If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember exactly what your hair looked like on picture day. Maybe you begged your stylist for "the layered cut" after watching a certain sitcom, or spent an hour clipping twelve butterfly clips along a zigzag part before school. Hair in the 90s was a statement, and many of those statements are back.
This guide covers the 30 most iconic 90s hairstyles, grouped by look, with where each style came from and how to wear it now. Further down you will find step-by-step instructions for the five most-searched looks, a table matching styles to hair types and lengths, and a quick list of the tools you need.
Quick answer
The most iconic 90s hairstyles were the bouncy layered "sitcom" cut, the sleek middle part, space buns, half-up topknots, zigzag parts covered in butterfly clips, claw clip updos, chunky highlights, crimped hair, the short pixie, box braids and finger waves. Most take under 15 minutes to recreate.
Key takeaways
- Early 90s hair was big and soft; mid-90s went sleek and minimal; late 90s got playful with clips, buns and chunky color.
- Most 90s styles work on any hair type with small adjustments.
- A rat-tail comb, small elastics and a pack of butterfly clips cover half the looks on this list.
- Many of these styles are mainstream again, so they do not have to look like a costume.
How 90s hair changed through the decade
Like 90s fashion, hair moved in three broad phases. The early years still carried some 80s volume: big curls, scrunchies and teased bangs. By the middle of the decade, minimalism took over, with sleek middle parts, glossy straight hair and simple layered cuts. Then, from around 1997, pop music and teen TV made hair fun again with space buns, zigzag parts, glitter gel and clips everywhere.
| Phase | Signature looks | Influences |
|---|---|---|
| 1990–1993 | Big curls, scrunchie ponytails, crimping, side bangs, finger waves | 80s carry-over, R&B, sitcoms |
| 1994–1996 | Layered shag, sleek middle part, pixie, flipped bob, box braids | Supermodels, sitcoms, films |
| 1997–1999 | Space buns, zigzag parts, butterfly clips, chunky highlights, half-up topknots | Pop groups, music videos, teen TV |
Iconic cuts
1 The layered "sitcom" shag
The single most requested haircut of the decade: shoulder-length, heavily layered, with flicked-out ends that bounced when you walked. It became famous on a 1990s sitcom around 1995 and salons reported clients bringing in photos for years. Wear it now: ask for long face-framing layers and blow-dry with a round brush, flicking the ends outward. The modern "butterfly cut" is its direct descendant.
2 The sleek middle part
Poker-straight, glossy hair parted dead center was the supermodel look of the mid 90s. It pairs perfectly with 90s minimalist fashion. Wear it now: flat iron in small sections, then smooth with a drop of serum.
3 The pixie cut
Short, choppy pixies became a symbol of cool, gamine style in the mid 90s, popularized by actresses on magazine covers. Wear it now: add texture paste and push the fringe forward.
4 The flipped bob
A chin- or shoulder-length bob with the ends flipped out, very newscaster-meets-teen-movie. Wear it now: use a large round brush or a flat iron flicked outward at the ends.
5 Curtain bangs
Long bangs parted in the middle and swept to each side, framing the face. Back in a big way.
6 Chunky highlights
Thick stripes of blonde (or sometimes bright color) against a darker base, a late-90s pop signature. Wear it now: try "money piece" face-framing highlights for a softer version.
Updos and half-ups
7 Space buns
Two buns high on the head, sometimes with loose strands left out. Pop groups made them a late-90s staple. Step-by-step instructions are below.
8 Half-up topknot
The top section twisted into a small bun with the rest left down. Quick, cute and very 1998.
9 Claw clip twist
Twist all your hair up and secure with a big claw clip, leaving the ends spilling out the top. The easiest 90s look and one of the biggest comebacks. See 90s hair accessories.
10 The pineapple ponytail
A very high ponytail with curly ends falling forward, often tied with a scrunchie.
11 Face-framing strands
Two thin pieces left out at the front of any updo. The detail that makes a style look instantly late 90s.
12 Mini bun crown
A row of tiny twisted buns from front to back, secured with small elastics or clips.
Parts, clips and texture
13 Zigzag part
A zigzag line instead of a straight part, often covered with clips. Instructions below.
14 Butterfly clip rows
Small twists along the front, each pinned with a tiny butterfly clip. Pure late-90s.
15 Crimped hair
Zigzag waves from a crimping iron, all over or just in a few sections.
16 Glitter gel and body glitter
Sparkle on slicked-back styles or along a part.
17 Spiky buns
Buns with the ends left sticking out, set with gel.
18 Bandana headband
A folded bandana tied at the nape, grunge or hip hop style.
19 Zigzag stretch headband
The plastic comb headband that left lines in your hair.
20 Thin padded headband
The preppy finish. See 90s preppy outfits.
Ponytails and braids
21 Scrunchie ponytail
A simple ponytail with a velvet or satin scrunchie. Side ponytails were also a thing.
22 Sleek high ponytail with swoop
A sleek high ponytail with a swooped front section, popular with R&B singers.
23 Box braids
Long box braids, sometimes with a bandana or worn half up, were made iconic by a 1993 film starring an R&B superstar, and by the singers and rappers of the decade.
24 Cornrows with beads
Often paired with colorful beads at the ends.
25 Bantu knots
Small coiled knots across the head, worn as a style or to create curls.
26 Finger waves
Sculpted, glossy waves close to the head, a glamorous early-90s R&B look.
