Ah, the ’90s! The era of great music, great movies, and dial-up internet. Such wild times.
There are plenty of things that made the ’90s the greatest decade to be alive, women’s hairstyles being one of them. It was the era when pop-culture icons like Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, JLo, Naomi Cambell, Winona Ryder left a lasting mark on fashion.
Their edgy, glamorous hairstyles and impeccable fashion sense transcended borders. Even though women’s hairstyles have changed massively over the years, there are a few ’90s hairstyles for women that are making a grand comeback and I couldn’t be happier.
If you are a ’90s buff like us and don’t shy away from experimenting with your hairdo, here are 25 unforgettable 90s women’s hair trends for you to take inspiration from.
Contents
1 25 Iconic ‘90s Hairstyles For Women1.1 The Rachel1.2 High Ponytail1.3 Shaggy Pixie Cut1.4 Finger Waves1.5 The Swoop Bang1.6 Half Up Half Down1.7 Micro Braiding1.8 Crimped Hair1.9 Slicked-back Pixie1.10 Janet Jackson Braids1.11 Quasi Cornrows with Butterfly Clips1.12 Rave Buns1.13 French Braids1.14 Bob with Flipped Ends1.15 Baby Bangs1.16 Feathered Bangs1.17 Dreadlocks1.18 Scrunchie Hairstyle1.19 Bumped Bob1.20 Undone Curls1.21 Claw Bangs1.22 Messy High Bun with Loose Tendrils1.23 Accent Braids1.24 Center-parted Straight Hair1.25 Side Pigtails with Colorful Hair Clips1.26 Summing up the Saga of the Most Epic Millennial Women Hairstyles25 Iconic ‘90s Hairstyles For Women
The Rachel
I still remember the craze of Rachel’s haircut when F.R.I.E.N.D.S was at its peak of popularity. Salons were flooded with requests for this iconic hairstyle characterized by its fluffy, face-framing flicky layers and incredible bounce.
This trailblazing hairstyle from the ‘90s era works best on above-the-shoulder-length hair. However, if you have below shoulder-length hair, you can recreate this iconic look with a modern twist.
The Rachel 2.0 look has choppy layers blending the bottom perfectly to the bangs along with some highlights for added depth and dimension. Apply a volumizing spray for a volume boost at the crown and use a round brush for blow-drying the layers for a nice lift and bounce.
High Ponytail
The high ponytail look oozes elegance. This super easy-to-create style is one of my favorite girl’s night-out hairstyles since forever. Back combing your hair gives it a sleeker, sexier look. Use clip-in ponytail extensions if you need more volume and length. Complete the look by curling the ends for a soft finish.
Shaggy Pixie Cut
Elizabeth Moss’ shaggy pixie cut has recently taken social media by storm and I’m not complaining. Inspired by Winona Ryder’s avant-garde hairstyle that has endured the test of time, this look is timelessly edgy.
If you want a softer look, get a brush and a hairdryer to get some extra volume and bounce to the side-sweeping bangs.
Finger Waves
So retro, so elegant, the S-shaped hairstyle can be easily customized to match the vibe of the modern times. Keep it casual with looser waves or go full retro with glossy, tightly molded finger waves.
These exquisitely woven finger waves are an excellent way to jazz up short bob haircuts. Apply a hair mousse that sleek radiant look and a hair gel to lock your style into place.
The Swoop Bang
A swoop bang adds a touch of drama to layered hairstyles, regardless of the hair length. The trend of sleek side swept bangs with top-knot bun or double low buns is here to stay and I’m all for it. Another way to modernize the look is to pair the sleek side-swept bangs with a low ponytail.
Half Up Half Down
Half up half down hair with wispy bangs was a craze back in the ’90s. The slightly messy look created a chic boho look that was propelled to the limelight by the likes of Jennifer Lopez. If you are thinking of wearing this hairstyle as a bridesmaid, add some fun texture with head beads and soften up the look with some nice-looking earrings.
Micro Braiding
Randy Norwood’s micro braids were everywhere in the ‘90s. This classic ‘90s black women hairstyle re-emerged a few years ago. Micro braids are much gentler on hair compared to faux locs and box braids.
The key to keeping micro braided hair looking shiny and healthy is daily moisturizing with a leave-in conditioner and light hair oil.
Crimped Hair
Are you even a ‘90s kid if you’ve never had crimped hair? Judging by the red carpet look of some of the most well-known faces of current times, it’s safe to assume that crimped hairdo is officially back in business.
Ariana Grande’s crimped ponytail look is such a vibe. Go with large, deep waves for a more laid-back, beach-worthy look.
Slicked-back Pixie
‘90s hairstyles for short hair were a pleasant mix of edgy and elegant. Monica Denise Arnold rocked her slicked-back and curled pixie with carefully placed highlights for extra definition.
Slicked-back or coiffed pixie is so effortlessly refined. Amp up the look with some volumizing spray at the look and brush to achieve more volume.
Janet Jackson Braids
Janet Jackson’s braids in Poetic Justice used to be a rage among black women back in the day. The highlight of this hairdo is unquestionably the head wrap. I should warn you that this is not one of those quick and easy DIY hairstyles you can nail by watching video tutorials.
That kind of makes sense considering Janet played a hairdresser in Poetic Justice. These rope-style braids take hours of painstaking work and expert craftsmanship. So my suggestion would be to get in touch with a hair stylist who specializes in braiding African/Caribbean hair.
Quasi Cornrows with Butterfly Clips
Butterfly-clip cornrows would be a cute look for kids and teens. There was a time when literally every second girl which includes both high-school kids and college-goers sported this super chill messy updo. You can play with claw-clip colors a bit and maybe get some highlights to upgrade the look to modern standards.
