26 Best 90’s Hairstyles Ideas for Women

The 90s was a decade defined by bold fashion, experimental beauty trends, and iconic hairstyles that still inspire us today.

From edgy, grunge-inspired looks to playful, colorful accessories, 90s hairstyles brought creativity and personality to the forefront.

In this article, we’ve gathered 26 of the most memorable 90s hairstyles, offering you plenty of inspiration to bring back the fun and flair of that unforgettable decade.

Whether you’re looking to try something nostalgic or put a fresh spin on a classic look, these ideas will take you straight back to the 90s.

Let’s dive in!

Best Hairstyle Ideas from 90’s

1. High Ponytail with Scrunchie

A high ponytail with a scrunchie is a classic 90s look. Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail on the crown of your head. Secure it with a bright scrunchie for a pop of color.

This hairstyle works best on straight or slightly wavy hair. For extra volume, tease the ponytail before securing it.

The scrunchie should be the focal point, so pick a vibrant or patterned one. You can also leave a few face-framing tendrils out for a soft finish.

2. Space Buns

Space buns are fun and quirky. Part your hair down the middle, and create two high ponytails on either side of your head.

Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins or elastics. For a sleek look, keep the buns tight and smooth.

For a more casual vibe, leave some strands loose or pull on the buns slightly to loosen them up.

3. Butterfly Clips

To achieve this 90s look, you’ll need butterfly clips in various colors. Start by parting your hair into small sections across the top of your head.

Secure each section with a butterfly clip, allowing the rest of your hair to fall naturally. These clips add a whimsical and youthful touch, and you can arrange them symmetrically or randomly for a playful effect.

Butterfly clips work well on straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair, adding a burst of color to any style.

4. Crimped Hair

Bring back the crimper to create crimped hair that was all the rage in the 90s. Start by washing and drying your hair, then use a crimping iron to press small sections of hair for that zigzag texture.

Crimp the entire length of your hair for a bold look, or just crimp small sections for a subtle twist.

Crimping adds volume and texture, making it a perfect choice for thin or straight hair. Use a texturizing spray to hold the crimp in place all day.

5. Half-Up Half-Down with Tendrils

This look involves pulling the top half of your hair into a ponytail or small bun while leaving the rest down. Leave a few tendrils around your face to add a romantic touch.

To style, gather the top section of your hair, secure it with an elastic or a cute clip, and pull out thin tendrils around your forehead and ears.

This style works on straight or wavy hair and gives off a relaxed, yet polished 90s vibe.

6. Chunky Highlights

The 90s were all about chunky highlights, where bold, contrasting streaks of color run through your natural hair color.

For this look, select highlights that are 2-3 shades lighter than your base color for a noticeable effect.

This technique works best on medium to long hair and can be worn with straight, wavy, or curly hair.

7. Spiky Bun

A spiky bun was one of the trendiest updos in the 90s. To recreate it, pull your hair into a tight bun at the crown of your head.

Instead of tucking the ends into the bun, leave them sticking out in spiky sections. You can use gel or hair wax to make sure the ends stay defined and in place.

This look gives off a cool, edgy vibe, perfect for nights out or casual street style.

8. Micro Braids

Micro braids are tiny braids woven into your hair to give a textured, detailed look.

These braids are best done on thin sections of hair all over your head for a bohemian, free-spirited look. The smaller the braids, the more intricate the style will appear.

Micro braids can be worn down or styled into buns or ponytails. This look is versatile and long-lasting but does require time and patience to install.

9. Cornrows with Beads

Cornrows with beads bring a stylish 90s flair. Begin by braiding tight cornrows along your scalp in the pattern of your choice.

Add beads to the ends of each braid for that distinctive 90s edge. You can opt for colorful or metallic beads depending on your style.

Cornrows are ideal for textured or curly hair, and the beads add personality, making this hairstyle stand out.

10. Twisted Updo

A twisted updo combines elegance with 90s nostalgia. Separate your hair into sections, twist each section, and pin them at the back of your head.

You can choose to twist tightly for a sleek look or loosely for a more relaxed style.

This hairstyle works great for medium to long hair and gives a sophisticated yet casual finish, suitable for both everyday wear or more formal events.

11. Messy Bun with Wispy Bangs

The messy bun was a grunge-inspired 90s go-to. Gather your hair into a loose bun at the top of your head, allowing some strands to fall freely.

Pair this with wispy bangs for that undone, relaxed look. This hairstyle is quick and works well on both straight and wavy hair, adding effortless volume and texture.

A few spritzes of texturizing spray can enhance the overall look.

