There’s something about 90s hairstyles that just hits different—and you know it. From crimped strands to claw clips and those iconic fluffy blowouts, 90s hair is back with a bold twist.
In this article, you’ll dive into 18 popular 90s hairstyles that still turn heads today. You’ll learn how to recreate them step-by-step, discover which looks are trending again, and spot the biggest style mistakes to avoid.
If you’re ready to bring that nostalgic energy into your hair game, you’re exactly where you need to be.
Here are the top 18 popular 90 hairstyles that blend retro charm with today’s fashion:
Butterfly Clip Glam
Butterfly clips are back, and every trendy girl is loving the cute, colorful vibe. These tiny accessories scream playful retro looks for females and add fun texture to your hair.
You can stack them along braids or pin back your strands with a middle part for that iconic girl hairstyle from the 90s. This look works on all hair textures and flatters oval or heart-shaped faces.
Just grab some butterfly clips and create soft waves or mini buns. It pairs perfectly with crop tops, chokers, and cargo pants. This is one of those easy 90s hairstyles every feminine soul should try.
Flipped Out Ends
Flipped ends give you those popular ’90s hairstyles for long hair vibes instantly. This sleek, flirty style flatters heart and oval faces and works beautifully on straight or relaxed textures.
You just need a flat iron or round brush to get that signature flip at the ends. Girls who love feminine 90s-inspired hair looks totally rock this with miniskirts and platform sneakers.
Whether you’re heading to brunch or a summer hangout, it adds a fun attitude. It’s perfect for stylish female professionals and girly teens alike. The whole look brings major nostalgic hair trends for females with polished flair.
High Ponytail Drama
The snatched high ponytail brings that bold throwback style for girls with confidence. Think Ariana meets 90s pop stars. Use a smoothing serum and tight elastic to create this slick pony.
It’s best for women with oval or square faces and works on straight or wavy hair. This one screams popular 90s hairstyles for females with major attitude. Pair it with sporty fits, bold lips, or big hoops for serious retro vibes.
You can wear it to a night party, workout sesh, or even date night. It’s feminine, flirty, and super wearable. You’ll love the strong, lifted feel it gives.
Wispy Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs were everywhere in the 90s, and they’re trending again with soft, feminine energy. These bangs frame your face beautifully, especially if you have a round or heart-shaped face.
They’re ideal for straight and wavy hair. If you love popular 90s hairstyles for females with a soft vintage touch, this is a go-to. Use a round brush and blow-dryer to create bounce.
Match them with mom jeans and pastel tops for a dreamy look. They’re perfect for casual meetups or flirty brunches. These vintage haircuts for girls feel romantic and expressive without trying too hard.
Baby Braids
Tiny baby braids in the front give you that carefree ’90s hair vibe for women. They’re one of the easy 90s hairstyles every girl can pull off. Just part your hair down the middle and braid two slim sections on each side.
It works for oval and square faces, especially if your hair is straight or wavy. Girls can wear this look with denim skirts, tube tops, or even oversized blazers.
You’ll love how these subtle braids add edge to any outfit. Baby braids give off a youthful, fun-loving energy that feels playful and feminine at the same time.
Crimped Volume
Crimped hair screams 90s hairstyles for black hair, and it’s totally back. Use a crimping iron to create texture and volume that lasts all day. This look is amazing on black girls, especially with thick, coily, or relaxed hair.
Round and heart-shaped faces look stunning with this bold style. Wear it loose or half-up with scrunchies. Match it with metallic fits or graphic tees for full retro energy.
This is one of those popular 90s hairstyles for black girls that feels so expressive and powerful. You’ll feel confident, cute, and full of that funky throwback charm wherever you go.
Zigzag Part
The zigzag part is making a surprise return, and it’s perfect for girls who love fun, feminine 90s-inspired hair looks. You just need a rattail comb and a little patience. This part works on straight, wavy, and even braided hair.
It flatters every face shape and instantly adds bold energy to your vibe. Rock it with a half-up pony or space buns to show off the part.
Wear it with chokers, tank tops, or flared jeans. This is one of the most popular 90s hairstyles for females that feels both cool and nostalgic. You’ll look fresh and effortlessly on-trend.
