How to Wear a Banana Clip — Styles, Tips & The French Handmade Guide (2026)

MC Davidian banana clip worn as a ponytail — handmade French hair accessory
MC Davidian — Handmade French banana clips for all hair types.

If you are looking for the best way to wear a banana clip in your hair, you have already found the right accessory. The banana clip — that long, curved, toothed clip that gathers an entire head of hair in under ten seconds — is officially back in 2026. Forget the brittle plastic versions of the 1980s. Today's banana clips are handcrafted from cellulose acetate, finished with Swarovski® rhinestones, and designed to hold every hair type without leaving a dent or a snag.

At MC Davidian, we have been crafting banana clips in France for over 25 years. In this guide, we cover everything: how to wear a banana clip in 5 different ways, how to choose the right size (PM vs GM), and which MC Davidian model suits your hair type best.

What Is a Banana Clip — and Why Is It Back in 2026?

A banana clip is a long, curved hair clip — typically 9 to 12 cm — with two parallel rows of interlocking teeth that snap shut around a section of hair. Its shape follows the natural curve of the skull, which is exactly why it holds so well and feels comfortable even after hours of wear.

Originally popularised in the 1980s, it became the go-to accessory for volume and drama. It fell slightly out of fashion in the 2000s — replaced by claw clips and flat irons — but has returned with full force since 2022, driven by a broader revival of effortless French chic and a rejection of heat-heavy styling.

The key reasons for its comeback:

  • No heat required — one clip, 10 seconds, done.
  • Works on all hair types — straight, wavy, curly, fine or thick.
  • Kinder than elastics — no creases, no breakage, no dents in the hair.
  • Doubles as jewellery — with rhinestone or painted décor versions, it elevates any look.
MC Davidian Banana Sparkling Hair Clip GM — 160 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France
The banana clip — timeless French accessory, redesigned for 2026 with 160 Swarovski® rhinestones.

How to Choose the Right Banana Clip Size: PM vs GM

Before diving into styles, get the size right. The wrong size is the single biggest reason a banana clip fails to hold — even a quality acetate clip will slip or snap prematurely if mismatched to your hair volume.

PM — Petite Modèle (9 cm)

Ideal for short to medium-length hair, fine hair, or partial styles (half-up, side sweep). Weighing just 10–20 g, it does not overwhelm finer textures. Perfect for those who want sparkle without bulk.

GM — Grande Modèle (11–12 cm)

For long or thick hair. At 30 g, it gathers a large volume in one move and has enough weight to stay in place all day without slipping. The standard choice for shoulder-length hair and beyond.

Rule of thumb: if your hair regularly escapes or the clip feels tight when closing, size up to GM. If the clip slides down after an hour, try PM or use a light texturising spray before clipping.

5 Ways to Wear a Banana Clip — Step by Step

MC Davidian Banana Hair Clip GM — minimalist handmade French acetate hair clip
Banana Hair Clip GM — the classic ponytail, effortless and naturally elegant.

1 The Classic Banana Ponytail

Best for: all hair lengths · GM recommended for long/thick hair

This is the foundational technique — and the fastest way to go from flat to polished.

  1. Gather all your hair at the nape with one hand, as if making a low ponytail.
  2. Press both ends of the banana clip to open the teeth wide.
  3. Slide the clip under the hair bundle, centring it at the base.
  4. Snap shut. The teeth grip from both sides simultaneously.
  5. Fan the hair out over the clip with your fingers for volume and coverage.

Result: a full, three-dimensional ponytail that sits higher and looks thicker than an elastic-based version — in under 15 seconds.

2 The Half-Up Banana Twist

Best for: medium to long hair · PM or GM depending on volume

The modern French half-up — relaxed yet intentional.

  1. Section off the top two-thirds of your hair — crown to ear level.
  2. Twist this section loosely once or twice at the back.
  3. Clip the banana around the twisted bundle, mid-crown.
  4. Let the remaining lower section fall naturally.

Result: the bottom hair adds softness; the clip becomes the focal point. Pair with the Banana Sparkling GM for evening events.

