19 Iconic 90s Hairstyles Ideas for Women

The 90s are back in a big way, with fashion and hairstyles from that iconic decade making a bold return to the spotlight.

This era was marked by a unique blend of edgy and elegant looks, capturing the imagination of style enthusiasts everywhere.

In this article, 90’s Hairstyles, we dive into a variety of unforgettable styles that defined the decade.

You’ll discover how to achieve the Soft Wavy Bob, the Voluminous Messy Updo, and the charming Headband Curls, among others.

These versatile hairstyles offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern flair, ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of retro glamour to their look.

90s Hairstyles

1. Voluminous Glam Waves

Dive into the elegance of the 90s with voluminous glam waves. This hairstyle delivers a bouncy and full look thanks to large barrel curls. Start by curling your hair with a wide-barrel iron.

Once the curls cool, gently brush them out to form soft, flowing waves. A deep side part enhances the sleekness while teasing the roots can boost volume for a classic red-carpet appeal.

Perfect for formal events, this look is completed with a touch of shine spray for a polished finish. Whether you’re stepping out for a gala or a special night, these waves offer a timeless charm that keeps all eyes on you.

2. Sleek Side-Swept Bob with Clips

Channel a playful 90s vibe with the sleek side-swept bob enhanced by decorative clips. This chic style involves straightening your hair smooth and parting it deeply to one side.

Secure the side with stylish barrettes or hairpins for a trendy yet functional statement. Adding a shine serum elevates the sleek effect, giving your hair a glossy finish. This look is ideal for both casual outings and dressy occasions, offering a youthful twist.

With its modern flair and easy styling, this bob keeps you fashionable and ready to turn heads, no matter where you go.

3. Half-Up Ponytail with Curtain Bangs

Embrace a fun, effortless style with the half-up ponytail with curtain bangs. Capture a 90s vibe by pulling the top section of your hair into a high ponytail, while leaving the bottom half loose.

Curtain bangs frame your face beautifully, adding softness and dimension. This simple yet stylish look is perfect for casual or semi-formal occasions. To achieve it, gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a hair tie, letting the bangs fall freely.

Add texture by straightening or lightly curling the ends. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place, ensuring an easy and chic appearance.

4. Bouffant Half-Updo with Soft Waves

Step back in time with a bouffant half-updo that offers a vintage-inspired twist. This elegant hairstyle features a teased crown for volume, with the rest styled in soft, flowing waves.

Start by teasing the top section of your hair and pinning it back to create the bouffant. Use a curling iron to add gentle curls to the lower half, achieving a timeless, classy look.

Ideal for formal events or a glamorous night out, this style blends retro charm with modern elegance. With its sophisticated flair, this half-updo ensures you stand out with grace and poise.

5. Feathered Layers with Volume

Embrace the 90s nostalgia with this feathered layered hairstyle, designed to bring out the best in your hair’s natural texture. The hair is cut into long layers that create incredible volume and movement.

To achieve this look, blow-dry your hair using a round brush to lift the roots and curl the ends outward for those soft, feathered ends framing your face. For additional body, apply a volumizing mousse before styling.

To maintain the shape and softness, finish with a lightweight hairspray. This style is perfect for anyone with thick or medium-density hair, offering a chic, flattering look that’s both lively and sophisticated.

6. Sleek Curls with Baby Hairs

This sleek and curled hairstyle combines the elegance of the 90s with a modern twist. Hair is kept straight and glossy, with the ends artistically curled to add texture.

The baby hairs around the hairline are meticulously sculpted into soft curls, looking a trendy, vintage flair. To recreate this style, use a flat iron to smooth the hair, then curl the ends with a small curling iron for a bouncy finish.

Shape your baby’s hair with an edge control gel for a polished look. This style is versatile, perfect for both casual outings and formal events, offering a playful yet refined appearance.

7. Shoulder-Length Straight Cut with Curtain Bangs

Channel the 90s vibe with this shoulder-length straight cut that features sleek lines coupled with soft curtain bangs. The bangs elegantly frame your face and blend effortlessly into the straight layers, creating a chic yet laid-back appeal.

To achieve this style, blow-dry the hair straight, ensuring the bangs are soft and parted slightly in the middle. For a flawless finish, glide a flat iron over the lengths lightly, keeping the bangs’ subtle wave intact.

This hairstyle is ideal for those seeking a versatile, low-maintenance look with a hint of retro charm, perfect for any occasion.

8. Two-Toned Bob

Make a bold statement with this two-toned bob, a striking nod to the 90s with a contemporary twist. The hair is cut into a classic blunt bob, with a dramatic color split into two contrasting shades.

The front sections are dyed a vivid blonde, while the rest remain a dark, rich shade, creating a stunning high-contrast effect.

To get this daring look, section the front strands and bleach them to your chosen blonde tone, while maintaining the darker hue for the rest. This edgy and playful hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to stand out with their hair.

9. Playful Double Ponytails

Channel the 90s with playful double ponytails that add a youthful and vibrant flair. Begin by parting your hair down the middle. Gather each section into a sleek ponytail, securing them high on either side of your head.

