23 Iconic ’90s Hairstyles: Inspiration from Celebrity Hair Trends
From box braids to baby bangs, explore the most iconic '90s hairstyles, styling tips, and how to modernize them for today.
The 1990s set an unforgettable standard in beauty, especially when it comes to hair. From daring updos to laid-back waves, the decade’s endless experimentation made room for iconic hairstyles still imitated today. Dive into these 23 throwback looks inspired by celebrities—from JLo and Janet Jackson to Britney, Jennifer, Naomi, and more—and get practical tips to recreate the best of the ’90s for your next style refresh.
1. JLo’s Swoopy ’90s Updo
Jennifer Lopez defined ’90s updos with messy buns and errant tendrils artfully framing the face. Think plenty of loose front pieces and unwieldy comb barrettes for pure nostalgic glamour—formal but never too stiff.
- Face-framing tendrils are key
- Accessorize with colored comb barrettes for extra flair
- Spritz with flexible-hold hairspray for movement
2. Janet Jackson’s Box Braids
Janet Jackson’s chunky braids in “Poetic Justice” remain one of the most enduring looks of the decade. Timeless, versatile, and flattering on everyone, box braids work under hats, scarves, or worn loose.
- Classic, protective style for textured hair
- Wear with a slouchy cap or head wrap to complete the look
3. Selena Quintanilla’s Voluminous Strands
Volume reigned supreme thanks to Selena’s signature tousled locks. Her Grammy updo paired bold lift at the crown with sensuous waves—a look that channels confidence and glamor.
- Backcomb roots for added lift
- Finish with light-hold spray and shine serum
4. Lisa Bonet’s Natural Locs
Lisa Bonet inspired a generation with her waist-length locs, setting standards for natural hair that transcend decades. Her effortless pairing of tiny sunglasses and hats with cascading locs was pure 1990s cool.
- Long, healthy locs make a statement on their own
- Pair with bold accessories for extra flair
5. Britney Spears’ Blunt Lob
Britney Spears’s super-blunt long bob (a.k.a. ‘lob’) became a symbol of late-’90s pop star chic, especially when matched with frosted shadow and gloss.
- Request a chin-grazing, one-length cut
- Style poker straight for impact
6. Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ Cut
No ’90s hair list is complete without Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” haircut. This layered, face-framing style debuted on “Friends” and quickly swept salons nationwide. Thanks to stylist Chris McMillan, honey highlights and feathered shaping became the signature look of the era.
- Ask for pronounced layers and lots of blowout volume
- Add subtle highlights around the face for authenticity
7. Naomi Campbell’s Flipped-Up Ends
Naomi Campbell added polish to sleek bobs with flippy ends that curl upward, especially with a clean center part. Soft, playful, and surprisingly sophisticated, the flipped-end bob is endlessly modern.
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- Use a round brush to flick ends outward during blow-drying
- Finish with shine spray for glassy texture
8. Drew Barrymore’s Accessories and Daisies
Drew Barrymore was the queen of playful accessories: think tiny daisies, butterfly clips, and velvet scrunchies. Decorating hair with playful motifs embodied the experimental spirit of the decade.
- Scatter mini barrettes or daisy pins throughout hair
- Perfect for shorter cuts and pixies
9. Mariah Carey’s Natural Curls
Mariah Carey made her tight, natural ringlets totally iconic—big volume, defined spirals, and plenty of bounce. This low-maintenance yet statement-making style invites everyone to embrace their natural texture.
- Enhance curl pattern with diffusing and curl creams
- No need for perfection—bigger and bouncier is better
10. Tyra Banks’ Slick Ponytail
Tyra Banks popularized sky-high, super-sleek ponytails that screamed “supermodel off duty.” Wearing it with ultra-smooth hair pulled back tight, this look elongates the neck and spotlights the face.
- Smooth with gel for a glassy finish
- Add extensions for extra length if desired
11. Winona Ryder’s Pixie Cut
Winona Ryder’s choppy, piece-y pixie was peak ’90s cool—effortlessly chic and a little rebellious. Worn with bold makeup or understated for daily wear, the pixie remains a power cut.
- Ask for layers for volume and texture
- Style with pomade or wax for definition
12. Aaliyah’s Side Part & Deep Bangs
Aaliyah’s signature style was super-straight, layered hair often styled with a dramatic side part and sweeping bangs that just grazed the eye—a mysterious, sultry edge for any occasion.
- Flat iron hair for smoothness
- Flip ends under with a round brush for subtle volume
13. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Half-Up Pinned Style
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s go-to for dances and date nights: a half-up, half-down look, with tiny barrettes pinning back the sides. Romantic, practical, and a perfect showcase for statement clips.
- Use decorative hairpins to pull back small sections from the temples
- Let the rest fall in natural waves
14. Christina Aguilera’s Chunky Highlights
The chunky, contrasting highlights that Christina Aguilera rocked in the late ’90s put bold stripes of platinum and caramel on the map. Unapologetically high-contrast, this look suits the bold-hearted.
