The 90s renaissance originally picked up speed in 2020 and two years later, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you like it or not, (and we definitely do) these nostalgic ’90s haircuts are here to stay.
It’s now impossible to scroll through your Insta feed without spotting a few of the beloved 90s trends. The It girls of the era, like Winona Ryder, Rachel Green, and Drew Barrymore were serving enough inspiration to carry us right into the following decade.
The fashion pack are all in on the 90s haircut action including Kylie Jenner with her baby bangs, Bella Hadid rocking Rachel layers, and Alexa Demie with well… pretty much every haircut she’s ever had. If you’re like everyone else and have completely leaned into these throwback 90s haircuts, then let’s take a trip down memory lane – you know, the one that leads you straight to the hair salon?
1. The ‘Rachel’
Do we even need to explain? Didn’t think so. It’s basically a sin to talk about legendary 90s haircuts without mentioning Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ look. Created by stylist Chris McMillan and debuted in 1995, it taught women everywhere the meaning of “face-framing layers” and cascading volume.
This cut has been a phenomenon for years and was recently triggered by the ‘Friends’ reunion. In fact, requests for the ‘Rachel’ haircut reportedly jumped 179% after the reunion teaser aired! For best results, the cut looks best when sitting just on the shoulders to frame the face in a heart shape. How cute!?
2. The Spiked Pixie
Unquestionably, one of the most popular haircuts that’s making a return from the 90s is the pixie cut. Why? Maybe because it combined two iconic hair factors: micro bangs and just-woke-up-like-this layering.
There’s just something so inherently cool about the choppy pixie cut that Winona Ryder debuted in 1997. We love the idea of going super short and adding plenty of edge with some texture cream. It basically screams sleek and sexy, while remaining laid back.
3. The Bumped Bob
There’s just something so soft and elegant about a straightened bob with flipped under ends, as proven by Victoria Beckham’s cute bumped bob in the 90s. The trendsetter influenced women everywhere to go short with the famous crop. The relaxed bob became a popular choice with the idea being to keep hair more manageable and less high maintenance.
Ask your stylist to evaluate your face shape so you can pair it with a classic wispy fringe or curtain bangs. The result is the ultimate throwback haircut that looks perfect with streetwear and a pair of Doc Martins.
4. Cher Hair
Honestly, who hasn’t tried to tousle, blowdry, and volumise their hair to look like Cher from Clueless? (Extra points if you put lemon juice in your hair and lay out in the sun to get those lived in blonde highlights!) Sure, all of Alicia Silverstone’s hairstyles were pretty damn iconic, but her off-duty locks with loose layers was pure Cherfection.
“Cher hair” comes hot on the tails of the classic 90s blowout trend. This classic bombshell haircut is all about volume at the root, loose layers and swishy movement.
5. Baby Bangs
If Drew Barrymore with baby bangs doesn’t warm your cold 90s heart, then we don’t know what will. We’ve come a long way from the mall bangs trend of the 80s and (thankfully) a new range of bang styles came through.
Above-the-brow baby bangs were the cool girl staple, and the more DIY and lived in they looked, the better. They’ve been popping up everywhere this year with Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Alexa Demie all on board. If you’d like to join them, we recommend investing in a hair straightener, especially if your hair isn’t naturally straight.
6. Curly Lob
This effortless haircut just screams 90s. Sure, a free-for-all lob haircut was once relegated for your mum’s mum, but not anymore. The curly lob is now a peak 90s throwback, which is why it’s currently taking over your Insta feed.
So, to get in on the trend ask your stylist for a lob haircut, showcasing that bigger really is better. Ask for a texturising spray that you can spritz through your roots to lift up your lob and add more volume. We recommend KMS Hairplay Dry Texture Spray.
7. Feathered Bangs
Some great feathered bangs gives a major nod to the 90s – a haircut practically synonymous with the decade. And what’s more iconic than this hairstyle? Feathered bangs paired with frosty eyeshadow and shiny lip gloss, that’s what.
Ask your stylist to give you endless layers to help blend the bangs seamlessly into the rest of your hair, and the side pieces around your face will help highlight your bone structure. While feathered bangs appear effortless and undone, you should still invest in a hair dryer to help them lie flat.
8. Whispy Tendrils
Take your inspiration from Baby Spice by asking your stylist for soft, face-framing tendrils. They are oh so romantic and feminine with a sassy edge. Plus, they’re perfect for all face shapes and hairstyles – buns, ponytails, braids.
On those days when you don’t have the time to fuss over your hair, this is the perfect style to fashion. Why? Because it’s a low maintenance look that pairs great with simple makeup. Style them straight, whispy, chunky, or curled and they’d still look chic and effortless.
9. Finger-Raked Bob
Leave it to nineties poster child, Winona Ryder, to step out with this finger-raked bob that is now sitting in everyone’s Pinterest moodboards. This choppy shag proves she’s the ultimate Gen X brunette that has us declaring #winonaforever.
Ask your stylist for a stacked bob to create the illusion of texture. As the front pieces fall around the chin, it will draw attention to your jaw line and facial features. To style, just run a straightening iron through your choppy locks to give it that beachy, textured vibe.
10. Claw Bangs
On the other end of the bang spectrum are these fringe claw bangs, defined by face-framing and peekaboo pieces. Sensing a trend? A lot of 90s haircuts were all about framing the face and whispy bangs.
Ask your hairdresser for thicker pieces to give it a modern-day makeover. Then style with a barrel brush and a blow-dryer to create fuller and whispier bangs. Pro tip: you can rub a small amount of styling paste and twist some of the face framing pieces for a structured finish. We recommend the Goldwell StyleSign Creative Texture Modelling Paste.
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