The 90s were a transformative decade for fashion and hairstyles. From grunge to glam, the hairstyles of the 90s were diverse, bold, and unforgettable. This article will explore iconic 90s haircuts that have made a comeback in recent years. These hairstyles are perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of retro flair to their look. Let’s dive into the world of 90s haircuts and discover how you can recreate these iconic styles today.
The Rachel
The Rachel, popularized by Jennifer Aniston in the TV show Friends, is perhaps the most iconic 90s hairstyle. This medium length cut features layers that frame the face, giving it a voluminous and textured look. It’s perfect for those with straight hair and suits most face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. The Rachel is versatile and can be worn to both casual and formal events. It’s a style that exudes confidence and effortless chic.
To achieve The Rachel, ask your stylist for a layered cut with shorter layers around the face. Use a round brush and a blow dryer to create volume, and finish with a texturizing spray for that signature 90s bounce. Maintenance includes regular trims to keep the layers fresh and a volumizing shampoo, like Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Shampoo, to maintain fullness.
The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut was a daring and fashionable choice in the 90s, sported by celebrities like Winona Ryder and Halle Berry. This short hair style is all about embracing your natural features and adding an edgy twist. The pixie cut is ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces and works well with both straight and curly hair. It’s a bold statement that can be worn to any event, from red carpet premieres to everyday outings.
To get the perfect pixie cut, ask your stylist to keep the hair short on the sides and back while leaving slightly longer layers on top. Styling is simple; use a small amount of styling wax or pomade to add texture and definition. For maintenance, a lightweight conditioner like Paul Mitchell’s The Conditioner is recommended to keep the hair soft and manageable.
The Bob
The bob is a classic haircut that gained immense popularity in the 90s, thanks to stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz. This shoulder length cut is sleek, sophisticated, and can be tailored to suit various face shapes and hair types. The bob is especially flattering for those with round or square faces, and it works well with straight or wavy hair.
To achieve the 90s bob, request a shoulder length cut with subtle layers to add movement. Use a flat iron to achieve a sleek finish and a shine-enhancing serum to give your hair a glossy look. Regular trims and a smoothing shampoo, such as OGX’s Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo, will help maintain the sleekness and health of your bob.
The Shag
The shag haircut, with its choppy layers and textured ends, was a favorite among rock stars and fashion icons in the 90s. This medium length hairstyle is perfect for those who want a laid-back, edgy look. The shag is great for curly or wavy hair and suits most face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces.
To get the 90s shag, ask for a layered cut with lots of texture and movement. Use a texturizing spray and a diffuser to enhance your natural curls and waves. For maintenance, use a curl-enhancing shampoo like DevaCurl’s No-Poo Original Cleanser to keep your curls defined and frizz-free.
The Middle Part
The middle part was a go-to hairstyle in the 90s, seen on celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Love Hewitt. This simple yet stylish look is perfect for long hair and can be worn straight, wavy, or curly. The middle part suits all face shapes, particularly oval and round faces.
To achieve the middle part, simply part your hair down the center and style as desired. Use a flat iron for a sleek look or a curling iron for loose waves. Maintain this style with a moisturizing shampoo like L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
The Bixie
The bixie, a cross between a pixie and a bob, was a popular choice in the 90s for those who wanted a short but feminine cut. This hairstyle is great for short hair and adds a touch of elegance to any look. The bixie is ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces and works well with both straight and wavy hair.
To get the bixie, ask your stylist for a layered cut that combines the length of a bob with the texture of a pixie. Style with a volumizing mousse and a round brush for added lift. For maintenance, use a lightweight conditioner like Aveda’s Shampure Nurturing Conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
The Messy Hair
Messy hair was all the rage in the 90s, epitomized by the grunge movement and stars like Kurt Cobain and Kate Moss. This medium length style is all about embracing your hair’s natural texture and adding a touch of carefree charm. Messy hair works well with curly or wavy hair and suits all face shapes, especially oval and square faces.
To achieve the messy hair look, use a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair with your fingers to enhance its natural texture. Let your hair air dry for the best results. For maintenance, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray to keep your hair tousled and beachy.
Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs were a defining feature of 90s hairstyles, giving a soft and romantic look. This hairstyle is great for long hair and suits all face shapes, particularly heart-shaped and oval faces. Feathered bangs can be worn with straight or wavy hair, making them a versatile option for different hair types.
To get feathered bangs, ask your stylist for soft, wispy layers around your forehead. Use a round brush and a blow dryer to style the bangs, directing them slightly to the sides for a feathered effect. For maintenance, use a lightweight serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to keep your bangs smooth and frizz-free.
