MomSkoop
Remember when everyone wanted hair like Jennifer Aniston or the Spice Girls? Those iconic ’90s styles are back, and they’re bigger than ever.
From chunky highlights to butterfly clips, these retro looks are popping up on celebrities, influencers, and runways everywhere.
Whether you want something bold or subtle, there’s a ’90s haircut that can work perfectly for your face shape, hair type, and personal vibe.
1. The Rachel Cut
Jennifer Aniston made this layered masterpiece famous on Friends, and it became the most requested haircut of the decade. Choppy layers frame your face beautifully while adding tons of volume and movement. This style works best on medium to thick hair that can hold the shape without falling flat.
Ask your stylist for face-framing layers that start around your chin and get longer toward the back. You’ll need a round brush and blow dryer to recreate that signature flip. This cut suits oval and heart-shaped faces especially well.
Keep in mind that maintenance is key—you’ll need regular trims every six to eight weeks. The Rachel requires daily styling to look its best, so factor that time into your morning routine.
2. Chunky Highlights
Forget subtle balayage—thick, contrasting streaks are making a comeback with attitude. These bold highlights create dramatic dimension by placing wide sections of lighter color throughout your hair. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani rocked this fearless look back in the day.
Choose highlights that are at least two shades lighter than your base color for maximum impact. This technique works on all hair lengths and textures. Face-framing chunks can brighten your complexion and draw attention to your features.
Talk to your colorist about placement that flatters your face shape. Remember that chunky highlights require less maintenance than traditional highlights since the grow-out is more intentional. Embrace the contrast and have fun experimenting with different color combinations.
3. Space Buns
Popularized by pop stars and ravers, these playful double buns sit high on your head like adorable little planets. Space buns bring instant fun and youthful energy to any outfit, whether you’re heading to a festival or just running errands. They’re surprisingly easy to create and work with almost any hair length past your shoulders.
Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Twist each section and wrap it around the base, securing with bobby pins. You can make them sleek and polished or messy and textured depending on your mood.
This style suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces beautifully. Add colorful scrunchies or glitter for extra ’90s flair that really pops.
4. Crimped Hair
Those zigzag waves created by crimping irons defined an entire generation’s hair texture obsession. Crimping adds incredible volume and a unique texture that stands out in any crowd. While it might seem over-the-top, modern takes on crimping can be surprisingly wearable and cool.
You can crimp all your hair for maximum drama or just sections for subtle texture. Try crimping just the underlayers while keeping the top smooth for a contemporary twist. This technique works on all hair types but shows up best on fine to medium textures.
Protect your hair with heat spray before using the crimper. Consider doing just half your head or incorporating crimped sections into braids for a fresh update on this retro trend.
5. Voluminous Blowout Layers
Supermodels like Cindy Crawford owned this glamorous look that screamed confidence and sophistication. Big, bouncy layers with tons of body create that coveted va-va-voom effect. Long layers throughout add movement without sacrificing length, making your hair look thick and healthy.
This cut requires medium to long hair with enough density to support the volume. Your stylist should add layers starting around your cheekbones and continuing throughout. A round brush blowout with volumizing products brings this style to life.
Square and rectangular face shapes benefit most from this softening style. Expect to spend about twenty minutes styling for that salon-fresh finish. Dry shampoo at the roots helps maintain volume between washes.
6. Flippy Lob
Shoulder-grazing hair with ends that flip outward instead of under creates an effortlessly cool vibe. This playful twist on the classic bob adds personality without requiring a drastic chop. Stars like Drew Barrymore made this flirty style iconic throughout the decade.
The length hits right at your collarbone, making it incredibly versatile for different styling options. Use a flat iron or round brush to flip the ends away from your face. Light layers throughout prevent the style from looking too blunt or heavy.
This cut flatters most face shapes, especially oval and diamond shapes. It’s low-maintenance compared to many ’90s styles but still makes a statement. Add some texture spray for that perfectly imperfect finish.
7. Curtain Bangs
Parted down the middle and sweeping to each side, curtain bangs frame your face like soft window dressings. This universally flattering fringe works with virtually every hair type and face shape. Leonardo DiCaprio and countless heartthrobs made this look swoon-worthy back in the ’90s.
These bangs are longer than traditional fringe, typically grazing your cheekbones or chin. They blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, creating a natural, lived-in appearance. You can style them with a round brush or simply let them air-dry for effortless texture.
Curtain bangs soften angular features and add dimension to round faces. They’re perfect if you want bangs but fear the commitment of a full fringe. Maintenance is minimal—just a trim every few weeks keeps them looking fresh.
8. Micro-Braids
Tiny braids scattered throughout your hair or framing your face add bohemian charm with minimal effort. These delicate plaits became a festival and beach staple during the ’90s. You can add just a few for subtle detail or cover your whole head for maximum impact.
