The 90s were a wild ride, especially when it came to hairstyles. Some were trendy for all the wrong reasons and others were just plain outlandish.
Join us as we revisit this hair-raising era and explore 30 of the most questionable hairstyles that defined the 90s.
1. The Bowl Cut
The infamous bowl cut was a staple of 90s hair disasters. With its perfectly round shape, it looked as if a cereal bowl had dictated the design.
Parents seemed to love this low-maintenance cut for kids. However, it left many children looking like they were wearing helmets. It was both functional and unfortunately unforgettable.
2. The Mullet
The mullet, with its “business in the front, party in the back” mantra, was a hairstyle that spanned generations, yet it’s mostly remembered for its 90s popularity.
Often sported by rock stars and rebellious teens, this style was about as polarizing as it gets. A distinct choice, yet ultimately a regrettable one.
3. The Crimped Hair
Crimped hair brought a whole new texture to hairstyles, and not necessarily in a good way. Achieved by using a special crimping tool, this look was all about creating waves and zigzags.
While it was a temporary trend, the hairstyle often left the hair looking frizzy and dry. A style best left in the past.
4. The Rat Tail
The rat tail was exactly what it sounds like: a thin lock of hair trailing down the nape of the neck. Popular among boys, this style was often an experiment gone wrong.
While it allowed for some individuality, it was often met with teasing. A unique look that most hope never makes a comeback.
5. The Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were the epitome of 90s hair experimentation. Men would bleach the tips of their hair, creating a stark contrast that was daring at best.
Popularized by boy bands, it didn’t quite translate to everyday style. With its high maintenance and odd appearance, it’s no wonder this trend fizzled out.
6. The Flat Top
The flat top was a definitive 90s look, especially in the realm of hip-hop culture. With its geometric shape, the style required significant grooming and precision.
While it was an iconic look at the time, maintaining such a high and tight shape wasn’t for everyone. Eventually, the look flattened out.
7. The Slicked Back Hair
The slicked back hairstyle of the 90s was often associated with business professionals and those wanting to exude confidence.
This heavily gelled look was about taming every strand into submission. While it achieved a polished appearance, the excessive gel left hair stiff and unnatural looking. A style that didn’t age gracefully.
8. The Curtains
Curtains, characterized by a center parting and long bangs, became a quintessential part of 90s teen culture.
Popularized by boy bands and heartthrobs, this look was all about the swoop. Despite its popularity, it was a hard style to pull off without looking unkempt. Not the most practical of styles.
9. The Spiky Hair
Spiky hair was the rebellious answer to conventional hairstyles. Using copious amounts of gel, hair was styled to point upwards in sharp spikes.
Though edgy and fierce, the style was unforgiving; any slip meant a bad hair day. For those daring enough, it was a statement, albeit a tricky one to maintain.
10. The Half Shaved Head
The half shaved head was a radical choice symbolizing rebellion and individuality. This daring style involved shaving one side completely while leaving the other long.
Popular in alternative and punk circles, it was a clear defiance of norms. While expressive, it was a commitment not all were ready to handle.
11. The Perm
The perm was a remnant from the 80s that lingered into the 90s. With tight curls and voluminous waves, it offered a dramatic change in texture.
However, the chemicals used were harsh, leaving hair prone to damage. While it added bounce, the maintenance and aftermath made it a less desirable choice.
12. The Pineapple Updo
The pineapple updo was a quirky and playful 90s hairstyle. With hair gathered at the top of the head, resembling a pineapple, it was a fun look for casual outings.
Though cute and carefree, it wasn’t suitable for every occasion. The style was a fleeting trend, mostly remembered with fond nostalgia.
13. The Mohawk
The mohawk was a bold 90s statement, often associated with punk culture. Characterized by a strip of hair running down the center of the head while the sides were shaved, it came in various colors.
While striking and edgy, the upkeep was intense. It was a fearless style not for the faint-hearted.
14. The Bantu Knots
Bantu knots were a traditional hairstyle that gained popularity in the 90s. This style involved sectioning hair into twists and wrapping them into small knots.
While culturally rich, it wasn’t a mainstream look and often misunderstood. It required precise handling and maintenance, making it a unique yet challenging choice.
15. The Shag
The shag was a layered cut, often feathery and choppy, offering a casual and tousled look. It could be worn by both men and women, making it quite versatile.
