Buns, knots, and face-framing pieces were all the rage in the 90s. Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock
The 1990s were all about bold beauty trends, and 90s hairstyles made just as much of a statement as the fashion. From butterfly clips to face-framing tendrils, the decade embraced texture, volume, and fun.
With the 90s back in style, these looks are getting a modern reboot. Here’s your guide to the hair styles that ruled the era and how to wear them today.
Contents
- The Rachel
- Butterfly Clips
- High Ponytail
- Claw Clips
- Box Braids
- Pigtails
- Face-framing Tendrils
- Buns and Knots
- Hair Accessories Galore
- Pixie Cuts
1. The Rachel
Jennifer Aniston’s layered cut on "Friends" became the most requested haircut of the 90s. Its face-framing layers, bouncy volume, and just-right curve made it the decade’s signature style.
2. Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips. frantic00 / Shutterstock
These tiny, colorful clips became an iconic hair accessory in the mid-1990s, remaining a styling staple into the early 2000s.
Whether scattered through a braid, used to pull back bangs, or twisted into a half-updo, butterfly clips added flair to any look.
3. High Ponytail
High ponytail. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Thanks to pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, the high ponytail became the ultimate pop princess hairstyle. Often paired with bobby pins or scrunchies, this look embraced sleek finishes or natural texture, depending on the mood.
4. Claw Clips
Claw clip. New Africa / Shutterstock
For those casual, messy bun days, the claw clip was essential. Grab your hair, twist it up, and secure it at the back of your head with a giant clip: instant chic with minimal effort.
5. Box Braids
Box braids. Tatiane Silva / Shutterstock
Popularized by stars like Brandy, box braids were not only stylish but protective. Worn long, short, or in buns and ponytails, they were a key part of 90s hair trends for Black women and remain a timeless style.
6. Pigtails
Pigtails. Davidovici / Shutterstock
Worn high or low, braided or straight, pigtails were a playful nod to childhood that the Spice Girls made cool again. Add a few accessories and you’ve got a complete 90s look.
7. Face-framing Tendrils
Face-framing tendrils. Inara Prusakova / Shutterstock
Seen on red carpets and in music videos, face-framing tendrils were the go-to finishing touch. Often paired with sleek updos or buns, they added softness and edge at the same time.
8. Buns and Knots
Double space buns. Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock
From messy buns to double space buns, this decade loved to twist things up. A tip for getting it right: Embrace imperfection and use your fingers for texture rather than a brush.
9. Hair Accessories Galore
Hair accessories. Creative Lab / Shutterstock
From headbands to wrist-wrapped scrunchies, accessories were essential. Matching your clips, bands, and bobby pins to your outfit was half the fun.
10. Pixie Cuts
Pixie cut. Migma__Agency / Shutterstock
For women ready to make a bold move, the pixie cut became a high-fashion favorite. Stars like Halle Berry and Winona Ryder showed that short could still be sweet, fierce, and totally on trend.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
