THROWBACK STYLES: 17+ MUST-TRY 90S HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN

Our gallery of 90s hairstyles for women features iconic looks, from Rachel’s unforgettable cut in Friends and Janet Jackson’s stunning braids to Mariah Carey’s fabulous curls. Best of all, we showcase how these classic styles are being reimagined and styled today!

The Rachel

Is there really any need for an explanation? Didn’t think so!

90’s Voluminous Blowout

Cindy Crawford perfectly embodied the essence of hair that radiates volume and glamour. With her stunning locks, she set the standard for luxurious hairstyles that captivated audiences everywhere. Her ability to combine volume with a glamorous finish made her a true style icon, inspiring countless women to embrace their own luscious, eye-catching hair.

Hair in an Updo

This hairstyle involves pulling the hair back tightly and securing it at the crown of the head, resulting in a sleek and polished appearance. This elegant style not only showcases the face beautifully but also exudes sophistication and confidence. The tightness of the pull ensures that the hair remains in place, allowing for a refined look that highlights the wearer’s features and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Teeny Double Dutch Pigtails

This effortless hairstyle is a total ’90s throwback. Britney Spears styled her short hair into two messy plaits, secured with elastics, leaving just a hint of hair peeking out at the ends for a fun and playful look.

The Rachel Haircut

The shoulder-length hairstyle, featuring face-framing layers and choppy ends, was expertly crafted by hairstylist Chris McMillan. This iconic look gained immense popularity through its association with Friends, becoming a highly sought-after style that many women desired. Its effortless yet chic appearance perfectly complemented various face shapes, making it a go-to choice for those looking to achieve a modern and versatile look.

Thick Braids

The influence of the film Poetic Justice extended far beyond the silver screen, leaving a lasting impact on cultural trends and hairstyles. In the 90s, braids emerged as a powerful symbol of empowerment and self-expression, particularly for Black women. Braids became more than just a fashion statement; they represented cultural identity, resilience, and individuality, allowing women to express their unique personalities and heritage.

Butterfly Clips

Stefani was never shy about experimenting with her hair. In this look, she embraces a trend that nearly every ’90s girl rocked: the iconic butterfly clip. It was truly a defining accessory of the era!

Shoulder Length Curls

No one, and I repeat, no one, rocked shoulder-length curls quite like J-Lo. Her stunning curls, known for their ability to add incredible volume and dimension, quickly became a beloved style among women in the 90s. J-Lo’s signature look not only highlighted her features but also captured the essence of glamour. Her curls continue to inspire and influence hairstyles today, proving that true style is timeless.

Bumped Bob

The soft curls enhance this classic bob, giving the hairstyle a captivating twist. Seen on the angelic Angelina Jolie, this updated version of the bob would certainly turn heads if it graced the streets today.

Short Pixie with Short Fringe

This hairstyle is reminiscent of the traditional pixie cut but features a shorter fringe, drawing even more attention to the overall profile. The shorter bangs frame the face beautifully, accentuating the eyes and cheekbones while adding a playful touch to the classic look. It’s a striking choice for those who want to make a bold statement, offering a fresh and modern twist that keeps all eyes on the wearer.

The Hilary Banks

Everything about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air embodies ’90s culture, but nothing quite matches Hilary Banks’s perfectly coiled hairstyle. She often accessorized it with a statement hat or an oversized bow, adding a chic touch to her ensembles.

Hair with Bandana

Bandanas were a staple accessory in 90s fashion, playing a pivotal role in defining the era’s edgy and rebellious style. Often worn in a multitude of ways—tied around the head, neck, or wrist—they added a distinctive touch of casual cool to any outfit. Whether paired with denim, oversized jackets, or casual tees, bandanas served as a bold statement piece, embodying the spirit of the 90s and contributing to the decade’s iconic aesthetic.

Feathered Fringes

There was a time when nearly every TV character showcased voluminous, feathered fringes. From D.J. Tanner to Kelly Bundy, and, of course, Tiffani Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell, these bangs epitomized the cool girl vibe

Short Pixie Cut with Fringe

The allure of the short pixie cut lies in its remarkable ability to frame the face beautifully, accentuating features while exuding a chic and modern vibe. This hairstyle is not only stylish but also offers a low-maintenance option for those seeking a short haircut. Its versatility allows for a range of looks, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to make a bold statement with minimal effort.

Designer Blonde Wigs

The 90s marked the rise of wig-wearing as a popular trend, with many celebrities embracing this transformative accessory to change their appearance for performances, red carpet events, and media appearances. Wigs allowed for effortless style experimentation, enabling stars to switch up their looks instantly. The influence of this practice continues today, as wigs remain a favored tool for self-expression and reinvention in the world of fashion and entertainment.

Hair Jewellery Clips

Hair jewelry has become a standout accessory, accentuating a diverse array of hairstyles that embody the exaggerated aesthetic of the 90s. From colorful clips and glittering pins to beaded braids and statement headbands, these embellishments add a playful and eye-catching element to various looks. Whether worn in elaborate updos or cascading waves, hair jewelry perfectly captures the spirit of the 90s, celebrating individuality and the joy of accessorizing in a fun, memorable way.

