Im Lena, a salon stylist with over 10 years behind the chair, and I love bringing 90s hair back with a modern touch. In this post I showcase 18 iconic 90s hairstyles—from sleek center-parted bobs and the layered Rachel cut to crimped texture, soft curtain bangs, high ponytails with scrunchies, and playful half-up tops. These looks can flatter many face shapes and hair textures when adapted correctly: long layers add movement to thick hair, curtain bangs soften square jaws, and texturizing products revive limp strands. I’ll share practical salon-tested tips for recreating each style at home, including product picks, heat-tool settings, and quick maintenance tricks to keep styles fresh between cuts. Whether you want an authentic throwback or a wearable everyday version, the 18 images and my step-by-step pointers will help you choose the right variation and make it work for your hair type and lifestyle.
Textured Curly Bob with Side-Swept Volume
A salon-cut textured curly bob that sits around the jawline with soft interior layering and a pronounced side sweep. Best suited for natural waves and curls (2A–3B); it also works well on chemically waved hair. Fine hair benefits from shorter interior layers to add lift, while very thick hair should be thinned through the ends to remove bulk without losing shape. Styling technique: work on towel‑dried hair, distribute a heat protectant and curl cream or lightweight mousse through mid-lengths and ends, then scrunch. Diffuse on low to medium heat, lifting at the roots for volume. For definition, wrap a few 1–1.25 sections around a curling wand and lightly separate with fingers. Sweep the longer front pieces to the side and finish with a flexible-hold spray. Tools needed: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, blow dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand, duckbill clips, microfiber towel. Products required: heat protectant, curl cream/mousse, lightweight oil or serum, flexible-hold hairspray, optional curl refresher. Difficulty: moderate — easy once cut correctly. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep conditioning, refresh with water + leave-in spray, avoid brushing dry, and sleep on silk to preserve shape.
Sleek Chin-Length Blunt Bob with Micro (Baby) Bangs
This polished chin-length blunt bob with micro bangs works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and suits fine to medium thickness; thick hair can be thinned and texturized by a stylist to achieve the same clean line. Technique: a precision one-length cut with blunt ends and a short, slightly rounded micro fringe; finish the shape by blow-drying with tension and smoothing the ends under or flat-ironing for a crisp edge. Tools needed: professional haircutting shears, thinning shears or razor (if texturizing), sectioning clips, a paddle or small round brush, hairdryer with nozzle, and a 1–1.25 flat iron. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight smoothing cream or serum, light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for day-two styling, and purple or color-depositing shampoo/mask if maintaining a cool pastel tone. Difficulty level: moderate — cutting requires a skilled stylist for the precise line; daily styling is simple but needs care. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks (bangs every 3–4), use color-safe sulfate-free products, a weekly conditioning mask, low heat settings, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve the sleek finish.
Messy Curly Double Space Buns with Center Part
A playful, salon-friendly double space-bun that works best on naturally curly or wavy hair but translates well to straight hair once textured. Suitability: ideal for medium to long lengths; curly and textured hair holds the shape most easily. Fine hair benefits from light backcombing or a texturizing spray; very thick hair will need extra pins. Styling technique: create a clean center part, gather each side into a high or mid-level ponytail, twist or loosely wrap each pony into a bun and secure with elastic and bobby pins, then pull out small face-framing pieces for a relaxed finish. For defined curls, set a few tendrils with a small curling wand first. Tools needed: tail comb, elastics, strong bobby pins/U-pins, small curling iron (optional), and a diffuser if air-drying curls. Products required: leave-in conditioner or curl cream, salt or texturizing spray, light gel or edge control for smooth sides, and a medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate; 10–25 minutes depending on texture. Maintenance tips: refresh with a water or curl-refresh spray, re-pin loose pieces, sleep with a silk scarf, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to keep volume.
Voluminous Half-Up Ponytail with Soft Curtain Fringe and Loose Curls
This polished half-up style with a soft curtain fringe flatters medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium or slightly thick textures. Fine hair benefits from root-lifting products and backcombing at the crown; thicker hair should be smoothed and weighed into larger, looser curls for the same effect. Technique: blow-dry bangs with a round brush for a gentle sweep, apply volume at the crown by lightly backcombing and securing a top half ponytail with an elastic, concealing it with a small wrapped hair section. Create loose, uniform curls from mid-length to ends using a 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, then brush out gently for soft waves. Tools: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, sectioning clips, elastic, bobby pins, paddle or wide-tooth brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, light-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum or texturizing spray. Difficulty: moderate — requires consistent curling and neat crown work. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh waves with a diffuser or light mist of water and texturizer, use dry shampoo between washes, and trim fringe every 6–8 weeks to maintain the shape.
