Celebrities Who Brought Back Butterfly Clips: The Ultimate 90s Hair Trend Revival
A nostalgic journey through Hollywood’s love affair with butterfly clips and the evolution of this iconic 90s accessory on today’s style icons.
13 Celebrities Who Defined (and Redefined) the Butterfly Clip Craze
If the butterfly clip had its own walk of fame, it would be paved with bright plastic, pastel sparkle, and the signatures of Hollywood’s biggest icons. First seen fluttering through the late 1990s and early 2000s, these whimsical hair accessories were on every red carpet, television set, and magazine cover, anchoring a playful era of personal style. Today, the butterfly clip is no mere relic—it’s a must-have again, decorating the hair of new-gen stars and trailblazers who reimagine the look their own way.
This article takes a nostalgic deep dive, showcasing the most memorable butterfly clip moments through the decades. From OG 90s queens to Gen Z trendsetters, discover how this tiny hair clip became one of the most enduring (and endearing) symbols in pop culture’s ever-turning fashion carousel.
Table of Contents
- Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Quintessential 90s Butterfly Clip Masterpiece
- Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen: Maximalist Magic with Butterfly Clips
- Britney Spears: Pop Princess Minimalism
- Melissa Joan Hart: All-Out Butterfly Glamour
- Mandy Moore: The Effortless Girl-Next-Door
- Jennifer Aniston: Queen of Hair Moments
- Mila Kunis: Throwback Trendsetter
- Tyra Banks: Beauty and Butterfly Power
- Danielle Fishel: Extra Clips, Extra Style
- Gwen Stefani: Eclectic Edge
- Hilary Duff: Perfect Clip Placement
- Kirsten Dunst: Playful Ponytails
- Joan Cusack: Butterfly Diva
- The Modern Butterfly Clip Renaissance
- How to Style Butterfly Clips Like a Celebrity
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Quintessential 90s Butterfly Clip Masterpiece
Perhaps no one epitomized iconic butterfly clip arrangements quite like Sarah Michelle Gellar. With carefully clustered rainbow clips along her crown, Gellar’s hair became the gold standard for this accessory: equal parts playful and meticulously organized. The look radiated Buffy-level confidence and inspired fans everywhere to spend hours in front of the mirror, trying to get the spacing “just right”.
- Even today, her style remains a frequent reference point on social media vintage hair tutorials.
- She proved that this was a style where “more is more”—the more mini butterflies, the bigger the attitude.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen: Maximalist Magic with Butterfly Clips
The Olsen twins made maximalism cool before it was a trend. In their heyday, the pair would often appear with so many butterfly clips that it looked like the accessories aisle exploded on their heads. Effervescent and fun, this approach was all about abundance, never worrying about symmetry or sparing a spot for the sake of minimalism.
- Mary-Kate and Ashley’s butterfly clip overload captured their quirky-twin aesthetic.
- They showed us that sometimes the best looks are the ones that break the “less is more” rule.
Britney Spears: Pop Princess Minimalism
When Britney Spears wasn’t dazzling the stage with outrageous costumes and choreography, she often stunned her fans with simple, understated butterfly clip looks. Opting for minimalism, Britney’s approach allowed her sparkly personality—and those iconic *Baby, One More Time* vibes—to shine through.
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- Her subtle style demonstrated the butterfly clip’s versatility, from statement-making to discreet accent.
- Paired often with schoolgirl plaids or midriff tops, Britney set an effortless trend for the “less is more” crowd.
Melissa Joan Hart: All-Out Butterfly Glamour
Melissa Joan Hart, the queen of late-90s comedy, approached butterfly clips with the heart of a maximalist. Her signature style involved big butterfly clips in bold colors, scattered liberally across her hair for a whimsical, statement look. Hart’s style declared, “if you’re going retro, go all the way.”
- This look is regularly celebrated on “best of” 90s fashion round-ups.
- Melissa’s butterfly clip arrangement still inspires maximalist festival looks today.
