25 of the Best ‘90s Hairstyles That Are Still Just as Cool (2023)

• Phillip Downing is a celebrity stylist and TIGI US Creative & Education Director.
• Rita Lowery is a celebrity stylist and founder of Rita Lowery Hair, a hair extension brand.
• Sienree Du is Mane Addicts' celebrity stylist.

The Face-Framing Messy Bun

The only thing better than a messy bun in the '90s? A messy bun with long, detached tendrils. "The trick is to not be too precise," says celebrity stylist Phillip Downing. "If pieces fall out, use that to your advantage, this will add to the‘messy’ approach." To give hair an even and consistent texture, he recommends prepping with Bed HeadQueen For A Day Thickening Spray.

Twists

Twists are a protective style that never goes out of fashion. Here, they're fashioned into a half-up, half-down bun to achieve total '90s perfection. To hydrate hair and make it easier to style, try a lightweight conditioner like Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Leave-In Conditioner.

The Rachel

Jennifer Aniston has since said she wasn't a fan of The Rachel, the '90s hairstyle made famous by her iconic character in Friends, but today, she rocks a modern, grown-out version. "We're seeing this look updated with a more'shaggy' feeling," says Downing. "The layers are shorter, working with a fringe to open upthe facial area are all great ways to bring this look into [the modern day]. Also, if there isnaturalmovement in the hair, this is great to encourage to give this iconic look a morebeachy feel."

Prom Updo

Yara Shahidi brings the quintessential '90s prom hairstyle into the 21st century by allowing her natural curls to come out and play. "Adding a few twisted pieces going back makes it edgy and youthful," comments celebrity stylist Rita Lowery. To get the look:

• Begin by gathering the hair high up on the apex of the head, instructs stylist Sienree Du. "This will give you the most height and volume."
• Next, tie the pony up and backcomb the base for maximum volume.
• Touch up the curls with an iron so that they are more defined.

The Outward Flip

The only thing better than watching their movies, reading their books, and wearing their clothes? Channeling Mary-Kate and Ashley's signature '90s flip, as Keke Palmer does here. To modernize a vintage-inspired 'do: "Keep it undone and lived in," says Du. "Also adding modern accessories can help make things less dated."

Faux-Bangs

Overgrown swooped fringes are so yesterday... and today. Not only are they practical and stylish, but they can also complement a bigger forehead. Go the clip-in bangs route like Kendall Jenner with this clever hairpiece. An updo like a ponytail or bun will help the faux fringe blend in more naturally.

Butterfly Clips

An epic halo of butterfly clips is the ultimate '90s hair accessory. "Butterfly clips are such a cute accent to a casual look. Use it to hold back fringe, on the base of pigtails, or decorate an accent braid," suggests Du.

Headwraps

Headwraps are far from exclusive to the 1990s, but we can't forget how women like Erykah Badu brought them to the red carpet. Instead of braids, this contemporary take pairs a gold headwrap with locs piled up high and in typically '90s fashion, framing the face, as well.

The Crimp

Crimped hair was a must in the '90s and, if recent red carpet and runway styles are any indications, we might be starting to see this come back. According to Du, "Crimping can look a bit silly but if done right, it can look chic and editorial. Be strategic on where to crimp, like keeping the roots sleek and only crimping the ends." If you don't want to crimp your whole head, a few pieces in a ponytail like Ariana Grande's is a vibe, too. "For a modem look, work in bigger crimps versus tiny," advises Lowery. "This will create more of a beach wave look."

Baby Spice

Our favorite Spice Girl may have changed every other day, but we remained faithful to Baby Spice's iconic high-pigtail-and-bangs combination.Here, Charli D'Amelio delivers a modern take with baby braids and purple streaks. "Once the pigtails are tied, you can play with texture, whether wearing it sleek and straight or putting a bend in it," says Du. "Try braiding the pigtails or random pieces for fun." Lowery adds, "I would recommend using clear small hair ties for a flat ponytail look. Nothing sticking up too high."

Hair Jewels

The 90s saw bedazzled jeans, hair bandanas, headbands, CD players, and of course hair. The look is back and better than ever as seen on Aimee Song, whose crimped waves heighten the '90s feel even further.