Micro-braids work beautifully on all hair textures and lengths past your ears. Thread colorful beads onto the ends for authentic ’90s flair. They can last several days, making them perfect for vacations or busy weeks when you don’t want to fuss with your hair.
Try placing a few thin braids near your temples or behind your ears. Mix different braid sizes for added visual interest. This style pairs perfectly with loose waves or straight hair for versatile looks.
9. High Ponytail with Scrunchie
Nothing says ’90s quite like a sky-high ponytail wrapped in a velvet or satin scrunchie. This sporty-chic style keeps hair off your face while making a bold fashion statement. Ariana Grande brought this look back into the spotlight, proving its timeless appeal.
Flip your head upside down while gathering your hair to achieve maximum height. Secure tightly with an elastic, then wrap your scrunchie around for both style and extra hold. Smooth flyaways with gel or hairspray for a polished finish.
This style elongates your neck and highlights your facial features beautifully. It works on most hair lengths, though you’ll need at least shoulder-length hair. Stock up on scrunchies in different colors and fabrics to match every outfit.
10. Butterfly Clips
These tiny colorful clips shaped like butterflies, flowers, and other fun designs turned hair into wearable art. Scattered randomly or arranged in patterns, they added whimsy to any hairstyle. You could find them at every mall store, and everyone owned dozens in different colors.
Clip them along your part, pin back side sections, or create designs across your head. They work with straight, wavy, or curly hair of any length. Mix metallics with pastels or stick to one color family for different effects.
Modern versions come in more sophisticated designs if you want a grown-up take. They’re functional too, keeping annoying strands out of your face while looking adorable. Start with just a few clips if you’re nervous about going full ’90s.
11. One-Length Bob
Victoria Beckham’s sharp, angled bob became one of the most copied haircuts worldwide. This sophisticated style features hair cut to one precise length, often shorter in the back and longer in the front. The clean lines create a polished, fashion-forward appearance that commands attention.
This cut works best on straight to wavy hair that can hold the sleek shape. Your stylist should cut it blunt without layers for that signature sharp edge. Style it straight with a flat iron for the authentic Posh Spice effect.
The one-length bob suits oval, heart, and square face shapes particularly well. It requires regular trims every four to six weeks to maintain the precise shape. Consider adding a deep side part for extra drama and sophistication.
12. Choppy Pixie Cut
Short, textured, and full of attitude, the pixie cut made a major statement in the ’90s. Stars like Winona Ryder and Halle Berry proved that going super short could be incredibly feminine and fierce. Choppy layers throughout add movement and prevent the cut from looking too severe.
This daring cut requires confidence but offers incredible freedom from daily styling. Your stylist should add texture through point-cutting and razoring techniques. Depending on your hair type, you can style it sleek or messy with just a bit of product.
Pixies flatter oval, heart, and diamond face shapes by highlighting your features. They’re surprisingly low-maintenance once you find the right styling routine. Be prepared for frequent trims every three to four weeks to keep the shape fresh.
13. The Bixie
Can’t decide between a bob and a pixie? The bixie combines the best of both worlds. This hybrid cut features the length of a short bob with the texture and layers of a pixie. It’s edgy yet wearable, making it perfect for anyone wanting a change without going too extreme.
The length typically falls between your ears and chin with lots of choppy, piece-y layers. This creates incredible texture and movement that works with your hair’s natural tendencies. You can tuck it behind your ears for a clean look or tousle it for casual vibes.
Bixies suit most face shapes and hair types, though they shine on fine to medium textures. Styling takes just minutes with some texturizing paste or sea salt spray. Embrace the bedhead aesthetic for an authentically ’90s grunge feel.
14. Long Layered Shag
Rock stars and supermodels wore this undone, glamorous style that oozed cool-girl confidence. Heavy layers throughout create tons of movement and texture without losing length. The shag works with your hair’s natural texture rather than fighting against it, making it surprisingly easy to style.
Layers should start around your chin and continue throughout, with shorter pieces around your face for framing. This cut adds volume to fine hair and removes bulk from thick hair. A little styling product enhances the piece-y, lived-in texture.
Shags flatter all face shapes by creating soft, flattering angles. Air-dry with texture spray for effortless waves or blow-dry smooth for versatility. This style grows out beautifully, so you won’t look awkward between salon visits.
15. Half-Up High Pony
Gathering just the top section of your hair into a high ponytail while leaving the rest down creates the perfect balance. Face-framing tendrils soften the look and keep it from feeling too severe or sporty. This style became a red carpet favorite throughout the decade for good reason.
Section off the top half of your hair from ear to ear and secure it high on your crown. Leave a few thin pieces around your face for that romantic, softening effect. You can curl the loose hair or leave it straight depending on your preference.
This versatile style works for casual days and dressy events alike. It keeps hair out of your face while showing off your length. Add a decorative clip or scrunchie to make it even more ’90s-authentic and fun.