It’s no secret that the ’90s were a magical time for beauty. The fashion scene was thriving with supermodels, and the music industry stars were churning out one trendy look after another. While the era delivered countless makeup techniques, the hairstyles from the decade have remained iconic today. The ’90s hairstyles aren’t just timeless—they’re adaptable and have evolved with the trends over the years. Staple cuts, such as Jennifer Aniston’s charming Rachel haircut has served as the foundation for modern styles such as the wolf cut. Long layers were another trademark of the era that has continued to be popular today, with looks such as the butterfly and diamond cut trending on social media. In that vein, it should come as no surprise that many of the haircuts from the 1990s are having a renascence. Ahead, we chatted with two hairstylists for their take on the retro styles poised to take over this season.
Featured experts
- Monique McMahon is the founder of Que Colour and a pro ambassador for Christophe Robin
- Beau Dieda is an LA-based hairstylist
’90s Haircuts trending now
1 / 6
Supermodel layers
If you prefer to keep your length, you can still embrace an era-defining look with long layers. Cut to perfection, these layers were crucial for creating the voluminous styles sported by the decade’s top supermodels. LA-based hairstylist Beau Dieda explains that this cut features long, face-framing layers that can add lots of bounce to your look. However, they also add dimension to straighter styles. To keep the style sleek and modern, he recommends straightening with a smoothing heat protectant like Color Wow Dream Coat ($28) treatment spray.
IG: @beausef 2 / 6
Boxy bob
Both stylists agree that the boxy cut bobs from the ’90s are here to stay. According to stylist and founder of Que Colour, Monique McMahon this look borrows elements from the classic Parisian cut but is much more wearable. Dieda notes that the effortless shape is a key reason why this bob has continued to be popular. “It’s structured but can be softened with texture, making it versatile and timeless,” he says.
Courtesy of Angela Calisti 3 / 6
The Rachel 2.0
“The revival of layers is not slowing down, and the butterfly cut, is a prime example of how Rachel’s iconic layers can be modernized,” says McMahon. When you’re headed to the salon, she recommends asking for a cut with floaty layers that make it more wearable. “Ask for a long-layered haircut with shorter face-framing pieces at the front, starting from the chin and working their way down.”
Courtesy of Morgan Tully 4 / 6
Shaggy Rachel
The wolf and cub cuts are an edgier version of the ’90s Rachel cut. “Think of this as a modernized approach to Jennifer Aniston’s iconic look. With softer, blended for a more natural feel,” says Dieda. He explains that the choppy layers give the cut movement and add texture to the overall look.
IG: @beausef 5 / 6
The Julia
Julia Roberts’ curly cut was an iconic style that often flies under the radar. Ideal for natural curls, McMahon notes that prepping the style begins in the shower. “Applying a nourishing styling cream such as Christophe Robin Luscious Curl Defining Cream ($32) and twirling your fingers around each curl section will help define the curls and shape of the cut.”
IG: @aveda 6 / 6
’90s Blowout
The ’90s blowout will always be in style. While the look depends on layers, it’s all about volume. “To achieve the look, you can use a styling mousse on damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush, and finish with a large-barrel curling iron for soft bends,” says Dieda.
IG: @moniquemcmahoncolour
