90s Hairstyles We Loved (and Some We'd Love to Forget)

space buns — 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.