30 Nostalgic '90s Hairstyles Still Making Waves Today

Get ready to flip, crimp, and rock those '90s vibes—because nostalgic hair is back and better than ever!

By Magazine Desk |
PUBLISHED October 27, 2024
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The '90s were a vibrant playground of hairstyles that celebrated creativity and individuality. From playful accessories to carefree textures and whimsical updos, this decade was all about expressing oneself through hair.

As we embrace modern beauty, the '90s provide a wealth of inspiration, encouraging us to break away from the ordinary and explore our unique styles. So, grab your hair clips and crimping tools, because it’s time to have fun with your look again!

Here are 30 iconic hairstyles from the '90s that remain relevant (if not more so) today:

1.Side Part

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

The side part is timeless—styled just right, it embodies effortless cool that transcends trends.

2.Grown-Out Buzz

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

The edgy buzz cuts of the '90s, along with their grow-out phases, are making a bold comeback.

3.Flippy Bob

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Flipped bobs, popularized by stars like Neve Campbell, add a chic twist to shoulder-length hair.

4.Short Layers

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Late '90s layers framed the face beautifully, offering a choppy yet flattering silhouette.

5.Celestial Accessories

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Think light-catching gems and silver chains that blend bohemian flair with a futuristic touch.

6.Baby Bangs

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Rounded baby bangs elevate wavy hairstyles, adding an adorable twist to classic glam.

7.Blunt Chop

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

A shoulder-length blunt chop with wispy bangs feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

8.Bohemian Bangs

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Curtain bangs with generous layers channel a soft, ethereal vibe reminiscent of Claudia Schiffer.

9.Romantic Half-Up

Photo: Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Finger-raked half-up hairstyles paired with soft flyaways evoke a dreamy Renaissance aesthetic.

10.Piecey Bangs

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Glossy, piecey bangs complement long layers or blunt cuts, adding texture and dimension.

11.Rounded Bob

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon's iconic inward-curving bob is both chic and effortlessly cool.

12.Messy Bun

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

The quintessential messy bun, with height at the crown and a few loose strands, screams laid-back chic.

13.Full Baby Bangs

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Full baby bangs give a luxe, femme fatale vibe, especially when styled like Selma Blair.

14.Partial Pin

Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

A simple hairpin transforms medium-length waves into a cute, polished look inspired by Madonna.

15.Side Bangs

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Wispy side bangs are the perfect revival for a soft fringe, adding flair to any hairstyle.

16.Crimped Curls

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Britney Spears' tight waves remind us that crimped texture is worth revisiting for a fun pop

17.Twisted Tie-Back

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Playful twists and bows encapsulate the quirky spirit of the '90s while keeping it stylish.

18.Elvish Pixie

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow’s slightly grown-out pixie, complete with micro bangs, feels fresh and charming.

19.Old Hollywood Blowout

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Channeling Cindy Crawford, this glamorous blowout features luxurious volume and elegant waves.

20.Gelled Pixie

Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

A polished, shellacked pixie cut brings a modern twist to wet-look styles that never go out.

21.Rumpled Bombshell

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Penelope Cruz shows us that a tousled, rumpled look can be both glamorous and effortlessly cool.

22.Textured Shag

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Embrace natural texture with layers that frame the face, inspired by Courtney Cox’s iconic style.

23.Bixie

Photo: Barry King/Getty Images

Photo: Barry King/Getty Images

This bob-pixie hybrid, as seen on Cameron Diaz, is a modern twist worth trying for a fresh look.

24.Center Section

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Neatly securing a center section keeps hair out of your face while creating a flattering frame.

25.Pinned Braids

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Sweet and bohemian, braids adorned with barrettes deliver a charmingly preppy aesthetic.

26.Beachy Half-Up

Photo: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Photo: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Crimped textures combined with beachy accessories create a perfect summer hairstyle.

27.Bendy Bob

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Michelle Williams’ bendy bob showcases the beauty of playful flyaways and a blended bang.

28.Piecey Updo

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

An easygoing updo with long sections left loose channels '90s vibes with a modern touch.

29.Beehive Pony

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman's elevated ponytail is a nod to retro sophistication with a contemporary twist.

30.Ironed Out

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Photo: Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Lastly, the classic flat ironed look is a must-have—just remember your heat protection!

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