'90s Haircuts Everyone Is Asking For Now
Who could forget the '90s? The haircuts, the makeup, the fashion — ah. If we could write this in glitter gel pen, we would. It's just that times were simpler then; our biggest concerns were remembering to feed our Tamagotchis or how to use AOL dial-up internet when our parents were on the landline. Remember when a typical afternoon was spent crushing Super Mario World, playing SPUD in the neighborhood cul-de-sac, or blasting anything from "Wannabe" to "Wonderwall" to "Barbie Girl" in your Walkman headset?
Were you wearing platform flip flops? Probably — if not your Etnies skate sneakers. Was there a grungy plaid flannel tied around your waist? Likely. Did you have butterfly clips in your hair? Most definitely. So much good came out of the '90s, like MTV's all-weekend Madonnathons and Friends to a whole gamut of chic looks that everyone is still asking for today. It may not surprise you to learn that some of your favorite '90s hair trends are making a comeback. If you're feeling nostalgic for your old 'do, you may want to consider one of these '90s haircuts everyone is asking for.
Crazy crimps of the '90s are trending once again
Crimped hair is no longer a thing of the past. That's why beauty director of Women's Health, Kristina Rodulfo, shared with Elle the best crimping irons to bring the '90s to 2020. She recalled seeking hair-spiration from Hilary Duff as Lizzie McGuire back in the '90s. "Her constantly changing looks on Lizzie McGuire kept me watching every single episode — and made crimping irons a highly-coveted purchase," she wrote. "I remember buying a cheap Conair as-seen-on-TV crimper and using it to death. It's collected dust over the years, but I'm about to bring it back because crimping is alive and well." Stylists concur.
"Crimping is a session stylist's secret to creating incredible volume and big hair," celeb hairstylist Adam Reed told Marie Claire. "It's one of those trends that everyone is scared of but it never goes away." But there's a twist.
"People aren't using the huge crimper one that makes the large indentations," Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, told The List. "They are using the tiny iron that makes that subtle, unique texture change. You can crimp your whole head of hair or just do random peekaboo face-framing sections of hair."
Hair clips and accessories aren't confined to the '90s
Accessories have always been an exciting way to spice up various hairstyles, but they're most synonymous with the 1990s. If you miss them, you're in luck. "Solange actually paved the way for snap clips' return when she wore several to accessorize her hair at the CFDA Awards back in 2016 — likely a reference to her album cover for A Seat at the Table," Kristina Rodulfo, Women's Health beauty director, wrote for Elle.
Since then, there's been a "revival of the '90s hair clips," celebrity stylist Vickie Vidov revealed to Marie Claire. According to the expert, that includes the fun "French-girl barrette, embellished clip, bobby pins, or barrettes." Yes, people are dusting off their old bins of hair bling. "You may even see the butterfly clip make a comeback in certain scenes," Chelsey Drapeau, owner of Chelsey D. Hair, told The List.
Still, some have traded in the classic butterfly clip for a more updated take on the '90s trend. "Pearl and Swarovski crystal-covered barrettes are the new butterfly clips," freelance hairstylist Michael Braun confirmed to The List. "Use one as an accent to compliment subtle waves, or cover your entire up-do for a Met Gala-worthy look."
Braided tendrils from the '90s are back
The '90s face-framing braided tendrils are swooping back in style. According to Chloe Metzger, deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, the look is "only getting stronger and more Insta-worthy" in 2020. These aren't your average braids, though. "This isn't a messy beach braid at all," Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, told The List. "The key to this signature style is to make the braids really tight and crisp." But that doesn't mean they aren't fun.
"We've been noticing this look come back in a big way — with variations, like adding in colorful braiding yarn such as our Fairy Floss or hair tinsel," Sharon Pak, co-founder of Insert Name Here Hair confirmed to The List. You can even go for a "boho-chic vibe" by leaving the ends "unbraided to unravel at their own will," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, told The List.
You should know warned that these braids aren't necessarily easy. "Because of the uneven nature of these baby hairs, it's very difficult to braid them," celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon told The List.
"Lived-in" roots are bringing grunge out of the '90s
Remember in the '90s when you didn't have to be embarrassed by your outgrown roots? Well, you may be happy to know that look is coming back. "The rooted look is definitely here to stay for [the 2020] spring season," IGK colorist Olivia Casanova told Nylon. Maintenance for outgrown roots is minimal, though some people may decide to highlight their roots for a better blend.
