This tip was submitted by Erin.
"Banana clips" are an excellent and safe way to create a pretty ponytail on natural hair. This is especially true for naturals who want to put their hair up in a ponytail but don't have quite enough hair to secure a ponytail with an ouchless hair band. The teeth on the banana clip help to keep your hair in place without creating tension. The banana clip can also give the appearance of a longer, fuller ponytail because the hair is distributed along the length of the clip. It allowed me to pull my natural hair into a ponytail during the winter months so that my hair wouldn't touch my coat or my scarf. Ponytails are sometimes a controversial protective style because the ends are still exposed. I've had no problem with this, but you can always tuck those ends under to create a stylish bun. For those who are worried that this is a dated hair accessory, I found that it hardly showed in my hair. I arranged the banana clip vertically on the back of my head, and the only visible part was the top joint of the barrette.
I have REALLY thick natural hair, that can only really be styled while wet, but then expands as it dries. I've tried to use banana clips in the past, because I think they give a really cute look, but have ended up breaking the clips! Does anyone know a place to get really wide jumbo-size clips?
ReplyDeleteI use banana clips in my hair but I'm not satisfied with the look. My problem is that I can't achieve the bun look without the hair by the nape of my neck poofing out. I'm natural but I wear my hair straightened. I don't want the gelled down bun look but I would like it to appear a bit sleeker and haven't mastered this with the banana clip. Any thoughts on how I can do this?
ReplyDelete@ Dada Chiku: Yes! You can buy large banana clips. For example, this one is available from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Caravan-Tortoise-Yvettes-Ponytail-Plastic/dp/B001284HG2
ReplyDeleteMy favorite banana clips are the ones the open and close from either end. I know those are probably the ones that have the potential to give you the most grief if you have thick hair, but if you can find a jumbo size of that one, it works. And it's the safest because it has smooth edges and won't cut your hair. My hair is thick, and it works well. http://www.liketotally80s.com/images/banana-clip-01.jpg
@ Charlotte: I'm trying to visualize the nape problem. The only thing I can think of is that you have to get a firm enough (not tight, but firm) hold on the hair so that the clip can securely capture the ponytail and the hair at the nape. You may also want to consider the banana clip that fastens from both ends. It may be easier to secure the nape area if you can fasten the banana clip at the bottom, rather than at the top, and if you are using this sort of banana clip, you can fasten at the bottom.
***fullness
ReplyDeleteInteresting; I just blogged about this same thing last week! I have been using banana clips since my transitioning phase and continue to use them as a natural. They are great!
ReplyDeleteHGHG
this is a staple item for me it really is a great tool especially on 2nd and 3rd hair days
ReplyDeleteI've been using the banana clip for years during my curly journey. You don't even have to put all the hair in the clip, sometimes I leave a little out in the back. It's a flawless look with earrings. And good for the gym too:)
ReplyDeleteErin, I remember my mom wearing banana clips inthe 80s. When I would go to use them they would break. lol
ReplyDeleteThe clip you posted the link to is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing! xoxo
I just purchased this 7-inch black banana clip: (http://www.amazon.com/CoverYourHair-Black-Standard-Banana-Clip/dp/B004L5WRII/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1313034980&sr=1-1).
ReplyDelete