25 Classic 90s Hairstyles for Men That Still Look Cool Today

The 90s were a golden era for men’s hairstyles bold, experimental, and full of character. From grungy middle parts to high-top fades and slicked-back undercuts, these iconic styles defined a generation. And here’s the kicker: many of these 90s hairstyles are making a strong comeback in 2025.

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or want to add a throwback twist to your modern look, this list of 25 classic 90s hairstyles for men proves that great style never goes out of fashion.

Why 90s Hairstyles Are Trending Again

In 2025, we’re seeing a major revival of 90s aesthetics in fashion, music, and grooming. Here’s why men are revisiting these cuts:

• Retro is cool again
• TikTok and Instagram influencers are bringing them back
• They offer a mix of edgy, clean, and casual
• Celebrities like Drake, A$AP Rocky, and Timothée Chalamet are rocking them
• 90s culture (skateboarding, grunge, hip hop) is influencing modern streetwear

25 Classic 90s Hairstyles for Men In 2025

1. Middle Part (Curtain Bangs)

Nothing says ’90s heartthrob like the Middle Part, also known as Curtain Bangs. Popularized by icons like Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, this soft, face-framing hairstyle was the epitome of teen cool and is now back in full force.

Key Features:

• Long fringe parted down the middle
• Light layering on the sides
• Best with straight or wavy hair
• Naturally soft and boyish appearance

Styling Tips:

• Use a lightweight styling cream or mousse for soft hold
• Blow-dry the bangs away from the face using a round brush
• Tuck behind the ears for a relaxed, effortless vibe
• Trim regularly to maintain the curtain shape

Best For:
Guys with medium-length hair looking for a soft, retro-inspired look that highlights facial symmetry.

Vibe:
Romantic, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool like stepping straight out of a 90s coming-of-age film.

2. High-Top Fade

The High-Top Fade is a bold, architectural cut that ruled the 90s hip-hop and streetwear scene. With a squared-off top and sharp fade, it’s a style that exudes confidence and cultural heritage.

Key Features:

• Vertical length at the crown
• Boxy or flat top shape
• Sharp skin or taper fade on the sides
• Best suited for thick or coiled hair

Styling Tips:

• Use a wide-tooth comb to maintain the top’s shape
• Apply moisturizing cream or sponge to keep the texture healthy
• Regular edge-ups and trims are a must to retain sharp angles
• Optional: Add designs or lines into the fade for flair

Perfect For:
Men wanting a retro-futuristic style that honors 90s Black excellence and individuality.

Vibe:
Strong, structured, and unapologetically expressive this is one for the bold and proud.

3. Slicked-Back Undercut

The Slicked-Back Undercut was the rebel haircut of the 90s. With shaved or faded sides and a long top brushed back, this look pairs perfectly with a smirk and a leather jacket.

Key Features:

• Long top (4–6 inches or more)
• Sides undercut or skin-faded
• Sleek, combed-back finish
• Best for straight to slightly wavy hair

Styling Tips:

• Use a pomade or gel with medium to strong hold
• Comb hair straight back when damp
• For a modern touch, try a matte clay for a less greasy finish
• Use a blow-dryer to lock in volume at the roots

Best For:
Guys who want a clean yet edgy look with vintage rebel vibes.

Vibe:
Slick, mysterious, and confident think 90s mobster meets street style influencer.

4. Caesar Cut

Made iconic by George Clooney, the Caesar Cut features short, even-length hair all around with a horizontal fringe. This 90s classic is still relevant for men who prefer a clean, no-fuss haircut.

Key Features:

• Short fringe cut straight across the forehead
• Uniform length on top, sides, and back
• Low-maintenance and timeless
• Works well for receding hairlines or thinning hair

Styling Tips:

• Use a lightweight matte pomade for texture
• Brush the fringe forward after towel-drying
• Trim every 2–3 weeks to maintain sharp lines
• Ideal for men with straight or slightly wavy hair

Best For:
Busy professionals, older men, or anyone looking for a low-effort style that doesn’t skimp on style.

Vibe:
Minimalist, classic, and masculine like a refined version of military style with Hollywood charm.

5. Spiky Hair with Frosted Tips

Throw it back to the TRL era with Spiky Hair and Frosted Tips. This style, once ruled by boy bands and pop icons, is making a comeback especially with Gen Z embracing retro kitsch with confidence.

Key Features:

• Short to medium length top with pointy, textured spikes
• Tips bleached or dyed blonde for contrast
• Often paired with a fade or tapered sides
• Playful and bold aesthetic

Styling Tips:

• Use strong-hold gel or wax to spike the hair upward
• Bleach only the ends for that signature 90s frosted effect
• For a modern take, try softer spikes and subtle highlights
• Avoid over-gelling use just enough for definition

Perfect For:
Younger men, music lovers, or anyone ready to relive their *NSYNC days with modern swag.

