Vintage Snowflake Hair Accessories: A Collector’s Guide to British Craftsmanship

In the winter of 1936, Liberty & Co. in London offered a silver hair comb shaped like a six-point snowflake, its arms set with tiny paste stones that caught the light like frost on a windowpane. That comb, now a rare find at antique fairs, represents a lasting fascination with snowflake motifs in British hair accessories—a theme that resurfaces every few decades, from Art Deco geometrics to 1950s plastic novelties and even the frosted lucite clips of the 1980s. For collectors, understanding the craftsmanship and context of these pieces turns a seasonal whim into a serious study.

The Snowflake as a Design Motif in British Hair Accessories

Snowflakes entered the jewellery and accessory lexicon in earnest during the 1920s and 1930s, when Art Deco designers embraced crystalline, angular forms. The natural six-point symmetry of a snowflake lent itself perfectly to the geometric patterns popular at the time—sharp lines, stepped edges, and repeating radial symmetry. British manufacturers such as Adie & Lovekin and S. Blanckensee & Sons produced hair combs and barrettes in silver and celluloid that mimicked these icy shapes. Unlike the overtly festive holly or mistletoe, the snowflake was subtle enough to wear beyond Christmas, often in cream, silver, or pale blue.

By the 1950s, the snowflake motif had softened. Plastics like bakelite and later polystyrene allowed for mass production of colourful barrettes and hair clips. A favourite from that era is the flat, die-stamped plastic barrette with a snowflake pattern in pastel pink or mint green—often made in Britain and sold at department stores like John Lewis or Woolworth's. These pieces are light, durable, and surprisingly wearable today. The 1980s saw a revival of the snowflake in lucite hair claws, sometimes with glitter embedded, reflecting the decade's love for shiny, oversized accessories.

Materials and Techniques: What to Look For

Authentic vintage snowflake accessories fall into three broad material categories, each with its own care requirements.

• Silver and silver plate: Most pre-1940 snowflake combs are sterling silver or silver plate, often with a maker's mark on the back. Look for hallmarks that include a lion passant (sterling) or an anchor (Birmingham assay office). The snowflake pattern was usually die-struck or hand-sawn from sheet metal, then polished. Some pieces have rhodium plating to prevent tarnish, but many have developed a warm patina that collectors prize.
• Celluloid and early plastics: From the 1920s to the 1950s, celluloid was a popular substitute for ivory and tortoiseshell. Snowflake hair accessories in celluloid are lightweight and can be translucent or opaque. They require careful storage away from heat and direct sunlight, as celluloid is flammable and can degrade over time. A faint camphor smell is a sign of early deterioration—avoid those pieces.
• Bakelite and later plastics: Bakelite snowflake barrettes from the 1930s and 1940s are dense, often in dark colours like black or deep red, with a snowflake pattern carved or moulded into the surface. After the war, polystyrene and acrylic barrettes became common. These are less fragile than celluloid but can scratch easily. Look for the characteristic 'snowflake' shape—a six-point star with intricate cut-outs or painted details.

Rhinestones and paste stones were frequently added to silver and plastic snowflakes. The quality of the stone setting is a good indicator of age: pre-1950 pieces usually have foil-backed stones set in closed-back mounts, while later pieces use open-back settings. A vintage snowflake comb with all its original stones intact is far more valuable than a restored one.

Iconic Silhouettes of the 20th Century

Three snowflake silhouettes dominate the vintage market:

1. The long comb: Usually 3–4 inches wide, with a curved top edge shaped like a snowflake. These combs were designed to be worn at the back of the head, often with a bun or chignon. The teeth are typically metal (for silver combs) or plastic (for bakelite). A well-made long comb should have smooth, evenly spaced teeth that do not snag hair.
2. The snap barrette: A flat, hinged barrette with a snowflake pattern embossed or painted on the top. Most common from the 1950s, these barrettes are about 2–3 inches long and snap shut over a section of hair. They are ideal for side-swept styles or half-up looks.
3. The hair claw: Popular in the 1980s, these large, curved claws often feature a snowflake cut-out or a glittery snowflake decal. They are made of lucite or acrylic and can be quite large—up to 4 inches across. While not as refined as earlier pieces, they are fun and easy to find in charity shops and vintage markets.

Finding Authentic Vintage Snowflakes

When hunting for vintage snowflake hair accessories in Britain, focus on condition and provenance. Start by checking the back or underside for maker's marks. British manufacturers often stamped their pieces with a company name or a patent number. A mark like 'Made in England' is a good sign of domestic production, especially on 1950s plastic items. Avoid pieces with heavy corrosion (for silver) or deep cracks (for plastics). A slight patina on silver is acceptable; active tarnish that flakes off is not.

For silver snowflake combs, examine the teeth. Missing or bent teeth can sometimes be repaired by a jeweller, but the cost may outweigh the value. Plastic barrettes from the 1950s often have metal springs that can rust—open and close the barrette a few times to test the mechanism. If it sticks or feels loose, the spring may need replacement.

Snowflake accessories pair beautifully with other vintage hair pieces. For example, a silver snowflake comb works well alongside a classic black bow such as The Kelly Bow Black: History, Craft, and Care for a Vintage British Classic, creating a contrast between geometric precision and soft fabric. Similarly, a pink plastic snowflake barrette can be a playful counterpoint to a silk bow like The Imogen Silky Bow Barrette in Pink: A Vintage Hair Accessory Worth Knowing, especially for a winter party look.

Styling Snowflake Accessories Today

Integrating a vintage snowflake piece into a modern wardrobe is simpler than it sounds. The key is to treat it as a statement accent rather than a full costume. A silver snowflake comb worn at the nape of the neck adds a subtle Art Deco touch to a plain cashmere jumper and tailored trousers. For a more casual look, a 1950s plastic snowflake barrette clipped into a low side ponytail works with a denim jacket and a roll-neck sweater.

Colour matters: silver and white snowflakes are neutral enough to pair with any outfit. Pastel pink or blue barrettes from the 1950s look especially charming with earthy tones like olive, rust, or camel. Avoid mixing too many vintage accessories at once—let the snowflake be the focal point. A single snowflake comb or barrette is more effective than a cluster of competing motifs.

Caring for Your Vintage Snowflakes

Proper care extends the life of these delicate pieces. For silver snowflake combs, polish only with a dedicated silver cloth—never use liquid polish near the stones, as it can loosen them. Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches or with a small silica gel packet. Plastic barrettes should be kept away from heat sources and direct sunlight; a cool, dark drawer is ideal. If a plastic barrette becomes cloudy, a gentle wipe with a damp microfiber cloth may restore clarity—but test on an inconspicuous area first.

For rhinestone pieces, avoid submerging them in water. Instead, use a soft brush to dust between stones. If a stone falls out, keep it safe and consult a jeweller who specialises in vintage repairs. Never glue a stone back yourself unless you are experienced—improper glue can damage the setting permanently.

Next time you visit a vintage fair, look for the telltale six-point symmetry and a maker's mark like 'Made in England'—these details separate a true vintage snowflake from a modern reproduction. The snowflake hair accessory is a small but rewarding niche in British vintage fashion, one that rewards patience and a keen eye for craftsmanship.