26 Iconic ’90s Hairstyles We Still Love Today

Nostalgia never looked so good.

By Anneke Knot · Published: Apr 9, 2024

SGranitz / Ron Galella, Ltd. / Getty Images

Beauty trends may come and go, but nineties nostalgia is not going anywhere, especially when it comes to hair. From the resurgence of butterfly clips to the ubiquitousness of Pamela Anderson’s messy updo, nineties-inspired hairstyles are everywhere. In fact, some references, like bouncy blowouts and crimped lengths, are so common that it is easy to forget where these trends originated.

If you are interested in incorporating nineties hair trends in your hair looks, our beauty team gathered their favorite 26 timeless nineties hairstyles from beauty icons like Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston and more. In addition, find helpful tips on how to recreate these iconic looks at home as well as product suggestions to get the look just right.

’90s hairstyles to try in 2024

1 / 26

Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel”

No nineties hairstyles list would be complete without mentioning “The Rachel.” Inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s iconic character on Friends, this layered shag defined the decade. The angled, choppy layers can be difficult to style, but when done correctly, results are bouncy and voluminous. The show’s evergreen popularity has even inspired modern interpretations of the style on social media.

jennifer aniston hair the rachel — Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

2 / 26

Pam Anderson’s High Messy Updo

If “The Rachel” was the most popular look of the nineties, Pam Anderson’s messy updo was a close second, and just like “The Rachel,” the style has seen a modern resurgence in popularity. See Chris Appleton’s recreation on Kim Kardashian. To recreate at home, start with a curled base. The Hairitage by Mindy Curly Envy 1.25 Inch Curling Iron ($36) offers the perfect-sized spirals.

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Margaret Norton / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal / Getty Images

3 / 26

Halle Berry’s Soft Pixie

Throughout her career, Halle Berry has sported a variety of pixies, but this cropped cut stands out. Pixie cuts usually conjure up images of choppy, layered looks, but Berry’s soft and sweet style offers a different take. If you like to wear your hair short, consider adding this one to your inspiration board.

halle berry pixie cut — Steve Granitz / Getty Images

4 / 26

Julia Roberts’s Tousled Waves

From The Pelican Brief to Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts’ free flowing strands steal the spotlight. Roberts maximizes her natural texture with undone curls coming from every direction. The Pattern Beauty Interchangeable Ceramic Curling Iron ($249) comes with three different barrel sizes so you can amp up flat strands.

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julia roberts 90s curly hair — Ron Galella, Ltd. / Getty Images

5 / 26

Aaliyah’s Layered Length

Nineties hairstyles ranged in lengths. From cropped cuts to waist skimming strands, this list includes styles of every length. Aaliyah boasted many iconic styles during that era, but her long layers paired with side-swept bangs is often one of the most replicated. To keep stray flyaways at bay, spritz the Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray ($30) throughout damp hair and style for a glossy finish.

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aaliyah 90s hair — SGranitz / Getty Images

6 / 26

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Shoulder Length Ringlets

Sarah Jessica Parker, otherwise known as SJP, is almost synonymous with c-c-c-curly hair. Those who share her famous texture know that defined, voluminous curls don’t happen without a little extra T.L.C. After washing, work a hydrating curl cream like the 4U By Tia Leave-In Curl Cream ($10) from root to tip for peak definition.

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sarah jessica parker 90s curly hair — Ke.Mazur / Getty Images

7 / 26

Alicia Silverstone’s Mid Length Blowout

It would be impossible to get out of a nineties hairstyles list without referencing Clueless. Alicia Silverstone’s sleek and shiny blowout feels polished without looking overly styled. To accomplish this look, in as few steps as possible, use a heated round brush like the Mane It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Round Brush ($98) and pay particular attention to the root. This will ensure lasting body.

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alicia silverstone 90s blowout — Ron Galella, Ltd. / Getty Images

8 / 26

Christina Aguliera’s Crimped Waves

Christina Aguilera has sported tons of iconic hairstyles over the years, but her looks in the nineties are arguably some of her best. For example, her crimped waves would look just as trendy today as they did back then.

christina aguilera crimpy hair — Frank Trapper / Corbis via Getty Images

9 / 26

Cindy Crawford’s Bouncy Blowout

A bouncy blowout tutorial seems to go viral on TikTok every other week, and Crawford remains the muse for this style. Her gravity-defying strands have somehow managed to withstand the test of time. To make your blowout last a few days, spritz a dry shampoo at the roots to reduce oil and pump up the volume.

cindy crawford 90s hair — Tom Wargacki / Getty Images

10 / 26

Brandy Norwood’s Flipped Out Micro Braids

If the sight of Brandy Norwood’s flipped out micro braids make you want to sing “Moe to the – e to the,” congratulations: you’re a certified nineties kid. In addition to belting out one of the best theme songs of all time, this style may also earn a spot on your mood board. Norwood is no stranger to braided styles, but the flipped out ends make this look uniquely hers.

brandy 90s braids — Matthew Rolston / UPN /Getty Images

11 / 26

Brittany Murphy’s Layered Bob

Norwood isn’t the only one to attempt flippy ends. Brittany Murphy makes a strong case for the bob with this layered look. Use a curling iron to mimic her bouncy tips, and spritz a flexible hairspray like the Fekkai Clean Stylers Flexi-hold Hairspray ($27) to keep this look lasting all day.

