People with long hair have plenty of hairstyles to choose from. One such hairstyle implements the use of banana curls — long, tube-like curls that seem to be full of volume and hold lots of bounce. Once your hair is curled this way, you can add extra styling to it, like buns or ponytails, or leave it down. It's such a versatile hairstyle, and here's all you need to know about it.
Why Go Bananas?
No one knows why these curls were named after one particular fruit, but you might guess that the curve of a banana reminded people of the curls in their hair. When looser, banana curls tend to have that sweeping shape to them that bananas have. How tight or loose you wear them depends on your personal preference.
Banana curls were a favorite hairstyle of women in the 1940s, as they allowed for their hair to stay out of their face when they worked. When you search for this particular type of curl, you may see several different answers. That's because people achieve a similar look through various methods and put their own spin on the banana curl that suits their daily life and the appearance they want.
Another form of the "banana curl" method involves using bananas to strengthen your curls. The fruit works great in a hair mask that you can use to keep your hair smooth, and you can use it just like your favorite deep conditioning treatment.
Easy Banana Hair Masks for Dry, Damaged Hair
The easiest way to make a hair mask is to mash that banana to a pulp. Lumps are more likely to stick, so use beaters if necessary to create a creamy consistency. Then, mix banana with your favorite relaxing or replenishing herbs, such as lavender or fenugreek and add an extra conditioning ingredient for extra softness or special hair needs, such as:
Honey
Olive oil
Avocado
Egg
Yogurt
Argan oil
Aloe vera
Papaya
Ensure you wash the mask out of your hair before it completely dries. Letting it get crunchy can result in a frustrating time when you go to rinse.
How to Make Banana Curls
Tight ringlets are called many things, but the most iconic name has to be the banana curl. You can use many methods to achieve your banana curls, but these are some of the best. Try something new — you may just love the results!
Heated Methods
You have two basic methods for using heat to create banana curls.
1. Curling Iron
When you use a curling iron, you put heat onto your hair. If you want to protect your hair from any potential frizz or heat damage, make sure you use a good heat protecting spray beforehand. Curls work best when you're working with "dirty" hair — that is, hair you haven't washed right before — but you can still curl your hair when it's been freshly washed.
The size of your curling iron determines the size of the curls. If you want tight, ringlet curls that you can brush out into a style you like, use a barrel with a smaller diameter. Curling irons with a smaller barrel means that your coils will last longer.
2. Dryer
This method requires you to employ one of the non-heat styling methods outlined below but accelerates the process. All you need to do is subject your wrapped curls to the blow dryer, taking frequent breaks, as it can feel hot. Alternatively, if you can locate an old-fashioned bonnet hair dryer — or an updated version with a modern twist — you can kick back and enjoy a novel while your style sets.
Non-Heat Methods
Many people try to stay away from using heat on their hair. Using heat on your hair without any protection can cause damage to the outer shell, which can lead to breakage or even hair loss. Eating the right diet can protect your hair, but so can avoiding heat sources.
1. Pin Curls
For the ultimate in springy banana curls, use the pin curl method. You’ll begin with wet hair, and you’ll need a big stack of bobby pins, or, better yet, duckbill hair clips that snap into place — they’re easier to maneuver and keep in place overnight.
Divide your hair into small sections — the tinier the section, the tighter the curl. Twirl each group of strands around your finger until they start to curl in upon themselves. Pin the tight coils right against your head and secure it with a bobby pin or duckbill clip. Placing a breathable fishnet hair net over your coils protects them overnight. Release them in the morning for a headful of springy curls.
Pro-tip: Apply gel or mousse to your tresses before making the curls. You’ll have springy style that lasts all day.
2. Rags
Another method is taking strips of rag and using them to secure your curls. This method keeps the hair closest to your head straight, flipping the ends and creating a softer style than pins.
Begin with damp tresses and apply mousse or gel for a longer-lasting hold. Twist a small section of hair along a strip of rag — one to 2-inch strips work well. Tie the fabric in place, continuing until you roll all of your hair. As a bonus, many people find rags easier to sleep in than pins.
3. Curlers
You can also buy specialty curlers to create banana curls. Some sets come with various sized rollers, allowing you to make tiny, face-framing curls and larger waves in the back. You can choose from hard or soft styles — the foam ones are more comfortable if you plan on letting your style dry naturally overnight.
4. Any Round Stick
While you don’t have to go for the “Pebbles” look, tying a bone in your hair like the child from “The Flintstones,” you can use any round stick to create banana curls. For example, repurpose old paper towel rolls before composting them to make big, wavy banana curls. Plastic straws are a nightmare for the environment, but they hold a bobby pin — find a positive use for those party leftovers lingering in your kitchen drawer.
https://youtu.be/5awQifISbdg?si=lwIBe6gercZv7GXf
How to Make Banana Curls Even Better — Additional Styling Ideas
You can make banana curls even better by arranging them in fun styles. Here are four ideas to whet your creative appetite.
1. The Pippi Longstocking
Tie your banana curls into twin pigtails on either side of your head. You can even add a floppy bow to either one. This style looks adorable on younger family members, but adults can rock it, too — think Abby from “NCIS.”
2. The Elegant Updo
Banana curls are perfect for elegant updos that are the pride of any bride. Begin by creating a flurry of banana curls all over your head. Then, use a clear elastic to pull your hair into a high ponytail. From there, use bobby pins to arrange your curls in a creative style, leaving some tendrils lose while arranging the others into a makeshift bun. Add a sprig of flowers or a decorative comb for added effect.
3. The Low Bun
If you have long hair, you can also create a loose bun at the nape of your neck with your banana curls. Use the same procedure as you would for an updo, but keep the hair tie low, near your hairline. Frame your face with a few loose tendrils and give it an extra spritz of spray to keep your curls from wilting if your back gets sweaty.
4. The Nellie Olsen
A simple way to style your banana curls is to pin back the front section with a clip or a bow. Doing so keeps lose hairs from getting in your face during various activities — like slurping spaghetti noodles — but leaves it long and loose in the back. The fastener you choose can take this look from strictly business to night-on-the-town in no time. Use a simple black barrette for the former and pair a pearled clip with a pair of dangling earrings for evening wear.
Use Banana Curls for a Fun and Formal Hairstyle
Banana curls are perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or a casual party, you can style your curls to fit any celebration. It might take some practice to achieve the perfect loop, but once you work with your hair, you'll understand more about it and what it needs to hold the shape of banana curls. Once you figure out which method works best for you, you'll be a pro and can teach others about these unique, versatile curls.
Originally published August 1, 2024. Updated October 30, 2024.
