We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Comb Clip?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: Jan 29, 2024
Views: 7,433
References
Share

A comb clip is a hair accessory, usually made of plastic, that is both decorative and functional. Some styles of this hair clip are called butterfly clips because their basic shape is a comb on each side with a wire-wrapped opening and closing section that joins the two combs. Another style of comb clip is called a banana clip, as it is crescent shaped much like the fruit. The different comb clip styles are sold in many colors and sizes. Unlike regular hair combs, comb clips have two sides rather than only one.

The double sides allow for these combs to get a stronger grip on hair than regular, single comb styles, which are slid into hair rather than clipped. Like other kinds of hair combs though, these combs are usually sold in sets or packages. A comb clip may be used in many different ways either alone or in groups of clips. The exact way they are used depends on their size.

Tiny, or mini, hair comb clips don't hold very large strands, so they are more decorative than the bigger sizes. They are even more likely than larger designs to be available in a rainbow of colors. These mini butterfly or banana clips are often added to accent braids or keep flyaway strands of hair in place.

Medium sized comb clips may be used in twos or threes to hold an upswept, or twist, kind of hairstyle. Long hair may be gathered into a ponytail shape, then twisted with the ends tucked in, before being held in place on the head with a row of clips. One large butterfly or banana comb clip can also be used for an upswept hairstyle instead of using several clips.

Comb clips are opened and closed using a simple finger and thumb motion. Banana clips can be a little more difficult to open and close around the hair than the butterfly variety. Both types of comb clip are sold in neutral, bright, pastel and metallic colors. They may be translucent or opaque in design.

Crystal comb clips are made of clear plastic. Banana clips may have small sparkly stones embedded along their edges, but butterfly clips, with their middle opening and closing are usually unadorned. Butterfly clip styles may have an overall glittery finish though.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Jan 15, 2015

I bought a hair comb clip for my wedding day. It's like any comb clip but is made of light metal. It has a beautiful flower design with sparkly crystals. I was looking for a hair piece that I could use in my hair on my big day and I got this one for a very affordable price online.

It worked great and looked beautiful. I kind of wish I had gotten more colors because I can definitely use it again on special occasions to match my outfits. I kind of feel lucky because I know that these kinds of online purchases are a hit or miss. Some comb clips work well while others don't even stay in. The quality needs to be good so it's a good idea to read reviews of the product before purchasing if possible.

By serenesurface — On Jan 15, 2015

@donasmrs-- I think banana comb clips work best with thick long hair. But that's the case for the very large, long ones. There are also mini banana clips and I'm sure those would work well for you. Those with fine hair need to go for the smaller sized clips.

I also recommend side combs. I have used them for years and so has my mom. She has fine hair and I have thick hair but these combs work great for both hair types. It's great for pulling hair out of the face. I usually use two, one on both sides of my hair. I take a small portion in the front and use the comb to keep it back. They look very nice too.

By donasmrs — On Jan 14, 2015

I like banana comb clips but I can never get the clip to stay on. It usually slips off in a few minutes. It can be quite irritating so I've stopped trying to use it. I don't know how others use this type of hair clip. I guess I just don't have the right hair type for it.

Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-a-comb-clip.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.