The Best '90s Hairstyles That Are Trending in 2023
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Much like fashion, beauty trends are cyclical—so what goes around comes around. Right now, the’90s are back in style in every which, way, and form. But before you prep dinner for your Tamagotchi and watch an episode of Boy Meets World in your blow-up chair, it’s time to sit down at your vanity and soak up some inspiration.
Keep in mind, there wasn’t just one look that defined the decade. “The short cropped bob, voluminous bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces...” the list goes on for hairstylist and TRESemmé partner Justine Marjan.
We’ve collected 20 of the decade’s biggest beauty icons—Winona, Brandy, and all the Supers are all in attendance—to serve as your muses. You’ll find natural curls, box braids, updos, and a whole lot of butterfly clips to enjoy. Just be sure to ignore the barely-there eyebrows... those aren’t coming back anytime soon.
An Red Carpet Updo on Gwyneth Paltrow
Taken just a few years before actress Gwyneth Paltrow won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, but she was already ruling the red carpet. The updo feels unfussy in the best way possible—face-framing tendrils, imperfect bun—and can easily be recreated on your own.
Cindy Crawford's Signature Red Carpet Curls
Supermodel Cindy Crawford’s signature look—big, blown-out hair—doesn’t actually scream ‘90s—instead, it feels timeless. But Marjan reminds us this is the “iconic blowout” of the era. You can easily DIY with hot rollers.
Jennifer Lopez’s Messy Bun
Back then, she was just Jenny from the Block. And her messy bun, finished off by some hair clips. If you don’t have the hair texture to get this look on your own, may we suggest another icon of the ’90s, a crimper?
A Flipped Out Lob on Tyra Banks
Before she was the host and lead judge of “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra Banksruledg the runways. Her flipped-out long bob is teased at the crown for extra volume.
Bold Buns on Gwen Stefani
When No Doubt dropped their first album, “Tragic Kingdom,” in 1995, it started a beauty revolution. Lead singer Gwen Stefani’s blue raspberry bob and penchant for complex hairstyles (braids and buns, wet sets) set a mood. Modern admirers know to skip the culturally appropriative bindi.
Naomi Campbell’s Voluminous Blowout
A simple, voluminous blowout was supermodel Naomi Campbell’s signature look through the ’90s. The look is actually easier to get than you’d think, and we have details here.
Winona Ryder’s Delicate Pixie and Baby Bangs
The’90s were Winona’s world and we were just living in it. This pixie was chopped by mononym hairstyling legend Garren, who gave her delicate baby bangs to match the short chop.
Kirsten Dunst’s Butterfly Clips and Updo
Is there a hair accessory other than butterfly clips that feels more definite of the decade? I don’t think so. Kirsten Dunst’s twists are finished with a single butterfly yellow clip similar to these.
Linda Evangelista’s Flipped Out Bob
Supermodel and hair chameleon Linda Evangelista tried it all in the ’90s—baby bangs, bleach blonde pixie, fire engine red bob—and her natural brown hue in a flipped-out bob.
Brandy’s Gorgeous Braids
Our patron saint of box braids. Brandy got her start in the ’90s with a huge television career and a popular eponymous pop-R&B album.
Kate Moss’s Signature Beauty Look
Perhaps the biggest It Girl of the ’90s, Kate Moss’s signature look of golden hair and long layers is still going strong over 30 years later.
Undone Waves on Penelope Cruz
To get Penelope Cruz’s undone waves, try a salt spray or sleep with it braided.
Brittany Murphy’s Flippy Bob
To get the late Brittany Murphy’s signature look of the era (which is also very Mary J. Blige), you need piecey layers and a good roll of the wrist.
Christina Aguilera’s Crimped Curls
A crimper again?! You know it. To get all the volume at your roots just like Christina Aguilera, position the crimper as close to your scalp as possible.
Drew Barrymore’s Bleached Daisy 'Do
Actress Drew Barrymore told me she picked up these daisies from the bodega as a last-minute addition to her look before walking the red carpet. All we can say is we love it.
Demi Moore’s Short Curls and Beret
Before she shaved her head for 1997’s G.I. Jane, actress Demi Moore kept her dark hair short and accessorized with pieces like this burgundy beret.
Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Hairstyles
Valley Girl blonde took over America after Alicia Silverstone starred in 1995’s Clueless.
Julia Roberts’ Natural Texture
Julia Roberts’ smile isn’t the only thing she’s known for... just look at those curls. Her signature red and natural texture made her eternally red carpet-ready.
Tatyana Ali’s Bucket Hat
Known for her role as Will Smith’s youngest cousin Ashley Banks on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Tatyana Ali’s bucket hat was an accessory of the moment.
Uma Thurman’s Easy Breezy Signature Look
Uma Thurman’s look was simple—below the chin layers and a slightly off-center part—but perfection.
What hairstyles were most popular in the ’90s?
There wasn’t just one look that defined the’90s. “The short cropped bob, voluminous, bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, and voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces were all popular during this time period,” says Marjan.
How do you get the ’90s hair look?
“For the iconic 90’s blowout, make sure that you have a haircut that will support volume, movement, and body,” Marjan says. “Ask your hair stylist for shorter cascading layers that blend into the length and heavy face framing. Today this is often referred to as the ‘butterfly cut.’
What are ’90s layers?
“For longer lengths, this means lots of layers that will support volume and bouncy blowdries. We will typically see shorter pieces around the face and through the interior of the hair that will create movement and body.”
How do you recreate “90s hairstyles now?
“It has everything to do with a fabulous blow dry,” Marjan says. “Use TRESemmé One Step Blowout Cream on damp hair, then blow dry with hands and the ghd helios dryer until 80 percent dry. Then use a ceramic round brush to wrap the hair around the brush as you dry it, making sure to concentrate the brush around the rounded edges of the brush. Once each strand is dry, pin it in a curl to cool and repeat throughout the entire head. Give a generous mist of hairspray, then remove the pins and shake up or brush out curls.”
Meet the Expert
Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylist who works with the Kardashians, Dorit Kemsley, and Ashley Graham.
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