3 The Voluminous Updo

Best for: thick or curly hair · GM essential

  1. Flip your head forward and gather all hair loosely at the crown.
  2. Hold the bundle in a loose pile — do not pull tight.
  3. Open the clip and insert it from back to front, curving along the scalp.
  4. Snap closed. Tuck loose ends under the clip or let them frame the face.

Result: a full, effortless updo with natural height. The more volume your hair has, the better this look becomes.

MC Davidian Banana Hair Clip Sparkling PM — 116 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France
Banana Clip Sparkling PM — 116 hand-set Swarovski® rhinestones for an evening-ready look.

4 The Side Sweep

Best for: fine to medium hair · PM ideal

  1. Pull all your hair to one side — over the shoulder.
  2. Gather it into a loose bundle near the nape on that side.
  3. Clip with a PM banana clip, angling it slightly downward.
  4. Let the tail cascade forward over your shoulder.

Result: an asymmetric, romantic look that works beautifully for evenings. The PM Sparkling versions — with 116 Swarovski® rhinestones — make this instantly jewellery-level.

5 The Braided Banana

Best for: long hair · GM for full braids

  1. Create a loose French braid or fishtail braid from crown to nape.
  2. Leave the final 10 cm unbraided.
  3. Open the banana clip wide and slide it around the base of the braid, teeth pointing inward.
  4. Snap shut. Loosen the braid slightly above the clip to cover it. Tuck the tail underneath.

Result: a structured braid with a polished finish — no rubber band, no fraying. The banana clip gives the braid a couture touch.

MC Davidian Banana Clips — The Complete Handmade Collection

All MC Davidian banana clips are handmade in France from cellulose acetate — cut, dyed and polished by hand in our French workshops. The closing mechanism uses gold-plated or nickel-plated metal teeth, designed to grip without snagging. Available in two sizes (PM and GM) and three finishes: plain, Sparkling (rhinestone rail) and Brillant (scattered rhinestones). Browse our full range of French banana clips for more colour options.

GM — Grande Modèle (11–12 cm · 30 g) — For Long & Thick Hair

Banana Hair Clip GM — minimalist handmade French cellulose acetate hair clip

Banana Hair Clip GM

12 cm 30 g 18 colours Cotton acetate

The essential. 12 cm of pure holding power, no decoration — just clean acetate lines in 18 colour options. The everyday workhorse for long and thick hair. Minimalist enough for the office, strong enough for a full day out.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Metal: Gold or nickel-plated  ·  Rhinestones: none

Shop the Banana GM →
Banana Sparkling Hair Clip GM — 160 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France MC Davidian

Banana Sparkling Hair Clip GM

11 cm 30 g 16 colours 160 Swarovski®

Fully lined with 160 Swarovski® rhinestones — hand-set one by one. At 11 cm, it gathers long and thick hair completely. The full rhinestone rail catches light from every angle. The statement piece for evenings and events.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Rhinestones: 160 Swarovski®  ·  Colours: 16

Shop the Banana Sparkling GM →
Banana Brillant Hair Clip GM — 74 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France MC Davidian

Banana Brillant Hair Clip GM

12 cm 30 g 19 colours 74 Swarovski®

A refined middle ground: 12 cm of grip with a scattered rhinestone decoration — 44 PP24 and 30 PP18 Swarovski® stones. Sparkles without overwhelming. In 19 colours, including painted décor and lace inlays. From everyday chic to wedding guest.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Rhinestones: 74 Swarovski® (PP24 + PP18)  ·  Colours: 19

Shop the Banana Brillant GM →

PM — Petite Modèle (9 cm) — For Short, Fine & Medium Hair

Banana Hair Clip PM — compact handmade French acetate hair clip for fine hair

Banana Hair Clip PM

9 cm 10 g 17 colours Cotton acetate

Compact and light at just 10 g, the PM is the ideal choice for short, fine or medium hair — and for partial styles like side sweeps or half-ups on thicker hair. Clean lines, no decoration, 17 colour options. The everyday staple.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Metal: Gold or nickel-plated  ·  Rhinestones: none

