90s Hairstyle Ideas That Will Take You Back In Time
Go back in the 90s with hairstyles that scream nostalgia. Playful braids, bold layers, and classic looks that never go out of style.
Hilary Banks Hat-Ready Hairstyle
Inspired by Karyn Parsons’ iconic character Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this look focuses on styling medium to long hair with polished volume and bounce, specifically to be paired with a statement hat. The key is smooth, controlled hair that maintains lift at the roots so that it does not fall flat under headwear. This style embodies 90s polished glamour and works well with straightened or smooth hair.
Sarah Jessica Wild Natural Curls
The signature, highly voluminous, and often wild curl pattern popularized by Sarah Jessica Parker in her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in the late 1990s. This look celebrates natural hair texture, emphasizing high volume, length, and defined spirals. It stands as a pinnacle of 90s natural hair trends, favoring bounce and movement over sleek perfection. This style works best on medium to long naturally curly or coily hair.
Michelle Williams Emmy 1999
Sporting a chic, youthful style during her Dawson’s Creek days, Michelle Williams’ 1999 Emmy hairstyle featured sleek, shoulder-length hair with subtle layers. The look balanced polished sophistication with effortless teen charm, perfectly framing her face for red carpet moments.
Demi Moore Curly Pixie
Part of the dramatic hair evolution of Demi Moore in the 90s, this hairstyle is a short pixie cut that embraces natural curl and maximizes volume. Unlike smoother pixies, this look is defined by its airy, voluminous body and soft, defined ringlets, which were highly popular among celebrities of the era. The look is achieved by encouraging the natural curl pattern while ensuring the short layers maintain their piecey structure.
Alicia Silverstone Butterfly Clips
A playful ’90s hairstyle featuring butterfly clips placed strategically across the head, made iconic by Alicia Silverstone in *Clueless*. Loose strands escape freely, creating a whimsical, effortless vibe. This look combines nostalgic charm with casual, carefree energy.
Gwyneth Paltrow Side-Parted Pixie
A sleek, side-parted pixie that showcases Gwyneth Paltrow’s understated ’90s elegance. Subtle bobby pins hold strands in place while keeping the look minimalistic and chic. This style emphasizes facial features and works well with minimal styling products for a polished yet effortless finish.
Princess Diana 90s Layers
Building on her iconic ’80s haircut, Princess Diana’s ’90s layers were slightly longer, framing her face with soft elegance. This timeless royal style combines movement, volume, and sophistication, cementing her status as a hair legend across decades.
Drew Barrymore Platinum Curls
Platinum blonde curls styled in a classic ’90s fashion, complemented by thin eyebrows and bold red lips. Symmetrical daisy hair accessories add a playful, whimsical touch. This look combines vintage Hollywood glamour with youthful, carefree energy, perfect for formal events or making a statement.
Undone Curls
Inspired by Mariah Carey, this look celebrates natural curls with a relaxed, voluminous finish. Hair appears glossy yet lightweight, perfectly undone, and full of movement. It’s ideal for those who want the beauty of natural curls without heaviness or stiffness.
Off-Duty Model
Effortlessly glamorous hair inspired by supermodels off the runway. This style can be worn straight or with soft curls, featuring a natural bounce and a glossy, lit-from-within sheen. It embodies the relaxed yet polished aesthetic that made models look effortlessly chic in everyday settings.
Finger-Raked Bob
A casually tousled bob popularized by Winona Ryder in 1990. This style achieves effortless movement through finger-styling rather than combing, creating a soft, lived-in texture. Its relaxed, slightly messy finish makes it a favorite for moodboards and modern reinterpretations of ’90s chic.
Tiny Waves
Small waves were a signature look of the ’90s, ranging from relaxed, beachy textures to precise, uniform waves created with heat tools. This style adds movement and shine, offering a playful yet polished aesthetic that remains iconic decades later.
Crimped Hair
Originating in the 1970s and skyrocketing to popularity in the early 1990s, crimped hair became the ultimate party style. Celebrities from Tyra Banks to Blake Lively embraced this ultra-wavy texture. Modern iterations in 2024 favor a softer, beachy vibe with subtler, more polished crimps, moving away from the frizz of the past.
Piecey Pixie Cut
A timeless, short haircut defined by close-cropped sides, textured layers, and short, often wispy bangs or fringes. Famously worn by 90s style icons like Nia Long, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Winona Ryder, this pixie features piece-y layers that create movement and definition, giving it the distinctive rebellious and high-fashion edge associated with the decade. It’s an easy-to-manage cut that highlights facial features.
