Two distinct hairstyle trends currently dominate the beauty scene, showcasing the polar opposites of hair styling. On one side, you have the sleek, low supermodel bun favored by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Normani. On the other, the voluminous ’90s supermodel blowout, reminiscent of icons like Cindy Crawford, is making a powerful comeback. While these styles are drastically different, they coexist beautifully among Gen Z beauty enthusiasts on TikTok, who effortlessly switch between the two. Although these hairstyles are not new, they have solidified their place in the routine of beauty lovers everywhere.
While the sleek low bun is relatively straightforward to achieve, many might feel intimidated by the bouncy blowout. However, with guidance from experts, you’ll find that it’s easier than you think to recreate this glamorous look at home.
Expert Insights
Celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation describes the ’90s supermodel blowout as a timeless classic. “Blowouts are fun, bouncy, and can appear messy while still looking polished,” he shared with PS. Another celebrity hairstylist, Tom Smith, believes that “fluffy” blowouts will continue to be a lasting trend. “Gen Z has dubbed Adele’s blonde style the ‘fluffy blow dry,'” he explains. “The layered look from the ’90s emphasizes bounce and volume, making it ideal for longer and thicker hair, resulting in a carefree yet glamorous finish.”
If you’re ready to give yourself a ’90s-inspired fluffy blowout, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Begin by prepping damp hair with a heat protectant that enhances volume without weighing it down. The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment ($33) is a great choice as it protects, volumizes, and smooths. “Fluffy hair thrives on airy volume and a soft blended finish,” says Smith. “Aim for maximum fluffiness without the weight.”
Step 2: Dry Your Hair to About 80%
Next, start drying your hair. If your hair is straight or slightly wavy, consider using a blow-dry brush like the T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow Dry Brush ($150) or the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush ($70). For those with curly or wavy hair, rough-dry with a regular blow dryer or let it air-dry.
Step 3: Insert Velcro Hair Rollers
For straight or slightly wavy hair, incorporating velcro rollers is essential for ensuring your style lasts. This step can be skipped if your hair is curly. Once your hair is nearly dry—preferably while still warm—apply velcro rollers like the Conair Assorted Sized Self Grip Roller Set ($9) to enhance volume. Begin rolling at the base and work your way up, using smaller rollers for the lower sections and larger ones for the top. Allow them to cool for as long as possible to set your voluminous look.
Step 4: Apply Volumizing Spray
After removing the velcro rollers, it’s time to spritz on some volumizing spray. Smith recommends spraying at the roots and mid-lengths. Evo’s Root Canal Volumizing Spray ($34) is an excellent option, as it can be layered for airy volume without leaving the hair feeling stiff.
Step 5: Finish with a Lifting Powder
While volumizing spray provides a solid boost, Smith suggests taking your style to the next level. “Lift sections of hair and sprinkle styling powder underneath, allowing it to settle within the strands,” he advises. The Kristen Ess Working Texture Loose Styling Powder ($12) is a fantastic choice for this purpose.
“Once the powder has settled, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips, lifting the roots for a high-fashion, fluffy finish throughout your layers,” Smith adds.
With these expert tips, achieving a ’90s blowout at home is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the volume and bounce, and channel your inner supermodel this season!
Related Topic:
How To Style Short Relaxed Hair Without Heat
How To Keep Naturally Curly Hair Straight After Straightening