From the high-octane glamour of the runway supermodels to the gritty, unwashed aesthetic of the Seattle grunge scene, 90s hairstyles were defined by two things: volume and attitude.
Today, the “90s revival” isn’t just a trend—it’s a permanent fixture on TikTok and Instagram. Whether you are looking for the bouncy “Rachel” layers or the playful chaos of butterfly clips, this guide from 90s Fashion UK breaks down the most iconic looks and how to modernize them for today.
1. The Supermodel Blowout (The “90s Bombshell”)
If one look defined 90s luxury, it was the voluminous, bouncy blowout. Think Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell.
- The Look:Â High volume at the roots, rounded ends, and a side-swept fringe.
- 2025 Update: Use a ceramic round brush or a Dyson Airwrap to achieve that “bouncy” finish without the heat damage of vintage rollers.
- Pro Tip:Â Always blow-dry your hair upside down for the first 5 minutes to maximize root lift.
2. “The Rachel” 2.0
The most requested haircut in history, popularized by Jennifer Aniston on Friends, has evolved.
- The Look:Â Heavily layered, face-framing “flicked” ends that hug the jawline.
- The Modern Version:Â Ask your stylist for “ghost layers.” This provides the movement of the 90s cut without the chunky, dated weight.
- Style it with:Â A lightweight smoothing cream to keep the layers defined but touchable.
3. The Grunge “Messy” Aesthetic
The 90s wasn’t all polished glamour; it was also the era of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.
- The Look:Â Center-parted, slightly greasy-looking waves or a “lived-in” bob.
- How to achieve it: Skip the straightener. Use a salt spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray on damp hair and let it air dry.
- Vibe:Â Perfect for pairing with oversized flannels and vintage band tees.
4. Space Buns & Butterfly Clips
The “Club Kid” and Pop-Princess side of the 90s was all about playfulness.
- The Look:Â Two high buns (mini buns) atop the head, often accented with colorful plastic clips.
- The 2025 Spin:Â Instead of sleek, tight buns, go for “messy space buns” with loose tendrils framing the face.
- Essential Tool: Visit Amazon UK to grab a pack of matte-finish butterfly clips for a more sophisticated retro feel.
5. The “Curtains” Haircut (For Men & Unisex)
From Leonardo DiCaprio to David Beckham, the “Curtains” cut was the ultimate heartthrob look.
- The Look:Â A sharp center part with hair falling symmetrically on both sides, usually hitting the cheekbones.
- Modernizing:Â Keep the sides shorter (a slight taper) while maintaining length on top to avoid the “mushroom” shape.
How to Make Your 90s Hair Last (Quick FAQ)
Q: Are 90s hairstyles good for thin hair?
A:Â Absolutely! The 90s blowout and heavy layering (The Rachel) are specifically designed to create the illusion of thickness and movement.
Q: What accessories do I need for a 90s look?
A:Â Stock up on velvet scrunchies, wide fabric headbands, and claw clips. These are not only stylish but also much gentler on your hair than traditional elastics.
A:Â Stock up on velvet scrunchies, wide fabric headbands, and claw clips. These are not only stylish but also much gentler on your hair than traditional elastics.