Rave Buns
Rave buns or space buns, as some like to call them, is a throwback to the hipster, flashy trends of the ‘90s. A go-to ‘90s hairstyle for long hair, the undone double buns created a playful look for raves and festivals.
While I personally prefer two buns over a solitary one for my festival l look, a single-bun has a very classy air about it. Make your messy buns stand out by experimenting with different colors and highlights. Add a fun touch with glitter-parting.
French Braids
Although not the easiest hairstyles to execute, the timeless and chic appeal of French braids is irresistible. Ironically, French braid has very little to do with France, but that’s besides the point here. Women have been wearing this elaborately gathered three-strand plait for thousands of years.
Double French braid, an unmistakable choice for casual occasions, has seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years. For special occasions like a romantic date or wedding, you can’t go with a sophisticated French braid bun.
Nothing screams the ‘90s louder than French braid pigtails, though. This fun, hipster look was quite a craze among high school-goers.
Bob with Flipped Ends
The everlasting trend of collarbone-grazing bob with flipped ends was embraced by some of the hottest fashion divas across decades. This sharp and sophisticated hairdo with formal attire is a combination made in even.
Although the style is pretty easy to create with a blow-dryer, use a flat iron to flip out the hair for a more sculpted look. 2021 has been a big year for inverted bob as well – a cool twist to the iconic hairstyle that suits women of all face shapes and ages.
Baby Bangs
Short bangs are cool and trending again and I couldn’t be happier. Chunky micro bangs are a great way to accentuate your eyes and are flattering for any face shape or hair type because of the extra volume it brings.
It’s a brilliant choice for someone who wants a cute and fashionable, easy-to-manage hairstyle. For an extra flair, pair up short, textured bangs with a classic bob haircut you’re golden!
Feathered Bangs
Another classic from the ’90s era that’s forging forward in 2021. There’s an irresistible charm to the undone, chilled out look of feathered bangs. Feathering is a process of chopping the ends to create texture.
You can wear it in different ways – part them down in the middle or sweep to one side for a cleaner look. Feathered bangs go especially well with shoulder-grazing haircuts.
Dreadlocks
A throwback to ’90s women hairstyles is incomplete without mentioning Lisa Bonet’s dreamy boho dreadlocks. Lisa’s signature waist-length locs, multicolored shirts, and shades were a true game changer.
Locs on natural hair is a huge commitment and may cause hair damage in the long run if you fail to take proper care of it. If you want something temporary, try faux locs.
Scrunchie Hairstyle
High/low ponytails, top-not messy buns, two side buns secured with large, colorful scrunchies are such a ’90s vibe. Just about any updo with scrunchies has a cute and simple girl-next-door charm to it.
Keep it casual for picnics or a road trip by tying the scrunchie around the end of a simple braid, low braided bun, or make a statement with a braided ponytail.
Bumped Bob
Go for a bob with a clean middle part and soft bump towards the end to accentuate a strong jawline. You could also ask your stylist to retain extra length at the front for extra dimension.
Keep the tresses bouncy and shiny with a medium hold, volumizing spray. You could add a bit more character by dying your hair auburn red or burgundy or simply any bold color you fancy.
Undone Curls
Ever looked at Mariah Carey’s stunning curls dreamily? Nope? Just me? Not possible. Undone curls are so effortlessly chic or perfectly imperfect, if you will.
You can create this style easily at home with a curling iron. For extra volume, texture, and shine, spruce up your undone look with a dry shampoo and a dry texture spray.
Claw Bangs
’90s hairstyle roundup won’t be complete without claw bangs, will it? Be it waist-length, lush tresses, or collarbone-grazing layered cut, team it up with claw bangs to recreate the classic ’90s diva look. Make sure to keep those fringes bouncy, fluffy, and frizz-free with an anti-humidity spray and a dry texture spray.
Messy High Bun with Loose Tendrils
Another effortlessly chic ’90s inspired updo that never misses a mark. For a laid-back look, let the flyaways flow freely which would highlight the natural wavy texture of your hair.
This kind of style goes perfectly with both formal and casual attire. For a more boho-chic vibe, use a curling iron to style the loose tendrils.
Accent Braids
Give your summer look a bohemian feeling with accent braids. These face-framing braids on sleek middle part long hair are a mad retro vibe. I’m glad that style is back in today’s fashion scene.
I love how these tiny hairline braids on both sides create a subtle structure around the face. The low-maintenance nature of the braids was another key reason behind the resurgence of their popularity.
Center-parted Straight Hair
Get the ultimate glam doll look with sleek and super-shiny pin-straight hair with a sharp middle part. This classic minimalist hairstyle never really went out of style. There have been a few modifications, mainly with the position of the part line.
The key to slaying this look is silky smooth, thick, and lush tresses. So make sure to hydrate your hair with a smoothing conditioner, nourishing oils, and serums, and fight frizz with anti-humidity spray. You can also try a silk press to minimize hair movement and achieve a shiny finish.
Side Pigtails with Colorful Hair Clips
This elementary-school classic hairstyle is as sassy as it gets and is perfect for cosplays. Tying two pigtails and securing the side-swept fringes with clips doesn’t take more than 5 minutes.
The foundation of this hairdo is thick and glossy hair. I recommend using a leave-in conditioner and hair gloss serum before you start styling your hair.
Summing up the Saga of the Most Epic Millennial Women Hairstyles
These are some of the most iconic hairstyles we would love to recreate on any given day. The 1990s hairstyles were all about keeping it casual but chic – the fashion mantra a lot of us live by to this date.
The hottest ’90s women’s hair trends are making a comeback and we couldn’t be more thrilled!