20 Iconic 90s Hairstyles Ideas You Need to Try

The 90s were a time of bold fashion choices, distinct music, and groundbreaking TV shows. But one thing that really stood out during that time was the hair. The hairstyles from the 90s were a unique blend of experimentation, grunge, and flair.

From the frosted tips to the voluminous bangs, the 90s had it all. If you’re looking to channel some nostalgic vibes or simply want to try something new, these 20 90s hairstyles are sure to inspire.

1. The Rachel Cut

Arguably the most iconic hairstyle of the 90s, The Rachel was made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel Green, on Friends. This look featured layered hair that was slightly feathered at the ends, framing the face beautifully. It became the go-to cut for women across the world in the 90s.

The layers added volume and movement, making it a versatile style for both straight and wavy hair. The best part? You could wear it messy or styled, and it still looked chic. If you want a 90s throwback that’s still trendy, The Rachel is your ticket.

2. Frosted Tips

Frosted tips were a staple of the male 90s hairstyle scene. This look involved lightening the tips of your hair, often creating a stark contrast between the darker roots and the platinum or blonde ends. Celebrities like *NSYNC’s Lance Bass and actor Freddie Prinze Jr.

sported this style, and it became synonymous with the pop culture of the time. If you want to add a little edge to your hair without going all-in on a new color, frosted tips are a perfect retro choice.

3. Grunge Hair

When you think of 90s grunge, names like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love come to mind. Grunge hair was deliberately messy, often unkempt, and not overly styled. Think loose waves, a bit of frizz, and that “I just rolled out of bed” look.

It was effortlessly cool, rebellious, and perfect for anyone who didn’t want to put too much effort into their hair while still looking great. Whether you have long locks or a short bob, a grunge-inspired hairstyle is ideal for adding a laid-back vibe to your look.

4. The High Ponytail

The high ponytail was another classic 90s hairstyle that everyone from Britney Spears to Gwen Stefani rocked. This simple yet effective style involved gathering your hair at the top of your head, tying it with an elastic, and often adding a scrunchie for that extra pop.

The high ponytail worked well with both straight and curly hair, and it’s the perfect go-to style for a casual but polished appearance. Add some volume by pulling at the hair at the crown, and you’ve got an instant 90s vibe.

5. Crimped Hair

Crimped hair was huge in the 90s, and for good reason. This texturized look gave your hair a fun, wavy, zig-zag pattern that added both volume and personality.

Whether you crimped the entire head or just a few sections, it was one of those styles that made heads turn. It’s perfect for adding some extra texture and fun to naturally straight hair. Though it may take a little time and effort to achieve, the result is a throwback look that screams 90s.

6. Bun with Tendrils

The 90s were also a time when the messy bun made a stylish comeback. But it wasn’t just any bun – it was often paired with face-framing tendrils.

These delicate strands of hair were left out of the bun to softly frame the face, creating a relaxed yet put-together look. This hairstyle was often seen on celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Shannon Doherty. It’s perfect for a quick yet chic hairstyle for any occasion.

7. Shag Haircut

The shag haircut had a strong presence in the 90s, and it’s one of those styles that’s cyclical, coming back every few decades. With messy layers and textured ends, the shag haircut was both playful and edgy.

It worked well for both men and women, giving them a carefree appearance. Celebrities like Meg Ryan and David Bowie rocked the shag effortlessly. If you want a low-maintenance yet stylish option, the shag cut might be your perfect match.

8. Flat Ironed Straight Hair

Straight hair was all the rage in the 90s, and the flat iron was the tool of choice for achieving that sleek, shiny look. Women would often spend hours ironing their hair to get that perfectly straight, polished finish.

This look was worn by everyone from Cameron Diaz to Victoria Beckham, and it was often paired with a middle part. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated 90s style, this straight look is timeless and elegant.

9. Bob Cut

The 90s brought about the bob cut’s resurgence, with sharp angles and sleek finishes. This cut was short, chic, and often layered to add volume.

Celebrities like Winona Ryder and Pattie Boyd were known for sporting this look, and it became synonymous with a modern and fashionable aesthetic. The beauty of a bob cut is its versatility; you can go for a blunt bob, a layered bob, or even add bangs for a more playful vibe.

