Ziggy Colors 3: The Coveted Glam Rock Hair Accessories of the 1970s

In 1973, a small British accessories workshop in London’s Camden Town released the third run of its now-iconic 'Ziggy Colors' series. Named after the glitter-and-fantasy aesthetic of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona, this collection of hair combs, clips, and barrettes became an instant cult favourite among the glam rock crowd. Unlike the muted pastels of the previous decades, Ziggy Colors 3 embraced electric hues, metallic accents, and a playful irreverence that perfectly matched the era’s unisex fashion revolution.

The Birth of a Glam Rock Icon

The first Ziggy Colors line appeared in 1971, just as Bowie’s alter ego was taking shape. The second series, released in 1972, experimented with two-tone gradients. But it was the third iteration – Ziggy Colors 3 – that truly captured the spirit of the moment. The workshop, run by a husband-and-wife team trained in traditional jewellery-making, applied their precision to cellulose acetate, a material then popular for its durability and ability to hold vivid dyes. Each piece was hand-cut and polished, then painted with small batches of nitrocellulose lacquer in colours that had never been seen on hair accessories before: screaming fuchsia, cobalt blue, acid green, and a metallic silver they called 'Moonage Daydream'.

“The combs were sold in small boutique stalls next to vinyl records and feather boas. You’d buy a Ziggy Colors 3 comb to match your platform boots.”

By 1974, the line had been featured in Honey and 19 magazines, and a single comb could fetch the equivalent of a week’s wages for a young secretary. The third series was produced for only eighteen months, making it the rarest of the three.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Ziggy Colors 3 pieces are almost exclusively made from cellulose acetate – a plant-based plastic that was lighter and warmer to the touch than later thermoplastics. The acetate was first cast into sheets, then cut into rough shapes using a jeweller’s saw. Each piece was filed by hand, then soaked in a dye bath to achieve the base colour. After drying, artists applied the contrasting patterns – stripes, dots, or zigzag lines – using fine brushes and a lacquer that contained real mica flakes for shimmer. The final step was a clear topcoat that gave the accessories a high gloss.

Metal components, such as the spring mechanisms in snap clips, were made from brass or nickel-plated steel. The springs are surprisingly robust; many original pieces still hold their tension today, though they may require gentle cleaning if stored in damp conditions.

The Ziggy Colors 3 Palette

The third series introduced six official colourways, each named after a Bowie song or lyric. Collectors often refer to them by their catalogue numbers, but the popular names are more evocative:

Catalogue No.	Popular Name	Base Colour	Accent Pattern
ZC3-01	Starman Silver	Silver-grey	Black zigzag lines
ZC3-02	Moonage Fuchsia	Hot pink	White dots
ZC3-03	Electric Blue	Cobalt blue	Gold stripes
ZC3-04	Suffragette Green	Lime green	Silver chevrons
ZC3-05	Lady Stardust	Lavender	Pink and gold swirls
ZC3-06	Rock ’n’ Roll Red	Ruby red	Black and white checkerboard

Gradations and limited-run variants also exist – for example, a small batch of ZC3-02 was produced with a matte finish instead of gloss. These are highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Identifying Authentic Pieces

Because Ziggy Colors 3 was made in small numbers, fakes and later reproductions do appear. Here is what to look for:

• Maker’s mark: Genuine pieces have a tiny stamped ‘ZC3’ on the back of the comb or inside the clip hinge. The stamp is shallow but clear, often accompanied by a number indicating the colourway.
• Weight: Cellulose acetate is heavier than modern acrylic. A Ziggy Colors 3 comb will feel substantial and slightly cool to the touch.
• Colour depth: The dyes used in the 1970s were brilliant but not completely lightfast. If a piece looks unnaturally bright or uniform, it may be a reproduction. Authentic examples often show slight fading on the outer teeth where they were exposed to sunlight.
• Spring mechanism: The springs are made from brass-coloured metal, not silver. If the clip has a modern stainless-steel spring, it is not original.

Much like the flower-power clips we explored in our article on the Monterey 67 collection, Ziggy Colors 3 pieces are best verified by handling them and checking for period-appropriate wear.

Styling with a Modern Wardrobe

The bold colours of Ziggy Colors 3 might seem intimidating, but they pair surprisingly well with contemporary British fashion. A single Starman Silver comb worn in a low bun adds a touch of glam rock edge to a plain black dress. For a more playful look, mix a Moonage Fuchsia clip with a cream blazer and tailored trousers – the contrast feels fresh rather than costume-like.

Many readers ask whether these accessories can be worn with short hair. Yes – barrettes and small snap clips work beautifully to secure a side-swept fringe or to add a pop of colour at the temple. The key is to let the accessory be the focal point; keep the rest of your outfit simple and the hairstyle relaxed.

For a deeper dive into hand-painted British accessories, see our collector’s guide to the Nieve Red series, which shares a similar artisanal approach but with a more restrained palette.

Caring for Your Ziggy Colors 3

Cellulose acetate is sensitive to water, heat, and prolonged sunlight. To keep your Ziggy Colors 3 piece in good condition:

• Avoid getting it wet. If it comes into contact with rain or hair products, wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth immediately.
• Store away from direct sunlight and radiators. A felt-lined jewellery box or a padded pouch works well.
• Do not use alcohol-based cleaners – they can dissolve the lacquer. Instead, clean with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, then dry thoroughly.
• If the spring feels stiff, apply a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the hinge and work it gently. Do not force the clip open.

If you come across a Ziggy Colors 3 comb at a flea market, check the back for the stamped ‘ZC3’ mark – that is the hallmark of the third series. With proper care, these little pieces of glam rock history will stay bright and colorful for decades to come.