1990s Hairstyles: 34 Iconic Looks That Defined a Decade (2024)

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The 1990s were a defining decade for fashion and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of hairstyles. From the iconic “Rachel” cut to playful butterfly clips, ’90s hair trends were all about bold experimentation and self-expression.

As these nostalgic styles make a triumphant return, women everywhere are rediscovering the charm and versatility of ’90s hair.

Whether you’re seeking a fresh new look or simply want to relive the glory days of grunge and glam, our guide to 1990s hairstyles will inspire you to embrace the best of this unforgettable era.

Dive in and find the perfect ’90s-inspired hairstyle to elevate your style game today!

34 Iconic 1990s Women’s Hairstyles To Try!

1. Box Braids

This protective style involves small, square-shaped braids that can be worn in various lengths and thicknesses. Popularized by celebrities like Janet Jackson, it’s perfect for making a bold statement while keeping hair manageable.

Ideal for all hair types, especially kinky and curly hair, box braids can be accessorized with beads or cuffs for added flair.

2. Crimped Hair

Achieved using a crimping iron, this style features tight, zigzag waves that add fun texture and volume. Popular among ’90s pop stars like Britney Spears, it’s ideal for straight to wavy hair.

Perfect for parties or casual outings, simply crimp small sections of hair and finish with a light hairspray to hold the waves in place.

3. Curtain Bangs

These soft, parted bangs gracefully frame the face on both sides, providing a relaxed yet stylish look. Made famous by ’90s supermodels like Cindy Crawford, curtain bangs are ideal for all hair types.

To style, blow-dry the bangs with a round brush, directing them away from the face, and use a light serum to add shine.

4. High Ponytail

A sleek, high ponytail often adorned with scrunchies or hair wraps, this style creates a polished and practical statement. Popularized by icons like Madonna, it’s ideal for straight to wavy hair.

It’s perfect for workouts or casual days out. Just gather hair high on the crown, secure with an elastic, and wrap a strand of hair around the base for a clean finish.

5. Butterfly Clips

Butterfly clips are playful, colorful accessories used to pin back sections of hair, creating a segmented and whimsical look. Popular in the ’90s and often seen on teen idols, they are perfect for casual outings and festivals.

Simply twist small sections of hair and secure with the clips for a fun, youthful style. It’s ideal for all hair types!

6. Space Buns

Space buns involve positioning two buns on top of the head, often enhanced with glittery or colorful clips for a quirky and charming look. This playful style, popularized by ’90s pop culture, is ideal for medium to long hair.

Simply part the hair down the middle, create high pigtails, and twist each into a bun.

7. Half-Up, Half-Down

This hairstyle involves pulling the top half of the hair back into a high ponytail or bun, leaving the remainder half down, offering a classic yet contemporary twist. It’s ideal for all hair types and is perfect for everyday wear or semi-formal events.

Gather the top section of hair, secure it with a scrunchie or clip, and let the rest flow naturally.

8. Micro Braids

Micro braids are tiny, intricate braids that add versatility and protection, allowing for countless styling options. Ideal for kinky and curly hair, this style can be worn long or short and accessorized with beads or cuffs.

Micro braids can be styled into updos, ponytails, or left loose for a sleek look.

9. Feathered Bob

A bob cut with soft, feathered layers, the feathered bob was famously worn by Princess Diana. This hairstyle provides a refined and elegant look that suits straight to wavy hair.

Style it by blow-drying with a round brush to enhance the layers and finish with a light hairspray for hold.

10. Mall Bangs

Mall bangs feature teased bangs that are heavily sprayed to stand up and then cascade down. Embodying the essence of ’90s fashion, this style is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair.

To achieve this look, tease the bangs at the roots for volume, shape them with a comb, and use a strong-hold hairspray to keep them in place.

11. The Shag

A layered haircut with choppy ends, the shag offers a laid-back, effortlessly chic style. Popularized by rock stars and actresses in the ’90s, it’s ideal for all hair types, especially wavy hair.

To style, use a texturizing spray to define the layers and create a tousled, carefree finish.