10. Bangs

Bangs were an essential part of the 90s hairstyle arsenal. Whether they were side-swept, curtain bangs, or choppy, bangs were seen everywhere. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Drew Barrymore were often spotted with this bold look.

This style could be paired with almost any length of hair, and it was a great way to frame the face and add personality. If you’re looking to change things up without sacrificing length, bangs offer a great way to experiment with your look.

11. Mullet

Yes, the mullet – “business in the front, party in the back.” The mullet was everywhere in the 90s, especially in the world of rock music. Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus and David Spade helped popularize this controversial yet undeniably bold hairstyle.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want to make a statement and embrace the wild side of 90s hair culture, a mullet might just be the ultimate throwback.

12. Layered Hair

Layered haircuts were a mainstay of 90s fashion, offering volume and texture. Layers were often blended into the hair seamlessly, giving it a natural look.

Whether worn with curls or straightened, layers could make a dramatic difference in the way hair sat, adding movement and bounce. This style was perfect for those with medium to long hair, offering a way to manage thick locks without sacrificing style.

13. Punk Rock Hair

If you were into punk rock music in the 90s, then you were probably familiar with the signature spiked hair. This style, often achieved with gel or hairspray, involved spiking hair in every direction to create a wild, rebellious look.

Celebrities like Billy Idol and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong helped make this style iconic. If you want to show off your edgy side, this hairstyle might be the right fit for you.

14. Cornrows

Cornrows became more widely accepted in mainstream fashion in the 90s, thanks to celebrities like Brandy and Will Smith. This style involved braiding the hair into tight, small rows, often in creative patterns.

Cornrows are still a popular choice today, especially for those looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish protective hairstyle. They’re also highly versatile and can be paired with various looks, from casual to formal.

15. Textured Waves

Textured waves were a key hairstyle for many in the 90s. Think Sheryl Crow with her beachy, tousled waves or Jessica Simpson during her early days.

The goal here was to achieve that effortless, undone look. This style could be achieved with a curling iron, braids, or even just by scrunching the hair with mousse. Textured waves can work for almost any hair length and give off a relaxed, fun vibe.

16. Slicked-Back Hair

Slicked-back hair was often seen on both men and women, creating a sharp, polished, and sophisticated look. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani embraced this style, often pairing it with bold makeup and a powerful attitude.

Slicked-back hair works well for formal occasions or when you want to pull off an edgy, chic look. It’s especially great for those with short to medium hair who want to add some flair without much effort.

17. Afro

The 90s saw a resurgence of the afro hairstyle, especially among those who embraced their natural hair texture. The afro was a symbol of pride and individuality, and many celebrities like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu helped bring it back in full force.

This bold, voluminous look is perfect for those with curly hair and is a great way to make a statement. Whether you go big or keep it a little more compact, the afro will always be a timeless part of 90s hair culture.

18. French Braids

French braids were another 90s staple, often seen on girls at school or athletes in action. This style involved braiding the hair tightly to the scalp, creating a neat and tidy look.

Brandy and TLC often rocked French braids, and it was a hairstyle that could be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion. French braids are a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish and chic.

19. Spiky Short Hair

Short hair in the 90s wasn’t just about the bob; it also involved spiky, playful cuts. Think of Halle Berry’s pixie cut, which was chopped into layers and spiked up with product.

This was the style for those who wanted to embrace the short hair trend but still add a little edge. Spiky hair became synonymous with the 90s grunge and punk scenes, but it also had its place in mainstream pop culture.

20. The Side Part

The side part was one of the most classic and simple 90s hairstyles. It was easy to achieve and worked with any hair length or texture. From Winona Ryder to Celine Dion, the side part added a touch of sophistication and balance to any hairstyle.

Whether paired with a sleek bob or voluminous waves, the side part is one of the easiest ways to channel 90s vibes without going all-in on a dramatic cut.

Conclusion

The 90s were a decade of experimentation and boldness, and their hairstyles reflected that free-spirited vibe. Whether you’re channeling The Rachel or embracing the wildness of a mullet, these 20 iconic 90s hairstyles give you plenty of options to update your look with a touch of nostalgia.