15 popular hairstyles in the 90s making a comeback in 2025

Everything about the 90s is trending right now - and the hairstyles in 1990s are making a huge comeback.  They are bold, playful, experimental, and all things fun. A-listers and influencers are expressing themselves through their hair, trying out different styles, and adding accessories and colors. 

For salons, staying on top of these trends is essential to meet client demand and keep your offerings fresh.

What hairstyles were popular in the 1990s? The 90s pixie cut? The bob? Or long, tousled waves? Let’s explore the popular hairstyles in the 1990s that are trending all over again, so that you can recreate for your guests at your hair salon. 

Absolutely! Some hairstyles in the 90s were disasters (remember the mullet), but many iconic 90s hairstyles are taking the fashion and beauty industry by storm this year. Recently, celebrity hairstylists like Chris Appleton have been regularly giving their well-known clients a 90s-inspired makeover. From A-list stars to Gen Z influencers, many styles have successfully time-traveled from the 90s fashion circuit to 2025.

From Cindy Crawford’s big hair to Princess Diana’s feathered bob – we loved the hairstyles in 1990s. Chunky highlights, mohawks, high and severe ponytails, straight hair with bangs, and razor-sharp cuts are just a few of the most unforgettable 90’s hairstyles female fashionistas experimented with.  But which of the popular hairstyles in the 90s are trending in 2025?

As salon owners or stylists, staying ahead of these revived trends is key to attracting clients looking for that perfect nostalgic look. Read on to find out which iconic styles to add to your repertoire.

Unquestionably, the pixie cut is one of the most popular hairstyles in the 1990s, and it has made a comeback. Winona Ryder was perhaps one of the first celebs to popularize this chic hairstyle in the late 90s and it screamed sleek and sexy. The actor played with the look often, transforming the subtle layers into a choppy one by adding plenty of edges. Then, of course, there was Demi Moore’s sizzling hot pixie in Ghost.

According to Vogue, the pixie cut was 2024's ‘it-girl haircut’, and it's going no where in 2025. Salons, take note! Clients will be looking for bold, chic styles inspired by Zoë Kravitz, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh. Be ready to deliver this timeless look.

One of the hairstyles in 1990s that took fashion circles by storm was the iconic Rachel Green one from the sitcom, Friends. Created by stylist Chris McMillan, it debuted in 1995 and was a phenomenon that lasted for years. It’s trending again today, and Jennifer Aniston herself revived the ‘Rachel’ haircut at the 2024 Golden Globes, showing how this look never goes out of style.

According to McMillian, back in the 90s the hairstyle was so popular that women from all over flew to his Los Angeles salon to get the Rachel hairdo from the man himself.

For salons, this trend is a golden opportunity. The ‘Rachel’ cut, with its face-framing layers and honey highlights, is a style that requires expertise to execute. Promote it as a specialty or offer consultations to help clients achieve their own version of this iconic look.

Another classic 90's hairstyles female fashion gurus are hailing in 2025 is the high volume, flipped ends look. It received a stylish update in the 90s. In 2025, it underwent another change. The modern version is sleeker and chunkier compared to the classic style.

Salons can capitalize on this trend as it suits any occasion — casual or formal — making it highly versatile. Perhaps this is why countless celebs have been working the look, from Cardi B and Rihanna to Zendaya and Kim Kardashian.

The high-volume, flipped ends look is back in 2025, drawing inspiration from classic 90s hairstyles. With its sleek, modern update, the style feels chunkier and more polished, making it a versatile choice for both casual and formal occasions. It's no wonder celebrities like Cardi B, Rihanna, Zendaya, and Kim Kardashian are embracing the trend.

For salons, this is the perfect opportunity to attract clients looking to stay on-trend. To nail the look, train your stylists on key techniques: use a round brush while blow-drying to add volume and finish with a large barrel curling iron for those signature flipped ends. Offering this iconic style could set your salon apart as a go-to destination for modern yet nostalgic hairstyles.

Tip *put half the hair up in a ponytail like Kim K for a twist on the look.*

The bob is making a major comeback in 2025, and it’s a trend salons can’t afford to miss. From Victoria Beckham’s iconic 90s styles to Cameron Diaz’s unforgettable look in There’s Something About Mary, the bob has always been a client favorite—and now, it’s back with fresh variations for every hair type.

This year, the relaxed, low-maintenance bob is in high demand. Clients love its effortless, everyday look that’s easy to manage. And don’t forget curly-haired clients — Laura Harrier’s chic curly bob is proof that bobs aren’t just for straight hair anymore. Make sure your stylists are ready to deliver these versatile, on-trend cuts that work for anyone.