Vibe:
Energetic, throwback-cool, and unapologetically fun. Instant nostalgia, recharged.

6. The Bowl Cut

Once the punchline of 90s hair jokes, the Bowl Cut is now enjoying a fashionable revival only this time it’s sleeker, sharper, and paired with modern fades or undercuts.

Key Features:

• Even, rounded fringe that circles the head
  
• Can include tapered or faded sides for structure
  
• Typically straight or slightly textured hair
  
• Bold and editorial in today’s context
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep it modern with a low taper or skin fade underneath
  
• Use a smoothing cream to keep the top neat and frizz-free
  
• Trim every few weeks to maintain the round silhouette
  
• Works best on straight hair types
  

Best For:
Trendsetters, fashion students, or anyone confident enough to rock a once-taboo look.

Vibe:
Quirky, retro-modern, and fearless it’s a conversation starter that doubles as a fashion statement.

7. Flat-Top with Design

The iconic Flat-Top from 90s hip-hop and street culture gets an upgrade in 2025 with etched razor designs, adding flair and individuality to this already bold cut.

Key Features:

• Flat, squared top with height
  
• Skin or taper fade on the sides
  
• Shaved patterns or razor lines etched into the fade
  
• Works best on thick, tightly coiled hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a flat-top comb and styling sponge for shape and height
  
• Visit a skilled barber for clean, sharp angles and precision designs
  
• Keep the lines crisp with weekly touch-ups
  
• Optional: Add color highlights to enhance the design
  

Best For:
Creative guys, dancers, or anyone who wants to stand out with a personalized twist on a classic.

Vibe:
Confident, expressive, and unapologetically bold. Retro streetwear meets 2025 edge.

8. The Grunge Shag

Inspired by Kurt Cobain, the Grunge Shag is all about rebellion, movement, and effortless cool. Long bangs, choppy layers, and a slightly greasy finish make it the go-to look for the anti-mainstream crowd.

Key Features:

• Medium to long length with layered texture
  
• Long, face-framing bangs
  
• Purposefully unkempt and tousled
  
• Works best on wavy or slightly straight hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance grit and movement
  
• Avoid over-styling embrace the messiness
  
• Air-dry or scrunch the hair while drying for volume
  
• Pair with casual flannels or vintage tees for full 90s effect
  

Best For:
Artists, musicians, or free spirits who value attitude over polish.

Vibe:
Raw, rebellious, and artistic like you just stepped out of a 90s grunge concert.

9. Buzz Cut with Line-Up

Simple, sharp, and effortlessly cool, the Buzz Cut with Line-Up takes the military staple and gives it a street-smart update. The clean lines around the forehead, temples, and beard area elevate the look.

Key Features:

• Ultra-short length all over
  
• Sharp line-up around the forehead and temples
  
• Often paired with a faded neckline or beard
  
• No-fuss and universally flattering
  

Styling Tips:

• Get a fresh cut every 1–2 weeks to maintain the sharp edges
  
• Use light beard oil if paired with facial hair for a clean finish
  
• Works great on all hair textures, especially coarse or curly types
  

Best For:
Minimalists, athletes, or men who want maximum impact with minimal effort.

Vibe:
Disciplined, sharp, and clean-cut classic with a street-savvy edge.

10. Cornrows

Made iconic by 90s icons like Allen Iverson, cornrows were more than just a hairstyle they were a cultural declaration. In 2025, this style remains sharp, symbolic, and full of artistic possibilities.

Key Features:

• Tight braids close to the scalp
  
• Symmetrical or creative parting designs
  
• Works well for natural, textured hair
  
• Long-lasting and low-maintenance
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep the scalp moisturized with natural oils or leave-in conditioner
  
• Use silk or satin durags at night to preserve the braids
  
• Choose from straight backs, zigzags, or freestyle patterns depending on the occasion
  

Best For:
Men who want a protective, statement-making style rooted in culture.

Vibe:
Confident, structured, and unapologetically authentic.

11. Mullet

The mullet is back but better. While the 90s mullet was all about contrast and rebellion, today’s version is more textured, more polished, and full of cool retro flair.

Key Features:

• Short or faded sides
  
• Medium-length top
  
• Long hair at the back, often layered
  
• Adds a sense of flow and personality
  

Styling Tips:

• Use lightweight mousse or sea salt spray to add volume and texture
  
• Keep the back conditioned to avoid frizz or split ends
  
• Taper or fade the sides for a cleaner 2025 twist
  

Best For:
Trendsetters, creatives, and anyone ready to embrace the “business in front, party in the back” attitude.

