The P560 Pink Catarina: A 1950s Celluloid Hair Comb Worth Knowing

The P560 Pink Catarina is not a name that appears in every vintage hair accessory catalogue, but among collectors who know their mid-century celluloid, it holds a quiet reputation. This is a hair comb of modest size—roughly four inches across—curved to cradle the crown of the head, with a warm coral-pink tone that catches the light in a way that feels almost liquid. The colour is neither the saccharine pink of 1980s plastic nor the dusty rose of Edwardian tortoiseshell; it sits in that narrow band of 1950s pastels that somehow manages to be both bold and soft. The comb’s surface is carved with a repeating scroll-and-leaf motif, each line cut with a precision that speaks to the era’s high standard for dress accessories.

The Design and Its Origins

The Catarina pattern—named, it is believed, after a popular 1950s film character or perhaps a flower variety—features a symmetrical arrangement of stylised leaves and curling tendrils. The carving is shallow but deliberate, creating a play of light and shadow that gives the comb depth without making it heavy. Unlike some of its more ornate contemporaries, the Pink Catarina relies on its colour and silhouette for impact rather than on glittering rhinestones or enamel. It was designed to be worn as a single statement piece, slipped into a French twist or used to anchor a side-swept pouf. The back of the comb is unadorned but polished smooth, a mark of quality that indicates it was made to be seen from every angle.

The comb’s shape follows the natural curve of the head, with teeth that taper gently. There are fourteen teeth in the standard version, spaced evenly to hold firmly without pulling. The two outer teeth are slightly thicker, a detail that prevents the comb from slipping out of thick or fine hair alike. This thoughtful construction is typical of the better mid-century hair accessories produced in Britain, where small workshops in London and Birmingham turned out pieces that balanced beauty with everyday wearability.

Materials and Workmanship

The Pink Catarina is made of celluloid, an early semi-synthetic plastic that reshaped the accessory industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1950s, celluloid had been refined to produce stable, rich colours that could mimic more expensive materials like ivory, coral, and tortoiseshell. Pink celluloid was particularly tricky to manufacture because the dye had to be evenly distributed during the rolling and pressing process. Any variation in temperature or pressure could result in streaks or bubbles, which is why well-preserved examples of pink celluloid are rarer than their brown or black counterparts.

The manufacturing technique used for the Catarina was compression moulding followed by hand-finishing. The blank was pressed in a heated mould to create the basic shape and the raised areas of the pattern. Then, a skilled worker would hand-carve the finer details—the veins of the leaves, the curves of the scrolls—using small chisels and files. This combination of machine efficiency and hand work gave each piece a slight individuality; no two Catarina combs are exactly identical in the depth of their carving or the exact shade of pink.

Celluloid is lightweight and warm to the touch, but it has one significant vulnerability: it is highly flammable. This is not a comb to wear near an open fire or a candle, and it should never be exposed to direct heat. Modern plastics have largely replaced celluloid, but the material’s unique lustre and the way it ages—developing a subtle patina over decades—makes it treasured by vintage enthusiasts.

The Catarina in the Context of 1950s British Hair Fashion

The post-war years saw a return to femininity in fashion, with Christian Dior’s New Look influencing everything from skirt lengths to hairstyles. Women in Britain adopted elaborate updos—the French roll, the victory roll, the poodle cut—that required sturdy yet decorative accessories to hold them in place. Combs like the Pink Catarina were essential tools, not just ornaments. They allowed women to create volume and structure without resorting to excessive teasing or heavy lacquer.

Pink was a favourite colour of the era, appearing in everything from lipsticks to kitchen appliances. It symbolised optimism and domesticity, a soft counterpoint to the grey austerity of the war years. A pink hair comb was a small luxury that could be worn every day or saved for Sunday best. The Catarina’s particular shade—a warm, slightly salmon pink—complemented the popular pastel cardigans and floral-print dresses of the mid-1950s. It also paired well with the emerging trend for coordinating accessories, where a handbag, a scarf, and a hair comb might all share the same colour family.

For those who admire the fine workmanship of the Pink Catarina, the Quiet Triumph of the P279 Imogen Bow Barrette offers another perspective on mid-century design—a piece that achieves elegance through simplicity of form rather than intricate carving.

Styling the Pink Catarina Today

Incorporating a vintage hair comb into a modern wardrobe is more straightforward than many people assume. The Pink Catarina works beautifully in a low chignon, where its colour peeks out from the side like a secret. For a more casual look, try it as a half-up holder: gather the top section of hair at the crown, twist it once, and slide the comb in from the side. The pink adds a touch of warmth to blonde, grey, or light brown hair, while it creates a striking contrast against dark brunette or black hair.

Because the comb is relatively small, it does not overwhelm a contemporary outfit. Pair it with a simple white blouse and high-waisted trousers for a subtle vintage nod, or use it to break up the severity of a sleek bun and a tailored suit. The key is to let the comb be the focal point—avoid adding other large hair accessories or chunky jewellery that might compete. A single strand of pearls or small gold stud earrings is enough to complete the look.

Caring for Your Vintage Celluloid Hair Accessory

Celluloid is a material that rewards careful handling. Here are the essential care practices for the Pink Catarina and similar pieces:

• Keep away from moisture. Celluloid can warp or develop a cloudy film if exposed to water. Remove the comb before washing your hair or swimming.
• Avoid prolonged sunlight. Ultraviolet light fades the pink colour over time. Store the comb in a dark box or drawer when not in use.
• Clean gently. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away dust and oils. Never use alcohol, acetone, or any solvent—they will dissolve the celluloid.
• Store safely. Place the comb in a padded compartment or wrap it in acid-free tissue paper. Do not stack other accessories on top of it, as the teeth can snap under pressure.
• Keep away from heat sources. Celluloid is flammable. Do not leave it near radiators, hair dryers, or open flames.

If the comb develops a slight yellowing or crazing (fine cracks on the surface), this is a natural sign of age and generally does not affect its structural integrity. However, if the pink colour appears to be turning brownish, it may be a sign of decomposition—a process sometimes called “celluloid rot.” In that case, isolate the comb from other pieces and consult a conservator specialising in plastics.

Collecting the Pink Catarina: What to Look For

When you come across a Pink Catarina at a vintage fair or online auction, there are a few details that distinguish a well-preserved example from one that has seen better days. First, check the colour: it should be even, without large dark spots or a faded, washed-out appearance. Minor colour variations are acceptable, but a comb that is significantly lighter on one side than the other has likely been exposed to uneven sunlight. Second, examine the teeth: all fourteen should be present and unbroken. A missing tooth can sometimes be repaired by a skilled restorer, but it reduces the comb’s value and functionality. Third, look at the carving: the lines should be crisp, not blurred or worn smooth. The patina—the slight sheen that develops from decades of handling—adds character, but if the surface feels sticky or tacky, the plastic may be degrading.

The Pink Catarina does not always carry a maker’s mark. Some examples have a tiny impressed “M” inside a circle, believed to indicate a Birmingham workshop that supplied several London department stores. Others are unmarked, which is common for mass-produced accessories of the period. The absence of a mark does not affect authenticity; the quality of the material and the precision of the carving are the true indicators.

One final note on preservation: if you are fortunate enough to own a Pink Catarina, resist the temptation to “restore” it with modern polishes or coatings. The beauty of vintage celluloid lies in its original surface. A gentle wipe with a dry cloth is all that is needed to keep the comb looking its best for another seventy years.