Microbraids

Teeny tiny braids like the ones that make up Amandla Stenberg's cool side-parted bob are totally '90s, but the fun colors help bring the look into modern day. Tuck braids behind your ear to show off your statement earrings or maybe, just to keep hair out of your face.

Feathered Bangs

A '90shair roundup would never be complete without some great feathered bangs—a hairstyle practically synonymous with the decade. A layered cut and the chic beige blonde color prevent this style from appearing dated.

The Spiked Pixie

The spiked pixie cut, first popularized by Halle Berry, is still going strong—just look at Ruby Rose as proof. "This look is particularly bold and confident," says Downing. However, "I would say the individual's total look and confidence needs to be there to carry this look off," he adds To sculpt your pixie, he recommends using Tigi Bed Head Matte Separation Wax.

Side Flip

Whether you were inspired by valley girl Cher or grunge princess Kelly Bundy, one thing's for certain: the voluminous side flip was the epitome of '90s it-girl hair. Not only would it complete your cool-girl aesthetic, but it would also add an instant boost of volume to your mane.

Chunky Highlights

If you're anything like us, dark hair with light, chunky highlights might be a trend you were glad to leave behind in the '90s. But this look is back, with a softer, more rooted vibe. "You can try chunky highlights thrown in throughout the hair, which looks gorgeous and natural," suggests Lowery.

Half-Up, Half-Down

A sleek half-up, half-down high ponytail is one of Lowery's go-to's for a '90s style that doesn't look dated. "To modernize a vintage look I love to add an updated twist like pairing the hairstyle with modern earrings or downplaying the severity of the hairstyle," she says. "Bed Head Headrush Superfine Shine Sprayon dry hair helps toachieve this high gloss sporty look within the hair," comments Downing.

Middle Part

The Angela Chase middle part is back and better than ever. Du loves a "polished middle part lob, like Posh Spice. She says it'll be chic forever thanks to its classy-meets-edgy vibe. "For short hair, I wouldrecommend staying away from too much volume, this can quite often date a look," says Downing. "The finishing is also key, bringing in a sporty wet look to the hair can also bring the look into today," he adds. Try a polishing serum like IGK Crybaby Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum to add shine and cut down on frizz.

Wispy Bangs

Rowan Blanchard channels The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Ashley Banks with her claw-like bangs. While the '90s version was a bit wispier, Blanchard opts for thicker pieces to give it a modern-day makeover. The headband accessory adds a nice touch, too.

Space Buns

Who could forget Spice Girl Mel B's iconic double buns? Surely not us. Also known as space buns, this version has loads of texture thanks to the wearer's natural curls, plus two face-framing twists. According to Downing, "Space buns will naturally have more texture and in some cases, more volume than straighthair. So, on straight hair, some backcombing and teasing will help support the shape and structure."

High Volume

We have '90s supermodels to thank for big, voluminous bouncy waves. Zendaya echoes Cindy Crawford's famous mane, but a shoulder-length version keeps it fresh and updated.

Layered Bob

When Jennie Garth's Kelly Taylor from 90210 appeared on screen with a layered bob, it immediately portrayed her as a mature young woman who had gone through a lot in her short life. The bob (and its longer cousin, the lob) maintain their popularity as one of the top shorter-length cuts today. Here, Michelle Williams dons a blonde chin-length bob with modern baby bangs.

The Blowout

Topanga Lawrence's blowout was hair goals on Boy Meets World, and not much has changed as far as enviable styles go today. You can't go wrong with a classic blowout. So, meet the latest take: the undone blowout. This trendy version features less bounce and more subdued ends than you get with a fluffy blowout, but it still brings the volume, just more so at the top of the head. Apply John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam to damp hair before blowing out with a round brush to maintain volume.

High Pony

Thinking about the severely tight high ponytail of the '90s makes our heads hurt. Still, the style reigns supreme today. Everyone from Paris Hilton to Jennifer Lopez to Hailey Bieber has been sporting super-high ponytails lately. We love Halle Bailey's take on the style, with her mid-length locs swept up into a high pony. Looking for a similar look but more retro? Try the Barbie ponytail.

Headbands

While we can credit The Princess of Wales for bringing back the velvet and padded headband, we have flashbacks of Cher and Dionne sporting headbands that color-coordinated nearly every outfit from Clueless. Knotted headbands may be all the rage now, but who could forget comb headbands and the plastic ones with a bandana attached? As if!