Half-Up Claw Clip
The claw clip was an essential, defining hair accessory of the 90s, offering a quick, chic way to secure hair. This specific style, often associated with characters like Rachel Green, uses a medium-to-large clip to gather the top half of the hair. It is prized for being incredibly low-effort, functional, and stylish, providing a casual yet polished look while leaving the bottom layers loose.
Scrunchie High Ponytail
This look is less a complex style and more a defining accessory trend of the 80s and early 90s. The scrunchie, a large fabric hair tie, transforms a basic high ponytail or bun into a statement piece. It’s the epitome of 90s functional chic, securing the hair firmly while adding a vibrant pop of color or texture to the style. This look works best with straight or slightly wavy hair lengths.
90s Tousled Curls
A beloved 90s curly hairstyle, championed by icons like Mariah Carey, Drew Barrymore, and Sarah Jessica Parker, that emphasizes natural texture and volume. This style encourages and embraces a touch of controlled frizz, giving the hair an airy, soft, and slightly undone appearance. It relies on minimal product and air-drying techniques to showcase a voluminous curl pattern with great movement.
Bixie
A bold, layered haircut that merges the length of a short bob with the cropped, layered structure of a pixie cut. Made famous in the 90s by stars like Winona Ryder and Meg Ryan, this style features longer layers near the chin and shorter, voluminous pieces at the crown and hairline. As celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook notes, it’s versatile enough to tuck behind the ear while offering a modern spin on the curtain fringe trend, providing volume and shape without the commitment of a full bob.
Face-Framing Tendrils Updo
A nostalgic 90s style that has seen a massive resurgence, characterized by two intentionally loose strands of hair left out from an updo or ponytail to softly frame the face. This simple yet effective technique works beautifully with all hair types—wavy, straight, or curly—adding a delicate, effortlessly chic touch to any look. It highlights facial features and provides a romantic softness.
Heartthrob Layered Bob
This short, layered, and often feathered haircut was the signature look for 90s teen idols like Leonardo DiCaprio, Erik von Detten, and Nick Carter. Characterized by its middle-parted, flowy layers that hit around the jawline, it offers a youthful, low-maintenance appeal. This style is versatile and works for all genders, recently making a significant comeback due to its easy upkeep and effortless cool factor.
Half-Braided, Half-Down Textured Style
A playful and popular 90s twist on the classic half-up, half-down look. This style incorporates cornrows, box braids, or twists on the top section of the hair while leaving the rest of the hair down to showcase its natural texture or curl pattern. As noted by celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, this look is fun, easy to achieve, and perfect for incorporating protective styling into a trendy everyday look.
Supermodel Voluminous Blowout
The "fluffy hair" trend, a staple of the 90s, is back, epitomized by this bouncy, voluminous blowout. Inspired by supermodels like Cindy Crawford and celebrities like Danielle Fisher, this style creates incredible lift at the roots and movement throughout the hair, giving a polished, high-glamour finish. It is achieved through strategic sectioning and tension with a round brush and blow dryer, with an option to use rollers for maximized volume.
Barbie Flipped Ponytail
A sleek, high ponytail featuring dramatically flipped-out ends, popularized in the 90s and recently revived by the "Barbiecore" trend. This style is chic, elongating, and adds an element of playful glamour, making it a favorite of celebrities like Ariana Grande and Gabrielle Union. The signature flip requires a round brush and blow dryer to achieve a voluminous, polished finish.
Chunky Highlights
This 90s hairstyle features bold, chunky streaks of color blended with a choppy haircut, creating a striking and playful effect. Popularized by Kelly Rowland, the look exudes personality and stands out in music videos, red carpets, and everyday wear. Ideal for medium-length hair, it works best on straight to slightly wavy textures and allows for easy at-home replication with gels, mousses, or heat styling tools.
Two Braids
This 90s hairstyle features two neatly braided sections, often paired with clipped bangs for a youthful and playful appearance. Standing out in an era of grungy and edgy styles, it offers a polished yet fun look. Ideal for medium-length hair, this style works on straight, wavy, or lightly textured hair and can be dressed up with accessories or kept casual.
Antennae
This 90s hairstyle features a polished style with two straight strands of hair left out in the front, creating the signature "antennae" effect. Popularized by Jennifer Love Hewitt and many other 90s girls, it adds a touch of playful, undone charm to otherwise sleek hair. Ideal for medium to long hair, it works on straight, wavy, or slightly curled textures.
