Banana Clip vs Claw Clip: Hairstylists Clarify the Variations

If there’s one factor we all know to be true, it is that there is an artwork to styling an updo. Two common hair equipment that make it simpler to realize an upswept fashion are the banana and claw clips. Whereas they might look related at first look, their respective shapes permit them to serve a definite goal in our styling routine.

We spoke to 2 movie star hairstylists to uncover the nuances between these clips so you possibly can select the one which works greatest along with your desired look. Forward, discover all of their hair-clipping recommendation.

What Is a Banana Clip?

A banana clip is a hair accent that lives as much as its title. The design incorporates a lengthy, curved clip with enamel and is usually hinged at one finish, resembling the form of a banana. Movie star hairstylist Jennifer Korab explains it’s used to carry and elegance hair with its comb-like prongs, usually creating ponytails or lower-sitting updos by securing the hair in a curved, elongated place. This hair accent was significantly common within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties.

What Is a Claw Clip?

Claw clips have been a staple hair accent throughout the ’90s and early 2000s. Sometimes fabricated from plastic or metallic, this device consists of two curved, toothed jaws that grip hair firmly. “A claw clip is without doubt one of the hottest hair equipment, that includes two sides of prongs that may be opened and closed with a spring,” movie star hairstylist Valery Joseph explains. “This [design] lets you create numerous hairstyles, akin to ponytails, updos, or half-up appears,” Korab provides.

Banana Clip vs. Claw Clip: Similarities and Variations

It may be simple to confuse banana and claw clips, as each equipment safe the hair and supply a approach to create and keep hairstyles. Plus, they’re usually made of comparable supplies, akin to plastic or metallic.

Nonetheless, there are notable variations of their design and utilization. A banana clip is lengthy and curved with a hinge at one finish, which is right for creating elongated ponytails or updos by distributing hair evenly by the clip. However, a claw clip options two curved, toothed jaws that open and shut utilizing a spring mechanism. It’s versatile for securing hair in fast updos or half-up kinds.

Joseph provides that banana clips are normally a lot slimmer and flatter than claw clips. “Each can simply and stylishly safe hair, however banana clips are inclined to work higher with longer and thicker hair resulting from their bigger ‘wingspan’ in comparison with claw clips,” she says.

Methods to Put on and Model a Banana Clip

“Carrying and styling a banana clip will add a retro aptitude to your coiffure whereas securely holding your hair in place,” Korab says. She recommends beginning by opening the clip and separating the 2 hinged sides to fashion with a banana clip. Collect your hair right into a ponytail and place the clip beneath it, guaranteeing the enamel of the clip are on both aspect. Shut the clip securely, guaranteeing your hair is evenly positioned.

Joseph prefers the cascading ponytail methodology. “Open the banana clip and place it on the nape of your neck,” she says. “Collect your hair upwards and shut the clip, securing all of the hair inside it. This [approach] creates a phenomenal, cascading impact.”

Methods to Put on and Model a Claw Clip

In response to Korab, claw clips are a straightforward approach to create numerous hairstyles starting from informal to stylish. She personally loves utilizing the accent to do French twists, messy buns, half-up kinds, or low chignons. To begin your fashion, Korab says to open the claw clip by urgent the ends collectively to separate the claw, then collect the specified quantity of hair, place it in your chosen spot, and shut the jaws of the claw clip round your hair. Claw clips are nice for styling a French twist, messy bun, half-up kinds, or a low chignon.

Joseph prefers to stay to fast and informal styling with claw clips. “Collect your hair as in case you are making a ponytail,” she explains. “Whereas one hand holds the bottom of the ponytail, use two fingers then again to twist the hair upwards till all of it’s gathered in a simplified French twist. Safe with the claw clip and pull some tendrils for a classy, easy look.”

The Closing Takeaway

Whereas related in perform, banana and claw clips are fairly totally different. In design, the banana clip is thought for its elongated, curved form with comb detailing, whereas the claw clip incorporates a spring mechanism and toothed jaws for safe styling. With styling, banana clips are most ceaselessly used to create cascading ponytails, whereas claw clips are sometimes used for buns, ponytails, and half-up appears. Regardless, there is no “improper” alternative. It is all about deciding which fits your hair kind and desired look greatest.