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All the '90s Hair Inspiration You've Ever Wanted

Time to pick up the crimper. Really.

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best 90s beauty hair icons
Courtesy Getty

Much like fashion, beauty trends are cyclical—so what goes around comes around. Right now, the’90s are back in style in every which, way, and form. But before you prep dinner for your Tamagotchi and watch an episode of Boy Meets World in your blow-up chair, it’s time to sit down at your vanity and soak up some inspiration.

Keep in mind, there wasn’t just one look that defined the decade. “The short cropped bob, voluminous bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces...” the list goes on for hairstylist and TRESemmé partner Justine Marjan.

We’ve collected 20 of the decade’s biggest beauty icons—Winona, Brandy, and all the Supers are all in attendance—to serve as your muses. You’ll find natural curls, box braids, updos, and a whole lot of butterfly clips to enjoy. Just be sure to ignore the barely-there eyebrows... those aren’t coming back anytime soon.

1

An Red Carpet Updo on Gwyneth Paltrow

celebrities attend the new york premiere of emma
Evan Agostini//Getty Images

Taken just a few years before actress Gwyneth Paltrow won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, but she was already ruling the red carpet. The updo feels unfussy in the best way possible—face-framing tendrils, imperfect bun—and can easily be recreated on your own.

2

Cindy Crawford's Signature Red Carpet Curls

second annual revlon's unforgettable women contest winner annoucement
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Supermodel Cindy Crawford’s signature look—big, blown-out hair—doesn’t actually scream ‘90s—instead, it feels timeless. But Marjan reminds us this is the “iconic blowout” of the era. You can easily DIY with hot rollers.

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3

Jennifer Lopez’s Messy Bun

1998 mtv movie awards
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

Back then, she was just Jenny from the Block. And her messy bun, finished off by some hair clips. If you don’t have the hair texture to get this look on your own, may we suggest another icon of the ’90s, a crimper?

4

A Flipped Out Lob on Tyra Banks

mode prêt à porter printemps eté 1992
Daniel Simon//Getty Images

Before she was the host and lead judge of “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra Banksruledg the runways. Her flipped-out long bob is teased at the crown for extra volume.

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5

Bold Buns on Gwen Stefani

1998 mtv video music awards
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

When No Doubt dropped their first album, “Tragic Kingdom,” in 1995, it started a beauty revolution. Lead singer Gwen Stefani’s blue raspberry bob and penchant for complex hairstyles (braids and buns, wet sets) set a mood. Modern admirers know to skip the culturally appropriative bindi.

6

Naomi Campbell’s Voluminous Blowout

naomi campbell
Gene Shaw//Getty Images

A simple, voluminous blowout was supermodel Naomi Campbell’s signature look through the ’90s. The look is actually easier to get than you’d think, and we have details here.

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7

Winona Ryder’s Delicate Pixie and Baby Bangs

51st annual golden globe awards arrivals
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

The’90s were Winona’s world and we were just living in it. This pixie was chopped by mononym hairstyling legend Garren, who gave her delicate baby bangs to match the short chop.

8

Kirsten Dunst’s Butterfly Clips and Updo

"wag the dog" century city premiere
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Is there a hair accessory other than butterfly clips that feels more definite of the decade? I don’t think so. Kirsten Dunst’s twists are finished with a single butterfly yellow clip similar to these.

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9

Linda Evangelista’s Flipped Out Bob

défilé versace, haute couture automne hiver 1994 95
Pool ARNAL/PAT//Getty Images

Supermodel and hair chameleon Linda Evangelista tried it all in the ’90s—baby bangs, bleach blonde pixie, fire engine red bob—and her natural brown hue in a flipped-out bob.

10

Brandy’s Gorgeous Braids

37th annual grammy awards nominations announcement
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images

Our patron saint of box braids. Brandy got her start in the ’90s with a huge television career and a popular eponymous pop-R&B album.

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11

Kate Moss’s Signature Beauty Look

kate moss calvin klein boutique personal appearance september 18, 1995
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

Perhaps the biggest It Girl of the ’90s, Kate Moss’s signature look of golden hair and long layers is still going strong over 30 years later.

12

Undone Waves on Penelope Cruz

"the muse" los angeles premiere
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

To get Penelope Cruz’s undone waves, try a salt spray or sleep with it braided.

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13

Brittany Murphy’s Flippy Bob

ron galella archive file photos 2009
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

To get the late Brittany Murphy’s signature look of the era (which is also very Mary J. Blige), you need piecey layers and a good roll of the wrist.

14

Christina Aguilera’s Crimped Curls

music file photos 1990's
Chris Walter//Getty Images

A crimper again?! You know it. To get all the volume at your roots just like Christina Aguilera, position the crimper as close to your scalp as possible.

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15

Drew Barrymore’s Bleached Daisy 'Do

the 70th annual academy awards red carpet
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

Actress Drew Barrymore told me she picked up these daisies from the bodega as a last-minute addition to her look before walking the red carpet. All we can say is we love it.

16

Demi Moore’s Short Curls and Beret

demi moore
Kypros//Getty Images

Before she shaved her head for 1997’s G.I. Jane, actress Demi Moore kept her dark hair short and accessorized with pieces like this burgundy beret.

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17

Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Hairstyles

clueless
CBS Photo Archive//Getty Images

Valley Girl blonde took over America after Alicia Silverstone starred in 1995’s Clueless.

18

Julia Roberts’ Natural Texture

the 47th annual golden globe awards
Barry King//Getty Images

Julia Roberts’ smile isn’t the only thing she’s known for... just look at those curls. Her signature red and natural texture made her eternally red carpet-ready.

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19

Tatyana Ali’s Bucket Hat

1992 nickelodeon kids' choice awards
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images

Known for her role as Will Smith’s youngest cousin Ashley Banks on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Tatyana Ali’s bucket hat was an accessory of the moment.

20

Uma Thurman’s Easy Breezy Signature Look

great miracle prayer festival benefit concert series
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Uma Thurman’s look was simple—below the chin layers and a slightly off-center part—but perfection.

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