Mandy Moore: The Effortless Girl-Next-Door
Always the approachable sweetheart, Mandy Moore occasionally donned butterfly clips in a slightly scattered way—often appearing as if she’d lost a few on the way to the party. Her looks captured the imperfect, easygoing vibe of the true girl-next-door.
- Her butterfly clips seemed accidental, but that only added to her charm.
- Lots of fans took inspiration, making imperfection chic.
Jennifer Aniston: Queen of Hair Moments
The 90s were practically Jennifer Aniston’s era for hair trends, from “the Rachel” to simple yet elevated accessories. As a butterfly clip wearer, she embodied effortless chic, using the clips to hold back her infamous layers while keeping things clean, classic, and ultra wearable.
- Jennifer showcased how butterfly clips could blend seamlessly into even the most polished style.
- Her looks demonstrated the power of a single well-placed clip.
Mila Kunis: Throwback Trendsetter
Long before her “That ’70s Show” days became a cult favorite, Mila Kunis was giving us #TBT inspiration with playful butterfly clips. Her hairstyles captured the approachable, can-do spirit of 90s teens and remain endlessly re-shared among nostalgic fans.
- Mila’s retro looks were characterized by a youthful, undone quality.
Tyra Banks: Beauty and Butterfly Power
Ahead of her time in blending high fashion with playful accessories, Tyra Banks wore butterfly clips with confidence. Whether on the runway, in photoshoots, or off-duty, Tyra made a case for the clip as both a practical and glamorous accent.
- Her use of bold colors and well-chosen placement brought sophistication to the trend.
Danielle Fishel: Extra Clips, Extra Style
With her unforgettable “Boy Meets World” style, Danielle Fishel leaned into butterfly clips with unrestrained enthusiasm. For her, more really was more, and her layering of clips is still referenced on Y2K and nostalgia Pinterest boards everywhere.
- Danielle showed us that you can never really have too much of a whimsical thing.
Gwen Stefani: Eclectic Edge
Gwen Stefani could do no wrong with her hair in the late 90s and early 2000s. Mixing butterfly clips with jewel tones, bindi, and punk accents, she turned the accessory into a statement of playful rebellion.
- Her eclectic style inspired fans to use butterfly clips in unexpectedly bold ways.
Hilary Duff: Perfect Clip Placement
Hilary Duff had fans everywhere puzzling over how she always managed to get her butterfly clips so evenly spaced. Her perfectly arranged styles became the blueprint for precision among butterfly clip enthusiasts.
- Hilary set a high bar for neatness and order in butterfly clip styling.
Kirsten Dunst: Playful Ponytails
Not one to settle for “done” hair, Kirsten Dunst often let her ponytails and pigtails do the talking, dressing them up with butterfly clips for a fresh, fun twist that’s still easy for anyone to recreate.
- Kirsten’s looks were playful without losing their polish.
Joan Cusack: Butterfly Diva
Style trailblazer Joan Cusack wore butterfly clips with a unique, charismatic flair, proving this accessory could work for every age and personality. Her confidence in wearing them provided inspiration for anyone who wanted to try the trend but felt hesitant.
- Joan’s looks radiated individuality and fun, making butterfly clips a universal accessory.
The Butterfly Clip Renaissance: Modern Celebrities Revive a Nostalgic Look
Fashion’s cyclical nature means everything comes back around—and in the 2020s, the butterfly clip renaissance is in full flutter. Hollywood’s new generation is obsessed, styling their hair in ways both classic and contemporary, on stage and on TikTok alike.
Here’s how several stars have reinvented the butterfly clip for today:
- Millie Bobby Brown pairs colorful mini-clips with a perky ponytail for a “Britney-coded” 90s throwback, even though she was born after the era peaked. She celebrates the playful, “baby tee” aesthetic of the bygone years while adding her Gen Z spin.
- Ariana Grande gives butterfly clips a sleek, modern twist in her signature high ponytail, using mini clips to accentuate her hairline with subtle, polished flair.