Shop the Banana PM →
Banana Hair Clip Sparkling PM — 116 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France MC Davidian

Banana Hair Clip Sparkling PM

9 cm 20 g 20 colours 116 Swarovski®

116 Swarovski® rhinestones in a compact 9 cm PM format. Spectacular sparkle on short or fine hair. Chosen by those who want maximum visual impact from a single small accessory. In 20 colours. The evening jewel for shorter hair.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Rhinestones: 116 Swarovski®  ·  Colours: 20

Shop the Banana Sparkling PM →
Banana Hair Clip Brillant PM — 50 Swarovski rhinestones, handmade in France MC Davidian

Banana Hair Clip Brillant PM

9 cm 10 g 18 colours 50 Swarovski®

50 Swarovski® rhinestones (PP24 + PP18) scattered across the PM body — discreet sparkle that catches the light without announcing itself. At only 10 g, it is almost weightless. In 18 colours. The understated everyday gem.

Material: Cotton acetate  ·  Rhinestones: 50 Swarovski® (PP24 + PP18)  ·  Colours: 18

Shop the Banana Brillant PM →

3 Pro Tips for a Perfect Banana Clip Hold

  1. Fan the hair after clipping. Once the clip is in place, use your fingers to spread the hair over and around it. This creates volume, hides the clip body, and makes the overall look fuller and more intentional.
  2. Second-day hair is your best friend. Freshly washed, slippery hair is the hardest to hold with any clip. Banana clips grip best on day-two or day-three hair — or with a light mist of texturising spray if you prefer clean hair.
  3. Don't over-tighten. The banana clip works by gripping evenly, not by pressure. If you force it closed, the acetate is under stress and the clip will loosen faster. It should snap shut with gentle resistance — not a struggle.

For more styling ideas, explore our MC Davidian magazine — full of seasonal inspiration for handmade French hair accessories. Also discover our guide on premium acetate hair accessories to understand why cellulose acetate outperforms plastic in every way.

FAQ — Banana Clips

How do you put a banana clip in your hair?

Gather your hair into a loose bundle at the nape. Press both ends of the banana clip to open the teeth, slide it underneath the hair, then snap it shut. Fan the hair over the clip for a fuller finish. Full step-by-step in Look 1 above.

Are banana clips good for thick hair?

Yes — banana clips are one of the best accessories for thick hair precisely because they distribute tension evenly across many teeth rather than concentrating it at one point. Choose the GM format (11–12 cm) for very thick or long hair.

Are banana clips back in style in 2026?

Absolutely. The banana clip has returned with full force since 2022 — reinterpreted in handmade acetate and jewellery-grade finishes. The key difference today: quality. MC Davidian's versions in cellulose acetate with Swarovski® rhinestones are a far cry from the fragile plastic clips of the 1980s.

Do banana clips damage hair?

A well-made banana clip does not damage hair. The teeth distribute grip evenly and do not snag. Cellulose acetate clips are especially gentle thanks to their smooth, polished finish. Avoid clips with sharp plastic teeth or a spring that is too tight for your hair volume.

What is the difference between a PM and GM banana clip?

PM (Petite Modèle) measures 9 cm and weighs 10–20 g — ideal for short, fine or medium hair and for partial styles. GM (Grande Modèle) measures 11–12 cm and weighs 30 g — designed for long, thick or voluminous hair that needs a strong, all-day hold.

How do I care for a cellulose acetate banana clip?

Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, chlorine, or perfume directly on the acetate. Store flat or in a pouch to prevent pressure marks. With proper care, a quality French acetate clip lasts many years without losing its shape or colour.

Ready to Try a Banana Clip?

Explore the complete MC Davidian banana clip collection — PM (9 cm) and GM (11–12 cm), plain or with hand-set Swarovski® rhinestones, in up to 20 colour options. Every piece handmade in France.

Shop All Banana Clips →

Handmade in France  ·  Swarovski® rhinestones  ·  25 years of craft  ·  Ships worldwide

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