The Rachel
This iconic 90s hairstyle features a layered, face-framing bob made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel on Friends. The style balances volume, shape, and movement, making it a versatile look for medium-length hair. It can be worn sleek and polished or with subtle waves for an undone, casual vibe, capturing the essence of 90s salon culture.
The Sky-High Pony
This 90s-inspired hairstyle features a sleek, high ponytail with a flipped curl at the ends and swooshed bangs at the front. Popularized by Tyra Banks, it adds height and drama while maintaining polished sophistication. Perfect for medium to long hair, this look is ideal for red carpet events, casual outings, or any occasion where a statement ponytail is desired.
Shortest-Possible Platinum Pixie
This daring 90s haircut features a very short, almost shaved pixie with platinum blonde color. Popularized by Jada Pinkett Smith, this look is bold, edgy, and low-maintenance, emphasizing facial features while creating a high-fashion statement. Ideal for straight hair, the platinum color adds contrast and vibrancy, making the style instantly attention-grabbing.
The Hilary Banks
This 90s hairstyle features a perfectly coiled, voluminous coif, often accessorized with statement hats or oversized bows. Inspired by Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it combines playful elegance with bold personality. Ideal for medium to long hair with natural curl or wave, the style adds height and drama, making it perfect for both casual and dressy occasions.
Messy Bun + Wispy Tendrils
This elegant yet casual 90s hairstyle features a loosely gathered messy bun with delicate face-framing curls or tendrils. Popularized by Gwyneth Paltrow on red carpets, the style balances undone charm with sophistication. Perfect for medium to long hair, it works for both casual outings and more formal occasions, adding effortless volume and softness to the overall look.
Jumbo Box Braids
This iconic 90s hairstyle features large, chunky box braids that are both bold and versatile. Popularized by Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice, the braids provide a statement-making look while protecting natural hair. Pairing with accessories like a newsboy cap or bold makeup adds personality and flair. Perfect for medium to long hair, this style is timeless and allows for multiple styling variations.
Butterfly Clips
This quintessential 90s hairstyle features small sections of hair clipped back using colorful butterfly clips. Popularized by Gwen Stefani and embraced by countless 90s girls, this playful look adds personality and whimsy to any hairstyle. Ideal for medium-length hair, the style works on straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures, and can be paired with braids, half-up styles, or loose hair for a fun retro vibe.
Bedazzled Bandanas
This hairstyle channels 90s hip-hop flair, featuring braids accented with a bedazzled bandana for a bold, stylish look. Popularized by J.Lo, the style combines protective braiding with eye-catching accessories, perfect for adding personality and sparkle. Ideal for medium to long hair, it allows for versatility while embracing the vibrant, confident spirit of 90s street style.
The Winona Pixie
This iconic pixie cut, popularized by Winona Ryder in the late 90s, features subtle layers and a laid-back, slightly tousled style. Its charm comes from the blend of softness and edge, with delicate layering that frames the face and enhances natural texture. Perfect for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look that nods to 90s fashion while remaining wearable today.
Micro Braids
This iconic 90s hairstyle features countless tiny braids woven close to the scalp, giving a highly textured and versatile look. Popularized by Brandy on her TV show Moesha, the style frames the face beautifully and allows for playful versatility—braids can be worn loose, in ponytails, or styled into intricate updos. Micro braids offer both style and protection, making them a practical yet statement-making choice.
Bumped Bob
This classic bob hairstyle gets a playful 90s twist with soft curls added at the ends, creating movement and volume. Popularized by Angelina Jolie, the bumped bob frames the face beautifully and adds a subtle retro flair. The lifted ends give the look energy and make the style feel effortlessly chic, perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.
Mall Bangs
This 90s hairstyle features voluminous, feathered bangs that instantly give off “cool girl” vibes. Popularized by TV icons like Kelly Kapowski, D.J. Tanner, and Kelly Bundy, the style frames the face while adding movement and texture. The bangs are layered and feathered for a bouncy, airy effect, creating a look that is effortlessly fun yet stylish.
Claw Bangs
This 90s hairstyle features distinctive face-framing fringe bangs with peekaboo pieces that subtly highlight the eyes and cheekbones. Known as "Claw Bangs," the style creates a playful, slightly edgy look while maintaining softness. Ideal for medium-length hair, these bangs add dimension and a retro vibe that makes a statement without overwhelming the face.
