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There’s no point in denying it: the ’90s are back in a big way. From baggy skater boy jeans to thick lip liner, the fashion and beauty looks of late seem to be all about paying homage to the decade of grunge and experimentation. When it comes to hairstyles, you’ve probably spotted plenty of high ponytails, bouncy blowouts, braids, piecey updos, and other nostalgic looks. While there are more demure styles that keep your tresses down and flowing — like the classic half up, half down hairstyle — there are countless ’90s updos that make more interesting alternatives to your standard ponytail.
Perhaps credit the revival of updos to celebs like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid (who regularly rock classic hairstyles), the popularity of the Pam & Tommy Hulu series, and/or good old-fashioned love of the old days. “I think it’s a bit nostalgic,” shares celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook. “Now that the kids from the ’90s are grown, it feels good to relive those days.” These days, people are determined to deliver a little while revamping those old-school styles, she says. “Besides, who isn’t in love with the supermodels of the ’90s?” Nobody.
For some inspiration, keep scrolling for the greatest 90s updos and how to wear them.
This article originally appeared on bustle.com
#1 The quirky braids
Braids have been spotted on the biggest pop stars of the ’90s, from Britney Spears in the Baby One More Time video to Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls – and according to hairstylist and colorist Juliana Ohlmeyer, they’re back, honey, again . Wear them braided or in classic tailcoats for all those nostalgic vibes. Ohlmeyer’s tip? Hair is easier to braid or slick back when wet with some product. “Use something like Olaplex #3 or castor oil to treat your hair as you style it,” she shares. Also: Use a comb.
#2 The bombshell updo of the ’90s
A messy, voluminous pin-up — à la Pam Anderson — is the quintessential ’90s updo, and it’s made a hell of a comeback. Exhibit A: Kim Kardashian rocked the look for sister Kourtney’s extravagant wedding in May 2022 in Portofino, Italy.
The trick to nailing the bombastic ’90s updo is to achieve big, bouncy curls before you reach for the pins—such might be the way you do a classic ’90s blowout on second-or-third hair polish up during the day. Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan says to curl with a hot curling iron and then pin to cool. Spritz liberally with a texturizing spray, remove pins, and brush through before styling, Marjan suggests. Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago also points out that you can use Velcro curlers for ultimate volume. From there, you’re just a few bobby pins away from a bombastic updo.
#3 The prom updo
You can’t imagine it: prom-style updos have also made a comeback. Drew Barrymore wore the look in the 1994 film Bad Girls, and Ohlmeyer calls it “one of the best cool-girl updos of all time.” Intrigued by the thick pile of light platinum locks, she says the look “was shown to every girl’s hairdresser before a prom for the next decade.” And now they’re chic again. For a more modern twist, Ohlmeyer recommends curling your hair first and then pulling the strands into a soft chignon. Leaving out a few strands to frame the face.
#4 The French twist
The French twist is making a comeback, too, from sleek styles that would suit any evening wear to more casual versions reminiscent of Friends’ Rachel during her days as a waitress, notes Millie Morales, celebrity beauty expert at Garnier. For a full va-va-vum effect, Ohlmeyer recommends volumizing your hair first with velcro rollers and then using a round brush to twist your hair into the updo.
#5 The claw clip updo
Claw clips never really went away, but amid the ’90s style revival, the layered clips that defined the decade have made their way back into the mainstream. The best part? Wearing a claw clip updo is a breeze: just twist and clip your strands. Your Starbucks runs just got cuter.
#6 The piecey topknot
A punk-chic ’90s style updo is all about the sleek topknot with chunky strands left out at the front. Santiago says you should start with your flat iron. “If your hair is in a high or low bun, the piecey look is essential,” she shares. “You’re going to want to keep the loose ends straight out of your bun so your bun looks funkier.” To achieve the look, Brook adds that hair gel is essential — look for “one that holds but doesn’t flake.”
#7 The braided ponytail
Instead of wearing a regular ponytail, pull your strands into a high tight pony and then braid it. This nostalgic take on the updo is a Hadid and Dua Lipa favorite—and it’s super easy to do. Using either a brush or some hair gel, straighten your hair, secure it with an elastic band, and then secure the braid with another. Or, for extra ’90s vibes, secure your strands with a hair tie.
#8 The Barbie ponytail
Every It girl also sports the Barbie ponytail, a ’90s-inspired trend adopted by none other than the Mattel queen herself. It’s like a regular ponytail but has a side swept across the forehead and ends flipped out at the back. To rock it, slick your strands into a high pony and clip the front sections to one side. “Use a beard brush to smooth down your hair to create a ponytail for a sleek, glossy finish,” Candice Hollub, bridal hairstyle instructor and owner of The Lovely Hair Class, previously told Bustle. Once it’s up, use a curling iron for the flipped effect, set with hairspray and you’re good to go.
#9 The accessorized updo
You can’t talk about ’90s hair and not mention hair accessories. Every barber Bustle spoke to insisted that no ’90s updo is complete without at least one playful hair accessory. Butterfly clips, decorative pins, beads – all fair game and so typical of the 90s.
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