Textured Half‑Up Curly Ponytail with Face‑Framing Curls
This textured half‑up ponytail is ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair (loose to tight curls) and works well on medium to thick hair; fine hair can achieve similar volume with light teasing or a texturizing product. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑defining cream, then diffuse until about 80% dry or air‑dry for tighter curl formation. Section the top crown to create the half‑up pony, lightly backcomb the base for lift, and secure with a snag‑free elastic. Pull out a few face‑framing curls and curl or define them with a small wand if needed; wrap one strand around the elastic for a polished finish and pin with a bobby pin. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser, small curling wand (optional), elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, light gel or curl refresher spray, anti‑frizz oil, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — basic sectioning and curl definition required. Maintenance: refresh with water + curl refresher, ‘‘pineapple’’ at night or use a satin bonnet, avoid over‑brushing, and trim every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends.
Half-Up Textured Waves with Blunt Fringe and Scrunchie
This versatile half-up hairstyle pairs a blunt, eyebrow-length fringe with loose, textured waves and a small top knot secured with a scrunchie — flattering on medium to thick straight or wavy hair and adaptable for finer or softer curls. To create it, start with clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry straight through the fringe with a round brush for a soft blunt finish, then section the top crown and secure it into a small pony or knot with a scrunchie. Use a 1-inch curling wand or flat iron to create loose waves on the lower sections, alternating direction for natural movement. Lightly backcomb the crown section for lift if needed. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, tail comb, clips, small elastic/scrunchie, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, finishing serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic sectioning and wave technique. Maintenance: trim fringe every 3–6 weeks, refresh texture with dry shampoo and salt spray, sleep on a silk pillowcase and re-twist waves with a curling wand as needed.
Half-Up Double Messy Buns with Natural Curls and Curtain Bangs
This half-up double bun style works best on medium-to-long curly or wavy hair but can be adapted for straight hair after light curling. Start on clean, detangled hair. Section the top half into two equal portions from a center part or slightly off-center for an asymmetrical look. Lightly tease the roots for lift, twist each section into a loose bun and secure with small elastics and a few bobby pins so the buns read messy and full—allow some tendrils to fall around the face for a soft, lived-in finish. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, diffuser or curling wand (if needed). Products: lightweight curl cream or mousse, sea-salt spray for texture, heat protectant (if using heat), and a light-hold hairspray or anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium; expect 10–25 minutes depending on curl definition. Pro salon tips: add long layers to reduce bulk and enhance bun shape, and keep curtain bangs long enough to blend into the face. Maintenance: refresh with a water spray + curl cream, re-secure sagging buns, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the curls to preserve shape.
Sleek Chin-Length Blunt Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs
This polished chin‑length blunt bob with soft curtain bangs suits fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair and can be adapted for thicker hair with thinning. Technique: start on towel‑damp hair, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow‑dry in sections with a large round brush, rolling the ends under and smoothing the bangs with slight outward tension to create the curtain shape. Finish by lightly running a flat iron through 1–2 inch sections to set the inward curve and tame flyaways; bend the iron slightly at the ends for the rounded finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with narrow nozzle, large ceramic round brush (1.5–2.5 in), sectioning clips, flat iron. Products required: root‑lift mousse or spray, thermal protectant, lightweight smoothing serum or shine spray, flexible hold hairspray; purple shampoo if hair is lightened. Difficulty level: Easy–Medium — approachable for experienced home stylists or quick salon blowout. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to preserve the blunt line and bangs, deep‑condition weekly, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid excessive high heat to maintain shine.
Half-Up Tousled Waves with Blunt Fringe — Medium-Length Hair
This half-up tousled look with a blunt fringe suits straight to wavy hair at medium length and works well on medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can achieve the shape with root-lifting products, while very curly hair can be smoothed or embraced as a textured variant. Technique: blow-dry bangs smooth with a round brush, then create loose, outward-facing waves through the mid-lengths and ends with a 1 curling iron or flat iron. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, gather the top third into a small ponytail or twist and secure with an elastic and pins, leaving face-framing pieces soft. Tools: round brush, paddle brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or straightener, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or volumizing spray, texturizing salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a drop of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — straightforward steps but requires basic curling control. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, refresh waves with a blast of dry shampoo and re-heat or spritz texturizer on day 2, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and preserve shape.
