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The 1990s were an unforgettable era for hairstyles, with iconic trends that have been modernized for 2024. These retro styles bring a mix of nostalgia and contemporary flair, perfect for anyone looking to channel a timeless vibe. From layered looks to bold short cuts, there’s something for every face shape and hair type. Let’s explore 25 retro-inspired hairstyles that are both fashionable and functional.
The Iconic Rachel Cut
The “Rachel” is a universally recognized layered haircut made famous by Jennifer Aniston in Friends. This medium-length hairstyle is defined by face-framing layers and a voluminous bounce that works best for thick hair round faces. It suits medium to long hair and is perfect for women seeking a polished yet playful look. This hairstyle remains a staple for shoulder length layered cuts.
To maintain the Rachel cut, use a volumizing shampoo like Living Proof Full Shampoo and follow up with a lightweight conditioner. Blow-dry with a round brush to achieve that signature swoop.
Blunt Bob with Bangs
The bob with bangs is a sharp, edgy style that gives a bold statement. This hairstyle is a favorite for short sides long top looks and works wonders for round face long shapes. The blunt ends create a crisp silhouette, while the bangs add character. Best suited for straight or slightly wavy hair, this cut is effortlessly chic.
Maintain this style with OUAI’s Leave-In Conditioner for hydration and frizz control. Use a flat iron to enhance the sleekness and finish with a shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine.
Voluminous High Ponytail
This retro hairstyle screams 90s glam. The high ponytail, paired with teased volume at the crown, creates a dramatic and youthful look. Ideal for women long hair or medium hair trending, it complements all face shapes. Add texture by curling the ponytail ends for extra flair.
Prep your hair with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray for lift, and use a strong-hold hairspray like Tresemmé Extra Hold to keep the volume intact throughout the day.
Messy Grunge Layers
Nothing captures the essence of the 90s like messy, textured layers. This look combines a carefree vibe with rebellious energy, making it ideal for medium layered hair. Perfect for fine to medium textures, it suits both round face long and angular face shapes.
Enhance the texture with IGK Beach Club Texture Spray, and use Kristin Ess Soft Shine Pomade for a matte finish that defines the layers without weighing them down.
Sleek and Straight Middle Part
The sleek middle part is an elegant and timeless look straight out of the 90s. Ideal for long hair face shapes, it works well with all hair textures but shines best on smooth, straight locks. This style is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Use Kérastase Discipline Shampoo for frizz control and finish with a flat iron and CHI Silk Infusion serum for that mirror-like shine.
Butterfly Clips Half-Up Hairstyle
Butterfly clips defined 90s accessories, and they’re back in style! This playful half-up hairstyle suits both medium hair trending and shoulder length layered cuts. It adds a youthful, whimsical vibe, perfect for casual or party looks.
For prep, use Garnier Fructis Curl Sculpt Conditioning Cream for defined waves, and finish with butterfly clips in pastel shades to hold the sections in place.
Pixie Cut with Choppy Layers
The pixie cut with choppy layers is a bold and modern take on the classic short style. Perfect for thick hair round faces, it adds dimension and texture to shorter hair. This versatile cut flatters oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
To style, use Redken Rough Paste 12 for definition and a matte finish. Add texture with a dry spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.
Cascading Barrel Curls
Cascading barrel curls are the epitome of 90s glamour. This hairstyle features soft, voluminous curls that cascade down in a polished yet effortless manner. It’s a versatile style that works well for long hair face shapes, adding volume and movement to the hair. It flatters oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, and is a great choice for special occasions like weddings or formal events.
To achieve this look, use a curling iron with a large barrel, such as the Hot Tools Professional 1.25-Inch Curling Iron. Prep with a heat protectant like Tresemmé Heat Defense Spray, and set the curls with L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray for a long-lasting finish.
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a fun and playful hairstyle that was a 90s favorite and is now trending again. This hairstyle involves sectioning the ponytail into “bubbles” with elastic bands, creating a quirky, voluminous effect. Perfect for medium layered or women long hair, it works for both casual outings and bold fashion statements.
Start with a sleek high ponytail using Got2b Ultra Glued Styling Gel for a smooth base. Use small, clear elastics to create the bubbles, and gently tug on each section for volume. Finish with IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray for a polished look.
Face-Framing Tendrils with a Bun
This romantic 90s-inspired hairstyle features a sleek bun with delicate face-framing tendrils. It’s a versatile look that suits both thick hair round faces and shoulder length layered hair, making it ideal for formal occasions or weddings.
To create this style, pull the hair into a sleek bun using Bumble and Bumble Strong Hold Gel. Leave out two small sections near the face and curl them with a small-barrel curling iron. Finish with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray to keep everything in place.
