18 Throwback 90s Hairstyles That Are Cool All Over Again

Remember those wild hairstyles from the 90s that your mom probably rocked? Well, guess what – they’re back in a big way! Fashion always comes full circle, and right now it’s the decade of grunge, pop, and dial-up internet getting its moment again. Let’s take a trip down memory lane with these 18 iconic 90s hairstyles making a major comeback.

1. The Rachel

Jennifer Aniston’s layered cut from Friends sparked a nationwide obsession. Women flocked to salons with magazine clippings, desperate to recreate those face-framing layers and honey highlights.

Though Aniston herself admitted she struggled to style it at home, this bouncy, layered look defined an era.

2. Spice Girl Pigtails

Baby Spice made these playful double buns irresistible for girls everywhere. High on the head and paired with butterfly clips or scrunchies, they screamed ‘girl power’ with attitude.

Now they’re back on festival grounds and TikTok feeds, bringing that carefree 90s energy to a new generation.

3. Crimped Everything

Hot crimping irons created those distinctive zigzag patterns we couldn’t get enough of. Whether it was your whole head or just random sections, crimped hair brought instant cool factor to any outfit.

Today’s version is softer and more selective – think accent pieces rather than full crimped manes.

4. Mall Bangs

Volume was everything with these dramatically teased front bangs that defied gravity. Armed with hairspray and a round brush, teens created that perfect wall of hair standing tall above their foreheads.

Modern versions have tamed the height while keeping that statement-making front volume.

5. Box Braids

Janet Jackson in ‘Poetic Justice’ cemented these as a cultural phenomenon. These protective braids weren’t just practical – they were a bold fashion statement that celebrated Black beauty.

Today’s revival includes colorful variations and creative styling that pays homage to their 90s roots.

6. Half-Up Butterfly Clips

Plastic butterfly clips in rainbow colors held back the top section of hair. No 90s school picture was complete without these whimsical accessories dotting the crown of your head.

Now they’re gracing runways and red carpets, proving nostalgia never goes out of style.

7. Chunky Highlights

Bold streaks of blonde against darker hair created that distinctive zebra-like pattern. Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson rocked these statement highlights that were anything but subtle.

The modern interpretation features softer blending while maintaining that high-contrast appeal that turns heads.

8. Pixie Cut with Baby Bangs

Winona Ryder’s ultra-short chop with micro-bangs inspired countless scissors to snip. This androgynous style represented the decade’s rebellion against traditional beauty standards.

Today’s pixies maintain that edgy attitude while incorporating modern texturing techniques for a fresh take on the classic.

9. Claw Clip Twists

The ultimate lazy-girl hack that somehow looked put-together. Just twist, clip, and go – these oversized plastic clips were every busy woman’s secret weapon.

Now they’re back in tortoiseshell patterns and pastel colors, spotted on everyone from models to busy moms juggling coffee runs.

10. Bowl Cut

Not just for little boys – the bowl cut gained fashion cred with stars like Demi Moore. This geometrically precise cut created a perfect mushroom shape that framed the face.

Modern versions play with texture and asymmetry while maintaining that distinctive rounded silhouette that’s unmistakably 90s.

11. Scrunchie Ponytails

These fabric-covered elastics added instant flair to basic ponytails. Available in velvet, satin, and every pattern imaginable, scrunchies were the accessory no 90s girl could live without.

Now they’re back on designer runways and in high-end stores, proving fashion’s most comfortable comeback.

12. Curtain Bangs

These center-parted, face-framing bangs were the softer alternative to blunt cuts. Popularized by supermodels and boy band members alike, they added a romantic touch to any length.

Today’s curtain bangs maintain that effortless vibe while incorporating modern layering techniques for extra movement.

13. Flipped Ends

Whether flipped in or out, this distinctive curl at the hair ends defined the decade. Achieved with round brushes and blow dryers, the technique gave straight hair that perfect finish.

Celebrities like Britney Spears made it their signature, and now it’s back with a more relaxed, less uniform approach.

14. Space Buns

Gwen Stefani and the Spice Girls made these double top knots the coolest thing ever. Perfect for raves and concerts, they expressed the decade’s playful approach to beauty.

Now they’re festival staples, often adorned with glitter, temporary color, or even incorporated into half-up styles for everyday wear.

15. Tendrils

Those two strategic pieces of hair left out to frame the face while the rest was up? Pure 90s magic. Prom queens and pop stars alike embraced these face-framing strands.

The 2023 version features slightly thicker, more textured pieces that soften updos and add dimension to otherwise sleek styles.

16. Bandana Headbands

Folded into thin strips and tied around the head, bandanas were the accessory of choice for 90s icons like Tupac and TLC. They added instant street cred to any outfit.

The modern revival includes silky scarves and designer prints while maintaining that laid-back, slightly rebellious attitude.

17. Gelled Baby Hairs

Intricately styled edges and baby hairs became an art form in the 90s. Using tiny toothbrushes and strong-hold gel, these swoops and swirls framed the face with precision.

Today’s revival celebrates this technique as both a protective style element and a form of creative expression.

18. Frosted Tips

Made famous by boy bands like *NSYNC, this men’s style featured bleached spiky ends against darker roots. The contrast was dramatic, especially when paired with hair gel that kept every point perfectly in place.

The modern version uses softer color transitions while maintaining that distinctive textured look.