Remember the wild, carefree hairstyles that defined the 90s festival scene? Those iconic looks are making a major comeback at music festivals everywhere! From space buns to colorful scrunchies, these retro styles combine nostalgia with practical festival-ready hair that stays put through dancing, heat, and good times.
1. Space Buns That Scream Spice Girls Vibes
Channel your inner Baby Spice with these adorable mini-buns perched high on either side of your head. The beauty of space buns? They keep hair off your neck during sweaty festival days.
Add some glitter to your part or wrap colorful yarn around the buns for extra 90s authenticity!
2. Half-Up Butterfly Clips Extravaganza
Remember those tiny plastic butterfly clips? Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a row of these colorful nostalgic accessories. The more butterflies, the more authentic your 90s look becomes!
Perfect for keeping hair out of your face while dancing all day long.
3. Crimped Hair Revival
Dust off that crimping iron from the attic! This zigzag texture screams 90s and creates amazing volume that lasts all festival weekend. Crimp just a few face-framing pieces for subtle nostalgia.
Full-head crimping makes an unforgettable statement that pairs perfectly with platform sandals and crop tops.
4. Scrunchie-Stacked High Ponytail
This Clarissa Explains It All-inspired look uses multiple scrunchies stacked down a high ponytail. Velvet, neon, or patterned scrunchies create the ultimate throwback vibe while keeping your hair secure through hours of dancing.
Bonus points for mixing scrunchie colors and patterns for maximum 90s energy!
5. Bandana Headband with Visible Bobby Pins
Fold a colorful bandana into a triangle, then roll it up to create a headband. Secure with visible, colorful bobby pins crossed in X patterns – a quintessential 90s styling trick!
The bandana keeps sweat at bay while adding that perfect grunge-meets-hip-hop aesthetic that defined the decade’s festival scene.
6. Zigzag Part With Mini Pigtails
Create a dramatic zigzag part down the center of your head using the pointed end of a rattail comb. Divide hair into pigtails positioned just above your ears for maximum 90s schoolgirl charm.
Wrap thin sections of hair around the elastics for a polished festival look that stays put all day.
7. Chunky Highlights With Face-Framing Tendrils
The 90s were all about bold, chunky highlights – think Ginger Spice’s iconic blonde streak! Use temporary color spray to create dramatic streaks through your hair for festival weekend.
Don’t forget those thin, face-framing tendrils pulled out from your updo – absolutely essential for authentic 90s vibes!
8. Claw Clip Twisted Updo
The humble claw clip was every 90s girl’s secret weapon! Twist your hair up, secure with a chunky plastic clip, and let the ends stick out wildly on top for that perfectly imperfect Rachel Green look.
This style keeps your neck cool while offering serious Friends-era nostalgia.
9. Bubble Ponytail With Neon Elastics
Create a high ponytail, then add elastics every 2 inches down its length. Gently pull each section outward to create “bubbles” of hair between the ties. Neon elastics make this playful style extra 90s-appropriate!
This eye-catching style stays intact through dancing and keeps hair off your neck.
10. Half-Up Top Knot With Glitter Roots
Gather the top section of your hair into a messy bun positioned high on your crown. Apply hair-safe glitter gel along your part and roots for that festival-ready sparkle that was so 90s!
This practical style keeps hair out of your face while the glitter catches sunlight beautifully.
11. Pigtail Braids With Colorful Extensions
Channel your inner Gwen Stefani circa No Doubt with trenzas de coleta enhanced with clip-in colored extensions. Pink, blue, or green synthetic pieces woven into your braids create instant 90s punk-pop vibes.
Secure with clear elastics and pull the braids slightly to loosen for that lived-in festival look.
12. Sleek Middle Part With Snap Clips
The minimalist 90s look features a super straight middle part with colorful snap clips (those little metal barrettes) positioned symmetrically on both sides. Think Aaliyah’s iconic sleek style but festival-ready!
Use a bit of hair oil for extra shine that captures that signature 90s glossy finish.
13. Twisted Mini Buns With Visible Bobby Pins
Section hair into 4-6 parts and twist each into small buns across your head. Secure with colorful bobby pins arranged in visible patterns – stars or crosses were totally 90s!
This Björk-inspired look keeps all hair off your neck and face while making a bold festival statement.
14. Flipped-Out Ends With Headband
Use a round brush and blow dryer (or flat iron) to flip out the ends of shoulder-length hair. Add a stretchy plastic headband positioned about 2 inches back from your hairline for peak 90s realness.
This Kelly Kapowski-approved style works great for second-day festival hair!
15. Pineapple Updo With Scrunchie
Flip your head upside down, gather all hair at the very top, and secure with an oversized scrunchie. Let curls cascade down like a pineapple top – a protective style that 90s curly girls perfected!
This keeps curls defined while dancing and adds serious height for a head-turning festival look.