While it added volume, the style lacked structure, leading to unruly appearances. It was a cut that required careful styling to avoid chaos.
16. The Hi-Top Fade
The hi-top fade is a variation of the flat top, characterized by a tall, flat top and faded sides. It was popular in hip-hop and sports culture.
Although striking and stylish, maintaining the height and precision was demanding. This stylish look required frequent barber visits, making it a high-maintenance choice.
17. The Jheri Curl
The Jheri curl offered a glossy and curly look, achieved through chemical treatments. While it provided a wet and shiny finish, the maintenance was extensive, requiring regular application of activator.
The greasiness often transferred to clothing and furniture, making it impractical for daily wear. It was a lavish style with hidden challenges.
18. The Pigtails
Pigtails were a youthful and playful hairstyle often seen on young girls in the 90s. Simple to create and cute, they were perfect for casual settings.
However, they weren’t suitable for more formal occasions, and could easily look juvenile on older individuals. While fun, they were often limited in versatility.
19. The Long Hair with Middle Part
Long hair parted in the middle was a simple yet popular look in the 90s. It offered a natural and laid-back vibe, but often appeared flat and lifeless without volume.
While it was low-maintenance, it lacked versatility and excitement. This style required additional effort to add flair and avoid monotony.
20. The Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs were a 90s take on a classic style, offering softness and movement. While they framed the face nicely, the style was tricky to maintain as humidity and wind could easily disrupt the look.
With the right blow-drying technique, they were flattering, yet they demanded constant attention and upkeep.
21. The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut was a bold choice in the 90s, embodying a chic and edgy spirit. Though low-maintenance, the style wasn’t for everyone as it highlighted facial features dramatically.
Confidence was key to pulling off such a short cut. While liberating for some, it was a daunting prospect for others.
22. The Cornrows
Cornrows were a protective hairstyle that became more prominent in the 90s. Intricate and neat, they kept hair tightly braided to the scalp.
While it was culturally significant, it required patience and skill to install. The style was long-lasting but could lead to tension and stress on the scalp if done improperly.
23. The Flipped Out Ends
The flipped out ends hairstyle added a playful twist to straight hair. Ends were styled to flick outwards, creating a lively look.
While it was fun and bouncy, achieving the right flip required a curling iron and hairspray. It was a style with personality, but one that demanded time and effort.
24. The Long Braids
Long braids were a practical and elegant hairstyle for many in the 90s. While they offered versatility and ease of maintenance, the braiding process was time-consuming and could cause tension if done too tightly.
Despite this, they were celebrated for their beauty and convenience, remaining a favored choice for many.
25. The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk was a less extreme version of the mohawk, allowing for a touch of rebellion without full commitment.
Hair was styled upwards in the center, while the sides remained shorter. It was a fun style for weekends but wasn’t always suitable for more formal settings. A balanced mix of edgy and practical.
26. The Blonde Highlights
Blonde highlights were a popular way to add brightness and dimension to hair in the 90s. However, achieving the right shade was tricky and often resulted in brassy tones.
The upkeep was demanding, with frequent touch-ups required. While they could enhance features, the maintenance often proved more trouble than benefit.
27. The Lob
The lob, or long bob, was a 90s attempt to modernize the classic bob. It featured longer layers that offered more movement.
However, without proper styling, it often appeared awkward and in-between. While it was a transitional look for many, it lacked the flair and adaptability seen in other, more dynamic styles.
28. The Shaved Lines
Shaved lines were a creative way to add flair to short haircuts. With artistic precision, lines were shaved into the sides of the head.
While bold and expressive, the style required frequent maintenance to keep the lines sharp. It was an adventurous choice, but one that wasn’t universally embraced due to its boldness.
29. The Curls with Volume
Voluminous curls were all about big hair and bold statements. Achieved with rollers and styling products, this look was eye-catching.
While it provided drama and flair, the weight and maintenance were considerable. Curls could easily become overwhelming without proper control, making it a style that was both adventurous and demanding.
30. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut was a straightforward and practical style that gained traction in the 90s. Simple and easy to maintain, it offered a no-fuss approach to hair.
However, its starkness didn’t suit every head shape. While it offered freedom from styling, it lacked the creativity and individuality other hairstyles provided.