In a decade defined by cable television and the internet, celebrities defined a lot of the iconic hair tends of the 90s. Read on for a roundup of defining styles from the decade.
Image credit: Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
The 1990s, much like the Eighties, was a decade that featured unique hairstyles. The 90s was strongly characterized by materialism and consumerism. However, this capitalistic mentality took on new forms as new technology, such as cable television and the internet, began to emerge and grow. A strong sense of multiculturalism dominated the Nineties, and new movements like grunge, hip hop and the rave scene spread. More than ever, hair became a way to express individuality, and men and women alike tried new styles that emphasized fun and originality. With greater access to celebrities, made possible through television and the internet, actors, singers and models were the absolute standard of beauty and hair trends throughout the decade. Read on to see our list of the top 11 hairstyles that have us nostalgic for the 1990s!
Log in to view the full article
The 1990s, much like the Eighties, was a decade that featured unique hairstyles. The 90s was strongly characterized by materialism and consumerism. However, this capitalistic mentality took on new forms as new technology, such as cable television and the internet, began to emerge and grow. A strong sense of multiculturalism dominated the Nineties, and new movements like grunge, hip hop and the rave scene spread. More than ever, hair became a way to express individuality, and men and women alike tried new styles that emphasized fun and originality. With greater access to celebrities, made possible through television and the internet, actors, singers and models were the absolute standard of beauty and hair trends throughout the decade. Read on to see our list of the top 11 hairstyles that have us nostalgic for the 1990s!
1. The Rachel Hairstyle
Arguably the most memorable look from the 1990s, this signature style is named after the "Friends" character who inspired it: Rachel Green. Hairstylist Chris McMillan created the style for actor Jennifer Aniston during the sitcom's first season to help repair her damaged hair and grow out her bangs. The cut is characterized by voluminous, shoulder-grazing strands with lots of layers and bares similarities to a shag and a bob. After Aniston debut the cut on a 1995 episode of "Friends," it quickly became one of the most requested styles at hair salons throughout the decade. "The Rachel" has seen a resurgence over the years, especially recently with Jennifer Aniston being named the celebrity providing clients with the most hair inspo in 2024.
2. Flipped-out Bob Hairstyle
Drew Barrymore wears a flipped out bob hairstyle while walking a red carpet for a movie premiere.Image credit: KMAZUR/Wire Image
This wasn't the first time that a short, flippy bob became a popular look, but actresses like Drew Barrymore helped to re-popularize this 60s-esque style, as well as keep it fresh with super short bangs. The look gave off a fun, sweet vibe that many women mimicked during the 1990s.
3. Mini-buns Hairstyle
Gwen Stefani in mini buns or bantu knots.Image credit: FilmMagic
Also known as bantu knots or Zulu knots, this look became popular after Gwen Stefani, then-singer for the band No Doubt, was seen sporting the look on multiple red carpets. The style involves sectioning off hair into diamond, triangle or square shapes and then twisting strands into small, tight knots all over the head.
4. Crimped Hairstyle
Tia Carrere wears a crimped hairstyle.Image credit: JEFF KRAVITZ / GETTY IMAGES
Beginning in the late 1980s and taking off in the following decade, hair crimping is a method of creating small, sawtooth waves in naturally straight hair. Nineties girls and women would achieve this popular look by braiding wet hair overnight or by using a crimping iron for perfectly crimped hair. Pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera helped to re-popularize the style after its initial mid-Eighties peak.
5. The Winona Hairstyle
Winona Ryder's piecey, pixie cut.Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd. via Getty Images
The pixie has been a popular hairstyle for decades and is continually re-invented throughout the decades. During the 1990s, actress Winona Ryder took the hair world by storm when she opted for a stylish, piecey pixie cut. Suddenly, the pixie received yet another revival with clients wanting the gorgeous, feature-highlighting look.
6. The Box Braid Hairstyle
Janet Jackson in box braids.Image credit: Getty Images
This hairstyle provided a new twist on the classic braid. To create a box braid, four strands of hair are woven together to create a square, box-like shape. The look was especially popular amongst African-American women during the 1990s and still maintains a certain level of popularity today.
7. Curtained Hairstyle
Leonardo DiCaprio wearing a curtained hairstyle.Image credit: REX FEATURES
It's the hairstyle sported by the most popular teen heartthrobs in the nineties: Curtain hair. This swoopy, messy look usually falls around the ear. Normally parted down the middle, this hairstyle gets its name from the signature long bangs that frame each side of the wearer's face like curtains. Leonardo DiCaprio, Rider Strong and Will Friedle are just some of the many names that popularized this style each time they ran their fingers through their hair to push it out of their face.
8. Butterfly Clips
Sarah Michelle Gellar with butterfly clips in her hair.Image credit: NBC
Hair accessories saw an explosion in popularity during the Nineties. Everything from bucket hats to hair wraps to scrunchies were popular, but nothing saw quite the level of demand as the butterfly clip. Named for its shape, butterfly clips came in a variety of colors and were as functional as they were fashionable. Often, girls would use the clips to hold back small ponytails or create half-up styles that were also incredibly popular during the decade.
9. Super-Straight Hairstyle
Britney Spears with straight, sleek hair.Image credit: Getty Images
After a brief curly hair trend during the early part of the decade, celebrities began shunning the mega-curls and perms of the Eighties, instead opting for extremely long, straight locks. The use of straightening irons became a standard part of many hair routines in order to achieve the sleek look.
10. Girly Updos
Spice Girls member Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice in a 90s updo with face framing pieces.Image credit: Getty Images
During the 1990s, women began donning girly hairstyles including high pigtails and tight, slicked-back updos. Pop stars like the Spice Girls, as well as celebrities like Jennifer Love Hewitt, helped to popularize these pre-pubescent looks. While pigtails were typically worn with straightened hair placed high on the head, updos were generally gelled back, then curled and pinned in place. A very popular style involved pulling two small locks of hair out on either side to create face-framing strands.
11. Frosted Tips
Justin Timberlake with frosted tips.Image credit: Ron Galella/Getty Images
Another extremely popular look for men during the Nineties was frosted tips, a look that involved bleaching just the tips of hair, and then spiking hair up with gel. The style was equally popular among international pop stars, like Justin Timberlake, and elementary school boys throughout the decade. This look is now seeing a revival, with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sporting the look.