For that extra retro charm, curl the ends slightly. To master this look, ensure the hair is evenly sectioned and use elastic bands to hold the ponytails in place. A flat iron helps to smooth the top while curling the ends adds a bouncy finish.

This hairstyle injects playfulness into casual or streetwear outfits, perfect for anyone wanting to embrace a fun, nostalgic style.

10. Loose Waves with Blunt Bangs

Embrace the elegance of the 90s with loose waves and blunt bangs. This style features soft waves cascading over your shoulders, complemented by bangs cut straight across to draw attention to your eyes.

To get this iconic look, start with a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then gently brush them for a softer texture. Keep the bangs blunt and just above your brows for that perfect finish.

This hairstyle offers a casual yet chic vibe, effortlessly combining laid-back style with a 90s edge, suitable for both daytime outings and evening events.

11. Space Buns

Step back into the 90s with space buns, a staple among punk and grunge enthusiasts. This daring style involves dividing your hair into two sections and twisting each into a small bun atop your head.

To achieve this look, section your hair evenly and twist tightly, then secure the buns with elastic bands. For a more relaxed and casual look, tug out a few wispy strands around your face.

This bold and playful hairstyle is perfect for festivals, concerts, or any occasion where you want to make a quirky 90s statement.

12. Chic Blunt Bob

Opt for the chic blunt bob to showcase a sleek and polished 90s aesthetic. This classic haircut is straight across at chin-length, creating a bold silhouette. It’s easy to maintain and exudes confidence.

To style, blow-dry your hair straight and use a flat iron to smooth out any flyaways, ensuring the ends remain perfectly blunt.

This minimalist hairstyle is ideal for those seeking a polished appearance that transitions seamlessly between professional and casual settings, adding a hint of 90s cool to your everyday look.

13. Simple Side Braids

Embrace a relaxed simple side braid look that channels 90s boho chic. This style features loose hair with two delicate braids framing your face, adding a touch of texture and charm.

Start by parting your hair in the middle, then create small braids from the front on each side, letting the rest flow in natural waves. Secure these braids with tiny elastics or bobby pins.

This hairstyle is perfect for laid-back days when you want to sprinkle a hint of 90s magic into your style. The simplicity and ease make it a timeless choice for anyone looking for a subtle yet stylish change.

14. Short Textured Pixie Cut

Capture the bold essence of the 90s with a short textured pixie cut. This edgy style highlights choppy layers and wispy bangs that bring playful texture to your hair.

To achieve this look, keep the cut uneven and use styling products like pomades or texture sprays for added definition. It’s a low-maintenance option for those who love a wash-and-go approach but still crave a striking statement.

The messy, layered texture exudes a modern, carefree vibe, perfectly capturing the spirit of 90s fashion. Ideal for anyone wanting a daring, standout look with minimal fuss.

15. Sleek Hair with Barrettes

Revive the 90s with sleek hair and barrettes, offering a polished yet easy-to-achieve style. Part your hair deeply to one side and straighten it for a glossy finish. Adorn your style with barrettes or clips near the temples to add flair.

These accessories transform a simple hairstyle into an elegant look suitable for both day and night events.

With minimal effort, achieve a sophisticated appearance that’s both fun and fashionable. Perfect for those who desire a touch of elegance with a nod to nostalgic trends.

16. Wild Curly Layers

Dive into the voluminous world of the 90s with wild curly layers. This style celebrates big, bouncy curls with layers that amplify volume and beautifully frame the face.

To recreate this look, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse and dry your hair with a diffuser to preserve natural curls.

This bold hairstyle is perfect for those who want to embrace their curls and reflect the carefree energy of 90s fashion. It’s a striking, texture-rich choice that turns heads and celebrates your hair’s natural beauty.

17. Soft Wavy Bob

Step into the 90s with a soft wavy bob that exudes elegance and charm. This hairstyle features textured waves and a voluminous shape, perfect for both casual outings and formal settings.

The hair is cut to chin-length, allowing soft waves to frame your face beautifully. To achieve this look, use a medium curling iron to create loose waves, then gently brush them out for a natural finish.

Add a lightweight mousse to enhance texture and volume. This hairstyle is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet polished appearance, offering a modern twist on the classic bob that effortlessly transitions from day to night.

18. Voluminous Messy Updo

Channel the elegance of the 90s with a voluminous messy updo that blends sophistication with a relaxed vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions like proms or evening events.

The hair is piled high on the head, with soft strands framing the face for added softness. To recreate this look, tease the crown to add volume, then loosely pin your hair back, allowing some pieces to fall naturally.

Use bobby pins for extra hold and finish with a light-hold hairspray. This updo is perfect for those who love a dramatic, voluminous style that captures the essence of 90s flair.

19. Headband Curls

Embrace a playful 90s vibe with headband curls, perfect for casual outings with a touch of nostalgia.

This hairstyle features loose curls that gently cascade over the shoulders, paired with a headband to pull hair back from the face. To achieve this look, curl your hair using a medium curling iron and let the curls cool.

Place a soft fabric headband at the front for that sweet, retro feel. This style adds a charming 90s touch to your everyday look, making it an easy and fun choice for any day out.