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.
| Hair Type | Straight to Wavy |
| Categories | |
| Occasion | Statement / Casual / Party |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Styling Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Setting Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Hair Length | Medium |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Popularity | 89/100 |
| Tags | boldhighlightedretro |
Instructions
- 1
Start with clean, dry hair.
- 2
Section hair into layers using clips for even highlighting.
- 3
Apply bleach or highlighting formula to selected sections to create chunky streaks.
- 4
Rinse and tone hair to achieve desired highlight shade and eliminate brassiness.
- 5
Apply heat protectant to all hair before styling.
- 6
Use a flat iron or curling wand to define choppy layers and enhance texture.
- 7
Apply styling gel or mousse to ends for hold and definition.
- 8
Lightly tousle hair with fingers to create playful, voluminous effect.
- 9
Spray lightly with hairspray to maintain shape while keeping movement natural.
- 10
Check overall balance of highlights and layers, making adjustments as needed.
Styling Tips
Section hair carefully to ensure evenly spaced chunky highlights.
Use toner to refine and brighten highlights after bleaching.
Choppy layers combined with gel or mousse create playful movement.
Finger-tousle hair for a more natural, effortless finish.
Flat iron or curling wand can enhance definition and texture.
This style works well on straight or slightly wavy hair for maximum impact.
More 90s Hairstyles For Women
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.