Messy Spiky Buns
Spiky buns are back, giving off major punk princess energy. Think Gwen Stefani meets TikTok beauty queens. Pull your hair into two messy buns and let the ends stick out.
This look is killer for oval and long faces and works great on straight or relaxed textures. Girls with attitude totally rock this style with fishnets, crop tops, and platforms. These bold throwback styles for girls are all about expressive rebellion.
Whether you’re going to a concert or just want a daring vibe for the weekend, these buns bring serious 90s hair vibes for women with edge and style.
Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns bring playful retro looks for females who love to have fun with their hair. They flatter round and oval faces and work best on straight or wavy hair.
Just divide your top section into two and twist into buns. Add glitter or butterfly clips for an extra ’90s touch. Girls love wearing this with overalls, tube tops, or sporty sneakers.
You can rock this style at festivals, beach days, or just when hanging out with friends. These buns are one of the cutest and easy 90s hairstyles you can wear anywhere while keeping that iconic vibe alive.
Pixie Power Cut
The pixie cut is short, bold, and feminine. It’s a vintage haircut for girls who want to keep it edgy yet chic. This style flatters heart and oval faces, especially if you have thick or coily hair. Use a light pomade to shape and style it.
This cut is low maintenance but makes a big statement. Pair it with bold lips, layered necklaces, and fitted tops. It’s ideal for female creatives, fashion lovers, or trendsetting professionals.
You’ll love how empowered and stylish it feels. This is one of the popular 90s hairstyles for females that feels timeless and strong.
Tendrils with Updos
Tendrils are back, and they’re giving total flirty girl energy. Just leave two skinny strands out when you pull your hair into a bun or ponytail. These face-framing pieces bring out your cheekbones and flatter oval or heart-shaped faces.
This is one of those popular 90s hairstyles for females that feels soft and feminine without much effort. Straight or slightly wavy hair works best for this look.
Match it with a slip dress, hoops, and glossy lips. You can wear this style for brunch, summer dates, or casual parties. It gives off major, feminine 90s-inspired hair looks with every step.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are a must-try for women who love nostalgic hair trends for females that feel sleek and sexy. This look works with long layers or bobs and flatters round and square faces.
You’ll love how it softens your features. It looks especially cute with straight or slightly wavy textures. Use a round brush to sweep the bangs and keep them airy. Pair this style with bold eyeliner, cropped jackets, and low-rise jeans.
It’s perfect for girls heading to coffee dates or spontaneous nights out. This style brings back those iconic girl hairstyles from the 90s with fresh, modern flair.
Straight Middle Part
The sleek middle part ruled the ’90s, and now it’s owning the streets again. This style looks amazing on girls with oval or long faces and works best on straight or relaxed textures.
Use a flat iron and shine spray to get that super smooth finish. This is one of those popular 90s hairstyles for long hair that never goes out of style. Rock it with a tube top, silver hoops, and platform sandals.
You’ll see this look everywhere from beach parties to music festivals. It’s simple, feminine, and full of ’90s hair vibes for women who love effortless chic.
Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo box braids are a powerful throwback and one of the most loved 90s hairstyles for black hair. This look celebrates Black beauty and brings out strong feminine energy. It suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces and works perfectly on coily or relaxed textures.
Use edge control for a sleek finish and accessorize with beads or wraps. Girls love pairing these braids with denim fits, off-shoulder tops, or sporty vibes.
Wear this look to summer festivals, vacations, or weekend brunches. This is one of those popular 90s hairstyles for black girl that keeps you cool and confident all day.
Wet Look Waves
Wet waves give off sultry, model-off-duty energy and scream vintage haircuts for girls with a glam edge. Use gel and a wide-tooth comb to sculpt damp hair into soft S-shaped waves.
It flatters oval and square faces and works well on wavy or curly textures. Pair this style with sheer tops, leather pants, or chunky heels for a bold summer vibe. Whether you’re headed to a pool party or evening dinner, this look feels sexy and fresh.
It’s one of those popular 90s hairstyles for females that gives expressive flair with minimal effort and tons of modern charm.
Claw Clip Updo
Claw clips are totally back, and every girl is using them to create effortless updos. Just twist your hair, clip it, and let a few strands fall naturally. This style suits long hair and flatters every face shape.
