Each decade is typically marked by its unique and iconic hair trends.
From the bob cuts and finger waves of the 1920s to the flipped ponytails of the 1960s, you can often identify the year a photo was taken by the hairstyles in it.
The 90s were no different, offering an abundance of hair inspiration.
This decade introduced us to high ponytails, messy buns, “The Rachel” haircuts, supermodel layers, and the best hair accessories like butterfly clips.
The 90s were so influential that we continue to adopt these trends today, albeit with some minor tweaks.
Next, I have compiled 21 modern interpretations of the best hairstyles from the 90s.
21 Best 90s Hairstyles Making a Cool Comeback Today
Hair with Jewels
The 90s were characterized by embellished jeans, hair bandanas, headbands, CD players, and of course, unique hairstyles.
This retro look is making a comeback, as demonstrated by Aimee Song, whose waves enhance the nostalgic feel of the 90s even more.
Outward Curved Ends
What could be more pleasant than watching their movies, reading their books, or wearing their clothes? Emulating Mary-Kate and Ashley’s iconic 90s “flip” as demonstrated by Keke Palmer.
Keep it relaxed and casual. Plus, incorporating modern accessories can prevent the look from seeming outdated.
Delicate Fringe: Wispy Bangs
Rowan Blanchard takes inspiration from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Ashley Banks with her claw-like bangs.
While the 90s version was somewhat wispy, Blanchard chooses thicker strands for a contemporary twist. The addition of a headband accessory also enhances her look.
Imitation Bangs from the 90s
Swept-over, overgrown fringes are both a thing of the past and the present. They are not just practical and fashionable, but they also flatter those with larger foreheads.
Consider adopting the clip-in bangs style, similar to Kendall Jenner, using this ingenious hairpiece.
Opting for hairstyles such as ponytails or buns will assist in blending the artificial fringe more seamlessly.
HeadWraps Chic
Headwraps are certainly not unique to the 90s.
Rather than pairing with braids, this modern interpretation combines a gold head wrap with piled-high locs.
The Nostalgic Crimp
Crimp hair was a big trend in the 90s and, judging by recent red carpet and runway styles, it might be making a comeback.
Crimping hair can sometimes look ridiculous, however, when done correctly, it can look sophisticated and high fashion.
If you don’t like the idea of crimping all your hair, styling some crimped strands into a ponytail, similar to Ariana Grande’s style, is a great alternative.
Messy Bun That Frames the Face
What could be better than a messy bun from the 90s? A messy bun complemented with long, loose tendrils, of course.
If strands fall out, use that to your benefit, as it will contribute to the messy look.
Baby Spice Icon
Our favorite Spice Girl may have changed daily, but our loyalty to Baby Spice’s signature hairstyle of high ponytails and bangs never wavered.
Once the ponytails are secured, you can experiment with the texture, opting for a sleek and elegant style or adding a wave.
Consider braiding the ponytails or random sections for a fun element.
Space Buns Craze
Who could disregard Spice Girl Mel B’s unforgettable double buns?
Also referred to as space buns, this version is rich in texture, amplified by the wearer’s natural curls, and complemented by two face-framing twists.
Space buns typically have more texture and sometimes, more volume than straight hair. Therefore, for straight hair, a bit of backcombing and teasing can help maintain the shape and structure.
Abundant Volume Hair
We owe the trend of large, voluminous, bouncy waves to supermodels from the 90s.
Zendaya mirrors Cindy Crawford’s iconic hairstyle, although her shoulder-length version gives it a fresh and contemporary spin.
Mini Braids
Amandla Stenberg’s unique side-parted bob featuring small braids is reminiscent of the 90s. However, incorporating vibrant colors gives it a contemporary touch.
Tucking the braids behind your ear not only allows you to flaunt your statement earrings but also helps to keep your hair out of your face.
Feathered Bangs
A roundup of 90s hairstyles would be incomplete without featuring the iconic feathered bangs, a style that practically defined the era.
The layered cut and the trendy beige-blonde color keep this style from looking outdated.
Edgy Pixie
The pixie cut with spikes, which Halle Berry first made famous, remains a popular style. Just look at Ruby Rose to confirm it.
This look exudes boldness and confidence. However, the person’s overall style and confidence must match the boldness of this hairstyle.
Decorative Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips, the quintessential 90s hair accessory, create a remarkable halo effect.
These clips add a charming touch to a casual look. Use them to secure your fringe, anchor pigtails, or embellish an accent braid.
Twists Symphony
Twists are a timeless hairstyle. In this instance, they’re styled into a half-up, half-down bun for a flawless 90s look.
To moisturize your hair and simplify the styling process, consider using a lightweight conditioner.
Bob in Layers
The bob, along with its longer version known as the lob, continues to be one of the most popular shorter-length hairstyles today.
In this instance, Michelle Williams is seen wearing a blonde, chin-length bob complemented by trendy baby bangs, Audrey Hepburn style.
The Rachel
Jennifer Aniston was honest and admitted that she is not a big fan of “The Rachel”, a hairstyle from the 90s that her character in Friends made famous.
However, she now sports a modern and mature variation of it.
The layers are shorter and work in conjunction with bangs to highlight the face, an excellent method to modernize this style.
Bulky Side Flip
The voluminous side flip was the gold standard of the 90s “it-girl” hairstyles.
It not only enhanced your trendy girl look, but also instantly boosted the volume of your hair.
Chunky Highlights Magic
If you share my feelings, you might have been relieved to bid farewell to the trend of dark hair with bold, chunky highlights in the 90s.
However, this style has made a comeback and now exudes a softer, more grounded appeal.
You might want to try incorporating chunky highlights throughout your hair. This approach produces a beautiful and natural effect.
Partial Updo
An elegant high ponytail, half up, half down, is the perfect choice when you want to achieve a 90s style that doesn’t look outdated.
To add a contemporary touch to this vintage look, pair the hairstyle with modern earrings or soften the intensity of the hairstyle.
Middle Parting
The middle parting style popularized by Angela Chase is making a comeback, and it’s even better than before. Its enduring chic feel resides in the mix of sophistication and avant-garde.
Incorporating a sporty and wet look can modernize the hairstyle.
These posts may interest you:
13 Easy Hairstyles For Short Hair To Try Now: Chic And Trendy!
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