The 90s were a remarkable decade for fashion and beauty trends, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire us today. From grunge to glam, the hairstyles of the 90s were diverse, bold, and iconic. As a fashion blogger, I’ve seen the resurgence of 90s hair trends both on the runway and in everyday street style. If you’re looking to channel the essence of this era and rock some nostalgic hairstyles, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through various techniques and tips on how to get 90s hair, ensuring you can achieve those beloved looks with ease and flair.
Why 90s Hair?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why 90s hair is making such a strong comeback:
Nostalgia: The 90s were a time of unique cultural moments and memorable fashion trends. Embracing 90s hair allows us to relive and celebrate that nostalgia.
Versatility: From sleek and chic to wild and voluminous, 90s hairstyles offer something for everyone, regardless of hair type or length.
Celebrity Influence: Icons like Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, and Gwen Stefani set the stage with their memorable hairstyles, influencing current trends.
Fashion Cycles: Fashion is cyclical, and what once was old becomes new again. The return of 90s hair is part of this natural cycle.
Key 90s Hair Trends
To master 90s hair, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the key trends from the decade:
The Rachel Cut
One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 90s, “The Rachel,” made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character on “Friends,” features layers, volume, and a face-framing effect.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was all the rage in the 90s, adding texture and a playful vibe to any look. This style is achieved by using a crimping iron to create small, zigzag waves.
Sleek and Straight
Sleek, straight hair was a hallmark of 90s fashion, often achieved using a flat iron and plenty of shine serum for a glossy finish.
Space Buns
This fun and quirky style involves parting the hair down the middle and creating two buns on top of the head. It’s a playful and youthful look that screams 90s.
Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips were a must-have accessory, used to pin back sections of hair and add a whimsical touch to any hairstyle.
High Ponytails
High ponytails, often paired with scrunchies, were a popular choice for an effortlessly cool and sporty look.
Grunge-Inspired Hair
The grunge movement brought messy, undone hair into the spotlight. Think tousled waves, middle parts, and a generally unkempt appearance.
Tools and Products for 90s Hair
Before we get into the styling techniques, let’s talk about the tools and products you’ll need to achieve these looks:
Tools
Crimping Iron: Essential for creating crimped hair.
Flat Iron: For achieving sleek, straight styles.
Curling Iron/Wand: For adding waves and curls.
Hair Dryer with Diffuser: Ideal for creating volume and enhancing natural texture.
Round Brush: Perfect for blowouts and adding volume.
Teasing Comb: For backcombing and creating lift.
Bobby Pins and Hair Clips: For securing styles and adding decorative elements.
Elastic Bands and Scrunchies: For high ponytails and other tied styles.
Products
Heat Protectant: To shield your hair from damage caused by hot tools.
Volumizing Mousse: For adding body and lift to your hair.
Hairspray: Essential for holding styles in place.
Shine Serum: For achieving a glossy finish on sleek styles.
Texturizing Spray: To add grip and texture, especially for grunge-inspired looks.
Leave-In Conditioner: To keep your hair healthy and manageable.
How to Achieve Iconic 90s Hairstyles
Now that you’re equipped with the right tools and products, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for achieving some of the most iconic 90s hairstyles.
The Rachel Cut
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Wash and Condition: Start with clean, freshly washed hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair body.
Apply Heat Protectant: Spray a heat protectant all over your hair to protect it from heat damage.
Step 2: Create Volume
Blow Dry: Using a round brush, blow dry your hair in sections. Focus on lifting the roots to create volume.
Tease the Roots: Use a teasing comb to gently backcomb the roots for extra lift.
Step 3: Layer and Shape
Use a Flat Iron: Straighten your hair with a flat iron, flipping the ends outward to create the signature Rachel shape.
Add Texture: Use a curling iron to add subtle waves to the mid-lengths and ends, enhancing the layered effect.
Step 4: Finish with Hairspray
Set the Style: Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep your layers in place without weighing them down.
See Also: How To Put On A Bonnet With Long Hair?
Crimped Hair
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Apply Heat Protectant: Start with dry hair and apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from the crimping iron.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections for easier crimping.
Step 2: Crimp Your Hair
Use a Crimping Iron: Starting from the roots, clamp the crimping iron down on a section of hair. Hold for a few seconds before moving down the length of the hair.