- Request thick, blocky highlights in lighter tones
- Style pin-straight for maximum drama
15. Tia & Tamera Mowry’s Defined Ringlets
Twins Tia and Tamera Mowry set the bar for bouncy, perfectly defined curls. Spirals were sets with gel or mousse for all-day shape and shine—a staple for anyone with natural curls.
- Saturate curls with leave-in products
- Use a diffuser or air-dry for best results
16. Brandy’s Micro Braids
Brandy turned heads with ultra-tiny braids worn loose, up in ponytails, or even into buns. As practical as they are striking, micro braids are a protective style that can be worn for weeks on end.
- Can be worn loose or styled into updos
- Ideal for low-maintenance daily styling
17. Gwen Stefani’s Baby Bangs & Glitter Buns
Gwen Stefani made baby bangs and glittered space buns a signature. Add in colored hairpieces or bold makeup and you’ve got festival-ready energy with undeniable ’90s roots.
- Bangs cut ultra-short above eyebrows
- Double buns on top, decorated with hair glitter or color
18. The Messy Ponytail
The ’90s messy ponytail, crowned with a plush scrunchie, kept things effortless and ‘cool girl’ chic. Think loose strands, volume at the crown, and the ever-present fabric hair tie.
- Tease hair lightly before securing with a scrunchie
- Pull out a few face-framing sections for softness
19. The Sleek Middle Part
Rebellious grunge and cool minimalism met at the sleek middle part. Whether long and pin-straight or softly waved, the blunt center part felt perfectly modern.
- Flat iron hair for a stick-straight finish or create loose waves for volume
- Tuck behind ears for a minimalist vibe
20. Double Buns / Space Buns
Fun, festival-ready double buns (often called space buns) rose to fame in the ’90s with celebrities and party-goers alike. This quirky style made use of clean middle parts, volume, and sometimes hair glitter for extra flash.
- Part hair down the middle and secure each side into high buns
- Add pins, clips, or shimmer for a party look
21. The Crimped Wave
Thanks to crimping irons, everyone could rock zig-zagged, textured hair for volume and attitude. Whether done all-over or in a single statement section, crimped hair stuck around as a playful twist on waves.
- Crimp small or large sections for varied texture
- Mist with hairspray to preserve the pattern
22. Feathered Layers
The feathered, blowout look led by supermodels and sitcom stars alike gave ’90s hair bounce and movement. Wispy, layered ends and abundant volume delivered effortless vibes that remain in style.
- Use a round brush for maximum body
- Flip layers away from the face with a hairdryer
23. Mini Butterfly Clips
No ’90s hairstyle roundup would be complete without butterfly clips. Used to pin back tiny sections, add decorative flair, or just as playful accents, their pastel hues and fun shapes are back in a big way.
- Clip along the hairline or randomly throughout for whimsy
- Mix and match colors and sizes for more impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ’90s Hairstyles
Q: Which ’90s hairstyles work best for short hair?
A: The pixie cut à la Winona Ryder, mini butterfly clips scattered through short styles, and Drew Barrymore’s adorned bob are all great options for short hair.
Q: Can I wear ’90s hairstyles if my hair is naturally curly?
A: Absolutely! Styles like Selena’s voluminous locks, Mariah Carey’s ringlets, and Tia & Tamera Mowry’s defined curls embrace natural texture. Micro braids and space buns also work beautifully with curly hair.
Q: Are ’90s hair accessories still in style?
A: Hair accessories like scrunchies, claw clips, and butterfly clips are not only back—they’re must-haves. They offer both practicality and a throwback vibe that fits with both current and nostalgic fashion trends.
Q: How can I modernize a ’90s hairstyle for today?
A: Try mixing retro styles with modern cuts or colors. For instance, try the ‘Rachel’ with modern balayage highlights or wear box braids with bead accents. Keep styling a bit looser for effortless, wearable volume.
Q: What products do I need to recreate ’90s hairstyles?
A: Essentials include volumizing mousse, shine serum, strong-hold hair spray, pomade for shaping, elastics and scrunchies, and decorative clips or barrettes for accessorizing.
Channel your favorite decade and let your style have fun: whether you love box braids, double buns, or classy blowouts, these ’90s hairstyles prove that vintage inspiration never goes out of fashion.
References
- https://grow.zenoti.com/blogs/10-iconic-90s-hairstyles-making-a-comeback-in-2021
- https://zalahair.com/blogs/styling/90s-hairstyles
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g29146065/90s-hairstyle-ideas/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a63116776/90s-hair-blowout/
- https://theblockvintage.wordpress.com/2021/04/23/fashion-highlights-from-cosmos-magazine-february-1995-issue/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/19453-fashion-trends-style-beauty
- https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3382&context=thesesdissertations
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