Vibe:
Playful, rebellious, and fashion-forward with nostalgic roots.

12. Pompadour with Fade

Revived in the 90s by rockabilly and vintage revivalists, the pompadour gets a modern reboot in 2025 with sharp fades and beard blends. It’s all about height, polish, and confidence.

Key Features:

• Voluminous front pushed upward and back
  
• Skin or low fade on the sides
  
• Optional beard or sideburn integration
  
• Suitable for straight or slightly wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a blow dryer and round brush to lift the front
  
• Finish with a high-hold pomade or matte paste for structure
  
• Keep the sides faded regularly to maintain clean contrast
  

Best For:
Men who love vintage vibes but want a sharp, updated finish.

Vibe:
Elegant, bold, and charismatic with rock ‘n’ roll DNA.

13. Hard Part Comb Over

Sharp, clean, and undeniably 90s gentleman, the hard part comb over features a razor-defined side part paired with a sleek sweep of hair. It’s a haircut that brings both edge and elegance.

Key Features:

• Precision line etched on one side
  
• Medium-length top, combed over cleanly
  
• Works well with fades or tapered sides
  
• Business-casual approved
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a matte pomade for a soft, modern hold
  
• Keep the hard part line sharp with regular touch-ups
  
• Blow-dry the top section to add volume before styling
  

Best For:
Men who want a polished look with retro flair.

Vibe:
Professional, stylish, and confidently classic.

14. The “Floppy Fringe”

This relaxed hairstyle dominated 90s teen shows and red carpets alike. Featuring loose bangs that fall softly over the forehead, the floppy fringe adds a touch of romantic, boy-next-door energy.

Key Features:

• Longer front with layers
  
• Soft, flowy bangs or curtain-style front
  
• Pairs well with undercuts or subtle fades
  
• Suited for straight or wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Apply a light styling cream or leave-in conditioner
  
• Finger-comb for a natural shape
  
• Avoid over-styling it’s meant to look effortless
  

Seen On:
90s icons like Ryder Strong, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and early Leonardo DiCaprio.

Vibe:
Youthful, relaxed, and charmingly low-key.

15. Dreadlocks

From Lenny Kravitz’s wild freeform dreads to Busta Rhymes’ bold loc styles, dreadlocks defined expressive 90s cool. In 2025, they’re even more dynamic with styles ranging from neat and short to long and colored.

Key Features:

• Twisted or coiled locks, freeform or styled
  
• Can be short, medium, or long
  
• Protective and culturally significant
  
• Versatile can be tied, braided, or worn loose
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep the scalp moisturized with natural oils
  
• Retwist or palm-roll regularly (if not going freeform)
  
• Wear a silk bonnet or durag to protect at night
  

Best For:
Men who embrace individuality, cultural roots, and long-term hair journeys.

Vibe:
Artistic, spiritual, bold and timeless.

16. Tapered Afro

Popularized by 90s R&B icons and sitcom stars, the tapered Afro combines volume with sharp shape. The faded sides and shaped top give it structure while celebrating natural texture.

Key Features:

• Rounded Afro top with tapered sides
  
• Natural curl pattern maintained
  
• Clean neckline and sideburns
  
• Versatile for formal or casual looks
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a pick to lift the roots and create shape
  
• Apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream to enhance texture
  
• Visit your barber every few weeks for clean taper lines
  

Best For:
Black men with Type 3 or 4 curls looking for a classic, defined style.

Vibe:
Cool, clean, and timeless with 90s flavor.

17. Skater Shag

Straight from the Tony Hawk era, the skater shag is all about that messy, mid-length, devil-may-care energy. With layers, slight waves, and a center or off-center part, it’s the signature look of 90s rebellion.

Key Features:

• Medium-length hair with choppy layers
  
• Slight fringe or face-framing strands
  
• Often parted slightly off-center
  
• Works best with straight to wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a sea salt spray or lightweight cream for natural texture
  
• Air-dry or rough dry for a casual finish
  
• Keep the back and sides trimmed to avoid a mullet effect
  

Vibe:
Grunge-meets-skatepark laid-back, alternative, and nostalgic.

18. Gelled Faux Hawk

This 90s spiky statement was the go-to for edgy guys who didn’t want to fully commit to a mohawk. The gelled faux hawk features short sides and a narrow spiked strip down the center.

Key Features:

• High-contrast faux hawk shape
  
• Sides either faded or kept short
  
• Middle section styled upright with gel
  
• Can be worn sharp or slightly tousled
  

Styling Tips:

• Use high-shine gel for a classic throwback effect
  
• Blow-dry upward to lock in volume
  
• Keep sides clean with regular trims
  

Best For:
Guys who want a playful, rebellious 90s-inspired style without going extreme.