- Bella Hadid & Hailey Bieber make Y2K maximalism chic again, scattering pastel or neutral-toned clips across twisted updos or sleek buns for a cool, minimalist energy.
- Doja Cat and Zendaya blend retro vibes with modern sensibilities, mixing zig-zag parts, baby braids, and pastel butterfly clips for festival-ready style.
Whether it’s for a runway, music video, or a spontaneous #OOTD post, the butterfly clip’s comeback proves it transcends generations.
How to Style Butterfly Clips Like a Celebrity
There’s no wrong way to wear a butterfly clip, but a few pro tips can help you channel the confidence of a red carpet regular:
- Classic Scatter: Toss a handful of mini-clips randomly through loose waves for instant nostalgia that mirrors Gellar or the Olsen twins.
- Face-Framing Clips: Place two or three evenly spaced clips on each side of a center part for a neat, “Rachel Green” look.
- Ponytail & Bun Chic: Secure a row of butterfly clips along the crown or base of a high ponytail (think Ariana Grande’s signature style) or decorate a low, sleek bun like Hailey Bieber.
- Festival Ready: Combine with baby braids, pastel eyeshadow, and glossy lips for a full Y2K-glam revival.
- Modern Minimalist: Stick to neutral or metallic clips for a grown-up take, using just a few to accentuate polished styles.
Pro styling steps to create a butterfly clip look:
- Start with clean or lightly texturized hair—waves, curls, or straight all work.
- Section off the area you wish to highlight.
- Twist or braid small sections, securing them back with butterfly clips. Stagger the placement for a more whimsical, fairy-like finish.
- For a modern look, try focusing the clips only at the crown or hairline.
- Pair with 90s-inspired makeup: think rosy blush, dewy skin, and shiny lips for a complete throwback vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are butterfly clips suitable for all hair types?
A: Yes! Butterfly clips can be used on straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair. For thicker hair, look for larger or stronger-hinged clips. For fine hair, mini-clips work beautifully.
Q: Can butterfly clips be styled for formal events?
A: Absolutely. Metallic, pearl, or rhinestone butterfly clips add a glamorous touch to updos, buns, or braids, making them red carpet or wedding-ready accessories.
Q: How do you prevent butterfly clips from slipping?
A: For slippery or silky hair, prep with a light texturizing spray or mousse first. Clip onto twisted or braided sections for better hold.
Q: How many butterfly clips should I use for a trendy look?
A: There are no rules! You can go maximalist with 10+ clips for a festival or throwback effect, or keep it subtle with two or three.
Butterfly Clips by the Numbers: Pop Culture Impact Table
| Era | Iconic Celebrity | Notable Butterfly Clip Look |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Sarah Michelle Gellar | Classic rainbow cluster arrangement |
| 1990s/2000s | Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen | Maximalist multi-clip overload |
| 1999 | Britney Spears | Minimal, subtle accents with school-chic style |
| 2020s | Millie Bobby Brown | Gen Z revival, center-parted ponytail |
| 2020s | Bella Hadid & Hailey Bieber | Modern minimalist, scattered neutrals |
Legacy and Lasting Trend
The butterfly clip continues to unite generations in a shared love for playful, expressive style. From Sarah Michelle Gellar and the Olsen twins to Millie Bobby Brown and Hailey Bieber, each celebrity brings something new to the accessory’s legacy. As nostalgia and Y2K trends maintain their grip on fashion, expect the butterfly clip’s reign, much like its namesake, to be ever-evolving and delightfully unpredictable.
References
- https://www.thezoereport.com/culture/millie-bobby-brown-butterfly-clips
- https://www.fabulive.com/blogs/news/butterfly-clips-90s-vibes-how-to-nail-the-trend
- https://www.fabulive.com/blogs/news/90s-hairstyles-making-a-comeback-in-2025
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/g5691/celebrities-butterfly-clips/
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/hair/hair-jewelry-trends
- https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/butterfly-hair-clips-trend-celebrities-instagram
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