Numerous things defined the 90s: some of the most amazing boy bands of all time, unforgettable fashion, the growth of fast-food outlets, excellent television shows, and some of the most iconic hairstyles of all time. Some of the best pop culture moments were born in the 90s. Hairstyles in that decade were characterized by bold looks, voluminous hair, and pretty much everything fun. So which were the best 90s hairstyles that need to make a comeback?
If you are looking for something to take you back to the 90s, here is a breakdown of some of the decade’s best hairdos. From the pixie cut to the iconic 'Rachel' hairstyle, the 90s was a time of experimentation and self-expression through hair. Whether you were a fan of the grunge scene or the pop explosion, there was a hairstyle that fit every personality and mood.
What hairstyles were popular in the 90s? Here is a look at the best hairstyles from the 90s for both men and women. The decade saw a variety of styles that continue to influence trends today. Let's dive into the most memorable hairstyles that defined this colorful era!
90s Black Women’s Hairstyles
The decade’s best hairstyles were popularized by the likes of Toni Braxton, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Aniston through her world-famous character on Friends. Here is a look at some of the most memorable 90's hairstyles for females.
1. The Pixie
The pixie is inarguably one of the most iconic 90s hairstyles. Popularized by the likes of Winona Ryder and Toni Braxton, this hairstyle screamed chic and confident. Those who wore this style did so using subtle layers arranged into one block of hair with several edges.
Other famous people who have tried out the pixie recently include Katy Perry, Cara Delevingne, and Teyana Taylor. The pixie cut remains a timeless choice, showcasing a bold and sophisticated look that many continue to adore.
2. The ‘Rachel’
This one is straight from Friends, one of the best sitcoms ever created. The iconic Rachel Green hairstyle was created in 1995 by renowned stylist Chris McMillan. The ‘Rachel’ was a massive success in the 90s and was recently revitalized when rumors of a Friends reunion surfaced.
According to the stylist, the ‘Rachel’ was so popular in the 90s that women from all over the world would visit his salon to get it. Still, the style is not as easy to pull off as one might think. The style requires voluminous hair with characteristic face-framing layers and subtle highlights.
3. The Face-Framing Messy Bun
The messy bun was undoubtedly one of the most popular hairstyles in the 90s. However, what was even better than a messy bun was one with face-framing tendrils giving it that additional chic look. The tendrils can be given a consistent texture by using a thickening spray and then lining it up to match a person’s facial bone structure.
The higher the bun is, the more elongated the face appears with this style. To create the ideal look, people with round faces should place the bun on top, while those with slimmer faces could opt for a lower-placed bun for a more flattering look.
4. Bold Box Braids
Blonde, waist-length, bright-colored, bobbed, beaded, the 90s box braids came in numerous styles. One of the most popular celebrities to popularize these bold braids was Janet Jackson. She was hands down the queen of bold box braids throughout the 90s.
The hairstyle seems to be regaining its popularity today, albeit with a minor twist in the form of knotless box braids. These modern knotless braids skip the knots placed at the scalp resulting in a hairstyle that is almost weightless and quite easy on the hair edges.
5. The Prom Updo
This was among the most popular 90s updo hairstyles. Yes, the hairstyle draws inspiration from the 90s prom events. Recently, actresses such as Yara Shahidi have brought back the prom updo by adding some twisted edges towards the back of the head for an edgier and more youthful look.
To create the perfect prom updo, gather your hair on top of the head and then tie up a ponytail. Backcomb the base of the hair and then separate the optional pieces to create the twists on the back. Feel free to touch up the curls with a hair iron to make them more defined.
6. The Crimpled Look
The crimpled hairstyle effectively ended the then long-running trend of straight hair. Christina Aguilera was among the first high-profile celebrities to wear the crimpled hair look. She wore the look while attending a Billboard Awards event, setting off a trend that would turn out to be one of the most popular in the 90s.
In recent times, women have been trying out the look with varying hair types, including mermaid hair, bangs, and updos. Modern-day celebrities such as Anna Kendrick, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Kylie Jenner have also appeared in the crimpled look hairstyle.
7. Butterfly Clips
If there was a single hair accessory to define the 90s, it would be the butterfly clip. While not a hairstyle by itself, this versatile accessory worked perfectly with a wide range of hairstyles. The accessory would look great when paired with modern-day afro hair, ponytails, space knots, and many more hairdos.
Besides butterfly clips, you could also consider related accessories such as claw clips, daisy clips, colored clips, and headbands, all of which became quite popular in the 90s.
8. Tendrils
Undoubtedly one of the most feminine hairstyles of the 1990s. The tendril look was a low maintenance hairstyle that still looked great and suited a wide range of facial structures. The tendrils are essentially strands of stray hair that would be fashioned to frame one’s face.
Tendrils can be used on numerous hairstyles, including braids, buns, and ponytails. Depending on the hairstyle, one can choose to have them thin, chunky, textured, or wispy.
9. Pigtails
Most people might not consider pigtails an iconic look. However, they were a big deal in the 90s. Popularized by musical girl groups and the likes of Britney Spears, this timeless style can still be used to create a sophisticated and sleek look.
For a modern-day look, feel free to accessorize your pigtails or change the parting to achieve a unique look.
10. French Braids
The only French thing about this hairstyle is the name. Besides that, the braids are not in any way emblematic of the European country. The hairdo was among the most popular in the 90s, and rightly so. These gathered braids are effortlessly beautiful and timeless and can be worn by people with varying head and facial features.
French braids have maintained their popularity over the years, making them a go-to hairstyle for various occasions. Whether dressed up or casual, these braids remain a versatile option.
Cute 90s Hairstyles for Men
In the 1990s, men’s hairstyles were as iconic and memorable as the cars, dance styles, and television shows associated with that decade. From hip hop greats to the likes of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, the decade had some unforgettable male hairstyles.
Here is a look at the male hairdos that need to make a comeback.
1. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was one of the popular haircuts for men who wanted easy-to-style short hair. The look was characterized by bangs cut to the same length as the rest of the hair and left to hang slightly over the forehead. While the style is quite edgy, the regular cut around the head made the style formal and tidy.
When done correctly, the bowl cut could be worn in formal or casual events. Keep in mind that the bowl cut is possibly one of the boldest male hairstyles out there and might not fit a conservative person.
2. Spiky Hair
Popularized by boy bands such as the Backstreet Boys, spiky hair was a staple of the 90s male fashion. To achieve the look, one has to pomade or gel their hair into spikes by twisting it. Choose between a few thick spikes or several thin spikes, both of which were quite popular in the 90s.
3. Mullet
The mullet was one of the iconic albeit controversial 90s male hairstyles. Created by young men living in America’s southern states, the mullet was later popularized by the renowned hip hop band Beastie Boys. The group even had a track titled "Mullet Head" that made the hairstyle even more famous.
The mul
