20 90s Hairstyles Ideas That Are Totally Back (and Better Than Ever)
If you grew up in the 90s, you either had the hair or you desperately wanted it.
The decade blessed us with butterfly clips, chunky highlights, and ponytails that defied gravity—sometimes in ways that weren’t exactly flattering, but hey, it was a vibe.
And guess what? 90s hairstyles are making a serious comeback.
Celebs are rocking them, TikTok is obsessed with them, and the nostalgia is too good to resist.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane (without the crunchy gel residue) and talk about 20 hairstyles from the 90s that you can wear today without looking like you’re headed to a high school dance circa.
1. The Rachel (Obviously)
We can’t talk 90s hair without bowing to The Rachel—Jennifer Aniston’s layered, bouncy cut from Friends.
Why it’s iconic: It framed the face, had just the right amount of volume, and screamed “I drink cappuccinos at Central Perk.”
Modern twist: Ask for softer layers and less choppiness so it feels effortless instead of “I just sat in a salon for 3 hours and my hair is 90% hairspray.”
2. Crimped Hair
Remember spending an hour with a crimper just to end up looking like a glittery poodle? Yeah, we loved it.
Why it’s iconic: It added instant texture and made you feel like a pop star.
Modern twist: Crimp only a few random sections for a textured, beachy vibe instead of going full 1994 music video.
3. Butterfly Clips
These tiny, colorful clips were basically the jewelry of hair.
Why it’s iconic: They made you feel instantly cute, even if you were just wearing overalls and a graphic tee.
Modern twist: Use metallic or pearl versions for a more grown-up, chic look.
4. Space Buns
Half up, half fun. These double buns were every girl’s go-to for concerts and mall trips.
Why it’s iconic: It gave instant playful energy (and was the ultimate “don’t mess with me” festival look).
Modern twist: Keep them a little messy with face-framing strands for that “I woke up like this” vibe.
5. Zig-Zag Part
You weren’t truly cool in the 90s unless your part looked like it was drawn by a seismograph.
Why it’s iconic: It screamed creativity without needing a single hair accessory.
Modern twist: Make the zig-zag softer and more subtle so it feels trendy instead of middle school picture day.
6. Tendrils
Those two skinny pieces of hair framing your face? Yeah, they’re back.
Why it’s iconic: It softened the face and looked good with literally any updo.
Modern twist: Curl them loosely for a softer, romantic look instead of flat-ironing them to death.
7. The Slicked-Back Ponytail
High, sleek, and often paired with brown lipstick.
Why it’s iconic: It was simple yet powerful—basically the hair equivalent of “don’t mess with me.”
Modern twist: Add a little shine serum for a glossy finish and wrap a piece of hair around the elastic for a polished touch.
8. The Flipped Bob
Think Drew Barrymore in her Never Been Kissed era.
Why it’s iconic: The ends curled out, not in—total rebellion against gravity.
Modern twist: Keep the flip but make it subtle with a round brush for a bouncy, playful feel.
9. Chunky Highlights
If your highlights in the 90s were subtle, you were doing it wrong.
Why it’s iconic: Bold, blonde streaks made hair look fun and dramatic.
Modern twist: Opt for balayage-inspired chunky highlights so they blend better with your natural color.
10. The Half-Up, Half-Down
A hairstyle so good, it’s never actually gone out of style.
Why it’s iconic: It was casual, cute, and worked on every hair type.
Modern twist: Secure with a claw clip instead of an elastic for that “effortlessly cool” TikTok girl look.
11. Micro Braids
A long, tedious process but totally worth it.
Why it’s iconic: Gave hair incredible texture and could last for weeks.
Modern twist: Mix them with loose waves for a boho-chic vibe.
12. Baby Bangs
Short, choppy bangs that barely covered your forehead.
Why it’s iconic: It was bold, daring, and not for the faint of heart.
Modern twist: Pair them with soft layers or a pixie cut for an artsy, high-fashion look.
13. Spiky Buns
Yes, those little buns with hair gelled into spikes were a thing.
Why it’s iconic: They screamed “TRL countdown.”
Modern twist: Keep the spikiness subtle and skip the gel overload for a cleaner version.
14. Headband Overload
Fabric, plastic, padded—you name it, we wore it.
Why it’s iconic: The perfect way to show off your accessory collection.
Modern twist: Choose sleek, minimalist headbands for a more refined style.
15. Messy Bun with a Scrunchie
A messy bun without a scrunchie in the 90s? Unheard of.
Why it’s iconic: It was comfy, quick, and cute.
Modern twist: Go for silk or velvet scrunchies for a touch of luxury.
16. Feathered Layers
Farrah Fawcett may have started it in the 70s, but the 90s brought it back in a big way.
Why it’s iconic: It gave hair movement and body.
Modern twist: Ask for softer, blended layers so it looks modern instead of retro.
17. Side Ponytail
The higher and more to the side, the better.
Why it’s iconic: Fun, flirty, and a little bit rebellious.
Modern twist: Wear it lower and looser for a modern, laid-back feel.
18. Glitter Roots
Yes, we sprinkled glitter in our hair—and no, we regret nothing.
Why it’s iconic: Perfect for parties, concerts, and generally making a mess.
Modern twist: Use biodegradable glitter and focus it on part lines for a cleaner application.
19. Pigtails
From playgrounds to pop concerts, pigtails were everywhere.
Why it’s iconic: They were youthful and fun.
Modern twist: Make them low and loose for a grown-up, boho version.
20. The Curtain Bangs
Soft, face-framing bangs that looked amazing with almost any haircut.
Why it’s iconic: It was the ultimate “cool girl” hair move.
Modern twist: Keep them long and wispy for that effortlessly chic look.
Final Thoughts
The 90s gave us some questionable fashion choices (low-rise jeans, anyone?), but the hairstyles? Honestly, most of them aged like fine wine. The key to pulling them off today is adding a modern twist—less crunchy gel, more effortless texture.
Whether you’re ready to fully commit to The Rachel or just throw in some butterfly clips for nostalgia’s sake, these looks prove that the 90s never really left—they just got a glow-up.
So go ahead—dig that scrunchie out of your drawer and relive your glory days. Just maybe skip the frosted tips this time. 😉