"The balayage color technique lends itself to a much softer outgrowth from highlighted hair to natural darker roots," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, explained to The List. "The highlights blend with the natural hair to eliminate the harsh line of demarcation of past painful grow-outs. The results are now seamless, easing the transition from dark to light." The expert further revealed that "a great balayage session can last a year, saving time and money in the salon."
Other stylists prefer to use a "root smudge" technique to buffer out the lines of demarcation or for breaking up a striped foil job. "This look helps deliver a more natural, lived-in look," celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addicts Salon & Extension Bar, told The List.
Hair combs aren't for '90s royalty anymore
Spring 2020's Tory Burch show featured many models wearing hair combs, making for a very Princess Diana look, according to Cosmopolitan. Celeb hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addicts Salon & Extension Bar, told The List, "Combs can be used to embellish a French twist or bun, used to accentuate a one-sided up-do, or simply just worn as an accessory. They are easy to use and super cheap." However, we're not necessarily using combs how we did in the past.
"In the '90s, they were used to pull hair away from the face and remained mostly hidden," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, revealed to The List. "Now, they function two-fold by securing loose hair back and adding texture and decoration to buns and ponytails."
Combs are also versatile. "They are very classic and can be worn in a variety of ways," Gina Rivera, founder of Phenix Salon Suites, confirmed in an interview with The List. "Nowadays we see them mixed into up-dos as ornate pieces that add accent to a style. We also see them in multiple sizes and types ... . Smaller combs are often seen with shorter styles as accent pieces."
Wild '90s curls are wildly attractive in 2020
Unapologetic curls have bounced right on back from the '90s. "The days of beachy waves with straightened ends are over," celeb hairstylist Clayton Hawkin told Elle. "While this look was a fun departure at the beginning of [the] last decade, it became a parody of itself." Instead, she said that bouncy curls "with beveled ends" are returning. While super curly curls are very in in 2020, larger, wavy curls are expected to become popular as well.
If you don't have naturally curly hair, don't fret. "Natural soft texture (à la Carrie Bradshaw) is back, but this time were totally faking it," freelance hairstylist Michael Braun dished to The List. "Double- and triple-barrel curling irons are best for giving loose, crimp-style waves." The expert continued, saying, "Wear them center-parted, half up, or thrown into an iconic '90s effortless up-do as seen on Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner." Simply put: It's impossible to go wrong with curls.
The flicked ends trend from the '90s is back
Flicked ends was a thing in the '90s and in 2020. You don't have to look much further than Kim Kardashian for an updated take on the flicked ends trend, according to Vogue. "We're seeing this trend a lot among celebrities like the Kardashians and models like Bella Hadid," Sharon Pak, co-founder of Insert Name Here Hair told The List. "You can easily flip your hair out with a straightening iron. All you need to do is straighten it like usual and then twist outwards, away from the face, at the ends."
This is a look that you can pull off whether you wear your hair up, half up, or down. That said, flicked ends do work best with medium-length hair. "Flicked-out ends are easiest to achieve with a shoulder-length bob haircut," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, told The List. "The hair will naturally want to flip up by following the shape of the body." She continued, saying, "To enhance the flair, use a medium-sized round brush at the ends and roll upward. To add high fashion to a ponytail, flick the ends out to create glamor."
Everyone will be asking for this '90s bleached look in 2020
Bleach is back, according to Nylon. Though, it hasn't exactly "left." Think about all the celebrities who've been seeing bleaching their hair: Kristen Stewart, Katy Perry, Zoe Kravitz, et cetera. "Bleached (lightened) hair has never gone out of style," celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addicts Salon & Extension Bar, confirmed to The List. "What's new and exciting about lightener are the new techniques your stylist can use such as 'balayage' (hand-painted lightener) to create a super cool illusion of naturally sun-kissed hair."
Many people are getting creative with shades, too. "There are more playful toner options for blondes than ever before," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, revealed to The List. "Toners are used on bleached hair to subtly change the undertones in the final phase of a double process. Popular requests are pink, purple, and blue shades for mother-of-pearl colors." According to the expert, the toners are meant to be temporary and fade after a few washes, making it equal parts fun and easy to change up your hair.
This staple style of the '90s remains in 2020
For a while, people favored long bobs, but that changed in 2020. "People are ditching the lob and moving into shorter, flirty bob lengths," Chelsey Drapeau, owner of Chelsey D. Hair, told The List. The OG bob is a sleek and sexy look that just works well, after all. And it's not the first time since the '90s that we're seeing so much love for bobs either. Fashionista actually dubbed the bob "feminism's ultimate style statement." Why? Well, Vogue explained in a 1988 edition (via Fashionista), "When a woman cuts her hair, she creates fresh erogenous zones and effects." The iconic magazine reportedly called the look "childishly demure, yet calculating, quirky, and soignée."
