27 Iconic ‘90s Hairstyles | Rush Hair & Beauty

The hairstyles of the 1990s are known for their vibrant and eclectic mix of bold shapes, sleek finishes, and playful textures. From the iconic ‘Rachel’ cut to spiky pixie cuts, the versatility of 90s hairstyles is endless. There are options for both edgy, rebellious styles as well as styles that are sleek and sophisticated.

Recently, we’ve seen a modern revival of 90s styles that perfectly blend nostalgia with contemporary flair. The 90s were an era focused on individuality, offering a wide range of hairstyles for everyone and any occasion. From grunge-inspired messy buns to high ponytails, these styles cater to various personalities and lifestyles.

Why 90s Hairstyles Are Making a Comeback

Hairstyles from the 1990s perfectly combine bold, playful looks with edgy shapes and textures, and evoke a carefree and confident vibe.

The resurgence of 90s-inspired fashion and pop culture has contributed to the rising popularity of these hairstyles, with celebrities, influencers, and nostalgic brands all embracing 90s styles. From slicked-back styles to big, voluminous blowouts, 90s hairstyles are making an impact in everything from street style to red carpet looks, offering a fantastic mix of glamour and fun.

Key Considerations for 90s Hairstyles

Hair Texture

Hair texture plays an important role in choosing the right 90s hairstyle. For instance, straight hair is ideal for sleek and polished styles, while curly and wavy hair types are better suited for more voluminous looks.

Face Shape

Many hairstyles from the 1990s can be flattering for different face shapes. For round face shapes, consider shaggy or messy styles, or those that add volume at the crown to create an elongating effect. Heart-shaped faces can benefit from hairstyles with soft layers around the jawline, such as side-swept bangs or chin-length bobs. Oval-shaped faces can generally pull off most styles, while square-shaped faces can be softened with layers.

Lifestyle and Maintenance

Maintenance and lifestyle considerations are important when choosing a 90s hairstyle. For example, some 90s hairstyle trends, like the grungy or street styles, focus on a more casual vibe and are typically lower maintenance. The 90s era was diverse, showcasing everything from minimalist to more polished styles, some of which are higher maintenance than others. Your choices should align with your lifestyle and how much maintenance you are willing to commit to.

Top 27 90s Hairstyles

1. 90s Blowout

The 90s blowout hairstyle is characterised by its voluminous and bouncy look, featuring significant volume at the roots and a sleek, polished finish. Often referred to as “supermodel hair,” this style emphasises a glossy and lively appearance. To achieve this look, blow-drying with a round brush or using heated rollers is recommended to create a lifted and smooth hairstyle. Seen on celebrities such as Cindy Crawford. 

Suitable hair types: A 90s blowout is ideal for hair that is long enough to achieve the desired volume and length, and can be adapted to suit most hair types.
Styling tips: Use a volumising shampoo and conditioner as well as a root-lifting spray.

2. The Rachel Cut

The Rachel Cut is a hairstyle that gained popularity in the 1990s thanks to Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel Green, on the television show “Friends.” This haircut features layers that create volume and generally fall just above the collarbone. It also includes face-framing layers and highlights.
Suitable hair types: The Rachel cut can be adapted to suit various hair types, including straight, wavy or curly hair. It can be a great choice for finer hair types as it adds volume through layers.
Styling tips: Consider adding a few strategically placed blonde highlights for a more modern take on the original style.

3. Textured Shag

The textured shag hairstyle features choppy layers that emphasise texture and volume. It often includes bangs, which may be side-swept or blended, creating a more ‘lived-in’ appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Alexa Chung.
Suitable hair types: Works well on most hair types, but can work particularly well on finer hair types as the layers and texture can add volume and fullness. 
Styling tips: A volumising mousse can add lots of additional body, while a sea-salt spray can enhance texture. 

4. Bixie

The Bixie is a hairstyle that combines elements of both a pixie cut and a bob. It features choppy layers that are longer than a short pixie but shorter than a traditional bob. This shaggy, textured cut incorporates a mix of layers and often has flared ends, capturing the grunge-inspired vibe of the 90s. Seen on celebrities such as Kristen Stewart. 
Suitable hair types: Works well for all hair types as its versatility allows for it to be tailored to any hair texture. 
Styling tips: Use texturising products such as sea-salt sprays or pomades to define layers. 

