25 90s Hairstyles for Women That Are Back and Better Now

The 90s are officially back. Look at any red carpet or runway lately and you'll spot the decade's biggest hair moments returning, from the famous layered flip to slicked-back supermodel ponytails to butterfly clips. The good news is that the modern versions are softer and more wearable than the originals, so you get the nostalgia without looking like you're in costume. Whether you want a proper haircut, a quick updo, or just an accessory to nod to the era, here are 25 of the decade's best looks and how to wear them now.

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The Layered Flip

The most famous cut of the decade. Shoulder-length hair with bold, visible layers that flick outwards and frame the face.

The layers create bounce and movement, which is what made it so wanted, and the modern version is softer and more blended than the choppy original.

It suits most face shapes and hair types. Caramel and honey highlights give it that sun-kissed 90s finish.

The Christy Cut

A mid-length, girl-next-door cut reaching the shoulders or just above, with subtle layering and shorter framing pieces.

The soft layers frame and soften the face, and worn with a center part it has a fresh, weightless feel.

It's low-maintenance and flattering. Air-dry it for an effortless finish or blow it out for polish.

The Clavi Cut

A collarbone-length bob with sleek, sparse layers and bumped-in ends for an ultra-smooth finish.

The bumped ends and clean layers give it that neat, supermodel-blowout look the decade loved.

It's had a modern rebrand but the shape is pure 90s. A round brush turns the ends under.

The Bombshell Blowout

Big, voluminous hair full of movement, with piecey curtain bangs and lots of body.

Strategically placed layers plus a round-brush blowout create the bounce, a glamorous, undone kind of volume.

It suits anyone wanting drama. Blow-dry in sections with a large round brush and finish with a light spray.

The Flipped-Out Blowout

Long, face-framing layers blown out so the ends flip up and out.

The outward flip at the ends gives lots of bounce and that recognizable 90s movement.

It works best on layered hair. A round brush and a flat iron on the ends set the flick.

The Blunt Supermodel Bob

A short, sharp, blunt bob cut clean at the perimeter, usually chin-length.

The structured, graphic line is minimalism at its best, a sleek, chic look that framed many supermodel faces.

It suits straight hair especially. Keep the ends trimmed so the line stays sharp.

The Bixie

A bob-meets-pixie hybrid, short with a bit more length than a pixie.

The bixie gives you a short cut with styling flexibility, worn with an edgy side sweep.

It flatters most faces and highlights the cheekbones. A little paste defines the pieces.

The Wavy Pixie

A short pixie worn with the natural wave left in.

The wave softens a short crop and adds movement, a look that carried straight into the early 2000s.

It's low-effort and flattering. A curl cream defines the wave.

The Boy Cut

A layered, cropped cut with texture and volume at the top, styled to mimic a men's cut.

The short shape elongates the face and highlights the cheekbones, bold and striking.

It suits anyone wanting a real statement. A matte paste adds texture up top.

Crimped Hair

Hair crimped into tight, uniform zigzag waves.

Crimping was all about looking unique and making a statement, and the modern take is to crimp just a few pieces rather than the whole head.

It's playful and a clear nod to the era. Use a crimping iron on a few sections for a subtle version.

Layered Ringlets

Voluminous, bouncy ringlet curls with lots of layers.

The layered curls give big, full-bodied volume, a look tied to the decade's biggest pop divas.

It suits naturally curly hair. A diffuser and a curl cream bring out the ringlets.

Big Natural Curls

Full, voluminous natural curls worn big and bold.

Embracing natural texture at full volume was a red-carpet staple, and it's back on the biggest stages.

It celebrates your natural pattern. A diffuser upside down builds the volume.

Face-Framing Tiny Braids

A couple of tiny braids at the front, with the rest left loose.

The little front braids are a signature 90s detail, easy to add to almost any style.

They pair well with a bandana, a flicked-out bob, or a high ponytail. Braid two small sections at the front and leave the rest.

Half-Up With Wispy Bangs

The top half pulled up with soft wispy bangs left out at the front.

The half-up with a light fringe was a simple, cute staple, and it works especially well on fine hair.

It's quick and everyday. Leave the bangs soft and wispy rather than heavy.

Space Buns

Two buns high on either side of the head.

The double buns are a fun, playful 90s look that reads festival-ready now.

It suits a casual day out. Part down the middle and match the buns evenly.

High Ponytail With a Scrunchie

Hair pulled up into a high ponytail finished with a scrunchie.

The scrunchie was the accessory of the decade, and it's soft on your hair too, so it's a practical throwback.

It's quick and cute. Pick a scrunchie in silk or velvet for a modern feel.

Butterfly Clips

Small butterfly clips dotted through a half-up or twisted section.

Butterfly clips are one of the biggest 90s accessories back for 2026, updated in prettier materials.

They add instant nostalgia to almost any style. Clip a few through a half-up for the easiest version.

Zigzag Part

Hair parted in a sharp zigzag line instead of a straight one.

The zigzag part is a small, unmistakable 90s detail that changes up a simple down style.

It works on straight or wavy hair. Use the tail of a comb to draw the zigzag.

Bandana Style

A folded bandana tied across the head like a headband.

The bandana was everywhere in the 90s and adds colour and a retro edge.

It suits a relaxed, casual look. Pair it with a couple of face-framing braids for the full effect.

Midi Box Braids

Mid-length box braids, a protective style that defined the decade.

Though technically a protective style, midi box braids were so iconic they feel like a cut, worn down or half-up.

They keep your hair protected and low-maintenance. Finish with a few cuffs or beads. Our braided hairstyles for Black women post covers more braid options.

Slicked-Back Gelled Style

Hair slicked back flat with gel for a sleek, wet-look finish.

The gelled, slicked-back look was a clean, sharp 90s staple that reads modern and minimal now.

It suits a going-out look. A strong gel keeps it flat and shiny.

Side-Swept High Ponytail

A high ponytail with a dramatic side-swept bang and slicked edges.

The high pony with a side bang is pure 90s supermodel, sleek and messy at the same time.

It's dressy enough for an event. Slick the edges and leave the bang loose for drama.

Piecey Top Bun

Wavy strands gathered into a top bun with piecey front bangs left out.

The relaxed, piecey bun with loose front pieces is romantic and undone, a softer 90s updo.

It suits a night out. Pull a few pieces loose so it looks effortless.

Slicked-Back Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

A sleek, slicked-back bun with a couple of pieces pulled loose at the front.

The sleek bun with soft front pieces balances polished and relaxed, a classic 90s updo.

It works from office to evening. A little gel keeps the base smooth.

Chunky Highlights

Bold, thick highlights placed through the hair.

Chunky, high-contrast highlights were a defining 90s colour, and they're back paired with modern cuts.

They show best on straight, sleek hair. Our hair color ideas section covers picking a tone that suits you.