Like the decade itself, the best ’90s hairstyles were a study in freeform fun. From kitschy accessories to undone textures to quirky updos, hair was used as a foundation for creativity. The resulting styles focused on idiosyncrasy over refinement, though gloss and sleekness informed more than a few moments as well.
Modern beauty calls for an individual touch, making the ’90s an ideal reference point. Step away from the crowd and think outside the box, better to envision hair that’s funky, chic, and destined to turn heads. So grab your clips and crimping iron, embrace the bang, and release any and all seriousness—it’s time for some aesthetic playtime.
Here are 30 hairstyles that were trending in the ’90s and are just as (if not more) relevant today.
01. Side Part
The ’90s side part is forever—no matter what anyone says. When properly styled (aka both polished and effortless), side-parted hair communicates the same careless cool as their more centered sister style.
02. Grown-Out Buzz
The subversive buzz cuts (and all of their subsequent grow-out stages) of the ’90s are all the more relevant today.
03. Flippy Bob
The recent flipped-up bob trend comes with some major era influence. The ’90s saw celebrities like Neve Campbell sporting sleek and flippy bobs, often parted at the side or center and worn tucked behind the ears.
04. Short Layers
Layers ruled the late ’90s and early ’00s, with choppy and tapered tiers snipped to frame the face.
05. Celestial Accessories
Light-catching accessories like Alanis Morissette’s gems and threaded silver chains are both bohemian and futuristic. Keep the additions minimal for an elegant look or go full mirror ball for desired drama.
06. Baby Bangs
Rounded baby bangs trimmed above the brow transform a head of voluminous waves from simply glamorous to cute and quirky.
07. Blunt Chop
A shoulder-length chop paired with rounded, wispy, blended bangs may be a quintessential ’90s cut, but the shape is timeless enough to spark inspiration in the present.
08. Bohemian Bangs
Curtain bangs and generous layers are back in a big way, and the ’90s interpretation of the trend is worthy of revisitation. Claudia Schiffer’s starts off slightly babied before giving way to a blend of short and long tiers.
09. Romantic Half-Up
Finger-raked, half-up hair evokes Renaissance romance, as does a face framed in wispy flyaway strands.
10. Piecey Bangs
A cut of glossy, piecey bangs is an ideal accompaniment to long layers or a blunt cut.
11. Rounded Bob
Reese Witherspoon is late ’90s incarnate, and her blonde bob, styled to curve neatly inward, is a chic (and somehow grunge?) sign of the times.
12. Messy Bun
The quirky, overdone updo was a ’90s mainstay. This parted messy bun features raked height at the crown, a wispy sweep of bangs, and a few escapist strands for extra insouciance.
13. Full Baby Bangs
A full set of baby bangs (rather than the wispier variety) skew luxe and femme fatale—though Selma Blair’s then-trademark raven certainly helps.
14. Partial Pin
A simple accessory makes all the difference. Madonna’s jeweled pin and single secured section make her medium-length waves cutesy and cool.
15. Side Bangs
Bangs of all sorts are the moment, and the wisped side swoop of the 1990s is a worthy contender for your fringe revival.
16. Crimped Curls
The waves and curls of the ’90s were styled a touch more tightly, as evidenced by Britney Spears’ near-crimped waves. The texture is wholly worthy of a copycat moment, whether or not you also reach for the pearl crown and parted bangs.
17. Twisted Tie-Back
Twists! Segmentation! Bows made from sprays of blonde! This exaggerated era style has all of the playful quirk that made the ’90s so memorable (and appealingly weird).
18. Elvish Pixie
Gwyneth Paltrow’s pixie was a ’90s hallmark, and this slightly grown-out version is due for a renaissance. With micro bangs, flippy ends, and a single bobby pin, the cut feels sweet and demure.
19. Old Hollywood Blowout
Volume is a welcome factor. Cindy Crawford’s full-bodied mane is legend, and when run through with some Old Hollywood waves, the style makes an even more sumptuous statement.
20. Gelled Pixie
Wet-look styles are a stylized trend that crops up fairly regularly, and this shellacked pixie is a wearable, polished interpretation.
21. Rumpled Bombshell
Bedhead is forever. Penelope Cruz’s mane is often worn sleek and smooth, but when worn mussed and rumpled, her storied locks can easily go the cool route.
22. Colorful Strands
The nostalgic pastel streaks and semi-permanent colors are perfect for modern styling. Whether you’re channeling Drew Barrymore’s bubblegum pink or opting for deep purples or blues, pops of color can enhance your look beautifully.
23. Flat-Top Fade
The flat-top fade is an iconic throwback style that speaks to the importance of precise, boxy cuts. Perfect for accentuating defined cheekbones or adding a touch of daring.
24. Old-School Spiral Curls
Spiral curls and voluminous ringlets have reemerged with fervor, especially when worn in a sophisticated updo or on long, textured hair.
25. Asymmetrical Bob
This sharp, jaw-grazing asymmetrical bob never seems to go out of style, especially when paired with warm highlights and blown-out texture.
26. Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips were a quintessential ’90s accessory. Use a few to add an adorable twist to an otherwise straight style or as an unexpected element in a sleek bun.
27. The Rachel
Jennifer Aniston’s iconic “Rachel” haircut from Friends deserves its own nod. The layered, face-framing bob is eternally chic, especially when styled with a touch of volume and natural movement.
28. Poofy Layers
The exaggerated volume of the ’90s required the use of layers, and nothing embodies that more than Kylie Minogue’s poofy, tousled tresses.
29. Bouncy Blowout
The ’90s bouncy blowout was all about the curl, and Jessica Simpson’s body of work exemplifies just how effervescent and youthful the style can be.
30. Zig-Zag Part
A zig-zag part adds an unexpected, playful twist to any style. This edgy take on a classic middle or side part makes for a modern, stylish look.
Hair is a defining factor in self-expression, and these ’90s hairstyles are more than just nostalgic nods; they’re current-day reminders of the playfulness and creativity of beauty. Whether you choose to embrace a dramatic cut or add in some texture and accessories, these styles have the potential to inspire new trends while celebrating the past. So, have fun experimenting!
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