The Quiet Charm of Vintage Naomi Hair Clips

When the first Naomi hair clips appeared in British department stores in the mid-1950s, they were sold as 'everyday luxury' – a small indulgence that bridged the gap between the austerity of the post-war years and the cheerful optimism of the new decade. The name 'Naomi' itself, with its gentle biblical resonance, was chosen by the manufacturer to evoke a sense of quiet elegance. What made these accessories stand out was not just their delicate hand-painted floral motifs, but the way they were cut from single sheets of tinted resin, allowing the light to catch each petal and leaf from a different angle. Even today, finding a well-preserved Naomi clip in a charity shop or at a flea market feels like uncovering a tiny, secret garden.

The Materials and Techniques Behind the Naomi Line

Naomi accessories were produced primarily from a type of cellulose acetate that was popular in Britain during the 1950s. Unlike the heavier bakelite of the 1930s, this material was lighter, warmer to the touch, and could be moulded into thinner, more organic shapes. The manufacturing process began with a sheet of tinted resin – often in soft shades of tortoiseshell, pearl white, or a very pale rose – onto which skilled artisans painted tiny floral patterns by hand. Each clip was then shaped and polished, with the edges carefully bevelled to catch the light. The most sought-after pieces today are those that feature a mother-of-pearl inlay in the centre of the flower, a technique that required the artisan to carve a small recess, insert a sliver of real shell, and then seal it with a clear lacquer. This labour-intensive detail is a hallmark of the earlier Naomi pieces, produced before the company moved to cheaper, all-painted designs in the early 1960s.

Collectors should also be aware of the snap-fastener mechanism used on most Naomi barrettes. Unlike the spring-loaded metal clips that became common later, the Naomi clips used a simple, flat spring that pressed the upper and lower jaws together with a satisfying 'snap'. This mechanism is less likely to damage fine hair, but it does require careful handling – if the spring loses tension, the clip may not hold securely. A gentle squeeze with needle-nose pliers can often restore the grip, but it is a delicate job best left to someone experienced with vintage accessories.

Identifying Authentic Naomi Pieces

Because the Naomi name was never trademarked outside the UK, there are many later imitations, especially from the 1970s and 1980s, that use similar floral motifs. Genuine products from the 1950s Naomi range share a few distinct characteristics:

• Maker's mark: Look for a tiny embossed 'Naomi' on the inside of the clip, usually near the hinge. The letters are often faint, so use a magnifying glass and good light.
• Colour consistency: The resin base colour is uniform throughout the entire piece – not just a surface coating. If you see chipped paint revealing a different colour underneath, it is likely a later imitation.
• Weight: Genuine 1950s cellulose acetate is noticeably heavier than the plastics used in the 1970s. A Naomi clip should feel solid and cool to the touch.
• Floral detail: The hand-painted flowers were done with a very fine brush, and the petals have a subtle variation in colour intensity. Mass-produced prints look flat and uniform by comparison.

One of the most charming collector's pieces is the 'Cherry Naomi' – a clip that features a single, perfectly formed cherry branch with two leaves. The red of the cherry is a deep, translucent crimson, achieved by mixing a tiny amount of carmine pigment into the clear resin. These clips are particularly rare because the red pigment was prone to fading in direct sunlight, so surviving examples in good condition command a premium at auction.

Styling Vintage Naomi Accessories with a Modern Wardrobe

The quiet sophistication of a Naomi clip makes it a natural companion to the kind of considered, capsule wardrobe that many British women are embracing today. A single clip worn low at the nape of the neck can anchor a simple silk scarf or add a touch of colour to a plain roll-neck jumper. For a more layered look, two Naomi clips in complementary colours – say, a pale rose and a tortoiseshell – can be used to pin back the sides of a half-up style, leaving the rest of the hair loose. The key is to let the accessory be the focal point, so keep the rest of your outfit simple: a crisp white shirt, a well-cut pair of trousers, and perhaps a blazer from a trusted pattern, like the Number 1 Wool Blazer Copy, which shares the same mid-century precision.

Because the Naomi clips are made from a natural resin, they are sensitive to heat and moisture. Avoid wearing them in heavy rain or near a hair dryer, and never leave them in a hot car. After each use, wipe the clip gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove any hair oils or product residue. Store them lying flat in a lined box, away from direct sunlight, and avoid stacking them on top of each other, as the painted surfaces can scratch.

Where to Find Naomi Products Today

True Naomi collectors in Britain tend to source their pieces from three main places: local antiques fairs, vintage jewellery and accessory dealers who specialise in the 1950s, and online marketplaces where you can set up search alerts for the keywords 'Naomi hair clip' and 'vintage resin floral'. Because the range was produced for a relatively short period – roughly 1954 to 1962 – the supply is finite, but they are still reasonably affordable compared to other designer hair accessories of the same era. Expect to pay anywhere from £15 for a common single-flower clip in good condition, to £80 or more for a rare 'Cherry Naomi' or a piece with a mother-of-pearl inlay.

When buying online, always ask the seller for a clear photo of the maker's mark and a shot of the clip in profile, so you can see the thickness of the resin. Also inquire about the condition of the spring mechanism – a loose clip is not a deal-breaker, but it is good to know before you commit. Many sellers are happy to provide a video of the clip opening and closing.

One final detail for the discerning collector: the earliest Naomi clips, from 1954, have a slightly different hinge design – a brass pin that runs through a small metal tube, rather than the later, fully enclosed spring. These early hinges are rarer and often more durable, but they require a bit more care when cleaning, as the brass can tarnish if exposed to moisture. A gentle polish with a dry jeweller's cloth is all that is needed to restore their warm glow.