ele STYLED

The 1990s was a golden decade for beauty and fashion, and hairstyles were at the heart of it all. It was a time when pop stars, TV characters, and Hollywood actors set the trends we all wanted to copy. From super sleek red carpet looks to playful hair accessories that every teenager wore to school, the best 90s hairstyles were more than just a style choice, they became cultural markers. Whether it was Jennifer Aniston’s layered cut in Friends, Leonardo DiCaprio’s floppy boy band hair, or Winona Ryder’s effortlessly chic pixie, these looks were copied in salons, bedrooms, and high school bathrooms everywhere. Today, many of these styles are making a strong comeback, proving that the influence of 90s hair is still very much alive.

1. The “Rachel” Cut

Perhaps the most iconic hairstyle of the entire decade, The Rachel was inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green on Friends. The cut featured heavy layers, face-framing highlights, and plenty of bounce, making it both chic and casual at the same time. Women around the world rushed to salons asking for “Rachel hair,” hoping to replicate the effortless cool that Aniston carried on screen. What made the look so memorable was its versatility, it could be styled sleek and polished for the office or worn tousled and relaxed for a night out. Even Aniston herself later admitted she wasn’t the biggest fan of maintaining it, but there’s no denying that The Rachel became one of the most defining hairstyles of the 90s.

2. Butterfly Clips and Mini Pigtails

If you were a teenager in the 90s, you probably had a drawer full of butterfly clips in every colour imaginable. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Mandy Moore wore them constantly, often styling their hair in playful mini pigtails or half-up looks decorated with the little plastic clips. They were affordable, easy to use, and instantly turned any hairstyle into something fun and flirty. Whether you were heading to a school dance or just hanging out at the mall, butterfly clips were a go-to accessory. Today, they’re back in style, often spotted at festivals and on Instagram, proving that some trends really are timeless.

3. The Pixie Cut

Short hair got its moment in the spotlight during the 90s thanks to stars like Winona Ryder, Halle Berry, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The pixie cut became a bold statement of individuality, breaking away from the long, layered looks that dominated much of the decade. It was fresh, edgy, and surprisingly versatile, with celebrities proving that short hair could still be styled glamorously for red carpets or kept minimal for casual everyday wear. Halle Berry’s version in particular made waves, showing how the cut could highlight natural beauty and confidence without needing endless styling products. The pixie was, and still is, a look for those who want to stand out.

4. Curtain Bangs and Middle Parts

The 90s grunge era wasn’t just about flannel shirts and Doc Martens, it also gave rise to a more relaxed, laid-back approach to hair. Curtain bangs and middle parts became one of the most copied styles, worn by icons like Drew Barrymore, Alicia Silverstone, and even Johnny Depp. The look was simple but striking: a clean middle part paired with loose waves or straight hair, and soft bangs framing the face. It gave off an effortlessly cool vibe that fit perfectly with the alternative culture of the decade. Unlike the more structured salon cuts, curtain bangs were casual, approachable, and worked well for almost any face shape, which is why they’ve resurfaced so strongly in recent years.

5. Spiky Updos

Red carpets in the 90s had their own unique aesthetic, and spiky updos were a huge part of it. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani and members of the Spice Girls embraced teased, gelled-up strands that defied gravity, creating dramatic silhouettes that screamed confidence and edge. This style was all about texture and attitude, often held together with an almost unbelievable amount of hairspray. It worked perfectly with the daring fashion of the time, from metallic dresses to bold makeup, and became a staple for parties and music videos alike. While the exact spiky look may not be as common today, its influence can still be seen in modern messy buns and textured upstyles.

6. Crimped Hair

No 90s lookbook would be complete without crimped hair. Using a zig-zag crimping iron, stars like Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks, and even young Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen rocked this bold texture. It was a fun, rebellious alternative to sleek straight hair or big curls, and it gave an instant pop of personality. Crimping was popular at school dances, concerts, and even on high-fashion runways. It was easy to achieve at home with the right tool, though the crimping iron was notorious for taking up space on bathroom counters. Today, crimping has made a subtle comeback, often worked into modern styles to add texture and volume without going full 90s throwback.

7. Frosted Tips and Boy Band Hair

It wasn’t just women defining 90s hair trends—men had their own moment too. Boy band members like Nick Carter, Justin Timberlake, and Lance Bass made frosted tips a phenomenon, while Leonardo DiCaprio and Devon Sawa became heartthrobs with their floppy middle-parted styles. These looks combined a bit of effortlessness with a polished edge, making them perfect for the teen idol image. The frosted tip craze, created by bleaching just the ends of the hair, was bold at the time and quickly spread beyond boy bands to regular guys who wanted to be part of the trend. Looking back, it’s both cringe-worthy and iconic, but it’s impossible to separate 90s pop culture from these hairstyles.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down

For those who wanted something versatile, the half-up, half-down style was everywhere in the 90s. Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and even Mariah Carey embraced it, often leaving wispy tendrils out in the front to frame the face. This style worked for both everyday looks and red carpet appearances, making it a go-to option for women of all ages. It could be dressed up with sparkly clips and barrettes or left casual with a simple hair tie. The combination of polished and relaxed made it universally flattering, which explains why it’s still a popular choice today.

9. Micro Braids

Brandy Norwood was the undisputed queen of micro braids in the 90s, wearing them with confidence and style that inspired countless women. The look was both beautiful and practical, offering versatility in styling while celebrating natural hair. Micro braids could be worn loose, tied back, or even styled into updos, making them perfect for both everyday wear and big events. The cultural significance of this style made it stand out, and Brandy’s influence in Moesha helped solidify it as one of the defining hairstyles of the decade.

10. Messy Waves

Supermodels like Kate Moss and actresses like Cameron Diaz embodied the cool-girl vibe of the 90s with their laid-back, messy waves. Unlike the perfectly polished curls of the 80s, these waves looked effortless, almost as if you had just rolled out of bed. It was a style that paired perfectly with slip dresses, minimal makeup, and the overall carefree attitude of the decade. The messy wave became the ultimate low-maintenance yet fashionable look, making it a favourite among celebrities and everyday women alike.

Why 90s Hairstyles Are Making a Comeback

Part of what makes 90s hairstyles so enduring is their mix of playfulness, individuality, and attitude. They weren’t just about beauty, they represented the culture of the time, from the grunge scene to pop music domination. Today, we see their influence everywhere, on TikTok tutorials, in Instagram trends, and even on the runways of major fashion houses. Whether it’s butterfly clips being sold again, curtain bangs trending on social media, or crimping irons making a quiet return, it’s clear the 90s still have a strong hold on beauty trends.