5. Crimped Hair

Crimped hair is a hairstyle that creates a zigzag or crinkled pattern using a crimping tool. This style is known for adding texture and volume, giving hair a playful and edgy vibe. Seen on celebrities such as Christina Aguilera.
Suitable hair types:  Crimped hair can be achieved on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types. Straight hair is especially suited for the crimped look.
Styling tips: Use a heat-protecting spray before using any heat styling tools to minimise any damage to the hair.

6. Big Afro

The big afro refers to naturally curly or tightly curled hair and was a very popular style in the 90s. A defining feature was the style’s volume and size. It is bold and focuses on embracing hair’s natural texture, allowing it to grow naturally into a thick and rounded shape, but also deliberately styled to maximise volume. Seen on celebrities such as Kelis.
Suitable hair types: Naturally coily and textured hair
Styling tips: To style an afro, start by ensuring it is well hydrated and detangled to get the best results

7. Messy Bun

The messy bun is a relaxed, often high ponytail bun, which intentionally leaves loose strands flowing in order to give a more relaxed and casual vibe. Seen on celebrities such as Zendaya. 
Suitable hair types: The messy bun is a very versatile style and can be adapted to almost any hair type, but works especially well on naturally wavy hair. 
Styling tips: Use a texturising spray to add grip and volume. 

8. Old Hollywood Blowout

An old Hollywood blowout is a voluminous style that features bouncy, consistent S-curl waves that are unformed, glossy and polished. It is inspired by the golden age of Hollywood cinema and often features a side part and face-framing curls. The volume is often achieved using rollers. Seen on celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter. 
Suitable hair types: Can be adapted to most hair types, but works particularly well on wavy hair 
Styling tips: Use a large round brush while blow-drying and heated rollers for additional volume. Finish with a hairspray to set the style and tease the roots for added volume. 

9. Layered Bob

The layered bob is a chic style that blends soft, face-framing layers with a slightly undone and tousled finish. The layered bob is typically chin to shoulder length, with lots of natural movement and volume. The layers can be feathered or flipped out. Seen on celebrities such as Gigi Hadid. 
Suitable hair types: Can be adapted for most hair types, but it is a great option for fine hair as the layers will add volume, texture and movement. 
Styling tips: Consider styling with a diffuser for a gentle textured wave.

10. Feathered Bangs

Also known as wispy bangs, this style is all about soft, face-framing layers that are slightly uneven at the ends. They are typically styled to add a bit of texture to create more of a relaxed vibe, although they are versatile and can be worn either blunt or more refined. Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez.
Suitable hair types: Can be adapted to most hair types, working well with a lot of textures.
Styling tips: Blow-dry with a round brush to create a defined shape with added volume.

11. Spiky Pixie Cut

The spiky pixie cut is all about sharp texture but is also chic with a vibe of simplicity. The hair is cropped close on the sides, but is left slightly longer on top, creating a striking and edgy look. It is very easy to maintain and requires very minimal styling. Seen on celebrities such as Katy Perry.
Suitable hair types: Can work for most hair types, but is a great option for thicker hair types that will hold the shape well.
Styling tips: The key is to work with your natural texture, use products such as a styling clay or paste to create added definition. 

12. Side Bangs

Side bangs were often a staple in lots of 90s hairstyles, often paired with various cuts and textures.  A defining feature of side bangs is the diagonal angle across the forehead and the way they are swept to one side. Seen on celebrities such as Mary-Kate Olsen.
Suitable hair types: Side bangs can work with various lengths and textures. They often work particularly well with wavy hair as they can enhance the natural movement. 
Styling tips: To style, start by blow-drying them towards the direction you want them to sweep, using a round brush for added definition and volume. 