27 Baby hair edges
Sculpted edges with gel, a signature of 90s hip hop and R&B style.
28 Two French braids
Sporty and practical, from gym class to music videos.
29 Mini braids around the face
Two thin braids at the front of loose hair, often with a bead at the end.
30 Teased volume with a side part
An early-90s leftover of big 80s hair, softened and brushed out.
How to do the 5 most popular 90s hairstyles
Space buns
Part down the middle
Use a rat-tail comb to split hair into two equal sections from forehead to nape.
Make two high ponytails
Secure each with a small elastic, high on the head and evenly placed.
Twist and wrap
Twist each ponytail tightly and wrap it around its base.
Pin
Secure with a second elastic or 3–4 bobby pins. Pull out two face-framing strands.
Finish
Spray, and add mini butterfly clips or glitter if it is a party.
Zigzag part with butterfly clips
Start at the hairline
Place the comb tip where you want the part to start.
Zig and zag
Draw small diagonal strokes back to the crown, alternating left and right.
Twist small sections
Take 1-inch sections along the front and twist them back.
Clip
Secure each twist with a mini butterfly clip.
The layered "sitcom" blow-dry
Ask for the right cut
Long face-framing layers starting at the chin, with layers throughout.
Rough dry to 80%
Use a volumizing mousse at the roots.
Round brush
Dry each section with a large round brush, rolling the ends outward.
Flick and set
Finish ends with a flat iron flicked out, then a light hairspray.
Half-up topknot
Section the top
Take the hair from your temples up to the crown.
Tie and twist
Make a small ponytail, twist and wrap into a bun.
Leave strands
Pull out two thin pieces at the front.
Claw clip twist
Gather
Pull all your hair back as if making a low ponytail.
Twist up
Twist it upward against the back of your head.
Clip
Secure with a large claw clip, letting the ends fan out at the top.
Which 90s hairstyle suits your hair?
| Hair type / length | Best 90s styles |
|---|---|
| Short (pixie to chin) | Pixie, flipped bob, mini space buns, headbands, mini clips |
| Medium (chin to shoulder) | Layered shag, flipped ends, half-up topknot, zigzag part |
| Long | Sleek middle part, claw clip twist, space buns, high ponytail |
| Curly or coily | Pineapple ponytail, Bantu knots, puffs as space buns, curly half-up |
| Fine hair | Crimped sections for volume, half-up topknot, claw clip |
| Thick hair | Space buns, box braids, layered cut to remove weight |
Tools you need
90s hair kit
- Rat-tail comb
- Small clear elastics
- Bobby pins
- Butterfly clips (mini and regular)
- Large claw clip
- Velvet scrunchies
- Round brush
- Crimping or flat iron
- Strong-hold gel
- Hairspray
Then (90s)
Hair was set with crunchy gel, heavy hairspray and a lot of heat. Butterfly clips came in plastic packs of 20 from the drugstore.
Now (2027)
The same shapes with softer products: texture sprays, lightweight creams and heat protectant. Clips and claw clips are back in nicer materials.
Make it modern: pick one 90s hair element at a time. A claw clip twist with a modern outfit looks current; a zigzag part with 12 butterfly clips is perfect for a 90s theme party.
More beauty guides
Conclusion
90s hairstyles were about personality: soft and bouncy, sleek and minimal, or playful and full of clips. The easiest ones to bring back are the claw clip twist, face-framing layers and a sleek middle part, while space buns and zigzag parts are perfect for parties. Finish the look with a 90s makeup look and the right hair accessories, and for the guys, see 90s hairstyles for men.
Frequently asked questions
What was the most popular hairstyle in the 90s?
The most copied 90s hairstyle was the bouncy, face-framing layered cut made famous by a sitcom character in 1995. Close behind were the sleek middle part, space buns, half-up topknots and hair full of butterfly clips.
What are easy 90s hairstyles for short hair?
For short hair, try a sleek pixie, a chin-length bob with flipped ends, a zigzag part with a few mini butterfly clips, or two tiny space buns at the crown. A wide headband or bandana also works on almost any length.
How do I do a 90s hairstyle for a party?
The fastest party looks are space buns, a half-up topknot with face-framing strands, or a row of butterfly clips along a zigzag part. Each takes under ten minutes with a comb, small elastics and clips.
What 90s hairstyles are back in style?
Claw clip updos, face-framing layers, the "butterfly" haircut, sleek middle parts, chunky highlights and butterfly clips are all popular again in 2027.
What hairstyles did Black women wear in the 90s?
Popular styles included box braids, finger waves, sleek relaxed bobs, Bantu knots, baby hair edges, high ponytails with swoops and short tapered cuts. Many of these looks were set by 90s R&B and hip hop artists.
What tools do I need for 90s hair?
A rat-tail comb for parts, small clear elastics, bobby pins, a round brush, a crimping iron or flat iron, butterfly and claw clips, scrunchies and a strong-hold hairspray or gel.
How do you make a zigzag part?
Place the tip of a rat-tail comb at your hairline, then move it back in small diagonal strokes, alternating left and right, while separating the hair. Smooth each side down and spray.
What is the difference between 90s and Y2K hairstyles?
Early and mid-90s hair was softer and more natural, with layers, sleek parts and simple clips. Late-90s and Y2K styles got playful: chunky highlights, spiky buns, zigzag parts and lots of small clips.