Vibe:
Edgy, expressive, and attention-grabbing just like the late 90s.

19. Low Caesar with Waves

A hybrid of two timeless styles, the low Caesar cut with 360 waves adds texture, neatness, and precision. Made iconic by hip-hop legends, it’s a sharp, no-fuss look that’s still relevant in 2025.

Key Features:

• Close-cut Caesar base with short fringe
  
• 360 wave pattern across the scalp
  
• Crisp line-up around the hairline
  
• Clean neckline and temples
  

Styling Tips:

• Brush regularly with a wave brush
  
• Use pomade and wave caps to maintain pattern
  
• Schedule weekly or bi-weekly trims to keep the cut tight
  

Best For:
Black men who want a low-maintenance yet polished look.

Vibe:
Classic hip-hop cool meets sleek modern style.

20. Side Part Fade

This clean and confident haircut blends 90s structure with current fade trends. The side part fade is simple to style and brings out your facial features while giving a refined appearance.

Key Features:

• Defined side part
  
• Medium to low fade on the sides
  
• Short to medium length on top
  
• Works well on straight or wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a matte pomade for a natural, brushable finish
  
• Comb the top to one side after a blow-dry
  
• Add a hard part for bolder definition
  

Best For:
Men who want a professional, timeless look with a hint of 90s influence.

Vibe:
Chic, structured, and easy to maintain perfect for the modern gentleman.

21. Mini Dreads with Beads

Back in the 90s, mini dreads adorned with beads were everywhere from reggae stages to streetwear icons. Today, they’re making waves again with even more styling creativity.

Key Features:

• Short dreadlocks or twists
  
• Decorative beads (wooden, metal, or colorful)
  
• Can be styled in rows, parted, or freeform
  
• Lightweight and expressive
  

Styling Tips:

• Use leave-in moisturizer to keep dreads soft
  
• Avoid over-manipulating to retain a natural look
  
• Choose bead colors that match your outfit or vibe
  

Best For:
Creative guys and trendsetters who want to celebrate culture and individuality.

Vibe:
Artistic, nostalgic, and unapologetically bold.

22. Short Afro with Razor Line

This look brings together the soft fullness of a classic short Afro with the sharp edge of a razor-cut design typically a line or curve near the temple.

Key Features:

• Tapered short Afro with clean silhouette
  
• Razor line or etched detail along one side
  
• Works well with natural hair textures
  
• Low to medium maintenance
  

Styling Tips:

• Moisturize daily to maintain curl health
  
• Ask your barber to refresh the razor line every 2 weeks
  
• Use curl sponge for texture definition
  

Best For:
Men who want to mix classic texture with modern lines.

Vibe:
Crisp, confident, and packed with personality.

23. Bleached Blonde Buzz

Popularized by 90s icons like Sisqó and Eminem, the bleached buzz cut is loud, fearless, and surprisingly chic in 2025 especially when paired with strong eyebrows or facial hair.

Key Features:

• Ultra-short buzzed length
  
• Full head bleach (platinum, icy, or golden tones)
  
• Easy to maintain cut with bold contrast
  

Styling Tips:

• Always deep-condition post-bleach to avoid dryness
  
• Use purple shampoo to reduce brassiness
  
• Rock it with shades or ear jewelry for full impact
  

Best For:
Daring guys who want a statement style without high styling effort.

Vibe:
Edgy, iconic, and totally retro-cool.

24. Wavy Mop Top

A tribute to 90s boy band and surfer style, the wavy mop top features relaxed layers, natural flow, and zero fuss perfect for medium-length hair.

Key Features:

• Medium-length cut with long layers
  
• Natural movement and curtain-like fall
  
• Ideal for wavy or textured straight hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Spray sea salt mist and scrunch for definition
  
• Avoid combing use fingers to style
  
• Let it air dry for authentic surfer vibes
  

Best For:
Guys who lean into chill, creative, or nostalgic aesthetics.

Vibe:
Carefree, flirty, and straight from the MTV era.

25. Box Braids with Taper Fade

Box braids were everywhere in 90s hip-hop culture and in 2025, they’re elevated with a clean taper fade that adds shape and polish. This combo balances protection, style, and edge.

Key Features:

• Medium to long box braids
  
• Clean taper fade on the sides and back
  
• Scalp-accessible, low-maintenance protective style
  
• Versatile can be tied up, left loose, or accessorized
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep your scalp moisturized with lightweight oil
  
• Refresh the fade every 2–3 weeks to maintain shape
  
• Wrap at night to preserve neatness and braid longevity
  

Best For:
Men with textured or coily hair looking for a throwback style with modern structure.

Vibe:
Urban, protective, and effortlessly iconic.