90s Women Hairstyles That Never Go Out of Style
Some 90s trends should stay in the 90s. These are not those. Here are the classic, effortless, and beautiful hairstyles from the decade that you can still rock today.
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.
Cher Horowitz Hair
This iconic 90s hairstyle features smooth, voluminous hair with subtle tousled layers and sun-kissed blonde highlights. Inspired by Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz in *Clueless*, it combines sleekness with playful movement, perfect for casual days, school-inspired looks, or retro-themed events. Works best on medium to long hair, enhancing the natural shine and texture.
Braids and Curls
Brandy rocked tiny, delicate braids finished with loose, bouncy curls back in 1997, creating a playful yet sophisticated look. This hairstyle blends perfectly with a frosty lipstick and multidimensional eyeshadow for a full glam effect. The braids add texture and dimension, while the curls create movement and softness around the face. Perfect for special occasions, retro-inspired events, or any time you want a timeless, stylish vibe.
Grown-Out Buzz
This edgy 90s hairstyle features a buzz cut in its grow-out stage, creating a textured, rebellious look. Inspired by Angelina Jolie’s iconic style, it highlights the natural shape of the head while offering a bold statement. Ideal for short hair, this low-maintenance look works for casual days, music festivals, or fashion-forward events.
Red Carpet Updo on Gwyneth Paltrow
This elegant updo, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow just before her Oscar win for *Shakespeare in Love*, is the definition of effortless glamour. Soft face-framing tendrils and an imperfect bun give the style a timeless, unfussy charm. Ideal for formal events, it strikes the perfect balance between polished and natural. With the right tools and a few simple steps, it can be recreated at home for any special occasion.
Cindy Crawford's Signature Red Carpet Curls
Supermodel Cindy Crawford’s red carpet curls are the epitome of timeless glamour. With voluminous, blown-out waves and a polished finish, this style defined an era and remains just as iconic today. Achieved with hot rollers or a large curling iron, it delivers body, shine, and the kind of sophistication that elevates any special occasion look.
Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Hairstyles
Alicia Silverstone’s iconic blonde hair in Clueless defined the mid-90s Valley Girl aesthetic. Sleek, straight strands with a glossy finish made the style instantly recognizable. Easy to achieve yet striking in appearance, it captured the effortless chic that turned Cher Horowitz into a fashion icon. Perfect for casual or dressy occasions, the look is versatile and timeless, embodying both girl-next-door charm and polished confidence.
Julia Roberts’ Natural Texture
Julia Roberts’ voluminous curls and natural red hue became one of her most defining features during her rise to stardom. Her effortless texture embodied confidence and glamour, making her a standout on every red carpet she graced. The style celebrates natural curls with body and shine, offering a timeless look that works beautifully for both casual moments and formal occasions.
Tatyana Ali’s Bucket Hat
Tatyana Ali, best known as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, made the bucket hat a standout accessory of the early 90s. Paired with sleek, natural hair underneath, the look combined youthful charm with on-trend street style. It’s a simple yet memorable way to add personality to an everyday outfit, showing how a single accessory can turn a basic hairstyle into a fashion statement.
Uma Thurman’s Easy Breezy Signature Look
Uma Thurman’s signature style embodied understated sophistication in the 90s. Featuring soft, below-the-chin layers and a slightly off-center part, the look balanced simplicity with elegance. Effortless and versatile, it highlighted her natural beauty without appearing overdone, making it an ideal everyday hairstyle that transitions seamlessly from casual settings to more polished moments.
Jennifer Lopez’s Messy Bun
This look embodies that laid-back yet polished spirit. The bun sits high and casual, with a few loose strands framing the face. Hair clips add a playful touch, keeping it true to the nostalgic style. For those with straighter or finer strands, using a crimper helps achieve the right texture before pinning everything up.
Tyra Banks Flipped-Out Lob
This iconic long bob features ends flipped outwards and subtle volume at the crown for a runway-ready effect. Perfectly polished yet playful, it captures the glam of ’90s supermodel styling. Ideal for medium to thick hair, teasing adds lift and movement, while a light hairspray ensures the flip holds throughout the day.
