How to Style a Banana Clip for Maximum Volume: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Banana clips are making a major comeback, and for good reason. These curved, spring-loaded hair accessories are designed to hold hair securely while creating instant volume and lift at the crown. Whether you have fine, straight hair or thick, curly locks, a banana clip can transform a flat hairstyle into a voluminous, polished look in minutes. In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll show you how to style a banana clip for maximum volume, including tips for different hair types and lengths.

Unlike traditional claw clips, banana clips have a unique curved shape that follows the contour of your head, allowing them to grip more hair and add height. They work beautifully for both casual everyday wear and special occasions. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to use a banana clip to achieve that coveted '90s supermodel volume without any teasing or backcombing.

What You'll Need for the Perfect Voluminous Banana Clip Style

Before you start, gather a few key tools to ensure your banana clip style holds all day. You'll need a banana clip (choose one with strong spring tension for thick hair), a fine-tooth comb, a lightweight volumizing mousse or spray, and a few bobby pins for securing stray pieces. If your hair is very smooth or slippery, a texturizing powder or dry shampoo can add grip and prevent the clip from sliding.

For added hold and a polished finish, consider pairing your banana clip with a complementary accessory like the Sculpt Clip in Oak or the Creaseless Clips in Pearl. These can help tuck away flyaways or add a subtle decorative touch. The key is to start with clean, dry hair that has some texture—second-day hair often works best because it has natural grip.

• Banana clip with strong spring tension
• Fine-tooth comb for sectioning
• Volumizing mousse or dry shampoo
• Bobby pins and optional decorative clips

Step 1: Prep Your Hair for Maximum Lift

Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying, or spritz dry shampoo at the roots of dry hair. Flip your head upside down and blow-dry on low heat to encourage root lift. Once your hair is completely dry, use a fine-tooth comb to gently backcomb the crown area—just a few light strokes at the roots will create a cushion of volume without damaging your hair.

If you prefer a heat-free method, try using Velcro rollers at the crown for 10-15 minutes while you do your makeup. This adds gentle lift without any teasing. For extra staying power, lightly mist the roots with a flexible-hold hairspray before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Section and Position the Banana Clip

Gather the top section of your hair—from your temples to the crown—and hold it up at a 45-degree angle. This is the section that will create the volume. Open the banana clip and insert it at the crown, angling the curve slightly backward so that it lifts the hair away from your scalp. Close the clip gently, making sure it catches the hair securely without pulling.

For a half-up style, leave the bottom half of your hair loose. For a full updo, gather all your hair into a low ponytail first, then slide the banana clip over the ponytail base to create a sleek, voluminous look. The Sculpt Clip in Oak is an excellent choice for this step because its matte finish blends seamlessly with most hair colors and provides a secure hold.

• For half-up: clip only the top section from temples to crown
• For full updo: gather all hair into a low ponytail first
• Angle the clip backward to maximize lift at the crown

Step 3: Adjust and Secure for All-Day Hold

Once the banana clip is in place, gently tug a few pieces of hair at the crown to soften the look and add even more volume. Use your fingers to fluff the hair above the clip, creating a gentle pouf. If any short pieces escape, tuck them behind your ears or secure them with a small bobby pin. For extra polish, slide a Creaseless Clips in Pearl on one side for a touch of elegance.

To ensure the style lasts, finish with a light mist of hairspray, focusing on the roots and the clip area. Avoid heavy sprays that can weigh hair down. If you have thick or heavy hair, you may need to use two banana clips stacked vertically for extra support—a trick many stylists use for long, dense hair.

• Gently fluff the crown after clipping for soft volume
• Use decorative clips like Creaseless Clips in Pearl for a refined finish
• Mist with flexible-hold hairspray to lock in volume without stiffness

Pro Tips for Different Hair Types and Lengths

For fine hair: Use a texturizing powder at the roots before clipping to add grip and prevent the clip from slipping. Avoid heavy conditioners that can make hair too slippery. A banana clip with silicone teeth inside the jaw provides extra hold for fine strands.

For curly or textured hair: Apply a curl-defining cream before styling to keep curls smooth and frizz-free. Use a larger banana clip that can accommodate the volume of your curls. You can also twist the hair before clipping for a defined, sculpted look that shows off your natural texture.

For short hair (shoulder-length or shorter): Use a mini banana clip and focus on the top section only. This creates a beautiful half-up style with lift at the crown while leaving the rest of your hair loose and flowing.

Why Banana Clips Are Better for Volume Than Standard Claw Clips

Standard claw clips often create a flat, compressed look because they pinch the hair horizontally. Banana clips, on the other hand, are designed with a curved shape that follows the head's natural contour, lifting the hair upward and outward. This creates a rounded, voluminous silhouette that flatters all face shapes.

Additionally, banana clips distribute tension more evenly across the scalp, reducing the risk of headaches or pulling. They're also gentler on hair because they don't have sharp teeth that can snag or break strands. For anyone seeking effortless, damage-free volume, a banana clip is the superior choice.

Ready to add instant volume to your everyday look? A banana clip is the easiest, most comfortable way to achieve lift without heat or teasing. For a polished finish, pair your clip with the Sculpt Clip in Oak to tame flyaways and add a modern touch. Explore our full collection of clips and accessories to find the perfect match for your hair type and style.