Textured Short Shag with Face‑Framing Bangs — Tousled Blonde Pixie-Shag
This modern short shag is ideal for fine to medium hair and works beautifully on natural waves; thick hair can wear it too with extra internal thinning to reduce bulk, while very tight curls may need a modified longer shape. The salon cut uses graduated layers, face‑framing bangs and point‑cut ends to create movement and soft separation. For styling, towel dry damp hair, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, then blow dry with a round brush or use a diffuser to enhance texture. Use a small curling iron or flat iron to flip pieces at the ends if needed, and finish by raking a pea‑sized amount of texturizing paste or sea‑salt spray through the mid‑lengths and ends for separation. Tools needed: professional scissors, thinning shears or razor (for texture), blow dryer, round brush, small iron and a wide‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea‑salt or texture spray, light styling paste and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium daily styling; cutting is best left to a stylist. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, refresh texture between washes with water + texturizer, and use a moisture mask monthly if color treated.
Textured Curly High Pigtails with Curtain Bangs
Suitable for naturally curly, wavy, or texture-friendly chemically relaxed hair, this playful high pigtail look works best on mid-length to long hair and on strands with medium to high density. Start with damp, conditioned hair: apply a lightweight leave-in, curl cream or mousse and a thermal protectant for heat styling. Use a diffuser to enhance natural curl or a 3/4 curling wand to add irregular ringlets for straighter hair. Create a clean center part, gather hair into two high ponytails at the crown, secure with soft scrunchies (avoid metal elastics), then loosen and tease at the roots for lift. Pull a few face‑framing curtain bangs and small tendrils free and finger‑tousle the pigtails for lived‑in texture. Tools: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand (optional), hair ties, bobby pins. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate. Maintenance: pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase or use a loose satin bonnet; refresh with water + curl refresher spray between washes; replace scrunchies and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks to keep shape.
Wet‑Look Double Half‑Ponytails with Curtain Bangs and Micro‑Braids
This edgy wet‑look half‑up style suits medium to thick, straight or slightly wavy hair and works well with layered cuts and curtain bangs. Start with towel‑damp hair or apply a wet‑finish gel/cream to dry hair for hold. Section the top half into two high mini ponytails, secure with small elastics and leave the lower lengths loose. Add a few thin micro‑braids through the loose sections for texture, and use a fine‑tooth (rat‑tail) comb to define the curtain bangs. Tools: rat‑tail comb, small elastics, sectioning clips, a comb for teasing, fine‑tooth pick and optional flat iron for smoothing bangs. Products: styling gel or wet‑finish cream, sea‑salt or texturizing spray for mid‑length grip, lightweight serum to add shine and tame flyaways, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium — requires clean sectioning and control of product to avoid heaviness. Maintenance: refresh with a light mist of water and gel each morning, sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape, redo elastics daily to prevent creases, and clarify weekly to remove buildup. Trim bangs and ends regularly to keep the look crisp.
Half-Up Curly Bouffant with Wispy Fringe — Voluminous Vintage-Inspired Style
This half-up curly bouffant with wispy bangs works best on medium to long hair and suits fine-to-medium textures that need added body; thicker hair also adapts well with additional layering. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift. Section the crown and backcomb lightly to build a bouffant; twist or loop small top sections into loose pin curls and secure with bobby pins for the elevated crown. Use a 1 curling iron or hot rollers to create uniform curls throughout the mid-lengths and ends, then gently separate with fingers or a wide-tooth comb for soft waves. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1 curling iron or hot rollers, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light texturizing spray, smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic teasing and pinning skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin curls up overnight, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-curl where needed, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to keep the fringe soft and flattering.
