32 Iconic ’90s Hairstyles That Haven’t Lost Their Charm
It’s official, ’90s hairstyles have come full circle! With a host of A-listers opting for throwback styles – scrunchie anyone? We have seen modern versions of Baby Spice’s pigtails, the iconic Rachel cut and even crimped hair has made a comeback.
So, if you want to relive your youth or see the ’90s hairstyles that are being modernised by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Blake Lively, simply keep scrolling…
The Rachel
Of course, we had to kick-start our popular hairstyles in the 1990s with the iconic Rachel cut. Friends fans will already be familiar with this voluminous, shoulder-length look worn by Jennifer Aniston in the hit TV show. Check out those chunky highlights, too. Credit: @cineytvfans
The ’90s Pixie Cut
If you’re looking for ’90s pixie hair inspo, look no further than Winona Ryder’s cropped mane. At the time, Linda Evangelista also had a similar, tousled cut.
Dreamlover Curls
The only way to be a heartbreaker (get it?) in the ’90s was to wear Mariah Carey style curls. Her highlighted brown curls and side fringe was her signature style before the noughties hit.
Editor’s tip: Want to work this undone and tousled ‘do? Then all you need is a quick spritz of a texturising spray, like the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray. It will help to enhance natural movement, define layers and prevent your hair from falling flat. Talk about a multi-tasker!
Ringlets
Sarah Jessica Parker’s ’90s ringlets become her signature look both on and off-screen!
Poetic Justice Box Braids
Making her acting debut in the ’90s movie, Poetic Justice, Janet Jackson’s thick box braids were (and still are) a legendary look.
The ’90s love for box braids didn’t stop there, as Stacey Dash’s character Dionne from Clueless (obvs) championed the look, too.
Micro Box Braids
Micro braids were also a ’90s fave! From Brandy to Jada Pinkett Smith, every famous black celebrity at the time gave this style a go.
Baby Spice Pigtails
Girl bands ruled in the ’90s, so naturally, we had to turn to our fave pop group Spice Girls for hair inspiration.
Emma Bunton’s (AKA Baby Spice) pigtails were the go-to look for our primary school years, and it seems not much has changed as stars like Vanessa Hudgens are often spotted with a revamped style.
Low Pigtails
Another example of pigtails in action, this time on Sex and the City’s star Sarah Jessica Parker.
’90s Chunky Highlights
Another Spice Girl who we got our hair inspo from? Ginger Spice! Back in the 1990s, Geri Halliwell experimented with chunky front highlights (aka e-girl hair).
Wispy Bangs
Piecey, wispy bangs like these ones were all the rage in the ’90s.
’90s Supermodel Blowout
We saw plenty of BIG hair in the ’80s so it’s no surprise that the style continued to dominate throughout the ’90s. While big blowout styles were most notably seen on supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christensen, no one done it quite so big as Cindy Crawford.
Editor’s tip: If your tresses are not packing supermodel volume, fake it with the help of the Love Beauty And Planet Volume & Bounty Dry Shampoo.
Aaliyah’s Deep Swoop
Aaliyah had some pretty great hairstyles and this deep swoop side fringe has to be her most recognisable style. Keeping her locks poker straight with a glossy sheen, Aaliyah had everyone styling their tresses in a deep side parting and smoothing their hair along their face for a faux fringe finish.
Flipped Ponytail With Swoop
You can’t talk about ’90s hairstyles without mentioning this iconic look. Defined by its sleek swoop and a high ponytail with flipped out ends, this gorgeous hairstyle was a fave then and still reigns supreme in 2021.
Claw Clip
With celebs like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid rocking this throwback hair accessory, it’s safe to say the humble claw clip of the ’90s is here to stay.
Butterfly Clips
You can’t talk about ’90s hairstyles without mentioning butterfly clips! This ’90s staple was the hair accessory to own and you could wear it with any hairstyle. We personally love this messy bun and butterfly clip ‘do!
Half-Up Twists
This half-twisted hairstyle was also a fave, worn for picture days and on the red carpet by stars like Alicia Silverstone and Kirsten Dunst. Usually, this cute look would be finished off with some pretty hair clips.
Wispy Updos
Nineties girls loved leaving two wispy bits of hair out in the front, especially when wearing messy or polished updos. If it’s good enough for Kate Moss…
Princess Hair
Every ’90s film had a prom moment, where princess-worthy updos like this one, would take centre stage.
Straight Hair
Naomi Campbell is another British supermodel we couldn’t stop obsessing over in the ’90s. Her love for long straight hairstyles both on and off the runway, as evidenced here, inspired us all.
Editor’s tip: If you plan on recreating a sleek look, don’t forget to set it with the VO5 Tame & Shine Spray!
Flipped Hair
The humble bob became one of the must-have styles of the ’90s thanks to Drew Barrymore. Wearing her blonde bob with distinctive flipped out ends, Drew became the poster girl for those wanting a more off-beat hairstyle.
Half-Up Hair With Scrunchie
Hands up who used to own a hair scrunchie back in the day? Loved by the likes of Britney Spears and Danielle Fishel, every ’90s babe always had one (or two) at hand.
Bantu Knots
Asides from box braids, the protective hairstyle R&B and hip-hop female artists were loving were Bantu knots.
’90s Layers
Face-framing layers, anyone? If you’re ever looking for haircut inspo, just look at this picture of Danielle Fishel. Her gorgeous, shoulder-length layers add movement and bounce to her mane.
’90s Crimps
Can’t decide if crimping is for you? Well, back in the ’90s everyone was rocking this quirky trend. For a more subtle take on it, just look to Tia Carrere for inspiration!
Bandana Mania
When you want to channel the ’90s and early ’00s, grab a bandana, fold it in half and tie it around your head.
Headbands
If you’re wondering where Blair Waldorf got her headband obsession from, this might give you a clue! This preppy look from Clueless is a ’90s staple we can still get behind.
Blunt Long Bob
While you might think Kim Kardashian West started this trend, Britney Spears first debuted this iconic blunt lob in the ’90s.
Pink Hair
For Donatella Versace’s spring ’99 collection, Kate Moss’ hair was dyed this dreamy pink colour. Since then, the love for pink hair hasn’t stopped.
Our Favourite ’90s Hairstyles
Want more inspiration? Just check out the ’90s hairstyles we’re crushing on and find out how to get them.
Wispy Updo
Wear this hairstyle to work or even on a date for a nod to the ‘90s hair trend.
Baby Spice Hair
This look is perfect for a summer party or festival!
Half-Up Hair With Scrunchie
Nothing screams ‘90s hairstyles more than a scrunchie hair accessory.
Snap Clips
Give off preppy vibes with classic ’90s-inspired snap clips.
