The Reena Tortoiseshell Hair Clip: History, Identification, and Styling Tips

When you run your thumb over the smooth, warm surface of a genuine Reena tortoiseshell hair clip, you feel the faint ridges of a pressed pattern that no modern machine quite replicates. The amber tones shift from honey to chestnut, and the metal hinge – usually a slim brass pin – clicks with a satisfying precision that tells you this was made in an era when a hair clip was expected to last a lifetime. The Reena company, based in the West Midlands, produced these clips from the late 1940s through the 1960s, and their tortoiseshell pieces remain some of the most sought-after finds in British vintage fairs.

Who Were Reena? A Brief History

Reena was a small manufacturer of hair accessories that operated from a factory in Birmingham, specialising in imitation tortoiseshell made from cellulose acetate and, in later years, casein resin. Unlike many competitors who mass-produced identical combs, Reena employed skilled craftspeople who hand-finished each clip, buffing the edges to a soft lustre and inspecting every hinge. The company’s catalogues from the 1950s show a range of clips, barrettes, and combs, but the tortoiseshell line was their most distinctive. The name “Reena” itself appears on a tiny metal tag or is stamped into the back of the clip – a mark that collectors now rely on for authentication.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Real tortoiseshell (from the hawksbill sea turtle) was banned in the UK in the 1930s, but the fashion for its warm, mottled look never faded. Reena turned to high-quality cellulose acetate, which they layered and swirled to mimic the natural shell. The result was a material that could be heated and moulded into delicate shapes, yet remained strong enough for daily wear. The best Reena clips show a three-dimensional depth: light catches the lighter streaks while the darker brown areas seem to glow. Skilled eyes can spot the difference between a cheap plastic imitation and a Reena piece by the way the pattern flows organically, never repeating in a mechanical way.

The clip mechanism itself is a study in thoughtful engineering. A spring-loaded hinge, often plated in brass or nickel, allows the clip to open wide enough to hold a thick section of hair without pinching. The teeth are rounded and polished – Reena understood that a clip that snags on hair is a clip nobody will wear. Many vintage clips have survived with the original spring still intact, a testament to the quality of the metalwork.

Identifying Authentic Reena Pieces

Because Reena was not a giant like DeMert or Goody, and because many of their clips were sold through independent department stores, the brand is not universally known. This makes authentication both tricky and rewarding. Here are the key markers:

• Markings: Look for a small raised “Reena” or “REENA” on the inside of the clip, often near the hinge. Some pieces have a tiny metal tag that reads “Reena – Made in England”.
• Colour palette: Authentic Reena tortoiseshell ranges from light amber with fine gold streaks to a deep, almost mahogany brown with black undertones. The colours are translucent – hold the clip up to a window and you should see light filtering through the thinner parts.
• Weight: Cellulose acetate is heavier than modern acrylic. A Reena clip feels substantial in the hand, not flimsy.
• Hinge design: The hinge is usually a simple brass pin, not a coiled spring. The clip opens and closes with a gentle, even resistance.

Styling the Reena Clip Today

The beauty of a tortoiseshell accessory is its neutrality. It works with blonde, brown, grey, and black hair, and it does not fight with other warm tones in your outfit. For a modern look, try these combinations:

• Half-up, half-down: Use the Reena clip to secure a section of hair at the crown. The tortoiseshell adds a soft, vintage accent without looking costume-like.
• Low bun: Twist your hair into a loose bun and slide the clip vertically from the top to hold it in place. The amber tones complement tweed jackets and cream blouses.
• Side sweep: If you have shoulder-length hair, sweep it to one side and clip at the temple. Pair with a silk scarf or a simple gold earring.

For those who love a head-to-toe vintage ensemble, the Reena clip pairs beautifully with a Empire Waist Maxi Dress: Vintage Styles and Hair Accessories Guide – the soft, natural tones of the clip echo the understated elegance of that era’s silhouette.

Care and Conservation

Cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat and moisture. Do not leave your Reena clip in direct sunlight or near a radiator; the material can warp or become brittle. To clean, gently wipe with a dry, soft cloth. If the clip has dulled, a tiny drop of mineral oil on a cotton bud can restore some of the original lustre – but test on an inconspicuous spot first. Store the clip in a fabric-lined box or pouch, away from other metal accessories that might scratch the surface.

If the hinge becomes stiff, do not force it. A tiny amount of sewing machine oil on the pivot point, applied with a toothpick, can work wonders. Patience is key: the same gentle care that kept these clips alive for seventy years will keep them going for another generation.

A Collector’s Note on Rarity

Reena produced several sizes of tortoiseshell clip, from small “barrette” styles (about 5 cm) to large “French” clips (up to 10 cm). The most prized among collectors is the Reena No. 7, a large clip with a pronounced wave pattern that resembles the actual shell of a hawksbill turtle. These are scarce – you might find one every two or three years at a vintage fair – and they command prices upward of £50 in good condition. The smaller clips, especially those with a simple smooth finish, are more common and can be found for £10–£20, making them an excellent entry point for new collectors.

When you find a Reena clip, look at the hinge area for any signs of repair. Original clips with intact springs are worth more, but a cleanly repaired hinge does not destroy the clip’s value – it simply shows that someone loved it enough to fix it.

Next time you’re at a vintage fair, run your thumb over a Reena clip before you buy it. If the pattern has that organic flow and the hinge clicks clean, you’re holding a piece that’s outlasted every trend since the 1950s. That’s not just a hair clip—it’s a quiet argument against throwing things away.