The Banana Clip Is Back—Here Are 3 Styles To Try

When you think of retro hair accessories, there probably aren’t many that come to mind that could possibly suit your current hairstyle. That said, there’s one hair accessory making a comeback that we think you can get behind: the banana clip. There’s a suitable hairstyle for every occasion that can be created with this accessory—without looking like you’re stuck in a decade long passed. Ahead, we’re sharing three ways to style your mane using a banana hair clip, below.

WHAT IS A BANANA CLIP?

In case you don’t remember banana clips from back in the day, they’re curved clips with small teeth that can be used to hold a hairstyle in place. If you need a visual, they look a little like two small, thin combs connected at one end. They can be used for a plethora of hairstyles, whether you love rocking curly hair or prefer a look that involves hair straightening. Banana hair clips can also be found in a range of styles, including glitzy bejeweled options and fun animal prints.

BANANA CLIP HAIRSTYLE #1: UPDATED PONYTAIL

Here’s a totally realistic scenario: You’re bored of wearing the same ponytail every day but still recognize that it’s hard to beat the convenience of sweeping all your hair into a quick pony. Well, if you’ve ever found yourself dealing with exactly that situation, we know just the solution—a banana clip. You can secure your ponytail with a banana hair clip for an updated look in a few short minutes.

STEP 1: USE HEAT PROTECTANT

Don’t risk damaging your hair with heat tools. Instead, use a heat protectant before breaking out your blow-dryer or curling iron. While your hair is damp, apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream. In addition to providing protection from heat damage, the cream formula will instantly smooth hair, preparing it for styling.

STEP 2: GIVE YOURSELF A BLOWOUT

Now, you can start drying your hair. Use a blow-dryer and a round brush for a salon-worthy blowout. Try blow-drying your hair in a downward motion to help seal the cuticle for a smoother, shinier finish.

STEP 3: CURL YOUR HAIR

To ensure your ponytail doesn’t fall flat, add a bunch of curls into the mix. Use a curling iron to create large curls, then comb through them with your fingers to achieve a more natural, lived-in look.

STEP 4: GATHER HAIR INTO A PONYTAIL

This part you likely have down pat—gather all of your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head.

STEP 5: SECURE WITH A BANANA CLIP

Don’t reach for a hair tie! You won’t need one to lock this look in place. Separate a banana clip, and place the hinge at the base of your ponytail, with one side of the clip (the combs) on either side. Close the clip around your ponytail and you’re done.

BANANA CLIP HAIRSTYLE #2: VOLUMINOUS BUN

You may remember a few years ago, when sock buns were all the rage. You could cut up a sock and use it to create your fullest, biggest bun ever—even if you had thin or fine hair. However, long before anyone thought up the genius idea of a sock bun, banana clips were used to create voluminous buns. Now that banana clips are making their return, there’s no better time to take full advantage of their bun-hacking abilities. So, grab a banana clip and a few bobby pins, then give it a try.

STEP 1: APPLY SMOOTHING HAIR CREAM

Start things off by applying a smoothing hair cream, which will make forming a flawless bun that much easier. Work a little cream through your tresses, then move right along.

STEP 2: FORM A HIGH PONYTAIL AND SECURE WITH A BANANA CLIP

You won’t need much detail to master this step, since it’s extremely similar to how you created a banana clipped-pony in the previous tutorial. The one major difference being that you should secure your ponytail higher, atop your head.

STEP 3: WRAP AND PIN THE ENDS OF THE PONYTAIL

Once you have your ponytail, you’ll need to turn it into a bun. Begin wrapping the ends of your pony around the banana clip, pinning them in place with bobby pins as you go. Since the length of the banana hair clip is longer than the base of your average ponytail, you’ll end up with a much bigger bun than you’re used to.

STEP 4: FINISH WITH HAIRSPRAY

If you don’t want your big bun to go anywhere, you’ll need to reach for a hairspray. We know just the one—spritz with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray for a long-lasting, high-shine look.

BANANA CLIP HAIRSTYLE #3: FRENCH TWIST

Banana clips aren’t only meant to be hidden away beneath buns and ponytails. You can also choose to show them off, not only using them to secure your hair style but to decorate it too. A prime example of a look where this would work is a French twist. You can dress up the classic style by using a colorful or bejeweled banana clip to make your updo extra special. Not to mention, creating a French twist with the help of this accessory is actually easier than doing it the traditional way. So, get your hands on a banana clip that’s anything but boring and you’re ready to get started.

STEP 1: CREATE A LOOSE PONYTAIL

We’re confident you can do this part. Quickly gather all of your hair into a ponytail. If your hair happens to need a little texture boost, use a texturizing hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray, before forming your ponytail.

STEP 2: TWIST UPWARDS AND FOLD ENDS

Here’s where the “twist” aspect comes into play. Pull your ponytail upward, so that its ends are facing towards the sky, and begin twisting. Once you’ve twisted the pony completely, fold it in half, so that the ends are pointing downward again. Tuck stray ends into the twist, then push the twist over so the ends are concealed completely.

STEP 3: SECURE WITH A BANANA CLIP

Grab your banana hair clip. Open the clip and secure it around the French twist in its entirety, much like you did with the very first tutorial, the updated ponytail.

STEP 4: ADD BOBBY PINS FOR EXTRA ENFORCEMENT

If you’re worried your French twist may start to sag as the day (or night) goes on, you can strategically place a few bobby pins to give your style an extra layer of security.

Next up: If you want to take more inspiration from the past, check out our articles, Grunge Goes Glam: How To Get ‘90s-Inspired Smoky Gray Hair with a Twist and 11 ‘80s Makeup Ideas That Are Back.