13. Headwraps

Headwraps were a popular hair accessory in the 90s, and they could range from embellished versions of traditional bandanas to colourful prints to simple, stretchy headbands. They can be worn to hold hair back, or to add a pop of colour or pattern to an outfit. Seen on celebrities such as Lauren Hill.
Suitable hair types: Curly and coily hair, especially when in protective styles such as braids, which can be well-protected and smoothed by hair wraps.
Styling tips: Silk and satin wraps can help to retain hair’s natural moisture, preventing dryness and promoting healthy hair.

14. Gelled Pixie

A gelled pixie style involves a pixie haircut, which is short on the sides but slightly longer on top and is styled with a strong gel to give a sleek, wet-look finish. The style can be customised to create different effects, from slicked back to a more textured and edgy vibe. Seen on celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz. 
Suitable hair types: Can be a versatile style for various hair types, but is generally well-suited for straight hair as it is ideal for achieving a sleek appearance. 
Styling tips: To style, apply a small amount of hair gel, then work it in with your fingers, and then shape it into the desired style.

15. Baby Bangs

Baby bangs, also known as the micro-fringe, is a short fringe. While the exact length can vary, it generally falls just above the brown line, making it a bold and trendy choice. They can be worn with a variety of different hairstyles and offer a fresh take on facial framing. Seen on celebrities such as Pamela Anderson. 
Suitable hair types: They are generally well suited for straight and wavy hair types. 
Styling tips: Use a versatile leave-in treatment that offers multiple benefits such as heat-protection, frizz-control and softness. 

16. All Back with Headband

Refers to any style where all the hair is swept back from the face with a headband to keep it in place. This can be achieved through various styles, including a sleek ponytail, bun or by simply brushing the hair back. The headband can be a simple, colourful or more elaborate and decorative piece depending on the desired look. Seen on celebrities such as Jessica Alba. 
Suitable hair types: Works on all hair types 
Styling tips: Position the headband about half an inch from the hairline for a more refined look, or further back for a more relaxed appearance. 

17. Blunt Chop

The blunt chop is characterised by straight and even edges, and all strands are cut to the same length. It is a precise cut that can be applied to different lengths, from short bobs to longer styles and is known for its sharp and clean lines. Seen on celebrities such as Margot Robbie. 
Suitable hair types: The blunt chop can be a great option for fine hair as it makes it appear fuller and healthier, as it is a great way to remove split ends. 
Styling tips: To style a blunt chop, you can embrace its clean lines with a straight style or add some texture with waves.

18. Bohemian Bangs

Bohemian bangs give a natural, almost ethereal vibe and often include a slightly longer and wispy fringe. They are a popular choice, partly due to the soft and flattering nature of the style, and are super versatile for various face shapes. Seen on celebrities such as Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Suitable hair types: Can work on most hair types and textures, but is particularly well suited to naturally wavy hair, blending in seamlessly. 
Styling tips: You can experiment with heat-free styling techniques to add to the natural vibe, such as scrunching or air drying with mousse. 

19. Pinned Braids

Pinned braids are often known as crown braids and involve braiding the hair and then securing it around the head with hair grips. This style can be a variation of other braids, such as French or Dutch braids, and can be styled in different ways, such as in a low bun or other updos. Seen on celebrities such as Olivia Wilde.
Suitable hair type:  Can be suitable for different hair types, but naturally curly or coily hair tends to hold braids more securely. 
Styling tips: Use a gel or shine serum to help smooth down any flyaways.

20. Boxy Bob

The boxy bob is a structured and chin-length style that is typically square-shaped and also features blunt ends with clean lines. It is a chic and relatively low-maintenance style that can also add a touch of volume. Seen on celebrities such as Rihanna. 
Suitable hair types: It is a great option for finer hair types, as the blunt cut adds weight and structure, creating the illusion of fuller hair. It can also be adapted well for thicker hair types.
Styling tips: Pairs well with bangs as it can soften the shape.

21. Piecey Bangs

Piecey bangs are typically feathery and choppy in texture, and the fringe appears to be made of individual, separated strands. This gives a messy yet chic look that can be incorporated into various hairstyles. Seen on celebrities such as Bella Hadid. 
Suitable hair types: Can be adapted for most hair types but tends to work best for thicker hair as the focus is on texture and separation, which requires sufficient hair volume to hold. 
Styling tips: Use a styling paste or wax to add texture and definition.

