20 Iconic 90s Hairstyles for Women Making a Huge Comeback in 2025

20 Iconic 90s Hairstyles For Women to Try in 2025

1. The Rachel Cut

Inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends, this layered cut was the 90s hair phenomenon.

Key Features:

• Face-framing layers with lots of movement
  
• Medium length with blow-dried volume
  
• Works best on straight to wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a round brush and blow dryer for lift
  
• Add a volumizing mousse before drying
  
• Finish with a light hairspray for hold
  

Best For: Women wanting a flattering, everyday cut
Vibe: Chic, approachable, and effortlessly stylish

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2. Butterfly Clips

The ultimate 90s hair accessory, now used to add playful detail to any style.

Key Features:

• Mini claw clips shaped like butterflies
  
• Used to hold back small hair sections
  
• Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use multiple clips for a colorful effect
  
• Coordinate clip colors with your outfit
  
• Perfect for half-up styles and braids
  

Best For: Festivals, casual weekends, fun retro looks
Vibe: Playful, nostalgic, and cute

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3. High Half-Up Ponytail

A flirty, youthful look made popular by pop stars in the late 90s.

Key Features:

• Top section pulled high on the crown
  
• Works with straight or curled hair
  
• Can be styled sleek or textured
  

Styling Tips:

• Wrap a hair strand around the base to hide the tie
  
• Add scrunchies or ribbons for extra 90s flair
  
• Curl the ends for bounce
  

Best For: Casual dates, concerts, playful everyday style
Vibe: Fun, girly, and energetic

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4. Supermodel Blowout

Think Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer big, bouncy volume.

Key Features:

• Large, glamorous curls and waves
  
• Full-bodied layers
  
• Works best on medium to long hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a large-barrel curling iron or rollers
  
• Flip hair upside down for volume boost
  
• Finish with a shine spray for gloss
  

Best For: Special events, photoshoots, nights out
Vibe: Glamorous, confident, and timeless

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5. Space Buns

Double buns that scream 90s festival style.

Key Features:

• Two buns positioned high on the head
  
• Can be sleek or messy
  
• Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Add glitter gel or colored clips for fun
  
• Secure with bobby pins for all-day wear
  
• Leave face-framing strands loose for softness
  

Best For: Festivals, parties, casual weekends
Vibe: Playful, bold, and quirky

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6. Micro Braids

Tiny braids worn loose for a carefree vibe.

Key Features:

• Ultra-thin braids throughout the hair
  
• Long-lasting and low-maintenance
  
• Works on natural or extension hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep scalp moisturized
  
• Use mousse to tame frizz
  
• Style in ponytails, buns, or leave loose
  

Best For: Vacations, low-maintenance protective styles
Vibe: Effortless, boho, and versatile

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7. Zigzag Part

A simple but bold detail that defined 90s hair trends.

Key Features:

• Parted hair in a zigzag pattern
  
• Works with updos, ponytails, or loose hair
  
• Adds instant retro flair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use a rat-tail comb for clean lines
  
• Pair with butterfly clips or scrunchies
  
• Works best with smooth, styled hair
  

Best For: School throwback days, parties, casual wear
Vibe: Fun, edgy, and playful

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8. Box Braids

Popularized by stars like Brandy, these remain a timeless protective style.

Key Features:

• Sectioned braids of uniform size
  
• Works with various lengths and thicknesses
  
• Long-lasting and versatile
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep scalp hydrated
  
• Wrap at night to prevent frizz
  
• Experiment with updos and accessories
  

Best For: Long-term protective styling
Vibe: Stylish, cultural, and versatile

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9. Claw Clip Updo

Effortless chic with a large claw clip securing the hair.

Key Features:

• Hair twisted and clipped at the back
  
• Loose pieces for softness
  
• Works for casual or office looks
  

Styling Tips:

• Choose oversized clips for more grip
  
• Match clip color to outfit for a polished look
  
• Works on straight, wavy, or curly hair
  

Best For: Work, errands, casual dinners
Vibe: Minimalist, quick, and trendy

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10. Side-Swept Bangs

Soft bangs swept to one side for a romantic feel.

Key Features:

• Works with layered or straight cuts
  
• Frames the face without full fringe
  
• Easy to grow out
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry with a round brush for shape
  
• Use light hairspray to keep in place
  
• Pair with loose curls for 90s vibes
  

Best For: Everyday wear, date nights
Vibe: Romantic, casual, and soft

11. Crimped Hair

A textured, wavy look that defined the late 90s club scene.

