The History of Banana Clips

The banana clip has its roots in the Stone Age, when people began using hair combs to hold back and/or decorate their hair. Hair clips have remained popular throughout the years due to their practical nature – they simultaneously provide decoration, a way to hold hair back, and a way to comb hair. In Ancient Rome, tortoiseshell combs were often worn in the hair. In China during the Tang Dynasty, hair combs were made from rhinoceroses’ horns. In 17th century Japan, hair combs were made from either wood or tortoiseshell and then decorated with precious materials, including mother of pearl or gold if the wearer was especially wealthy. In 1950s America, hair combs were often used to attach veils and small hats to the wearer’s head. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that banana clips as we know them today became popular. In fact, they achieved so much popularity during their heyday that they are now synonymous with ’80s style. While their popularity faded out for few decades, banana clips are once again available on store shelves and being heartily embraced by a new generation.