Tiny Twists

The only thing that could make this style more ’90s is a mini clip adorning the end of these tiny twists. This half-rolled hairstyle, affectionately referred to as “picture-day hair” by elementary school kids, dominated the decade. With its playful charm and effortless vibe, it perfectly captured the essence of 90s fashion. This hairstyle was a go-to choice for many, embodying the carefree spirit of youth and the iconic trends that defined an unforgettable era in style.

conclusion

In conclusion, the 90s were a vibrant decade for hairstyling and fashion, marked by bold choices and iconic trends that continue to influence styles today. Accessories like bandanas and hair jewelry played a significant role in enhancing these looks, adding a touch of edge and personality to outfits. The rise of wig-wearing among celebrities further exemplified the era’s spirit of experimentation and transformation. Overall, the 90s left an indelible mark on beauty and fashion, celebrating individuality and self-expression in ways that resonate with many today.

15 BEST MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

A mid-length hairstyle is the perfect choice for those who want a balanced, low-risk look. Despite being “mid-length,” these styles are far from dull. Their versatility offers a happy medium between the upkeep of a shorter bob and the commitment of extra-long hair. Mid-length cuts are both stylish and practical, making them an appealing option for many. Take a look at our top 15 mid-length hairstyles below!

SHOULDER LENGTH BOB

Kahlana Barfield Brown’s shoulder-length bob always gives me major hair envy. If you’re looking to recreate her waves, a curling wand is an easy go-to tool. One pro tip I picked up while straightening my own hair is to pin curl it at night after styling. This helps keep the waves intact and looking fresh the next day!

Asymmetrical Lob

The lob, or long bob, is a collarbone-grazing style that works beautifully for all curl types. To give it a more edgy, relaxed vibe, try parting your hair off-centre—this will add extra volume on one side and create a less “polished” finish.

Locs

Hair discrimination against Black women remains an issue in the workplace, particularly for those with locs. However, trailblazers like Ava DuVernay inspire us to embrace and celebrate the hairstyles that are unique to us, reminding us to wear them with pride.

Layered Curls  

If you’re lucky enough to have thick, bouncy curls, a layered cut might be perfect for you. This style is designed to create a softer, more rounded shape and is often done on dry curls to ensure the best result. To enhance your natural curls with added texture, a curling wand is your go-to tool for defining those layers even more.

Curly Puff with Fringe

Yara Shahidi always nails her look. If you’re not ready to wear all your curls down, a puff with fringe is the perfect compromise, offering a stylish way to showcase your curls without going all in.

Curly Fringe

Add a touch of allure to your curly hairstyle by incorporating a fringe. Whether you let a few curls fall softly over your forehead or sweep a fuller set forward, a fringe can instantly create the look of more volume and bounce, enhancing your overall style.

Bold Colored Wig

Regina Hall’s Met Gala look was a whole vibe. It wasn’t just the sleek middle part and silky texture that stood out—the pop of color added an unexpected twist. While achieving shades like pastel pink can be risky for dark roots due to the damage from bleaching, that doesn’t mean you can’t rock the look. A great wig and a boost of confidence are all you need to pull it off without compromising your curls.

Angled Lob

For a chic and sophisticated look, try an inverted lob. This style is cut slightly shorter in the back, allowing for a front that frames your face beautifully. It’s the perfect way to show off your wild locks while adding a touch of elegance to your overall look.

Faux Locs

Protective styles like faux locs offer a great way to switch up your look while giving your hair a much-needed break from daily styling. You can wear them as they are for a sleek, natural vibe, or add colorful hair accessories or highlights to make your locs stand out even more.

Straight Lob

The collarbone-grazing long bob is ideal for straight hair, particularly if your locks lack natural volume. As the ends hit your décolletage, they’ll create a natural flick. To style, use a round brush while blow-drying to curve the hair under your chin, or keep it sleek and straight. Tucking one side behind your ear adds an impression of texture and effortlessly enhances the overall look.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots serve a dual purpose: they act as a protective style while also stretching coily hair. By twisting wet hair into bantu knots and allowing them to dry, you can achieve stunning beachy waves once you take them down. This technique not only protects your curls but also enhances their natural texture in a stylish way.

Textured Lob

Even the straightest hair can gain texture with the addition of layers. These layers help frame your face, accentuating features like your eyes and cheekbones. For extra volume and texture at the roots, try light backcombing and finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Hair Wraps

During my journey growing out my Big Chop, wraps became my go-to accessory. Not only did the printed fabrics enhance my wardrobe, but they also helped my hair grow by minimizing manipulation of my 4C coils. While learning to tie a wrap can be tricky, I recommend watching a few tutorials to find a method that suits you best. With a little practice, you’ll be able to style them effortlessly!

straight Side-Parting

A simple way to elevate your hairstyle is by opting for a side parting. Whether it’s your natural part or not, shifting your hair to one side creates a cool, edgier vibe. This is especially effective if you have more hair on one side; parting it on the thicker side can help create balance.

Side Swept Afro

If you’re searching for a style that’s perfect for a special occasion or want to highlight your cheekbones, Kia Marie’s side-swept fro is an excellent choice. This look beautifully frames the face and adds an elegant touch to any outfit, making it a standout option for any event.

CONCLUSION

The journey to finding the perfect hairstyle for natural hair is a personal one. It’s about discovering what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you opt for a classic look like the Afro or a trendy style like the locs, the key is to embrace your natural texture and experiment with different styles. So, go ahead and explore the 15 hairstyles we’ve presented in this article. With a little creativity and care, you can rock your natural hair with style and confidence.