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.
| Hair Type | Curly / Coily / Wavy |
| Categories | |
| Occasion | Casual / Statement / Special Event |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Styling Time | 3-6 hours (depending on hair length and braid size) |
| Drying Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 3-6 hours |
| Hair Length | Long |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Popularity | 95/100 |
| Tags | protectivestatementchunky |
Instructions
- 1
Start with clean, detangled, and moisturized hair.
- 2
Apply leave-in conditioner evenly to ensure hair is manageable and protected.
- 3
Use a comb or rat-tail comb to divide hair into even square sections for jumbo braids.
- 4
Secure sections not currently being braided with hair clips.
- 5
Braid each section from root to tip, incorporating braiding hair if desired for extra length or volume.
- 6
Seal braid ends with elastics or by dipping synthetic hair in warm water if used.
- 7
Smooth edges using edge control gel for a polished finish.
- 8
Once all braids are complete, style with accessories like a newsboy cap, headscarf, or bold lipstick to emulate the 90s look.
- 9
Check for uniformity and symmetry of braids, adjusting as needed.
- 10
Maintain braids by moisturizing the scalp and edges regularly to keep hair healthy and fresh.
Styling Tips
Use large sections for jumbo braids to achieve the bold 90s look.
Moisturize before braiding to reduce breakage and keep hair healthy.
Edge control helps give a polished, finished appearance to the style.
Accessorize with hats, scarves, or clips for added personality.
Chunky braids can be styled into updos, ponytails, or left loose for versatile looks.
This style works best on medium to long hair to achieve full, impactful braids.
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.