Gwen Stefani Bold Buns
This striking style features playful, elevated buns inspired by Gwen Stefani’s 90s era. Perfect for showcasing vibrant colors or statement braids, it combines structure with a rebellious edge. Hair is sectioned and twisted into two prominent buns, while wet sets or styling gel keep pieces in place. Ideal for medium to long hair, it channels a bold, music-inspired aesthetic.
Naomi Campbell’s Voluminous Blowout
This glamorous style features smooth, shiny strands with lots of volume, a signature of Naomi Campbell’s ’90s runway look. The hair is blow-dried with a round brush for lift at the roots and flipped slightly at the ends for movement. Perfect for medium to long hair, it balances polished elegance with natural bounce and shine.
Winona Ryder’s Delicate Pixie with Baby Bangs
This chic pixie cut is accented with delicate baby bangs, creating a soft, youthful look that epitomized 90s style. The cut sits close to the head while maintaining light layers for movement. Perfect for fine to medium hair, it frames the face beautifully and emphasizes facial features with a subtle, airy finish.
Kirsten Dunst’s Butterfly Clips and Updo
This playful updo features twisted sections pinned back and secured with a single iconic yellow butterfly clip, capturing the quintessential 90s vibe. Perfect for casual outings, retro-themed events, or adding a nostalgic touch to any look. Works best on medium-length hair and adds a fun, youthful flair.
Linda Evangelista’s Flipped Out Bob
This iconic 90s bob features a medium-length cut with flipped-out ends, giving it a playful and voluminous look. The natural brown hue enhances its classic appeal, while the flipped styling adds movement and personality. Perfect for casual outings, office wear, or retro-inspired events, this hairstyle embodies Linda Evangelista’s fearless versatility from the 90s.
Brandy’s Gorgeous Braids
This classic 90s look features neat, medium-thickness box braids that showcase a sleek yet bold style. Perfect for protecting natural hair while maintaining a chic, low-maintenance aesthetic, these braids embody Brandy’s iconic early career vibe. Ideal for casual outings, concerts, or retro-inspired events, this style is timeless and versatile.
Kate Moss’s Signature Beauty Look
This timeless 90s hairstyle features golden hair with long, face-framing layers, creating effortless movement and natural volume. Its simplicity highlights the hair’s shine and texture, making it versatile for casual, professional, or event-ready styles. Inspired by Kate Moss’s iconic era, this look exudes understated glamour while remaining easy to maintain.
Undone Waves on Penelope Cruz
This effortless 90s hairstyle features loose, undone waves that create natural movement and texture. Inspired by Penelope Cruz, it combines a relaxed, beachy vibe with subtle volume, perfect for casual days, date nights, or retro-inspired looks. Medium to long hair works best, enhancing the tousled, carefree effect.
Brittany Murphy’s Flippy Bob
This playful 90s bob features piecey layers with outward-flipped ends, creating a lively, dynamic look. Inspired by Brittany Murphy’s signature style, it adds movement and volume to medium-length hair, making it perfect for casual outings, retro events, or everyday glamour. The flippy layers give a youthful, effortless energy that defined the era.
Christina Aguilera’s Crimped Curls
This bold 90s hairstyle features tight, voluminous crimped curls that add dramatic texture and height to the roots. Inspired by Christina Aguilera’s iconic look, it is perfect for concerts, parties, or any event where a statement hairstyle is desired. Works best on medium to long hair, delivering maximum volume and playful energy.
Drew Barrymore’s Bleached Daisy 'Do
This playful 90s hairstyle features sun-bleached, shoulder-length hair adorned with small daisies for a whimsical, carefree look. Inspired by Drew Barrymore’s iconic red carpet style, it combines natural waves with floral accents, perfect for festivals, casual outings, or retro-inspired events. Medium-length hair works best to showcase both the waves and accessories.
Demi Moore’s Short Curls and Beret
This chic 90s hairstyle features short, dark curls styled close to the head, accessorized with a burgundy beret for a sophisticated yet playful vibe. Inspired by Demi Moore’s pre-G.I. Jane look, it works beautifully for casual outings, fashion events, or retro-themed occasions. Ideal for short hair, this style highlights natural curl texture while adding a fashionable accessory.