11 '90s Hairstyles You – Or Your Mom – Definitely Rocked

The current generation goes by the mantra less is more, taking a minimalistic approach to almost every aspect of life, from business and interior design to blog interfaces, daily outfits, make-up, and hairstyles. Nowadays, blunt bobs or lengthy lobs are all the rage. But back in the ‘90s, women enjoyed an array of hair trends, most of which were worn by iconic celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, and Melissa Joan Hart.

The ‘90s was a time when youngsters followed the anything-goes philosophy when it came to fashion. The decade’s beauty trends were versatile and fun, though often admittedly over-the-top, and partnered with eccentric accessories, such as scrunchies, butterfly clips, and anything else you could think of. The ‘90s was a time for wild hair experimentations, characterized by the iconic styles you’re about to see below.

Who could forget the iconic hairstyle made so popular by the show Friends that all you had to do was ask for “the Rachel” and your hairdresser would know what you wanted? Jennifer Anniston’s first haircut in the show became a signature look of the ‘90s. Then there were those braided pigtails made famous by Britney Spears in her striking debut music video Baby One More Time?

Without further ado, let’s take you down memory with these 11 hair trends that shaped the identity of the ‘90s.


1. The "Rachel Green" Haircut

We bet this hairstyle is what you think of whenever Jennifer Aniston’s name comes up.


2. Crimped waves

If not you, we’re pretty sure your mom used to own a snazzy set of hair crimper back in the ‘90s.


3. Butterfly clips

These accessories will never be forgotten, and we bet you still have several pieces left in a storage box somewhere.


4. Plastic stretchy headbands

This headband was like a small crooked comb that stayed perfectly in place, keeping your hair tucked back in style.


5. High ponytail with an oversized scrunchie

CJ Lana Perry WWE, made this look better than it was before and, to be very honest, it suited her the best. Realistically, few people could pull it off without looking ridiculous! 


6. Flower accessories

Drew Barrymore pioneered the trend of bedecking your hair with flowers. While it’s not as popular now as it was in the ‘90s, the look still gets a run at festivals like Coachella.


7. Super tight curls

Mariah Carey rocked this voluminous style during the ‘90s.


8. Half crimped, half straight

We were young and didn’t know what we were thinking.


9. Half-up half-down pigtails

Baby Spice, being a ‘90s icon, rocked these pigtails during the decade.


10. Tiny hairpins

We bet some of you are rejoicing over the comeback of these cute and practical pins.


11. The messy bun

The quintessentially ‘90s Clueless character Cher Horowitz made this top bun famous.