Box braids are a salon staple for 2025, offering clients both versatility and protection. From bobbed or waist-length styles to bright colors or sleek updos, this look is a must-try for anyone looking to switch up their hair.

Take inspiration from Janet Jackson, the queen of 90s celebrity box braids, and introduce clients to the modern twist: knotless box braids. By skipping the knots at the root, these braids are gentler on edges, lightweight, and more comfortable—making them a client favorite.

Another trend salons can offer is the Bohemian box braid look. Let clients’ natural hair peek through by leaving the ends loose to showcase their curls — perfect for a stylish, relaxed vibe. Keep these trends in mind to elevate your salon’s braid game this year.

Related reading: Inside the data: Top 5 beauty industry trends for 2024

Among the popular hairstyles in the 90s, pigtails stand out. Women everywhere were sporting these, thanks to Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time.

Pigtails in 2025 have grown up to deliver a sleek, sophisticated look. Salons are elevating pigtails with polished finishes, creative braiding, and accessories to suit any occasion. Perfect for bad hair days or adding volume without teasing, stylists can customize the look—whether high, low, or parted differently—to match their clients vibe.

Soft, face-framing tendrils are romantic and feminine – remember this popular hairstyle in the 1990s? 

Salons everywhere are likely to see a surge in requests for this style in 2025, as it works for every hair length and is perfect for clients looking for a low-maintenance yet chic option.

Tendrils pair beautifully with buns, ponytails, and braids, making them versatile for any occasion. Whether your clients want them straight, wispy, textured, or chunky, this effortless style complements all face shapes.

Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid are bringing this trend back in full force, so get ready to recreate these iconic looks for your clients.

We've evolved significantly from the 90s mall fringe trend, epitomized by Candace Cameron in House Full and Kelly Kapowski in Saved by the Bell. Although the exaggerated fringes have fallen out of favor, a variety of fringe styles are making a comeback in 2025.

From curtain fringes to softer, feathery cuts, and even the French girl fringe, as seen on Priyanka Chopra, fringes are in vogue again. The secret to nailing the fringe style? The key to creating the perfect fringe? Keep it natural and effortless. Make sure your salon is ready to offer these trendy cuts and guide clients to their most flattering fringe style!

In the late 90s, Christina Aguilera embraced a crimpled look at the LA Billboard Awards, sparking thousands of females to kiss their poker-straight hair goodbye and make friends with the crimping iron.

Today, celebrities and their stylists are experimenting with a wide range of crimped hairstyles – from updos and bangs to knotted braids and mermaid hair, there's plenty of room for creativity with this trend. Crimped hair even returned to the red carpet with celebs like Kylie Jenner, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and Anna Kendrick trying their own variant of the style in recent years.  Ready to bring this retro trend back to your chair?

Space buns and Bantu knots, two major festival hair trends from the 90s are back in style – and they’re perfect for your salon to offer this summer! These fun, playful summer hairstyles go well with accessories and bold jewelry. They're adaptable and can be styled large, small, half-up, straight, or with braids –
so you can customize these styles to match each client’s preferences.

Stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, and Kourtney Kardashian have showcased the former style. Meanwhile, Bantu buns, a style that originates from the Zulu tribes of South Africa, have been sported by celebrities like Beyoncé, Adele, Rihanna, and Cardi B.

Add these trendy styles to your salon menu this summer and give your clients the perfect festival-ready look!

The ‘Barbiecore’ aesthetic came back in full force thanks to Greta Gerwig’s 2023 Barbie movie, and it’s going nowhere. One of the most popular hairstyles in the 90s, Barbie’s iconic high pony with perfectly swooped ends is still a hot trend for 2025 – with Arianna Grande, Hailey Bieber, and Margot Robbie rocking the look regularly.

Salons, this is your chance to offer clients a timeless, stylish look that’s easy to achieve with professional tools. Use a blow dryer and round brush to flip out the ends, secure the high pony, and finish with a quality hairspray for lasting hold. You could also attract new eyes to your social media pages by posting a tutorial for this easy to recreate style.

Now, this is one of the 90’s hairdos you probably thought you’d never see in your salon again but get ready. Forget subtle money pieces, chunky highlights (think Christina Aguilera in her ‘Dirrty’ era) are back.

This two-toned popular hairstyle in the 1990s, featuring large ‘stripey’ highlights, is making a comeback in 2025 and Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian are proof of it. As one of the more divisive 90s hairstyles trending again, it’s not for everyone. The good news – you can still make this trend look great with a subtler approach using babylights or ribboning.

From the Spice Girls to Gwen Stefani, baby braids were all the rage in the 90s. Today’s ‘it girls’, including Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid are bringing it back for 2025. How to create it? Add two tiny strands braided on either side of the face.

From the Spice Girls to Gwen Stefani, baby braids were a 90s staple—and now they’re back, thanks to trendsetters like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid. As we head into 2025, salons can expect clients asking for this nostalgic style with a modern twist.

Baby braids are incredibly versatile, making them a great add-on service. Whether your clients want a polished, girly vibe or a more undone, edgy look, these delicate braids are perfect for elevating everyday hair. Offer them as part of a styling package or as a quick upgrade to any blowout.

If you’ve been watching reruns of Sex and the City in 2025 like many of your clients, you’ll recognize many of the 90s hairstyles in this list. For the tousled curls trend, Carrie Bradshaw is the poster girl.If your clients are loving the 90s nostalgia trend in 2025, you’ve probably noticed requests for Sex and the City-inspired hairstyles. Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic tousled curls are a fan favorite.

Natural texture is back in style in 2025, and you can help your clients achieve this effortless look with the right products. Use mousse to enhance their wave pattern, and don’t shy away from a touch of frizz—it adds to the perfectly undone vibe your clients will love!

Saving the biggest trend for last – volume is back! While the sleek, clean girl aesthetic ruled in recent years, big, bouncy, 90s blowouts are in for 2025.

Supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer are the inspiration for this trend. Out of all the 90s hairstyles women are embracing this year, the bouncy blowout is arguably the most universally loved - and highly requested by clients.

Volume is back, and salons need to be ready! Big, bouncy 90s blowouts are set to dominate in 2025, with supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer inspiring the trend. This classic, universally loved style is one of the most requested looks by clients embracing 90s glam.

For stylists, perfecting the bouncy blowout is key to meeting client demand. Use round brushes, rollers, or even experiment with heatless curling techniques that are trending online. The golden rule? The more volume, the better. Make sure your salon is prepared to deliver this iconic look.

The fashion and beauty trends of the 90s were dynamic - they were never intended to be subtle. And what’s more? It was all about hair accessories.

No matter how you wore your hair – natural, sleek straight, or in disheveled updos – what enhanced an outfit was the hair embellishments. And, predictably, some of the essential 90s embellishments are making a comeback this year. Elevated accessories took the spotlight on 2024 runways, from bows of all sizes to 90s comb headbands, and they've only got more popular since.

If your salon is looking to help clients elevate their 90s-inspired hairstyles, try incorporating these trendy accessories:

Scrunchies – A high ponytail with a stylish scrunchy is in vogue again!

Butterfly clips – Every girl’s must-have accessory.

Daisy clips – Hello Drew Barrymore’s 90s bob with that flower power twist.

Colored clips – They've been adding a pop of color to ordinary hair since the 90s. Plus, they're adorable

Claw clips – Grab the hair into a claw clip and you’re ready to take on the world.

Headbands – The variety is unbelievable. And so much fun!

Hats and bandanas – Your answer to a bad hair day.

The 90s are back, and salons have the perfect opportunity to help clients embrace the iconic beauty trends of the decade. Hair accessories were a defining feature of 90s fashion, and they’re making a big comeback in 2024. From runways to everyday looks, these elevated accessories are the ultimate way to transform hairstyles and complete an outfit.

Here are some must-have 90s-inspired accessories your salon can use to elevate your clients’ styles:

Scrunchies – Perfect for creating high ponytails with a fun, retro flair. Stock up on stylish options to match any client’s vibe.

Butterfly clips – A nostalgic favorite and a simple way to add charm to any hairstyle. A sure hit for younger clients or special occasions.

Daisy clips – Channel Drew Barrymore’s 90s bob and add a playful, floral twist.

Colored clips – Brighten up any look with pops of color. These are perfect for creating standout, fun styles.

Claw clips – A quick and chic way to gather hair. Great for clients on the go.

Headbands – With endless styles to choose from, headbands can add elegance, boldness, or playfulness to any look.

Hats and bandanas – The ultimate solution for a bad hair day or to complete a statement style.

Offer these accessories at your salon or incorporate them into your styling services when clients bring them along to help embrace this nostalgic trend. From everyday looks to special events, these 90s essentials will have your clients leaving the chair with a smile on their faces.

While 90s hairstyles are everywhere in 2025, trends come and go. Every few years a new style, fashion, or beauty trend is either discovered, invented or reintroduced. Keeping up with seasonal beauty trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and offer the most in-demand services to your clients.

Speaking of trends, do you know the trends shaping your industry in 2025? Effective salon services marketing can help you capitalize on these trends and attract more clients. Download the 2025 Beauty and Wellness Benchmark Report for an inside look at benchmark data and exclusive insights dedicated to helping every salon brand grow.