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brittany murphy bob — Ron Galella, Ltd. / Getty Images

12 / 26

Naomi Campbell’s Blunt Bangs

In fairness, Naomi Campbell could turn any hairstyle into a trend, but this ultra-sleek is exceptionally eye-catching. Blunt bangs can be intimidating, but if you have been considering trying them out, consider this picture your sign. The even edge balances out rounder face shapes.

naomi campbell blunt bangs — SGranitz / Getty Images

13 / 26

Meg Ryan’s Tousled Bob

Meg Ryan is no stranger to the big screen, and her hairstyles are almost as popular as she is. Remember: this style removes weight and encourages movement, so if your hair is on the thinner side, this could be a great option.

14 / 26

Drew Barrymore’s Hair Accessories

Claw clips tend to get all the love when it comes to nineties hair accessories, however, colorful clips and headbands deserve their time in the sun. Drew Barrymore is known for her playful looks, and the addition of the daisy clip pulls the hair back in a fun yet sophisticated way. To try at home, use a clip like the Lovers and Friends Daisy Clip ($28).

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drew barrymore hair accessories — S. Granitz / Getty Images

15 / 26

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s Twisted Updos

Tia and Tamera Mowry offer a treasure trove of hair-spo on their show Sister, Sister. Their coordinating high updos felt quintessential nineties. Adding twists or braids in the front are easy ways to add interest to your ponytail.

16 / 26

Britney Spears’s High Pigtails

Leave it to Britney Spears to make pigtails cool again. Start by middle parting your hair. Then, section off both sides and decide where you want to place each pigtail—the higher, the better. Finish by fastening each side with an elastic and voila.

britney spears high pony — Steve Granitz / WireImage)

17 / 26

Lil Kim’s Bold Highlights

Bold hair color choices are fairly common today, but alternative shades were everywhere during the nineties. If Lil Kim’s chunky pink streaks feel like too much of a commitment, never fear. The Hally Hair Shade Stix Temporary Hair Makeup in Pink ($9) delivers bold color and washes out with shampoo.

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lil kim highlights — Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

18 / 26

Mariah Carey’s Loose Curls

Nineties hairstyles are all about the lived-in look, and Mariah Carey’s tousled waves are no exception. For those with a wavy texture, use a diffuser attachment to add some definition and volume to your style. Keep your curls loose or pin half of it up like Carey.

mariah carey 90s curls — Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images

19 / 26

Cameron Diaz’s Laid Back Lob

Layers were huge in the nineties, and few do it better than Cameron Diaz. Known for her laid back look, this shoulder skimming lob naturally highlights the layers rather than hiding them. To mimic her frizz-free look, spritz the Djerf Avenue Beauty Breezy Styling Mist ($27) throughout before blow-drying.

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cameron diaz bob — Ron Galella, Ltd./ Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

20 / 26

Tyra Banks’s Slick Back Bun

No, the “clean girl aesthetic” did not invent the slicked back bun. Back in the nineties, this style was everywhere. To keep every strand tamped down, like Tyra Banks, use a boar bristle brush like the La Bonne Brusse Universal Care Boar Bristle Hair Brush ($168).

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tyra banks bun — Sébastien DUFOUR / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

21 / 26

Penelope Cruz’s Lived In Length

If pixies and bobs are not your thing, look no further than Penelope Cruz for hair inspo. Her extra long strands are sure to turn heads. Keep in mind: this style looks best on medium to thick hair textures. Finer strands can end up looking stringy and tangled.

penelope cruz wavy hair — Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

22 / 26

Gwenyth Paltrow’s Casual Middle Part

The middle part was everywhere in the nineties, and according to Gen Z, rocking anything else in 2024 is “cheugy.” Gwyneth Paltrow is a prime example of how simple this look is to incorporate into your everyday rotation.

gwyneth paltrow middle part — Ron Galella, Ltd. / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

23 / 26

Whitney Houston’s Tousled Shag

Whitney Houston makes a case for embracing your natural texture. Her curls add texture to an already layered hairstyle. Add a pump or two of curling mousse for added hold and body.

whitney houston curly shag — Steve Granitz / WireImage

24 / 26

Danielle Fishel’s Butterfly Clips

Hair accessories are one of the hallmarks of nineties hairstyles. Danielle Fishel manages to make this playful accessory look grown up. To try the look at home, section off evenly sized chunks and pin back with clips like the Urban Renewal Vintage Iridescent Butterfly Clip Set ($10).

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danielle fishel butterfly clips — Tony David / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

25 / 26

Uma Thurman’s Easy Going Style

If Campbell’s shiny strands feel a little too “done” for you, Uma Thurman’s laid-back look may be more your speed. Her “I woke up like this” ‘do feels accessible for lightly layered styles. For some added wave, work a dime-sized amount of the Kristin Ess Air Dry Creme ($12) from mid-lengths to the ends.

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uma thurman 90s hair — Ron Galella / Getty Images

26 / 26

Janet Jackson’s Long Braids

Braids were a hallmark hairstyle of the nineties, and Janet Jackson is proof of it. Her shoulder-length protective style makes a statement without needing everyday upkeep. Take a page out of Jackson’s book and pair with a ball cap for a sporty look.

janet jackson braids — Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

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