Continue Crimping: Repeat the process until all sections of your hair are crimped.
Step 3: Style and Set
Finger Comb: Gently finger comb your hair to separate the crimps and add volume.
Finish with Hairspray: Use a light hold hairspray to set the crimped style in place.
Sleek and Straight Hair
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Wash and Condition: Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to prepare your hair for straightening.
Apply Heat Protectant: Apply a heat protectant to damp hair.
Step 2: Blow Dry Your Hair
Use a Hair Dryer: Blow dry your hair using a paddle brush to create a smooth base.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections for easier straightening.
Step 3: Straighten Your Hair
Use a Flat Iron: Starting from the roots, glide the flat iron down the length of each section of hair.
Repeat as Needed: Continue straightening until all sections are sleek and straight.
Step 4: Add Shine
Apply Shine Serum: Rub a small amount of shine serum between your palms and smooth it over your hair for a glossy finish.
Finish with Hairspray: Use a light hold hairspray to keep your hair sleek and frizz-free.
Space Buns
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Apply Texturizing Spray: Start with dry hair and apply a texturizing spray to add grip and volume.
Part Your Hair: Use a comb to part your hair down the middle.
Step 2: Create the Buns
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into two equal sections, one on each side of your head.
Form Buns: Twist each section into a bun and secure with an elastic band. Position the buns high on your head for a true 90s look.
Step 3: Secure and Style
Use Bobby Pins: Secure any loose strands with bobby pins.
Finish with Hairspray: Use a medium hold hairspray to keep the buns in place.
Butterfly Clips
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Apply Texturizing Spray: Apply a texturizing spray to dry hair to add volume and grip.
Section Your Hair: Decide where you want to place the butterfly clips and section your hair accordingly.
Step 2: Add Clips
Pin Back Sections: Use small butterfly clips to pin back sections of your hair. You can create a symmetrical look or go for a more random placement.
Experiment with Styles: Try different clip arrangements, such as pinning back the front sections or creating small twists before securing with clips.
Step 3: Finish with Hairspray
Set the Style: Use a light hold hairspray to keep the clips in place and your hair styled.
High Ponytails
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Apply Volumizing Mousse: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry for extra lift.
Section Your Hair: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
Step 2: Secure the Ponytail
Use an Elastic Band: Secure the ponytail with an elastic band, ensuring it’s tight and high.
Add a Scrunchie: For a true 90s touch, wrap a scrunchie around the base of the ponytail.
Step 3: Style the Ponytail
Tease the Ponytail: Use a teasing comb to add volume to the ponytail.
Finish with Hairspray: Use a medium hold hairspray to keep the ponytail in place.
Grunge-Inspired Hair
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Apply Texturizing Spray: Start with dry hair and apply a texturizing spray for added grip and a messy look.
Create Waves: Use a curling wand to create loose, undone waves throughout your hair.
Step 2: Add Volume and Texture
Tease the Roots: Use a teasing comb to add volume at the roots for a more grunge-inspired look.
Tousle the Hair: Use your fingers to tousle your hair and create a messy, lived-in effect.
Step 3: Finish with Hairspray
Set the Style: Use a light hold hairspray to keep the waves and volume in place without making the hair look too polished.
Tips for Maintaining 90s Hairstyles
Once you’ve achieved your desired 90s hairstyle, maintaining it is key to keeping it looking fresh and fabulous:
Daily Care
Protect Your Hair: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz while you sleep.
Refresh the Style: Use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and add volume between washes.
Weekly Care
Deep Condition: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week to keep it healthy and hydrated.
Trim Regularly: Keep your hair trimmed to maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
Product Recommendations
Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools to prevent damage.
Flexible Hold Hairspray: Choose a flexible hold hairspray that provides hold without making your hair stiff or crunchy.
Conclusion
Achieving 90s hair is a fun and nostalgic way to experiment with your style and embrace the iconic looks of the decade. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek sophistication of “The Rachel,” the playful texture of crimped hair, or the edgy appeal of grunge-inspired waves, there’s a 90s hairstyle for everyone. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can master these classic looks and make them your own. So grab your crimping iron, dig out your butterfly clips, and get ready to rock some fabulous 90s hair!
Related Topics:
