The ’90s are making a serious comeback in the hair world! From chunky highlights to butterfly clips, these iconic styles are popping up everywhere from red carpets to street style. Fashion always moves in cycles, and right now we’re experiencing major nostalgia with these blast-from-the-past hairstyles that defined a generation.
1. Il taglio Rachel
Jennifer Aniston’s layered, shoulder-length cut from Friends became the most requested salon style of the decade. The bouncy, face-framing layers created volume while remaining totally manageable for everyday wear.
Women everywhere brought magazine clippings to their stylists hoping to capture that perfect blend of casual and polished.
2. Chunky Highlights
Bold, contrasting streaks of color made a statement in the ’90s. Unlike today’s subtle balayage, these highlights were deliberately obvious – thick stripes of blonde through darker hair created dramatic dimension.
Celebrities like Geri Halliwell and Christina Aguilera rocked this high-contrast look that’s now returning with a slightly modern twist.
3. Panini spaziali
Double buns positioned high on either side of the head were everywhere in the ’90s. Popularized by the Spice Girls and rave culture, these playful mini-buns added whimsy to any outfit.
You could wear them sleek and tight or messy and loose depending on your personal style. The versatility made them perfect for festivals and casual outings alike.
4. Capelli arricciati
Those distinctive zigzag waves created with special crimping irons defined ’90s texture. The look added incredible volume and created a unique texture that worked for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Modern versions incorporate crimping just on certain sections rather than the entire head, giving a subtler nod to the original trend.
5. Flipped-Out Ends
The quintessential ’90s bob featured ends that curved dramatically outward instead of under. Achieved with a round brush and hairdryer or flat iron, this sassy style framed the face beautifully.
Stars like Posh Spice made this look iconic, and it’s returned with a slightly softer, more natural flip for modern wearers.
6. Butterfly Clips
Those tiny, colorful butterfly-shaped clips weren’t just adorable – they were functional! Perfect for pulling back face-framing layers or creating fun half-up styles that showed off your personality.
Today’s versions come in more sophisticated metallics and pastels while maintaining that playful ’90s spirit we all loved.
7. Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
Creating sections along a ponytail with multiple hair ties produced the iconic bubble effect. This playful style was perfect for showing off hair accessories and adding dimension to otherwise plain ponytails.
The modern version uses clear elastic bands instead of scrunchies for a more sophisticated take on this youthful style.
8. Tendrils (Face-Framing Pieces)
Two thin strands of hair deliberately left out to frame the face became a signature ’90s touch. These wispy pieces softened updos and half-up styles, adding a romantic, effortless vibe to any hairstyle.
Modern versions are slightly thicker and more textured than their ’90s counterparts, creating a more natural look.
9. Scrunchies
These fabric-covered hair elastics were the quintessential ’90s hair accessory. Available in every color and fabric imaginable, scrunchies were gentler on hair than regular elastics while adding a pop of style.
Today’s versions come in luxe fabrics like silk and velvet, elevating this playful accessory into something more sophisticated.
10. Taglio della ciotola
The mushroom-shaped bowl cut gained popularity through celebrities like Nick Carter and Leonardo DiCaprio. This rounded style featured hair cut in a circular shape around the head, often with longer pieces in the back.
Modern versions incorporate more texture and less severe lines for a softer, more wearable interpretation.
11. Pixie appuntito
Ultra-short cuts with spiky, textured tops defined the edgier side of ’90s hair. Stars like Winona Ryder and Halle Berry made this bold style iconic with their effortlessly cool pixie variations.
Modern versions maintain the short length but incorporate softer textures and less product for a more natural look.
12. Center-Parted Straight Hair
Sleek, pin-straight hair with a precise parte centrale became the ultimate ’90s cool-girl look. This minimalist style required serious heat styling and often hair-straightening products to achieve that glass-like smoothness.
Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston (post-Rachel) popularized this super-straight aesthetic.
13. Zigzag Parts
Instead of straight parts, many ’90s kids opted for zigzag patterns created with the pointed end of a comb. This playful detail added interest to ponytails, half-up styles, and even down hairstyles.
The modern version features subtler zigzags rather than the dramatic points of the original trend.
14. Frangetta a tenda
These center-parted, face-framing bangs were everywhere in the ’90s. Longer than traditional bangs, they swept to either side of the forehead, creating a curtain-like effect that flattered most face shapes.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp made this look iconic for men, while stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt popularized it for women.
15. Messy Bun With Bandana
The casual-cool ’90s bun wasn’t about perfection – it was about effortless style. Adding a folded bandana as a headband elevated this simple updo into a statement look that worked for everything from gym sessions to casual outings.
Stars like TLC and Aaliyah made this combination iconic during the era.