased bright primary colours and glitter finishes, Finola focused on what we might now call ‘natural tones’ — colours that mimicked tortoiseshell, horn, wood, and stone.
The core Finola palette includes about twelve standard colours, each assigned a number. These numbers are occasionally stamped on the clip itself, but more often you will find them on the original card packaging. Collectors refer to them by their numbers — Finola 3, Finola 7, and so on — because the colour names were rarely printed. The most common shades are a warm amber (often called ‘honey tortoise’), a cool grey-brown (‘smoke’), a deep olive green (‘moss’), and a rich burgundy (‘wine’). Lighter shades include a creamy ivory and a pale blush pink that has faded on many surviving examples to a near-white.
One of the reasons the Finola colour range remains so collectable today is that it aligns perfectly with the current trend for understated, natural-looking accessories. A Finola clip in ‘moss’ or ‘slate’ can be worn with a modern minimalist outfit without looking costume-like. The colours are sophisticated enough to blend in, yet distinctive enough to be recognised by those in the know.
How to Identify Authentic Finola Colours
Because Finola is a desirable vintage brand, reproductions and fakes do exist. The most reliable way to verify an authentic Finola piece is to examine the colour closely. Genuine Finola resin has a particular depth — it is never completely opaque. Hold the clip up to a strong light, and you should see a subtle translucency, especially along the thinner edges. The colour is consistent throughout the material, not just painted on the surface.
Another telltale sign is the way the colour ages. Finola resin was formulated to resist yellowing, but over decades it can shift slightly. A honey tortoise clip from the 1970s may have darkened to a richer amber, while a smoke clip might have taken on a faint greenish cast. These natural changes are part of the charm and do not reduce the value. In fact, many collectors prefer pieces that show a gentle patina because it confirms the age and authenticity.
If you are buying online, ask the seller for a photograph of the clip against a white background in natural daylight. This will reveal the true colour far better than a studio shot with flash. Finola colours are subtle, and flash photography can wash them out or make them look brighter than they are.
The Most Sought-After Finola Colours
Not all Finola colours are equally common. Some shades were produced in smaller quantities and are now highly prized. Here is a quick reference to the most collectable Finola colours currently on the market:
| Colour Name | Finola Number | Rarity | Typical Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Tortoise | 3 | Common | Warm amber with darker streaks |
| Smoke | 7 | Moderate | Cool grey-brown, sometimes with green undertone |
| Moss | 11 | Rare | Deep olive green, almost khaki |
| Wine | 5 | Rare | Rich burgundy, often with lighter marbling |
| Ivory | 1 | Moderate | Creamy off-white, can yellow slightly |
| Blush | 2 | Rare | Pale pink, often faded to near-white |
The moss and wine colours are particularly hard to find in good condition. When you encounter them at a fair or in an online listing, they tend to command higher prices. That said, even the common honey tortoise is a beautiful, wearable shade that forms the backbone of any Finola collection.
For a deeper look at how colour numbering systems work in vintage British hair accessories, you might enjoy reading about the Buttercups Midi Colors 11, which uses a similar but distinct numbering approach from the same era.
Caring for Finola Resin to Preserve the Colour
The resin used in Finola clips is durable, but it does require some care to keep the colour looking its best. The main enemies are heat, direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals. Never leave a Finola clip on a windowsill or inside a car on a sunny day — the resin can warp, and the colour may fade unevenly. Similarly, avoid contact with hairspray, perfume, or strong cleaning products. If you need to clean a Finola clip, use a soft, damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap, and dry it immediately.
Storage matters too. Keep your Finola pieces in a fabric-lined box or a drawer away from other accessories that might scratch the surface. The resin is not as hard as modern acrylic, and it can develop fine scratches over time if jostled against metal clips or rough beads. A little care will keep that beautiful, muted colour intact for decades.
If you are interested in seeing how the Finola colour palette compares to other vintage resin accessories, the Catarina Collection: Five Colours That Define a Vintage Icon offers another excellent example of deliberate, numbered colour systems from British manufacturers.
Where to Find Finola Clips Today
Finola clips appear regularly on eBay and at vintage fairs across the UK. Because the brand is not as widely known as some others (like Clemie or Butterfly), you can sometimes find them at reasonable prices. The key is to search using the brand name and colour descriptors together: ‘Finola hair clip tortoise’, ‘Finola resin claw moss’, or ‘vintage Finola comb wine’. If you are patient, you can build a complete set of the core colours over a few months.
Charity shops in affluent areas are also worth visiting. Finola was a mid-range brand, not a luxury one, so many women owned at least one clip. They were practical, everyday accessories, which means they were also frequently donated. Look in the jewellery cases or ask a volunteer if they have any vintage hair clips in the back. You might be surprised by what turns up for a pound or two.
One final tip: when you receive a Finola clip, check the colour number on the back if it is legible. Some collectors keep a log of which numbers they own, and it can be satisfying to complete a full set. Even if the number is worn away, the colour itself tells a story — of the woman who wore it, the decade it was made, and the quiet craftsmanship of a British manufacturer that valued subtlety over flash.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore vintage hair accessories, the Finola colour palette offers a rewarding area to focus on. The colours are beautiful, the pieces are wearable, and the hunt for that missing shade is genuinely enjoyable. Start with a single honey tortoise clip, and see where the search takes you.