The 1980s Banana Clip Is Back—And Our Favorite Set Is On Sale For Under $6 Right Now
If there is any trend that can get us out of bed in the morning, it's one that allows us to skip shampoo day—again—and dotes enough nostalgia to take us back to faster times at Ridgemont High. That's why when the tortoiseshell claw clip returned to the scene, we were first in line. And when we got word that the banana clip was coming back in style ahead of autumn, we couldn't hit Pinterest quicker. Then we dug out our old teasing comb and swiped on some baby purple eye shadow. Kidding. Maybe.
A hair accessory that ruled the 1980s almost as much as the neon scrunchie, the banana clip was a precursor to the later-popular claw clips and butterfly clips and widely used to pull hair (feathered bangs included) into ponytails, loose updos, and even a low flipped bun. If you're like us, you could use that sort of support heading into the fall, with sweater season providing the perfect opportunity to try a new banana clip hairstyle.
A banana clip is a concave U-shaped accessory made up of two plastic sides that come together in the middle with stretchy teeth that hold hair in place. The most popular way to use a banana clip is to pull hair into a ponytail, which makes hair appear to cascade down like a waterfall. Not only is it wildly flattering, but it only takes seconds to put together.
You can even update the trend by folding the ponytail into a braid or adding extra dry shampoo for mussed texture. The clip works extra well on textured or curly hair, and we can already see a high banana clip updo complementing any turtleneck this fall.
To use a banana clip for a ponytail, you merely unhinge one end of the clip (it should look like a wishbone when open) and then flip your head upside down and place the clip onto your head with pointed side downwards. You pull the clip upwards over your hair before cinching it all together. Done and done—the ultimate banana clip hairstyle. The whole scenario takes about thirty seconds.
So if you're looking to head into autumn with a fresh new hairstyle without making a trip to the salon, consider one of these fun banana clips that make nostalgia cool again. Hint: the most old-school banana clip set on the list is on sale for under $6 right now. So act quick!
Scunci Banana Clip Set
Sale alert! This classic set of banana clips is perfect to start anyone off on a hair accessory adventure.
SHOP IT: originally $7 or pack of 6; on sale for $5.15; amazon.com
French Tortoiseshell Banana Clip
This banana clip feels super retro and is made in our favorite clip pattern: tortoiseshell. It's perfect for flippy updos.
SHOP IT: $9.50; etsy.com
Pearl Banana Clips
These might not look like a traditional banana clip design, but each features a clamp to cinch hair. We recommend this pick for thinner or shorter hair.
SHOP IT: $8.50; etsy.com
