The Ultimate Guide To 90s Hairstyles (Plus All The Best Inspiration)

90s hairstyles are undeniably among the most celebrated cuts and colours in the history of beauty. Whether you've spent the summer pinning images of Pamela Anderson's messy blonde up-do to your beauty moodboard, you're currently weighing up a timeless layered haircut à la Jennifer Aniston, or your go-to bob is an alternative, choppy cut inspired by Winona Ryder, the decade is bursting with iconic shapes and shades, ready-made for every hair type and texture.

Of course, we had to dial in the most in-demand celebrity hairstylist of the 90s, Sam McKnight, to give us his expert run-through of the era's most popular styles, including anecdotes of day spent on set with Princess Diana and how to recreate that timeless 90s blowout with a modern touch.

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What Hairstyles Were Popular In The 90s?

If you turn to TikTok for 90s hair references, there's no doubt that you'll be met with the sleek Cindy Crawford-style blowout; over 165 million posts of it, to be exact. Magazine covers and red carpets tell a different story, however.

Princess Diana (1991)

'Standout 90s haircuts for me are Princess Diana’s shorter cut I did for her in 1991,' says legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight, whose roster of clients spans from Kate Moss to Kendall Jenner. 'At the end of a shoot, she asked me what I would do if I had free rein, and I said I would cut it off and start again. We were moving on from the '80s romantic frills and going much sleeker with short, sharp hair to wear with Chanel and Versace suits of the time. It was all about the power woman look. Linda Evangelista’s iconic cut really paved the way for modern, sharper silhouettes.'

There's no doubt that the voluminous, bombshell blowout had it's moment, though. In fact, it's safe to say the roller-heavy look reigned the catwalk, thanks to supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer. 'From the runway to Friends, Jennifer Aniston sported the cut too; it's all about layers to create volume and lift. Late 90s saw super straight long lengths takeover.'

Are 90s Hairstyles Making A Comeback?

As with any period in time, there are elements of the quintessential 90s hair wardrobe that we cling to for nostalgic purposes: scrunchies, butterfly clips, hair crystals. You'll also find looks that we carry forward due to their unwavering timeless; the 'Rachel cut, being a prime example. The question is, how long do we anticipate the recent resurgence of 90s beauty to stick around? In the context of hair, the answer is: a while.

The SS25 catwalk has already solidified the return of the bombshell 90s blow-dry, this time in an effortless, undone manner. From McKnight's bouncy display at 16Arlington, to Chris Appleton's 'Beachy Crawford' at Ottolinger, the demand for voluminous, supermodel hair has never been more dominant.

16Arlington SS25

Ottolinger SS25

On the flip side, it's worth noting that while many of the decade's iconic styling techniques are having a moment right now, there are many of its more bold characteristics that we'd sooner leave behind (RIP crimping). Colour application has also come a leaps and bounds since the famous shades of the time, so don't expect to see too many chunky highs in the red carpets of 2025 and beyond. Extreme side-partings and choppy layers, however... those we can keep for special occasions.

How To Recreate The 90s Blowout

Any hairstylist will concur that preparing your lengths is imperative to ensuring your look has longevity and body. 'Mist Superlift into roots and Save The Do through lengths, before blowdrying the hair with a round brush for all over volume and movement,' advises McKnight. 'Once dry mist hairspray onto each section for hold before rolling on a medium velcro roller (55mm). Repeat throughout all hair, leave to cool. For fast forming action, pop on a hood dryer like the one in The Big Set for 15 minutes. Remove rollers and clips and brush through.'

The Most Iconic 90s Hairstyles

Jennifer Aniston

'The Rachel Cut' is an iconic take on a layered hairstyle; a choppy bob featuring lots of face-framing pieces.

Winona Ryder

This dramatic pixie cut is ideal for anyone looking to channel quintessential nineties grunge. Smoky liner at the ready.

Cindy Crawford

This bouncy blowdry is the ultimate nineties staple. Think lots of volume and a dramatic deep side-parting.

Tyra Banks

This crimped hairstyle is easy for curly textures to replicate. Simply part at the side and pin strands across for a faux fringe look.

Drew Barrymore

This adorable, flower-adorned bob with a fringe is such a throwback. Trust Drew Barrymore to step outside of the typical glamorous box.

Naomi Campbell

This iconic blunt bob is so effortlessly cool. With a jaw-skimming trim, it emphasises Campbell's razor-sharp cheekbones.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Looking for a creamy nineties blonde to channel at your next salon appointment? You'll struggle to find one more timeless than Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Rewatching Sex and The City is essential for inspiring a nineties wardrobe revival, but can please we take a moment to honour Carrie's iconic hair?

Angela Bassett

While Angela Bassett's catalogue of runway looks are bursting of coveted hair moments, these chunky braids are by far our favourite.

Salma Hayek

This glossy blowdry serves as evidence that a glamorous red carpet attire needn't be over-the-top. There's nothing better than soft volume and high shine.

Nicola Kidman

Looking for copper colour inspo? This vibrant red from Kidman's Practical Magic era is a must-have on any moodboard.

Claudia Schiffer

Not only is Claudia Schiffer's soft honey blonde a timeless nineties colour, but her fluffy full fringe and bouffant styling are also a must-try.

Halle Berry

You'll struggle to find a pixie cut more instantly recognisable than Halle Berry's. Super flattering and ever-so-chic.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's fluffy, romantic curls are proof that wearing your natural texture on the red carpet is always a win.

Kristin Davis

If you struggle to watch Sex and The City without getting distracted by Charlotte's effortlessly expensive tresses, you're not alone.

Shalom Harlow

This short, supermodel bob is the perfect cut for drawing attention to your face. In a world of voluminous blowdrys, this curly cut will always stand out.

Beverly Peele

A sleek bob, paired with a classic black headband, is still ultra stylish 25 years later. Time to brave that chin-length cut.

Lucy Liu

This elegant updo is proof that the nineties weren't just about rollers and chic, little bobs. It was drama (and side-partings).

Lauryn Hill

These tied-up locs are not only the ultimate cool girl styling, they're also a nineties must-have.

Gwen Stefani

Possibly the most over-the-top nineties hairstyle of all, we keep coming back to Gwen Stefani's legendary blue lengths.

Christina Aguilera

Prior to her famous 2000s streaks, Christina Aguilera was known best for her soft crimped curls and bright blonde colour.

All images courtesy of Getty Images.

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Katie Withington

Beauty Writer

Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.