Teeny Double Dutch Pigtails
This quintessential 90s hairstyle features two small Dutch braids, fastened at the ends with elastics, with a few strands left loose for a playful, effortless look. Inspired by Britney Spears, the style works best on short to medium-length hair, giving a cute, youthful appearance while keeping hair controlled and stylish. Perfect for casual days, school, or fun outings.
The Flip
This iconic 90s hairstyle features hair flipped outward at the ends, creating a playful, voluminous look. Drew Barrymore popularized this style, often pairing it with enamel hair clips, dark-red lipstick, and bold 90s fashion. Perfect for medium-length hair, the flip adds movement and a fun retro flair while remaining elegant enough for casual or semi-formal occasions.
The Twist-Back
This classic 90s hairstyle features a half-rolled twist pinned back, often finished with a butterfly clip for a playful, nostalgic touch. Popularly called "picture-day hair" by school kids, it gives medium-length hair a polished yet fun look. The twist adds dimension and lifts the hair off the face, creating an effortlessly stylish vibe that epitomizes the decade.
Undercut
The Undercut is a versatile 90s men’s hairstyle that features a stark contrast between the longer top and closely cropped or shaved sides and back. Popularized in both casual and formal contexts, it allows customization to suit different head shapes and personal style preferences. Ideal for warmer seasons, it keeps the hair off the neck and sides, while the longer top provides styling flexibility, ranging from slicked-back to textured, tousled looks.
Greaser
The Greaser hairstyle experienced a 90s revival, blending midcentury nostalgia with contemporary flair. Characterized by voluminous hair slicked back from the forehead, it conveys a rebellious, “bad boy” aesthetic. Popular for evenings out and stylish daytime appearances, the look requires smooth, shiny hair with controlled volume. Achieving the Greaser style demands proper product application and precise combing to maintain a sleek, polished finish while retaining a sense of effortless attitude.
High Top
The High Top was a bold and unmistakable 90s men’s hairstyle, defined by a tall, squared silhouette that emphasized height and structure. Perfect for showcasing natural hair texture, it became iconic within hip hop culture and urban fashion scenes. This style requires precision cutting and shaping by a skilled barber to achieve clean edges and balance. The high top is attention-grabbing, offering both a stylish statement and a nostalgic nod to the era’s influential trends.
Taper Fade
The Taper Fade is a classic 90s men’s hairstyle that remains timeless and highly versatile. Characterized by a gradual reduction of hair length from the top to the sides and back, it can be tailored to suit individual head shapes and facial features. This haircut allows for creative variations, including low, mid, or high fades, combined with different top lengths and textures. Its clean lines and customizable silhouette make it suitable for both casual and formal occasions, offering a polished yet stylish appearance.
Pompadour
The Pompadour was a bold and iconic 90s men’s hairstyle, characterized by voluminous hair swept upward and back from the forehead, creating a striking lift at the crown. This style balances elegance with retro flair, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. It requires medium to long top hair while keeping the sides shorter for contrast. Proper product application and combing technique are essential to achieve the signature height and smooth, glossy finish.
Punk Length
Punk Length was a rebellious 90s men’s hairstyle associated with the punk rock scene. It features long, untamed hair that emphasizes individuality, self-expression, and a raw, edgy aesthetic. Popularized by rockstars who grew their hair out to convey attitude and emotion, this look combines natural texture with minimal styling for a carefree, rebellious vibe. While it may appear effortless, care and proper maintenance are key to keeping hair healthy, frizz-free, and manageable.
Dreamy Volume
Dreamy Volume was a quintessential 90s men’s hairstyle, popularized by romantic comedy leading men. This style features hair swept back from the face with natural-looking volume at the crown, giving a soft, effortless, and charismatic appearance. The look balances elegance and casual appeal, making it suitable for both formal and everyday occasions. Its key feature is movement and body, achieved through careful blow-drying and light styling products, rather than stiff gels, ensuring the hair flows naturally while maintaining shape.
Grunge Hairstyle
Grunge hairstyles became synonymous with 90s music culture, inspired by icons like Kurt Cobain. Characterized by long, straight, slightly messy locks, this style radiates a rebellious, rockstar attitude. Its low-maintenance nature and effortless appeal made it a favorite among men seeking an edgy yet casual look. Wavy or curly hair can be straightened to achieve the authentic aesthetic, while naturally straight hair flows freely to capture the signature disheveled vibe of the era.