It’s one of the most easy 90s hairstyles that looks chic without the work. Use this for a casual coffee run or beach picnic. You can pair it with oversized sweaters, mini dresses, or baggy jeans.
This is one of those popular 90s hairstyles for females that blends lazy-day ease with high-style retro energy. It’s perfect for laid-back, feminine fashion lovers.
Afro Puffs
Afro puffs are bold, cute, and full of personality. This iconic look is perfect for Black girls who want to rock 90s hairstyles for black hair with fun and pride. Just part your hair down the middle and puff up each side.
It flatters round and oval faces and works best on natural coily textures. You can add scrunchies, beads, or barrettes for extra throwback flavor.
Girls pair this look with vibrant crop tops, baggy jeans, or layered gold chains. It’s perfect for music events or street-style slay. This is one of the boldest nostalgic hair trends for females around.
Hair Wraps & Scarves
Hair wraps and scarves were huge in the 90s and are back for every stylish female who loves statement accessories. Wrap a colorful scarf over a ponytail, bun, or even braids. It works with all textures and face shapes.
This look adds personality and feels super feminine. Match it with flowy dresses, sunglasses, and gold hoops. You can rock it to beach trips, markets, or casual hangouts.
It gives that playful retro look for females while protecting your hair from the sun. If you’re into 90s hairstyles for females with long hair, this style adds charm without much effort.
How to Recreate 90s Hairstyles Step-by-Step?
Want to rock those iconic ’90s hairstyles with a modern twist? You totally can, and it’s easier than you think.
- Start with step-by-step styling guides on YouTube or TikTok, just search your favorite look, like spiky buns or flipped ends.
- Swap out old-school tools with modern magic like ceramic flat irons, cordless crimpers, or velcro rollers with heat protection.
- You can grab butterfly clips, scrunchies, and claw clips from Amazon or find vintage gems on Depop.
- Influencers everywhere are showing how to make these styles fresh and wearable.
- You don’t need a glam squad, just your mirror, a few tools, and your vibe.
Which ’90s Hairstyles Are Trending Again?
You’ve probably seen it all over your fe:d, crimped hair, chunky highlights, and claw clips are everywhere again.
These aren’t just throwbacks; they’re full-on trends thanks to modern celebs like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, who are making 90s hairstyles feel cool all over again. If you love playful texture, grab a crimper and try soft waves.
Want bold color? Chunky highlights are back, especially in face-framing styles. And don’t underestimate a claw clip—it gives you that effortless, off-duty model look. You’re not just copying the past; you’re remixing it with your style and bringing 90s glam into now.
Common 90s Hairstyle Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re bringing back 90s hairstyles, don’t fall into the common traps. Over-teasing can leave your hair stiff and tangled instead of full and bouncy.
You don’t need to drown your strands in gel either, go for lightweight styling creams or mousses to get hold without the crunch. Watch out for bad parting too; a harsh zigzag or messy middle part can throw off the whole look.
You can modernize these styles by softening the edges, trying looser buns, subtle flips, or face-framing layers. You’re recreating 90s magic, not a costume. Keep it fresh, wearable, and totally you.
Conclusion
You don’t need a time machine to rock iconic 90s hairstyles—you just need the right tools, a few cute accessories, and your own vibe.
Personally, I’m obsessed with the butterfly clip glam and the big blowout look—they’re total show-stoppers. Now it’s your turn to bring the 90s back your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular hairstyle in the 1990s?
The most popular 90s hairstyle was “The Rachel” haircut—layered, bouncy, and face-framing, made famous by Jennifer Aniston on Friends.
How to wear hair for a 90s party?
Try space buns, crimped hair, or a high ponytail with butterfly clips or scrunchies to nail that fun, bold ’90s party look.
How to get the 90s fluffy hair look?
Use a round brush and blow dryer with volumizing mousse, then set with velcro rollers for that signature bouncy, fluffy ’90s vibe.
How to make your hair look like the 90s?
Add volume, texture, and accessories like claw clips, chunky highlights, or zigzag parts to recreate that iconic, expressive 90s hair aesthetic.
