Styling A Banana Clip For A Sleek, Casual Look

Trying to find new hairstyles can feel like a chore sometimes. It is difficult to find the crossover between what looks good with your hair and what is easy enough to do in the morning before work, school, and/or coffee.

If you want to try something that is simple yet casual and even elegant, consider the banana clip. When closed, these hair clips are shaped like their fruit namesake. Once they are opened, you can place all or some of your hair into the clip before closing it, allowing them to be used for full up-dos or more relaxed ponytail styles.

They are similar in construction to claw clips — both clips feature rows of comb-like teeth to keep your hair in place. However, banana clips are said to create fuller-looking ponytails and cause less breakage in hair than their claw counterparts. A banana clip may be the solution for any of your hair care woes and can open up a world of hairstyles to experiment with. 

One option with a banana clip is to create a half-up, half-down hairstyle with it. To achieve this look, open the clip and start at the top of your hair. Comb the clip over your hair until you've caught the entirety of the section you want pinned up. Then, close the clip at the bottom. The hairstyle should look elegant and poised, and since the clip will be visible in your hair, you can choose a clip in your favorite color or in a color that coordinates with your outfit of the day.

Banana clips work in all kinds of hair, no matter the texture or thickness. For a really dynamic, curly high ponytail, first gather all your hair up in a scrunchie or hair elastic. Place it as high on your head as you would like, and then clip the banana clip into place. Be sure the ends of the clip connect before you remove the scrunchie or elastic. This leaves you with a bouncy, fun ponytail secured by the banana clip.

One way to elevate a ponytail created with a banana clip is to add a pretty headscarf. First, choose your banana clip of choice and place it in your hair, using the same process as the example above. Leave a few extra curls or wisps of hair out of the ponytail to frame your face. Then, wrap a patterned headscarf around your hair. Cross the two ends of the scarf underneath your ponytail and then tie them above it. The result is a stylish ponytail with a little extra oomph.

Banana clips come in various sizes, colors, and styles. If you are looking for a clip with an extra feminine touch, consider one adorned with a bow or ribbon. You can secure your ponytail with the banana clip while also having the aesthetic of tying it up with a ribbon. In this example, the bow of choice is pale blue and embellished with bits of lace and embroidered daisies. However, you should be able to find a simpler bow if desired. For a really sleek look, consider a clip adorned with a silky black ribbon.

Banana clips work for shorter hairstyles as well. For a really voluminous ponytail when your hair is cut in a bob hairstyle, first do a miniature braid with some strands at the top of your hair, leaving some pieces to frame your face and some hair down in the back. Then, take the extra hair in back and pin it with the banana clip. The result is a super short, super fun ponytail with lots of volume.

When using a banana clip, you can choose one that blends in your hair if you don't want it to be seen, or you can choose one that contrasts nicely with the color of your hair for an extra pop of color. In this example, the wearer's bright yellow banana clip looks really striking in their long, dark hair. They have also matched the color of the clip to the color of their outfit for a cohesive look. The hairstyle itself is a nice half-up, half-down to keep the hair out of their face.

If you want a vintage-inspired hairstyle, the banana clip can help with that. This style will work if you have naturally curly hair or if you curl it with a curling iron or roller of your choice. First, create a high ponytail with a scrunchie or hair elastic and then clip it in place, as mentioned in the above example. 

For this hairstyle, you will want the ponytail to practically sit at the very top of your head. Remove the scrunchie or elastic and then begin pinning the loose curls to either side of the banana clip with bobby pins. The final result will look chic and glamorous.

A common household object can help smooth out your ponytail. First, use a pencil (not too sharp!) to trace over the top of your head on one side, creating multiple strands of hair for you to grab and clip back with a bobby pin or standard hair clip. Repeat this action on the other side of your head. Then, use your banana clip to hold the rest of your hair in place, creating a nice low ponytail.

Another way to smooth your hair back before adding the banana clip is by using a headband. First, you should pull a headband (or two thin ones) over the front of your hair to keep hair out of your face. Then, use your banana clip of choice to create a ponytail with the rest of your hair. You can make this ponytail high or low, depending on your preference. The result is a look that is very sporty and stylish.

In this example, the banana clip is used for an up-do with straight hair. First, clip a ponytail with the banana clip. Then, wrap the ponytail around the clip itself. Finally, pin your hair in place using bobby pins. It's a very simple hairstyle to do but looks incredibly elegant. This up-do would work for day-to-day life or for a fancier event. Thanks to the versatility of the banana clip, it should be a staple in anyone's hair accessory rotation, due to its function and style.