Layered Curly Shag Bob with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs
This textured, layered curly shag bob with face‑framing curtain bangs suits natural curls, loose waves and permed hair; it also adapts well for fine hair when layered to add lift, and for thicker hair when weight is removed strategically. Cutting technique: create graduated, short-to-medium layers with point‑cutting and dry shaping to respect each curl’s spring; trim curtain bangs dry to ensure correct length. Styling technique: apply products to soaking‑wet hair, scrunch and diffuse on low heat, finishing with light scrunching cold shot to set. Tools needed: cutting shears, texturizing shears, wide‑tooth comb, clips, hair dryer with diffuser, microfiber towel and a small curling wand for occasional touchups. Products required: nourishing leave‑in, curl cream or light mousse for definition, anti‑frizz serum or lightweight oil, heat protectant and a flexible hold gel or spray. Difficulty: moderate — precision cutting is best done in the salon, while daily styling is quick at home. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with water + curl cream, deep‑condition weekly, sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple nightly, and book trims every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape.
Half-Up Braided Crown with Soft Beach Waves
This half-up braided crown with loose beach waves suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or slightly textured hair. It’s ideal for medium-fine to thick hair — very fine hair benefits from light volumizing products, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Start by prepping clean, towel-dried hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Rough-dry and then use a 1–1.25” curling wand to create soft, alternating-direction waves. Take a small front section on one side, create a loose three-strand braid (or a Dutch braid for more definition), and pull gently to pancake for width. Sweep the braid across the crown, secure with bobby pins and a small clear elastic, leaving face-framing pieces loose. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-curl ends as needed, and sleep with a loose braid or silk scarf to preserve shape.
Textured Romantic Low Twisted Ponytail for Long Layered Hair
This soft, textured low twisted ponytail suits medium to long hair with layers and works well on fine-to-medium density; very thick hair benefits from thinning or long extensions can be added for extra length and fullness. Start by applying a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Rough-dry while lifting at the crown, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions to build natural texture. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a low pony leaving two face-framing pieces, then twist or rope-braid larger sections and pin them into the base, pulling gently to pancake and create volume. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light mousse, flexible-hold hairspray and a small drop of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a few re-curls as needed, and secure loose pieces with hidden pins rather than heavy spray to keep movement.
Boho Side Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Crown & Loose Waves
This romantic boho side fishtail combines a voluminous, teased crown with loose, textured waves and an undone fishtail cascade embellished with small floral pins. It suits medium-to-long hair and works best on naturally wavy or slightly textured straight hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light teasing, while very thick hair may require thinning for manageability. Styling technique: prep with a salt spray or dry texture spray on damp or second-day hair, blow-dry while rough-drying for body. Create lift at the crown by backcombing and secure with pins. Sweep hair to one side and create a relaxed fishtail starting from mid-length, gently pancake subsections to widen the braid. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose and hide the elastic with a wrapped strand. Finish with decorative pins. Tools needed: 1 curling iron (for prepping waves), teasing brush/comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light mousse for hold, flexible hairspray and a drop of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — 20–40 minutes with practice. Maintenance: refresh shape with dry shampoo, re-pancake or re-pin as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy conditioners at the roots to maintain texture.
Romantic Half‑Up Twisted Crown with Loose Curls
This salon-ready half-up style pairs a soft twisted crown with loose, defined curls for a romantic, polished look. Hair type suitability: best for medium to long hair (shoulder length to mid-back). Works on straight, wavy or slightly curly textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip-in pieces for added volume, while very curly hair should be smoothed in sections before styling. Styling technique: create loose curls from mid-length to ends with a 1 curling iron or wand, alternate curl direction for natural movement, let curls cool, then take two front sections and twist each back, securing them with crisscrossed bobby pins at the crown. Gently loosen twists and finger‑comb curls for softness. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, paddle brush, bobby pins and small clear elastics. Products required: heat protectant, light texturizing spray for grip, flexible hold hairspray, and a drop of shine serum on ends. Difficulty level: easy–moderate; plan 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-curl a few pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume.
As a professional, my best advice is to pick a 90s style that complements your face shape, hair density, and daily routine—then work with a stylist to adapt the cut. For maintenance, schedule regular trims (6–10 weeks for bangs/layers), use a heat protectant before styling, and add a weekly deep-conditioning mask if you use hot tools often. For texture, reach for sea-salt or texturizing spray and a light mousse for volume; for sleek looks, use a smoothing serum and a fine-tooth comb while blow-drying. Remember: small modern changes—softening extreme layers, switching harsh hairspray for flexible-hold spray, or using a flat iron to create subtle bends—make 90s looks wearable today. If you’re unsure which of the 18 styles suits you best, bring reference photos to your stylist and ask for a tailored plan that includes cut, color, and home-care tips. Enjoy experimenting—these retro styles are fun, versatile, and surprisingly easy to modernize.