
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.
Hair Type | Straight |
Categories | |
Occasion | Everyday |
Prep Time | 2 minutes |
Styling Time | 10 minutes |
Setting Time | 0 minutes |
Total Time | 12 minutes |
Hair Length | Short |
Difficulty | Easy |
Popularity | 89/100 |
Tags | low-maintenancelayeredandrogynous |
Instructions
- 1
Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Ensure hair is damp but not soaking wet.
- 2
Establish a crisp, clean center part using a comb or your fingers.
- 3
Apply volumizing or sea salt spray throughout the hair, focusing especially on the roots and mid-lengths for lift and texture.
- 4
Using the blow dryer on medium heat, blow dry the hair while using your fingers to ruffle the layers. To maximize the "flip," lift the hair up at the roots on the sides as you dry.
- 5
Once completely dry, warm a small amount of texturizing paste or wax between your palms. Rub the product through the ends of the layers to define them and create a slight, natural separation.
- 6
Tuck the front side layers behind your ears (optional) or let them fall naturally forward, giving the classic "curtain" effect around the face.
Styling Tips
The defining element is the feathering layers; if the cut is too blunt, it loses the "heartthrob" flow.
Use a lightweight matte paste, not a high-shine gel, to keep the look effortless and natural.
If your hair is slightly wavy, embrace the natural texture and use a diffuser on the blow dryer to enhance the natural movement.
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
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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.