Spiky Pixie Cut
The pixie cut gets a punk-inspired upgrade with spiky texture, perfect for edgy, bold personalities. This style is ideal for short hair and suits thick hair round faces or angular features. It’s a statement-making look that’s low-maintenance and incredibly chic.
Style your pixie with Joico Texture Boost Dry Spray Wax for hold and definition. Use a small amount of Redken Rewind Styling Paste to create spikes that last all day.
Flipped Ends Bob
The flipped ends bob was a signature 90s hairstyle that’s making waves again. This style features shoulder-length hair layered with ends flipped outward for a playful yet sophisticated vibe. It works well for both straight and wavy hair textures, adding a retro flair to any outfit.
Use a round brush and Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer to flip the ends outward while blow-drying. Apply Chi Iron Guard Thermal Spray before styling with a flat iron, and finish with Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light Hold Spray for a polished look.
Bandana and Loose Curls
The combination of a stylish bandana and loose curls is a signature 90s look that exudes casual charm. This hairstyle works perfectly for women with long or medium layered hair, with soft, cascading curls adding volume and bounce. It suits oval and round face shapes, making it a versatile option for beach days, music festivals, or casual outings.
To style, use OGX Coconut Curls Shampoo to enhance curl definition. Wrap your hair in a silk bandana to prevent frizz and finish with Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream for soft, touchable curls.
Curtain Bangs with Layers
Curtain bangs paired with layered shag haircuts are the ultimate 90s revival for 2024. This style frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for long hair face shapes or shoulder-length layered hair. The layers add movement, while the curtain bangs soften angular features.
Maintain this look with Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo to keep hair fresh between washes. Use a round brush and blow-dryer to style the bangs, finishing with Oribe Free Styler Working Hairspray for hold.
High Pigtails with Scrunchies
High pigtails adorned with scrunchies are the epitome of 90s fun and nostalgia. This playful hairstyle suits medium layered or short sides long top hair and is perfect for casual outings or themed parties. Scrunchies in vibrant colors or velvet textures enhance the retro vibe.
Prep with John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum for smooth hair. Gather the hair into two high ponytails and secure with scrunchies. Tease the ponytails for extra volume and spray with Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Hairspray for hold.
Wispy Bangs with a Lob
A lob (long bob) with wispy bangs is a chic 90s-inspired hairstyle with a modern twist. This look is perfect for shoulder-length layered cuts and complements heart-shaped and oval faces. The wispy bangs add softness, while the lob provides a sleek and sophisticated silhouette.
Use Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo to keep the hair smooth and shiny. Style the bangs with a flat iron and finish with R+Co Foil Frizz and Static Control Spray for a polished look.
Braided Crown with Loose Strands
The braided crown with loose strands is a romantic and elegant 90s hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions like weddings or proms. This style suits medium hair trending and women long hair. The braided crown creates a regal look, while the loose strands add a soft, boho touch.
Start by braiding two sections of hair from the temples and pinning them at the back. Leave some strands loose around the face and curl them using a wand. Finish with Kerastase Laque Couture Hairspray for all-day hold.
Hair Claw Clip Twist
The hair claw clip twist is a practical yet stylish 90s hairstyle that’s back in trend. Ideal for shoulder length hair layered or medium layered cuts, this style is quick to achieve and works well for casual or professional settings.
Twist the hair up and secure it with a claw clip, leaving some strands loose for a relaxed look. Use OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil to smooth frizz and add shine. Finish with Aussie Mega Hairspray to keep everything in place.
Wet-Look Slicked-Back Hair
The wet-look slicked-back hairstyle is a bold and edgy 90s trend that’s perfect for parties or red-carpet events. This style suits short sides long top or medium hair trending, creating a dramatic, high-fashion vibe.
Apply L’Oreal Paris Studio Line Clear Minded Styling Gel evenly through damp hair, combing it back for a sleek finish. Use Ouai Matte Pomade for a smooth texture and finish with a shine spray like Sebastian Shaper Plus.
Layered Shag with Textured Bangs
The layered shag with textured bangs is a rock-inspired 90s hairstyle making a huge comeback. Perfect for thick hair round faces or medium layered cuts, this style adds movement and texture for a cool, edgy look.
Use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to enhance the layers and add grit. Blow-dry with a diffuser and finish with Verb Ghost Dry Oil for a lightweight, textured finish.
Cornrows with Beads and Accessories
Cornrows with beads and accessories are a timeless 90s look with cultural significance. This intricate braided style works well for long hair face shapes or medium hair trending, adding flair with colorful beads and charms.
Visit a professional stylist for precision cornrows. Maintain the style with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream to keep the braids hydrated. Add beads and accessories to the ends for a personalized touch
The 90s were a golden era of hairstyles, offering an array of creative looks that continue to inspire trends in 2025. From the Rachel to pixie cuts, these retro styles bring versatility and personality to any hair type or face shape. Which 90s-inspired look will you try next? Let us know in the comments below!
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