12. Slicked-Back Hair

Slicked-back hair delivers a sleek and sophisticated appearance, perfect for formal events. Ideal for straight to wavy hair, this style involves teasing the hair for volume, applying gel to damp hair, and combing it back for a smooth, polished look.

Finish with a shine spray to enhance the sleekness and maintain the style throughout the event.

13. Beach Waves

Beach waves feature loose, tousled waves that give the impression of sun-kissed, beach-ready hair. This relaxed and breezy look is ideal for wavy to curly hair.

To achieve beach waves, use a sea salt spray on damp hair, braid your hair or scrunch the hair with your hands, and let it air-dry or use a diffuser for added volume. Another way is to perm your hair, which was a very popular method in the ’90s.

14. Half-Up Half-Down + Mall Bangs Combo

Popular among teenagers, a half-up messy bun with mall bangs was all the rage in films and TV shows. This youthful style is ideal for straight to wavy hair.

Try styling with hairspray for a voluminous look and accessorizing with a scrunchie and/or colorful clips.

15. High Braids

High braids start at the crown of the head and are often styled into a ponytail or bun, providing a trendy and edgy appearance. Perfect for medium to long hair, this style is ideal for both casual and athletic settings.

To achieve this look, braid the hair tightly from the roots and secure it high on the head with an elastic or even a decorative band. You can also add framing short front pieces for a more flattering look.

16. The Winona Pixie

Inspired by Winona Ryder’s iconic look, this short, close-cropped pixie cut exudes a carefree and rebellious charm. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair, the Winona pixie is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish option.

To style, apply a bit of texturizing cream to damp hair and tousle with fingers for a messy, effortless finish.

17. Teeny Double Dutch Pigtails

Small pigtails styled with Dutch braids and colorful elastics add a dash of whimsy to any look. This playful hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and is great for casual outings or festivals.

To create this style, part the hair down the middle, braid each section using the Dutch technique and secure the ends with bright elastics.

18. Claw Clips

Claw clips are large accessories used to twist and secure hair at the back, creating an easy and fashionable updo. Ideal for all hair types, this style is perfect for quick, casual looks.

To style, gather hair into a twist or ponytail, secure it with a claw clip, and let the ends cascade naturally for a relaxed yet chic appearance. Add face-framing pieces to achieve the look to a tee.

19. The Bumped Bob

The bumped bob is a voluminous bob hairstyle with curled-under ends, creating a rounded effect. Popular in the ’90s, this style suits straight to wavy hair and adds a touch of elegance to everyday looks.

To achieve this, use a round brush and flip your hair upside down while blow-drying the roots and curling the ends under. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape.

20. Wisps of Hair

Wisps of hair are loose strands intentionally left out of updos or ponytails to softly frame the face, adding a gentle touch. This style is perfect for all hair types and provides a romantic, effortless look.

To style, pull the hair back into your desired updo or ponytail and gently pull out a few strands around the face, using a light styling cream to define them.

21. The Flipped Bob

The flipped bob features a classic bob cut with ends flipped outward, adding a lively and playful twist. Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair, this style is perfect for casual and semi-formal occasions.

To create the flipped effect, use a flat iron or a round brush while blow-drying to curl the ends outward, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray.

22. Chunky Highlights

Chunky highlights involve thick, contrasting streaks of color that add depth and boldness to the hair. Popular in the ’90s, this style suits all hair types and creates a striking visual impact.

To achieve this look, select sections of hair to highlight, apply bleach then a vibrant or contrasting color, and use a glossing treatment to enhance shine and dimension.

23. The Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is a short haircut with straight, blunt bangs that encircle the head, offering a distinctive and bold style. This look is ideal for straight hair and those looking to make a statement.

To style, keep the bangs and sides evenly trimmed, and use a smoothing serum to maintain a sleek, polished finish.

24. The Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are small, coiled buns that are sectioned and twisted, providing a stylish and protective option for Afro-textured hair. This versatile look is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

To create Bantu knots, part the hair into small sections, twist each section tightly, and coil it into a bun, securing it with a pin or elastic.