Key Features:

• Tight, uniform waves created with a crimping iron
  
• Works on medium to long hair
  
• Adds playful volume and texture
  

Styling Tips:

• Use heat protectant before crimping
  
• Crimp small sections for best results
  
• Finish with hairspray to hold the waves
  

Best For: Parties, themed events, fashion-forward looks
Vibe: Bold, playful, and high-energy

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12. High Messy Bun

A relaxed updo with plenty of volume.

Key Features:

• High placement for drama
  
• Loose strands around the face
  
• Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Backcomb slightly before pinning
  
• Use a scrunchie for 90s flair
  
• Pull out a few strands for softness
  

Best For: Casual days, errands, coffee dates
Vibe: Carefree, trendy, and easygoing

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13. Tendrils

Face-framing strands left out of updos or ponytails.

Key Features:

• Soft strands curled or straightened
  
• Frames the face for a romantic effect
  
• Works with almost any hairstyle
  

Styling Tips:

• Curl tendrils for an extra 90s touch
  
• Use light hairspray to keep them in place
  
• Best paired with updos or half-up styles
  

Best For: Dates, casual nights out, special events
Vibe: Flirty, feminine, and effortless

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14. French Twist

A classic updo that was big in the 90s business and evening scene.

Key Features:

• Hair twisted vertically and pinned
  
• Sleek and polished
  
• Perfect for formal settings
  

Styling Tips:

• Smooth hair with a styling cream
  
• Use strong bobby pins for hold
  
• Add decorative clips for flair
  

Best For: Work events, weddings, formal dinners
Vibe: Elegant, sophisticated, and timeless

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15. Feathered Layers

A soft, voluminous layered cut inspired by the late 90s blowouts.

Key Features:

• Soft, feathered ends for movement
  
• Works on medium to long hair
  
• Great for straight or slightly wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry with a round brush for lift
  
• Use light mousse for body
  
• Maintain shape with regular trims
  

Best For: Everyday wear, professional looks
Vibe: Soft, natural, and stylish

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16. Braided Updo

A combination of braids and pinned-up styles.

Key Features:

• Braids styled into a bun or chignon
  
• Works for casual or formal looks
  
• Can be accessorized with clips or beads
  

Styling Tips:

• Keep braids neat with braid spray
  
• Secure with pins and elastics
  
• Add decorative pins for extra detail
  

Best For: Weddings, parties, special events
Vibe: Romantic, polished, and versatile

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17. Curtain Bangs

Long, parted bangs that frame the face a 90s essential.

Key Features:

• Middle-parted fringe blended into layers
  
• Works with long or medium cuts
  
• Softens face shape
  

Styling Tips:

• Blow-dry with a round brush for shape
  
• Keep fringe light and airy
  
• Trim regularly to maintain length
  

Best For: Casual or professional wear
Vibe: Retro, chic, and flattering

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18. Slicked-Back Ponytail

Minimalist yet sleek, often paired with bold makeup in the 90s.

Key Features:

• High shine finish
  
• Ponytail secured at nape or crown
  
• Works on straight or wavy hair
  

Styling Tips:

• Use gel or pomade for sleekness
  
• Wrap a hair strand around the base
  
• Finish with hairspray for hold
  

Best For: Nights out, fashion-forward events
Vibe: Bold, clean, and powerful

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19. Chunky Highlights

High-contrast streaks of blonde, red, or caramel against dark hair.

Key Features:

• Wide, noticeable highlight sections
  
• Works best on straight or wavy styles
  
• Strongly 90s aesthetic
  

Styling Tips:

• Pair with layered cuts for full effect
  
• Use color-safe products to maintain tone
  
• Keep hair hydrated to avoid dryness
  

Best For: Retro-inspired transformations
Vibe: Edgy, vibrant, and bold

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20. Headband Hairstyles

From sporty elastic bands to wide cloth headbands, a true 90s staple.

Key Features:

• Keeps hair away from the face
  
• Works on short, medium, or long hair
  
• Can be plain or patterned
  

Styling Tips:

• Choose satin-lined bands for hair health
  
• Match band color to your outfit
  
• Style hair loose, straight, or in waves underneath
  

Best For: School, casual outings, athleisure looks
Vibe: Sporty, fun, and effortless