The Six-Wave Comb: A 1950s British Hair Accessory Worth Collecting

In the spring of 1955, the British accessories house of W. & J. Ryle released a hair comb that would become a quiet icon among vintage collectors: the six-wave comb, available in exactly six colours – tortoiseshell, jet black, ivory, burgundy, sapphire blue, and emerald green.

Unlike the more flamboyant star clips or daisy berets of the same era, this comb was a study in restrained elegance. Its defining feature – six perfectly parallel waves carved along the top edge – gave it a gentle, rhythmic movement that echoed the soft curls and rolls popularised by post-war hairdressing. The comb was not merely functional; it was a sculptural statement, designed to hold a chignon or a French twist in place while adding a touch of art deco geometry to the silhouette.

The Wave Silhouette

The six-wave motif was a deliberate departure from the rigid, straight-topped combs of the 1940s. Each wave was hand-shaped from a single sheet of thermoplastic, using a heated mould that pressed the undulating form into the material. The result was a comb that felt almost organic in the hand – the peaks and troughs caught the light differently as the wearer moved, creating a subtle shimmer.

British women of the mid-1950s valued this effect for evening occasions, where candlelight played across the comb's surface. The wave pattern also served a practical purpose: the curves gripped the hair more securely than a flat edge, reducing the need for additional pins. For those with fine or slippery hair, the six-wave comb held where straight combs failed.

Six Colours, Six Stories

The six colours were not arbitrary. They reflected the palette of the British high street in the 1950s, where tortoiseshell and jet black dominated daytime accessories, while burgundy and emerald green were reserved for evening wear. Ivory and sapphire blue offered a lighter, more playful alternative for spring and summer. Each colour had its own personality:

• Tortoiseshell – a warm, mottled amber that aged beautifully, developing deeper patina over decades. It was the most versatile, blending with brown, honey, and auburn hair.
• Jet black – a glossy, opaque finish that contrasted sharply with blonde or grey hair, favoured by women who wanted a dramatic, polished look.
• Ivory – a creamy off-white that mimicked the look of carved bone or ivory (though made from cellulose acetate). It was popular for bridal wear and summer garden parties.
• Burgundy – a deep wine red that read as both sophisticated and daring. It was often paired with velvet dresses and pearl earrings.
• Sapphire blue – a rich, jewel-toned blue that complemented navy and grey suits. It was a favourite among professional women in the City.
• Emerald green – a vivid, almost iridescent green that caught the light. It was the rarest of the six, and today commands the highest prices among collectors.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Most six-wave combs were made from cellulose acetate, a semi-synthetic plastic that became the material of choice for British hair accessories in the 1950s. Unlike the earlier celluloid, acetate was less flammable and more stable over time, though it still required careful handling.

The manufacturing process began with a sheet of acetate in the desired colour, which was then heated and pressed into a mould bearing the six-wave pattern. After cooling, the comb was trimmed, polished by hand, and inspected for any blemishes. Skilled artisans often added a subtle bevel to the edges, so the comb sat comfortably against the scalp without digging in. The teeth were cut with precision – not too fine, not too wide – to hold medium to thick hair without snagging. A well-made six-wave comb from the 1950s still holds its shape and grip today, which is more than can be said for many modern plastic accessories.

Pairing with Today's Wardrobe

The six-wave comb is surprisingly adaptable to modern dressing. Its clean lines and modest size (typically 7–8 cm wide) make it an ideal accent for a low bun or a side-swept half-up style.

For a daytime look, choose the tortoiseshell or ivory comb and pair it with a crisp white blouse and well-cut trousers – the comb adds a touch of vintage polish without feeling costume-like. For evening, the burgundy or emerald green comb works beautifully with a silk slip dress or a velvet blazer. The comb can also be worn as a decorative piece even when not holding hair: tuck it into a messy topknot as a purely ornamental detail. If you own a Velvet Twist Headband, try layering the comb behind it – the soft velvet against the hard, glossy acetate creates a textural contrast that photographs surprisingly well and adds depth to an otherwise simple updo.

Caring for Your Vintage Wave Comb

Because cellulose acetate is sensitive to heat, humidity, and prolonged sunlight, proper care is essential to preserve both the colour and the structure of the comb. Never leave a six-wave comb in a hot car or near a radiator – the plastic can warp, and the waves may lose their crisp definition.

Clean the comb gently with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove hair oils and product residue. If the comb becomes sticky or cloudy, wipe it with a cotton ball dampened with a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% or less) and dry immediately. Avoid soaking the comb, as water can seep into the material and cause cloudiness over time.

Store the comb flat in a fabric-lined box or drawer, away from direct light. If you have multiple vintage combs, separate them with acid-free tissue paper to prevent colours from migrating onto one another. A comb stored this way can keep its original depth of colour for decades – the tortoiseshell, in particular, only gets richer with age.