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Iconic ’90s Hairstyles That Are Making a Comeback
All Things Hair | June 29, 2023
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
Credit: Instagram.com/cineytvfans
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.
The ’90s Pixie Cut
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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
We are still obsessed with this ’90s style. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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 mousse, like the TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse. It will help to enhance natural movement, define layers and prevent your hair from falling flat. Talk about a multi-tasker!
Poetic Justice Box Braids
The box braid OG. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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.
Editor’s tip: If you want a product to do the styling for you, try SheaMoisture Miracle Hair Styler Leave-In Treatment, a real genie in a bottle!
Micro Box Braids
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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.
Low Pigtails
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Another example of pigtails in action, this time on Sex and the City’s star Sarah Jessica Parker.
’90s Chunky Highlights
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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).
’90s Supermodel Blowout
Pass us the hair lacquer. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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.
Aaliyah’s Deep Swoop
We’ve been back and forth with our love for this hairstyle. Credit: Getty
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.
Wispy Updos
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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…
Straight Hair
Credit: Getty
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.
Flipped Hair
Credit: Jim Smeal/WireImage
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
Credit: Instagram.com/real_topanga_lawrence
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.
’90s Layers
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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
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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
Pass us the hair lacquer. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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.
Headbands
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
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
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
While you might think Kim Kardashian West started this trend, Britney Spears first debuted this iconic blunt lob in the ’90s.
Pink Hair
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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.
Want more inspiration? Just check out the ’90s hairstyles we’re crushing on and find out how to get them.
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