If you have been keeping an eye on the latest beauty and fashion trends, you have probably noticed that the late 80s and 90s are having a massive resurgence. From claw clips and padded headbands to silk scrunchies, retro hair accessories are officially back. But there is one iconic styling tool that is quietly reclaiming its throne as the ultimate effortless hair accessory: the banana clip.
Originally designed to gather hair into a vertical comb clamp, the banana hair clip was once a staple of every vanity table. Today, modern styling and premium materials have turned this vintage ponytail holder into a sleek, chic, and incredibly practical accessory. But are they really back, and more importantly, how do you style them without looking like a throwback photo?
In this guide, we will explore why banana clips are making a major comeback, explain their benefits for your hair health, and share step-by-step styling ideas to achieve modern, voluminous looks.
What is a Banana Clip and Why is it Trending?
A banana clip is a curved, double-sided comb that snaps together at one end. Unlike traditional hair ties that squeeze your hair into a circular bunch, a banana clip holds your hair in a flat, vertical line. This simple difference creates unique aesthetic and practical advantages:
- The Illusion of Fullness: Because the hair is held vertically rather than gathered at a single point, it cascades down like a waterfall. This makes your ponytail look twice as long and exponentially thicker.
- Crease-Free and Gentle: Elastic bands squeeze the hair shaft, leading to friction, creases, and eventual breakage. Banana clips distribute tension evenly across a wider area, keeping your hair healthy and crease-free.
- No Ponytail Headaches: Anyone with thick or heavy hair knows the pain of a tight hair tie pulling on the scalp. Banana clips lie flat against the head, eliminating targeted tension and preventing headaches.
Choosing the Right Banana Clip for Your Hair Type
Modern banana clips have come a long way from the cheap, fragile neon plastics of the 1980s. Today, materials like eco-friendly cellulose acetate, polished acrylics, and fabric-wrapped designs offer both superior hold and high-end style.
If you have thick, curly, or heavy hair, look for clips with rounded, sturdy teeth and a flexible hinge. For fine or straight hair, look for clips with tightly spaced teeth that can grip smaller sections of hair without sliding down throughout the day.
How to Style a Banana Clip for Modern Looks
To keep your banana clip style looking modern and fresh rather than dated, the key is texture and volume. Avoid pulling your hair back too tightly or plastering it to your scalp. Instead, embrace soft textures, loose face-framing tendrils, and natural volume. Here are three go-to styles to try:
1. The Classic Cascading Ponytail (The Ultimate Volume Booster)
This is the signature banana clip look, perfect for showing off curls, waves, or straight locks with maximum fullness.
- Gather your hair into a ponytail at the height you prefer (mid-to-high works best). Use your fingers instead of a brush to keep the texture natural and voluminous.
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces or bangs around your temples.
- Open your banana clip, ensure the curve matches the shape of your head, and slide the combs in from the bottom up, capturing all your hair.
- Clasp the clip shut at the top. Gently tug at the crown of your hair above the clip to add a bit of lift and a relaxed, airy feel.
2. The Romantic Half-Up, Half-Down Style
Perfect for casual office days, brunch, or romantic dates. This style keeps hair out of your face while letting the rest drape beautifully.
- Section off the top half of your hair, starting from just above your ears and pulling it back to the crown.
- Keep the bottom half flowing freely over your shoulders.
- Slide a medium-sized banana clip horizontally or vertically over the gathered half-up section and clamp it shut.
- Allow the top section to spill over the sides of the clip for an effortless, bohemian look.
3. The Modern Faux French Twist
A sophisticated updo that mimics the look of a classic French twist but takes only seconds to assemble.
- Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck as if making a low ponytail.
- Twist the hair tightly upwards against the back of your head.
- Place the open banana clip vertically over the twisted section, tucking the loose ends of your hair under the twist if you prefer a clean look, or letting them spill over the top for a messy-chic vibe.
- Clamp the clip tightly to secure the twist in place.
Final Styling Tip: Embrace the Texture
Banana clips work best when your hair has some texture or grip. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, spray a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray through your roots and mid-lengths before styling. This will give the teeth of the clip something to hold onto, guaranteeing an all-day, slip-free hold.
Ready to try this retro favorite? Explore our curated selection of vintage-inspired banana clips at the LUMINA Shop and enjoy free shipping on all orders over $50.