25. The Tendril Updo

The ’90s was a time of several different updos offering sophisticated to rugged looks. The common denominator among them is the tendrils that frame the face. Ideal for straight and wavy hair, updos are perfect for any occasion, depending on the style you’re going for.

To achieve this, gather most of your hair to the back, leave a few pieces in front, twist the gathered hair at the back upward, and secure it with pins, finishing with a shine spray for a polished appearance. You may also style the front pieces by curling them.

26. The Beehive

The beehive is a voluminous updo that resembles a beehive, achieved with ample teasing and hairspray for dramatic height. Popular in the ’60s and revived by soul icon Amy Winehouse in the ’90s, this style was ideal for formal events and retro-themed parties.

To create a beehive, backcomb the hair at the crown, smooth the top layer, and secure with pins, finishing with a strong-hold hairspray.

27. Cornrows

Cornrows are tightly braided rows close to the scalp, often styled in elaborate patterns for a clean and neat look. This protective hairstyle is perfect for Afro-textured hair and can be adorned with beads or cuffs for added flair.

To achieve cornrows, part the hair into small sections and braid each section tightly to the scalp, securing the ends with small elastics.

28. The Jheri/Jerry Curl

The Jerry (or Jheri) curl features tight, glossy curls created through a special perming technique, giving a shiny, wet-look finish. Popular in the ’80s and ’90s, this style is ideal for naturally curly or kinky hair.

To maintain the look, use a curl activator and moisturizing products to keep the curls defined and hydrated.

29. The Finger Waves

Finger waves are S-shaped waves molded with fingers and combs and set with gel for a vintage, glamorous appeal. This style, popular in the 1920s and revived in the 1990s, is perfect for short to medium-length hair.

To create finger waves, apply a generous amount of gel to damp hair, shape the waves with pins, your fingers, and a fine-tooth comb, and allow the hair to set.

30. The Wet Look

The wet look, with its glossy, slicked-back appearance, was a fashionable trend in the 1990s. This style suits all hair types and adds a modern, edgy vibe.

To create the wet look, apply a generous amount of gel or mousse to damp hair, comb it back smoothly, and let it air dry for a shiny, wet finish.

31. The Spiky Hair

Spiky hair is characterized by stiff, upright spikes created using gel or mousse, offering an edgy and bold fashion statement. Popular in the ’90s among both men and women, this style is ideal for short hair.

To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to damp hair, shape the spikes with your fingers, and let the product dry to set the style.

32. The Prom Updo

The prom updo is an elegant hairstyle featuring curls and twists, often decorated with rhinestones or flowers, making it ideal for formal occasions. Suitable for medium to long hair, this style exudes sophistication and charm.

To achieve this look, curl the hair with a curling iron, twist a few pieces or sections into an updo, and secure with pins. Add decorative elements like rhinestones or flowers for a finishing touch.

33. The Face-Framing Messy Bun

The face-framing messy bun is a casual bun with loose strands left out to frame the face, delivering a soft, romantic look. Perfect for all hair types, this style is great for both everyday wear and casual events.

To create it, gather your hair into a loose bun, secure with pins or an elastic, and pull out a few strands around the face, using a light styling cream to define them.

34. Feathered Bangs

Feathered bangs in the 1990s offered a soft, layered look that framed the face beautifully. This versatile style added volume and movement, making it perfect for any hair type.

For a chic, nostalgic vibe, feathered bangs are an effortless way to refresh your look.

Add Some Spunk to Your Look With These 1990s Hairstyles!

As we revisit the vibrant world of 1990s hairstyles, it’s clear that these iconic looks have stood the test of time, continuing to inspire and captivate.

Whether you’re drawn to the edgy spikes, playful butterfly clips, or the elegant prom updos, there’s a ’90s hairstyle that can fit seamlessly into today’s fashion landscape.

Embracing these trends not only allows us to celebrate a beloved era but also offers a fresh and nostalgic twist to our modern style.

So go ahead and experiment with these timeless looks; let the spirit of the ’90s transform your hair and bring a touch of retro flair to your everyday life.