12. Claw Clip Updo

Secure your hair into a loose updo using a large claw clip, a staple accessory from the 90s. Start by gathering your hair at the back of your head and twisting it upwards.

Clip the twist in place, leaving the ends to fan out. This style is both practical and chic, ideal for casual outings or even a day at the office.

It works well on medium to long hair and adds a laid-back touch to your look.

13. Sleek Bob

The sleek bob is a sharp and polished hairstyle that was popular among 90s style icons. The key to this look is having your bob cut at one length, with straightened hair for a sleek finish.

Use a flat iron to get the hair perfectly straight, and apply a serum or oil to add shine.

This style is perfect for those with fine or straight hair, giving a chic and modern appearance.

14. Zigzag Part

A zigzag part was a bold way to add interest to any hairstyle. Simply use a comb to part your hair in a zigzag pattern rather than a straight line.

You can wear this part with your hair down, in a ponytail, or in an updo.

It adds a playful twist to otherwise simple hairstyles, making it perfect for medium to long hair. The zigzag part works best on straight or slightly wavy hair.

15. Pigtails

Pigtails are a fun and youthful hairstyle that bring back 90s nostalgia. Part your hair down the middle and create two ponytails on either side of your head.

You can position the pigtails high or low, depending on your style preference.

This look works on straight, wavy, or curly hair and can be paired with scrunchies or hair ties for added flair.

16. Frosted Tips

To achieve frosted tips, the ends of your hair are lightened or bleached while leaving the roots dark. This style was hugely popular in the 90s for short haircuts.

The frosted tips look best on short, textured cuts like pixies or cropped hair. This style adds contrast and dimension, making it ideal for bold, edgy fashion lovers.

17. Slicked-Back Half-Up

For this style, pull the top half of your hair back and secure it with an elastic or clip, while leaving the rest down.

Use gel to smooth and slick back the top section for a glossy finish.

This look is both elegant and edgy, and works on medium to long hair. Pair it with bold accessories or statement makeup for a 90s evening look.

18. Bandana Hairstyles

Tying a bandana around your head was a classic 90s accessory for casual style. You can tie it over your hair like a headband, or wrap it around a high ponytail or bun.

The bandana adds texture and color, making it perfect for messy, wavy, or straight hair. Choose bold prints or bright colors to really capture that 90s spirit.

19. Feathered Layers

Feathered layers were a soft and voluminous hairstyle. For this look, your hair is layered and cut to create light, feathery ends.

It’s ideal for medium to long hair, and works well with both straight and wavy textures.

Use a round brush and blow-dryer to flip the ends outward, adding movement and body to your hair.

20. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs are an easy way to update your look while keeping it 90s. Cut the bangs to be longer on one side and style them to sweep across your forehead.

These bangs add softness to any hairstyle and work well with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Pair this look with loose waves or a messy updo for an everyday 90s vibe.

21. Bubble Ponytails

To get the bubble ponytail look, gather your hair into a high or low ponytail, and add elastic bands spaced about an inch apart down the length of the ponytail.

Once secured, gently pull at each section between the elastics to create a bubble effect.

This style works best on medium to long hair, and is a fun, playful option for casual outings.

22. Flip Hair Out

For the flip-out hairstyle, blow-dry your hair and use a round brush to curl the ends of your hair outward.

This style works best on medium-length hair and is perfect for those looking for a bouncy, lively 90s vibe. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the flip all day.

23. Pixie Cut

The pixie cut was a bold choice in the 90s, offering a low-maintenance, edgy look. This cut is cropped short all over, with longer layers on top to add texture and volume.

It’s perfect for those with fine or straight hair. To style, use a bit of texturizing spray for a tousled, messy finish, or slick it back for a polished vibe.

24. Bandana with Braids

Wear a bandana over your braids for a laid-back, 90s vibe. Part your hair down the middle and braid it into two or more sections.

Tie the bandana around your forehead, just above your brows, for that cool, effortless 90s look. This style works on all hair types, and is perfect for casual days.

25. Box Braids

Box braids were a go-to protective style in the 90s. These are medium to large-sized braids, often done on the entire head.

Box braids are long-lasting and low-maintenance, and they work for all hair types, especially textured hair. You can style box braids into buns, ponytails, or wear them down.

26. Voluminous Curly Hair

Big, voluminous curls were a defining look of the 90s. To achieve this style, use a curling iron or hot rollers on your hair, and then gently tease the curls to add extra volume.

This look works best on medium to long hair. Finish with a strong hairspray to hold the curls in place.