Ziggy Colors 4: The Vintage Hair Clip That Changed British Accessories

The Ziggy Colors 4 set is often mistaken for its earlier counterpart, but a closer look at the clasp mechanism reveals the key difference. Where the earlier Ziggy Colors 2 clips used a simple tension slide, the fourth generation introduced a spring-loaded hinge with a small brass rivet, visible on the underside of the clip. This seemingly minor change improved grip on thicker hair and reduced the risk of slipping, a feature that collectors now use as a primary authentication marker.

What Defines the Ziggy Colors 4 Line?

Produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ziggy Colors 4 was a limited run of acrylic hair clips designed to complement the bold, graphic fashion of the era. The “4” in the name refers to the standard four-clip set that was typically sold together in a small cardboard box, though individual clips were also available. Each set contained four distinct colours chosen from a palette of eight: orange, lime, purple, yellow, turquoise, fuchsia, white, and black. The brand, thought to be a small British manufacturer based in Birmingham, specialised in injection-moulded cellulose acetate, a material that allowed for deep, translucent colour that still retains its vibrancy decades later.

Key features to identify a genuine Ziggy Colors 4 clip include:

• Clasp design: A metal spring hinge with a single brass rivet, as opposed to the earlier two-rivet or no-rivet designs.
• Edge finish: Smooth, slightly rounded edges from hand-polishing after moulding. Mass-produced knock-offs often have sharp, unfinished edges.
• Brand marking: A faint “ZIGGY” embossed on the inside of the clip, near the hinge. The lettering is small and often worn, but a magnifying glass reveals its presence.
• Colour depth: The translucent acrylic has a slight marbled effect when held to the light, a result of the slow cooling process used in the original factory.

Why the Fourth Generation Matters to Collectors

While the earlier Ziggy Colors 2 clips are rarer and more sought-after by some, the Ziggy Colors 4 line represents a turning point in British hair accessory design. It was the first series to prioritise functionality alongside aesthetics, with the spring mechanism making the clips practical for everyday wear. This shift towards usability without sacrificing colour is what makes the fourth generation a favourite among those who actually wear their vintage finds, rather than storing them in a drawer.

For the conscious modern collector, Ziggy Colors 4 clips are also surprisingly durable. The cellulose acetate used is resistant to the yellowing that plagues many plastics from the same period, provided the clips are kept away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to restore their original gloss.

Styling Ziggy Colors 4 with a Contemporary Wardrobe

These clips are not museum pieces. Their bold, clean colours pair surprisingly well with modern neutrals. A single lime clip can anchor a low ponytail against a navy blazer, while a set of two purple clips can hold back a side-swept fringe. The key is to avoid overpowering the outfit: let the clip be the only bright accessory. For a more layered look, try combining a Ziggy Colors 4 clip with a soft velvet scrunchie from the Maison Archives Scrunchie 2: A Vintage British Hair Accessory collection, matching the scrunchie’s hue to one of the clip’s colours.

Preserving Your Find

Because the spring mechanism is the most vulnerable part, avoid repeatedly opening and closing the clip when not in use. Store the clips flat in a fabric-lined box, separated by colour to prevent scratches. If the spring becomes stiff, a single drop of sewing machine oil on the hinge (not the plastic) can restore movement. Never use acetone or nail polish remover to clean the acrylic – it will dissolve the surface permanently.

Authenticating a Ziggy Colors 4 clip before purchase is easier if you have a reference point. The weight of the clip is a giveaway: the genuine article is noticeably heavier than later reproductions, because of the thick metal spring and the dense acrylic. Also, the original clips have a distinctive faint “click” when closed, while fakes tend to snap shut with a sharp sound. If you find a set still in its original box – a small rectangular card with “Ziggy Colors 4” printed in retro typography – the value can double, but even loose clips in good condition are a worthwhile addition to a vintage hair accessory collection.