Spiky Hair
Spiky hair was a defining trend of 90s men’s hairstyles, famously worn by boy band members like the Backstreet Boys. Short to medium length hair is styled into sharp, defined spikes using pomade or gel, creating a bold, playful appearance. This style allows for easy customization with frosted tips, subtle highlights, or vibrant hair colors, adding personality and flair. Its quick styling process and eye-catching look made it a staple for young men during the decade and a nostalgic favorite today.
Afro Hairstyle
The Afro hairstyle saw a major resurgence in the 90s, especially within Black communities, becoming a symbol of style and cultural pride. Popularized by icons like Snoop Dogg and Will Smith, this look features naturally curly or coiled hair shaped into a rounded, voluminous silhouette. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility and bold statement, allowing men to showcase texture, personality, and individuality while staying true to classic 90s flair.
Frosted Tips
Frosted tips are an iconic 90s men’s hairstyle, instantly recognizable and bold. The look involves bleaching the ends of short to medium-length hair and styling them into defined spikes. This technique adds contrast and texture, giving a striking visual effect. Strong-hold styling products are essential to maintain the spiked shape throughout the day. Popularized by boy bands and Hollywood stars, frosted tips remain a nostalgic symbol of the decade’s playful and adventurous hair trends.
Male Perm
The male perm was a striking 90s hairstyle that divided opinions but became instantly recognizable. Typically, the top section of the hair was permed to create curls or waves, while the back and sides remained straight, offering a dramatic contrast. Celebrities like Ian Ziering and Justin Timberlake popularized this trend, making it a memorable look of the decade. This hairstyle provided volume, texture, and a playful edge, embodying the adventurous spirit of 90s men’s hair fashion.
Flipped Ends
Flipped ends were a versatile 90s hairstyle embraced by both men and women. The look features hair that is slightly layered or medium-length, styled so that the tips of the strands curve outward, creating movement and dimension. Tousled, relaxed ends give a more natural and effortless appearance than perfectly smoothed strands. This style works well for casual and semi-formal occasions, giving a playful nod to the iconic hairstyles of the decade.
Hiphop Hairstyles
Hiphop hairstyles defined 90s men’s hair culture, inspired by legendary artists such as Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and Jay-Z. These styles include flat tops, braids, cornrows, Afros, and tapered buzz cuts, each reflecting a unique aspect of the hip hop movement. Popularized by musicians and entertainers, these looks combined style, individuality, and cultural significance. The diversity of these hairstyles allowed men to experiment with texture, length, and shape while staying true to the bold aesthetic of the era.
Slicked Back Hair
Slicked back hair was a hallmark of 90s men’s hairstyles, embodying elegance, neatness, and timeless appeal. This style involves combing longer top hair backward, creating a smooth, polished surface, often paired with a fade, undercut, or taper to enhance contrast and structure. Versatile for casual, business, or formal settings, the look emphasizes sharp lines and glossy texture. High-quality styling products such as pomade or wax are essential for maintaining hold and sheen while allowing for subtle movement. Celebrities like Christopher Walken helped define its classic appeal during the decade.
Long and Lank
Long and lank hair was a relaxed, natural 90s men’s hairstyle emphasizing length over volume. This look features straight, elongated hair that flows freely, creating a laid-back, effortless vibe. Popular among grunge icons and casual style enthusiasts, it requires attention to hair health to maintain shine and prevent frizz. Lightweight styling products enhance manageability without weighing hair down, making it a perfect choice for men who want a low-maintenance yet stylish appearance reminiscent of the decade’s trendiest long-haired looks.
Blonde Highlights
Blonde highlights were a defining trend of 90s men’s hairstyles, instantly adding contrast and flair. Often paired with spiky styles for that bold, artificial edge, they became a go-to look for stars like Brad Pitt and countless others. Today, the same concept works best with softer, more natural blends—just a few shades lighter than your base color—bringing a refreshed version of the nostalgic style. Whether styled messy, sleek, or spiked, this look delivers both attitude and versatility.
The Heartthrob
The Heartthrob cut became a signature look of the 90s, worn famously by Leonardo DiCaprio and Luke Perry. Similar to the curtain style but slightly shorter, this cut involves chin-length layers brushed back from the face, allowing the strands to fall naturally and frame the features. The style gives off a carefree, youthful vibe that defined the era, making it one of the most memorable looks for men of the decade. Perfect for those wanting a romantic and effortless appearance with a touch of retro charm.