Wondering how to style 90s hairstyles with designs? Emma shares 10 ideas you can try at home. Updated for June 2025 with real photos and tips.
1. The Classic 90s Bob
- Style Tip: The 90s bob is timeless and works for almost any face shape. It’s chic and easy to maintain.
- Best For: Round and square faces.
- How to Achieve: Use a flat iron to create a sleek bob, or add some soft curls for a more textured look.
2. The ‘Rachel’ Cut
- Style Tip: This layered, voluminous cut made famous by Jennifer Aniston is perfect for women who want body and movement in their hair.
- Best For: Oval faces and those with medium to thick hair.
- How to Achieve: Layer your hair and use a round brush while blow-drying to create volume and bounce.
3. Side-Swept Bangs
- Style Tip: Side-swept bangs from the 90s are a great way to add drama and flair to your look.
- Best For: Round and heart-shaped faces.
- How to Achieve: Use a curling iron to create soft curls and sweep your bangs to one side for a voluminous effect.
4. Crimped Hair
- Style Tip: Crimped hair was all the rage in the 90s and is making a comeback with a modern twist.
- Best For: Those with thick hair who want a fun, textured look.
- How to Achieve: Use a crimping iron to add waves to your hair for a bold, 90s-inspired style.
5. High Ponytail
- Style Tip: The high ponytail was a signature 90s hairstyle that’s still perfect for modern days.
- Best For: Women with long hair who want to keep it out of their face while adding volume.
- How to Achieve: Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure with a high ponytail, using a scrunchie for a true 90s feel.
6. Messy Bun
- Style Tip: The messy bun is effortlessly cool, and perfect for lazy days or casual outings.
- Best For: Women with medium-length to long hair who want a carefree, chic look.
- How to Achieve: Pull your hair into a loose bun, leaving a few strands loose to frame your face.
7. Half-Up, Half-Down
- Style Tip: This 90s style gives you the best of both worlds with hair that’s both out of your face and flowing freely.
- Best For: All face shapes and hair types.
- How to Achieve: Simply pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest down for a relaxed, fun look.
8. Slicked-Back Hair
- Style Tip: The slicked-back hair look from the 90s gives off a polished, elegant vibe.
- Best For: Women with longer hair who want to create a sophisticated, neat look.
- How to Achieve: Apply a hair gel or mousse to your hair, comb it back, and secure with bobby pins or a hair tie.
9. Spiky Pixie Cut
- Style Tip: A spiky pixie cut gives off an edgy, rebellious vibe that was popular in the 90s.
- Best For: Those with short hair or those who are looking for a bold change.
- How to Achieve: Use a texturizing spray or pomade to create spikes and volume at the crown.
10. Loose Waves
- Style Tip: Loose waves were a go-to look in the 90s, and they still add softness and body to your hairstyle.
- Best For: Women with long or medium hair who want a relaxed, beachy look.
- How to Achieve: Use a curling wand to create loose, undone waves, then comb through for a more natural finish.
11. 90s Bob with Highlights
- Style Tip: Adding highlights to your 90s bob makes it look more dimensional and modern.
- Best For: All face shapes and hair types.
- How to Achieve: Add blonde or caramel highlights to the ends of your bob to create a sun-kissed effect.
12. The Shag Cut
- Style Tip: The shag cut adds a messy, rock-and-roll edge to your 90s look.
- Best For: Those with thick or wavy hair who want a layered, textured look.
- How to Achieve: Ask for lots of layers, and use a texturizing spray to enhance the rough edges.
13. Curly 90s Fro
- Style Tip: The 90s fro is perfect for embracing natural curls and adding volume.
- Best For: Curly hair types who want to celebrate their natural texture.
- How to Achieve: Use curl-enhancing products to define your curls and create a full, rounded shape.
14. Center-Parted Straight Hair
- Style Tip: The center part was a key element of 90s straight hair, giving it a sleek and polished look.
- Best For: Straight hair or those with naturally sleek hair.
- How to Achieve: Part your hair in the center and use a flat iron to create a smooth, straight finish.
15. Half-Up Top Knot
- Style Tip: The half-up top knot was a playful and versatile look during the 90s.
- Best For: Women with medium-length to long hair who want a casual yet chic look.
- How to Achieve: Pull the top half of your hair into a knot or bun and leave the rest loose for a cute, balanced style.
16. Crimped Hair with Side Bangs
- Style Tip: Add texture with crimped hair and complement it with side bangs for a fun, retro style.
- Best For: Those looking for a bold, statement-making style.
- How to Achieve: Crimp your hair using a crimping iron and pair it with side-swept bangs.
17. 90s Layered Cut
- Style Tip: Layered cuts from the 90s add volume and dimension to your hair, perfect for adding movement.
- Best For: Medium to thick hair.
- How to Achieve: Ask for layers throughout your hair to add texture and shape.
18. Retro Fishtail Braid
- Style Tip: The fishtail braid was a trendy style in the 90s, offering a unique twist on traditional braids.
- Best For: Long hair that needs a cool, textured look.
- How to Achieve: Split your hair into two sections and cross small pieces over each other to create the fishtail braid.
19. Straight with Baby Hairs
- Style Tip: Slicked-back straight hair with baby hairs along the edges was popular in the 90s, especially with artists like Brandy.
- Best For: Straight hair and those looking for an edgy, sleek look.
- How to Achieve: Apply gel to sleek back your hair and use an edge control product for your baby hairs.
20. 90s Pompadour
- Style Tip: The pompadour adds volume to the top of the head, creating a dramatic yet stylish look.
- Best For: All face shapes, especially oval faces.
- How to Achieve: Backcomb the top section of your hair to create volume, and use hairspray to hold the style in place.
FAQs
- What is the best way to style 90s hairstyles? The best way to style 90s hairstyles is to embrace the volume and texture. Use tools like flat irons or curling irons to enhance the look.
- Is 90s hairstyles easy to maintain? Some 90s hairstyles, like the ‘Rachel’ cut, are easy to maintain, while others may require more upkeep depending on the style.
- Does 90s hairstyles work for all face shapes? Yes, 90s hairstyles can be adapted to suit any face shape. The key is customizing the bangs, layers, and volume to complement your face shape.
- How long does it take to style 90s hairstyles? Styling 90s hairstyles usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the look you’re going for.
- Can you do 90s hairstyles at home? Yes, many 90s hairstyles, including the bob and high ponytail, can be easily done at home with the right tools.
Have you ever tried a 90s hairstyle? Let me know which one you’d pick in the comments!
Explore more side-swept bangs ideas!
Check out more wispy bangs ideas!