22. Microbraids

Micro braids are a hairstyle that involves braiding extremely thin sections of the hair. They are known for their small size, and they offer a protective style, shielding the hair from environmental damage and reducing the need for daily styling. Seen on celebrities such as Doechii.
Suitable hair types: Works best on textured and coily hair
Styling tips: Microbraids can look great when styled into an updo and work with a variety of styles from a classic bun to half-up looks.

23. Rounded Bob

A rounded bob is a short style that is usually cut just above the shoulders or slightly shorter and features a curved silhouette that follows the natural contours of the head. This hair is cut to create a bowl-like shape, with shorter pieces framing the face. Seen on celebrities such as Selena Gomez. 
Suitable hair types: Can work on most hair types, but is a great option for finer hair as it adds body and bounce. 
Styling tips: Can be styled in various ways, from sleek and straight to wavy and tousled. 

24. The High Ponytail with Scrunchie

The high ponytail with a scrunchie involves gathering hair at the crown of the head, creating a ponytail and then securing it with a scrunchie. The ponytail is typically lifted upwards, away from the face, and then the scrunchie is wrapped around the ponytail to hold it in place. Seen on celebrities such as Ariana Grande. 
Suitable hair types: Can work on all hair types, but straight hair tends to lend itself well to the sleek and smooth nature of this style.
Styling tips: Ensure the scrunchie is placed securely but not too tightly to avoid damage or discomfort.

25. Side Part

The side part is a versatile hairstyle that involves dividing the hair on one side of the head, creating a distinct line that separates the hair and then allows it to flow to the side. The side part can be styled in various ways, from neat and sleek to relaxed and textured. Seen on celebrities such as Dua Lipa. 
Suitable hair types: Works well with all hair types
Styling tips: Blow-dry your hair in the desired direction; this helps to set the part and creates volume. 

26. Short Layers

Short layers involve cutting sections of the hair at varying lengths, typically shorter than the overall length of the hair, to create texture, volume and movement. This technique contrasts with long layers, which offer subtle shaping and less dramatic results. Seen on celebrities such as Emma Stone. 
Suitable hair types: Works well on different hair types, adding lift and volume to fine hair and lightness to thicker hair.
Styling tips: Keep your layers looking fresh and healthy by getting them trimmed every 4 – 6 weeks. 

27. Beehive Ponytail

A beehive ponytail incorporates the high volume and shape of the classic beehive into a ponytail to create a voluminous look. It is essentially a ponytail with a heightened, rounded effect at the top, often achieved by backcombing the hair to add volume and then securing it into a ponytail. Seen on celebrities such as Amy Winehouse.
Suitable hair types: Works best on longer hair that is thicker and wavier in texture. 
Styling tips: Use volumising mousse or spray for extra lift.

Styling Your 90s Hairstyle

For voluminous looks: Start with clean, damp hair and then apply a volumising mousse or spray. Blow-dry using a round brush, either towards or away from the face, for added movement. For extra volume, back comb at the roots and then finish with hairspray. 
For curly permed hair: Focus on using the right products, such as a curl cream to define the curls, avoiding any harsh styling to give curls a bouncy 90s-inspired look. Air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat to maintain the curls and prevent frizz. 
For sleek styles: For sleek styles, focus on smooth, controlled hair with minimal frizz. Utilise heat-protecting products, such as sprays, as well as straightening serums or smoothing creams, to keep frizz-free and shiny. 

Tips for Maintaining 90s Hairstyles

Regular Trims

To maintain the shape and volume of a 90s hairstyle, it is recommended to book regular trims every 4 – 6 weeks.

Hydration & Styling Products

To maintain the hair’s health, consider using deep conditioning treatments such as a leave-in conditioner to combat any dryness and frizz.

Maintain Volume

For more voluminous styles, such as the 90s blowout, use volumising mousse at the roots and blow-dry using a round brush to achieve that iconic 90s body and shape. 

Book Your 90s Hairstyle Appointment at Rush

Discover your perfect 90s-inspired hairstyle at your nearest Rush salon by booking an appointment with one of our expert stylists.