The return of the banana clip

Who remembers the humble banana clip (aka the claw clip, jaw clip, butterfly clip)? I know I do. All throughout my primary school years and into high school, I had a banana clip almost permanently attached to my head. I thought banana hair clips were the chicest, most sophisticated way to wear my hair, especially as my hair was often sopping wet from the shower and I needed a quick way to throw it up. Yes, banana hair clips were my hair BFF – until they weren’t anymore.
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I can’t recall exactly when I stopped wearing my banana clip, but I think it was sometime in the early 2000s when the headband trend took full effect. I never thought I’d see it again, but here we are – the banana clip is officially back.
The banana hair clip was declared fashionable again at fashion designer Alexander Wang’s fall 2018 show at New York Fashion Week. Using Redken Forceful 23 to coat the locks, hairstylist Guido Palau gave the models a wet-look, slicked back hairdo (not too unlike the wet mop I was sporting back in the day actually) and clamped a silver banana clip emblazoned with the Alexander Wang moniker onto the hair. Depending on the length of the hair, some models wore either one or two banana clips.
Image via ELLE
Image via ELLE
As soon as images were released of the high-profile fashion show, social media went wild and the banana clip was officially revived. Speaking of the banana clips in the show, Guido told ELLE, “I love the way that something that's been around and has a funny connotation can come back. Look at the mullet haircut – three or four years ago it was a no-no, and now it's super cool. I love the way that something is reintroduced into fashion and we look at it again in a different way."
Given the ease and convenience of this hair trend – you can essentially just throw it up, secure it and go – we reckon this is one look that will make it from the runway to the real world in record time. All I know is I want one right this second! So here are a few of our favourite hair clips to help you get the look.
bh loves: Lady Jayne Mini Clips, Scunci Octopus Clip, Gliders Butterfly Clips Large 1pc, Freestyle Home Salon Butterfly Clips.
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
70 Member Comments
I've always had one and still use it!
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Reminds me of the nineties.
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Didn’t know they were called banana clips.
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I used to use it all the time when I was younger but I'm not a fan of them anymore
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This is very cool to have such an important source of information about the banana clip it's amazing .
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As someone with normally long and curly hair - a banana clip is a god-send for those rush moments - but does still feel a bit nanny-ish or lazy otherwise!
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Love the banana clip. So helpful to manage my long hair.
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Haha never knew it was a thing, luckily I wear one almost everyday out of laziness so happy I'm now fashionable instead of just too lazy to do my hair
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I still have a few of these but don't wear very often. My hair is fine but they are good for summer. I never knew them as banana clips.
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It's handy to have one at home for those lazy days if you have long hair and need to quick get you hair out of the way.
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I have a lot of hair and in order to get it off my face I use these...I try not to go out with them but if I do try to wrap my hair around them so you don't see them...not the most stylish item but very practical...especially when straightening your hair!
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i will look like a hag with the banana clips.
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Haha I use claw clips everyday. The big ones are my go to daily hairdo twisted but with the ends hanging up and out. Im so lazy!
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I won't be using this because I don't have enough hair for it to clip onto.
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Maybe banana clips is the american term? I've always called these claw clips. I own the Lady Jayne mini clips, mentioned, a Scünci cascading claw clip , plus a few cheapie no-name claw clips. They look awful if they're not put in with care. I always check my hair in a double mirror before I leave the house.
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I never called these banana clips. It funny to see them back in fashion though.
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The big ones never worked in my hair, but the really tiny little fellas have used for a long time. Didn't worry me if they were out of fashion. They are great for putting buns in my hair.
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I've never heard them referred to as banana clips either, but regardless, I love to use them at home to keep my hair off my face while I'm cooking and cleaning.
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Ditto. I wear one most days. The bigger the better for my hair.
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Have to admit the clip has saved me from a hair dilemma a few times!
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This wasn't my thing. Still won't be. Hilarious how all things are just on rotation!
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Wait? When did they ever leave.
I love these as I'm always concerned about a receding hair line so I find this gentle and effective at keeping my hair out of my face
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This is different to what I remember a banana clip to be. I find claw clips easier to use
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This is different to the banana clip I remember! Looks like a really big claw which I generally wear on lazy hair days which is a lot of the time!
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I’m afraid I’ve never stopped using a banana clip. Ulp. Glad they’re back...
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