Fashionista also listed the blunt bob as the official haircut of 2017. Frankly, the bob doesn't seem to have ever gone out style entirely, but it's popularity is certainly expected to rise throughout 2020, as Drapeau highlighted.
"The Rachel" from the '90s is being rebooted in 2020
Everyone knows and loves Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston, on the 1990s television sitcom Friends. Rachel has, of course, been characterized by her iconic hairstyle, now known as "The Rachel." This classic cut is defined by the layers, styled with a solid, smooth blow-out to curl under the ends. "Rachel rocked this look years ago, and it's still resonating among women worldwide," Adel Chabbi, owner of Adel Atelier, told Allure in February 2020. "Why do we like it so much? Mainly, it gives a lot of movement to a haircut, creating a fabulous [look]."
However, the cut has been updated. "What we are seeing is versions of this cut reemerge; the trends are showing us that polished hair is out and lived-in modern shags are all the rage," celeb hairstylist Michelle Cleveland, owner of Hair Addicts Salon & Extension Bar, told The List. "The original 'Rachel' length sat on the shoulders," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, explained in an interview with The List, "while this one is well beyond the collarbone."
Chunky highlights may be more popular in 2020 than they were in the '90s
Chunky highlights were everywhere in the '90s, but you can still find them today. "When people rock them now, they either have beautiful, natural balayage done with a thick 'money piece' located at the very front of the hair part, or they have no highlights at all except for one thick highlight in the very front," Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, explained to The List. Other stylists agree that these chunky highlights are huge once again in 2020.
"The '90s [look] is making a serious comeback, and you are about to see the new and improved chunky highlight everywhere," Chelsey Drapeau, owner of Chelsey D. Hair, noted when chatting with The List. "It's all about chunky face-framing color, vibrant shades and a grungy vibe. Dua Lipa and Bella Thorne are perfect examples."
While the trend once called for super blonde chunky highlights, they aren't just blonde these days. In fact, Matrix celebrity hair colorist George Papanikolas told Harper's Bazaar that pastel and contrasting highlights are also expected to trend in summer 2020.
Your favorite '90s scrunchies are ready for 2020
The giant scrunchies you loved in the '90s jumped back into action in 2020. "Statement scrunchies are more popular than ever right now," Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, told The List in May 2020. "Honesty, MyKitsch, which is Justine Marjan's brand, has the absolute best '90s scrunchies, and they're pretty affordable, too."
The scrunchie style doesn't just look good, though. "The scrunchie trend that resurfaced last year is definitely here to stay — plus it's so much more gentle on the hair than traditional ponytails," Chelsey Drapeau, owner of Chelsey D. Hair, explained to The List. The other great part about scrunchies? Their nearly endless versatility. "Scrunchies are coming in different patterns, textures, and lengths," freelance hairstylist Michael Braun told The List. "They can be played up, down, or just on your wrist for fun." Consider us sold.
High ponytails aren't for '90s pop stars anymore
When you think of high ponytails you probably think of the Spice Girls (Sporty Spice, in particular). According to Vogue, though, high ponies are a major '90s trend that we're seeing more of in 2020. "The '90s high ponytail is alive and well thanks to Ariana Grande's signature look," Amy Abramite, creative director of Salon Educator and stylist at Maxine Salon, told The List. "The main difference from the past is the hairline is swept up in a very tight and clean manner. There are no hairs out of place which gives it a glossy finish with perfection."
If you don't have the hair for such a voluminous high pony, it's no problem. Enter: clip-in ponytails. If you want to take your ponytail to new heights, you can also add in braids and tinsel, according to Sharon Pak, co-founder of Insert Name Here Hair.
Face-framing loose bangs emerged from the '90s
Face-framing wispies look natural and just a smidge undone — and that sort of intentionally messy look is working in 2020 just like it worked back in the '90s. Wispies can add texture to a hairstyle and complement different face shapes. Some people are even going into salons asking for wispy, face-framing bangs. Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, confirmed to The List in May 2020 that these kinds of bangs are a "huge, huge trend right now."
They're not the only popular version of bangs in 2020, though. Toth continued, saying, "Heavy bangs are huge right now. Instead of being blunt and straight, they are wispy and razor cut. The bangs are made from such a heavy section of hair that they give any hairstyle a shag or mullet effect." If you don't want to go the heavy bang route, however, wispies may be for you as you can just pull a few long and loose strands of hair out of your ponytail or another up-do to obtain the look. The point is to look intentionally messy.