The Flip
The flip was a popular 90s hairstyle that added a playful twist to short hair. This hairstyle is perfect for those with straight hair and suits most face shapes, especially oval and square faces. The flip can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out, making it a versatile choice.
To achieve the flip, use a flat iron to flip the ends of your hair outward. Apply a texturizing spray to add volume and hold. For maintenance, use a volumizing shampoo like Redken High Rise Volume Lifting Shampoo to keep your hair full and bouncy.
The Slicked-Back
The slicked-back hairstyle was a popular 90s look, epitomized by its sleek and polished finish. This style works well with short and medium length hair and suits all face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. The slicked-back look is perfect for formal events and can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
To achieve the slicked-back style, apply a generous amount of gel or pomade to your hair and comb it back. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a smooth finish. For maintenance, use a strong-hold gel like American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel to keep your hair in place all day.
The Wispy Bangs
Wispy bangs were a popular 90s hairstyle, adding a soft and delicate touch to any look. This style is great for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. Wispy bangs can be worn with straight or wavy hair, making them a versatile option for different hair types.
To get wispy bangs, ask your stylist for soft, thin bangs that frame your face. Use a flat iron to smooth the bangs and a light-hold hairspray to keep them in place. For maintenance, use a lightweight conditioner like TRESemmé Flawless Curls Conditioner to keep your bangs smooth and manageable.
The Choppy Bob
The choppy bob was a popular 90s haircut, offering a fresh and edgy look. This short hair style features uneven layers that add texture and movement, making it perfect for those with straight hair. The choppy bob suits oval and heart-shaped faces, providing a chic and modern vibe for both casual and formal occasions.
To achieve the choppy bob, ask your stylist for a bob cut with choppy layers. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the layers and add definition. For maintenance, use a volumizing shampoo like Redken High Rise Volume Lifting Shampoo to keep your hair looking full and lively.
The Spiral Perm
The spiral perm was a quintessential 90s hairstyle that added tight, bouncy curls to the hair. This style is perfect for long or medium length hair and suits all face shapes, especially round and oval faces. The spiral perm is great for adding volume and texture, making it ideal for special events and everyday wear.
To achieve the spiral perm, visit a professional stylist who specializes in perms. The process involves wrapping small sections of hair around perm rods and applying a perm solution. To maintain your curls, use a curl-defining shampoo like DevaCurl No-Poo Original Cleanser and avoid heat styling to keep your curls intact.
The Blunt Bob
The blunt bob was a sleek and sophisticated 90s haircut, characterized by its straight, even ends. This shoulder length style is perfect for those with straight hair and suits most face shapes, especially oval and square faces. The blunt bob is ideal for both professional settings and casual outings, offering a polished look.
To achieve the blunt bob, ask your stylist for a straight cut with no layers. Use a flat iron to achieve a sleek finish and a shine-enhancing serum to give your hair a glossy look. Regular trims and a smoothing shampoo like OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo will help maintain the sleekness and health of your bob.
The Pixie with Sideburns
The pixie cut with sideburns was an edgy and fashionable 90s hairstyle, popularized by stars like Winona Ryder. This short hair style is perfect for those with straight or wavy hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. The sideburns add a unique touch, making this pixie cut stand out.
To achieve this look, ask your stylist for a pixie cut with longer sideburns. Style with a small amount of styling wax or pomade to add texture and definition. For maintenance, use a lightweight conditioner like Paul Mitchell’s The Conditioner to keep the hair soft and manageable.
The Shag with Bangs
The shag with bangs was a popular 90s haircut, characterized by its choppy layers and fringe. This medium length hairstyle is perfect for those with curly or wavy hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. The shag with bangs offers a casual, carefree look that’s ideal for everyday wear.
To achieve this style, ask your stylist for a layered cut with choppy ends and bangs. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the layers and add movement. For maintenance, use a lightweight conditioner like TRESemmé Flawless Curls Conditioner to keep your hair soft and tangle-free.
Conclusion
The 90s were a remarkable decade for hair fashion, offering a diverse array of styles that continue to inspire today’s trends. From the playful butterfly clips and bold mullets to the sophisticated blunt bobs and voluminous curls, these iconic haircuts have made a significant comeback. Whether you’re looking to embrace the edgy charm of a choppy bob or the timeless elegance of curtain bangs, there’s a 90s hairstyle for everyone.
Hi! I’m Alena Forushchenko, and I’ve been passionately creating beauty for over 8 years. My journey into the world of beauty started with an unexpected twist—I was studying art and realized my true canvas wasn’t paper or paint, but people. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to help others see the best versions of themselves.
