Hi, Im Lena — a professional hairstylist with over a decade in busy salons. In this photo-rich post I showcase 28 iconic 90s hairstyles for women, from The Rachel and curtain bangs to crimped waves and sleek bobs. These looks work across hair types and can be adapted for modern wear: layered cuts and curtain bangs flatter oval and heart faces, while chunky highlights and crimping add volume for fine hair. I’ll walk you through which cuts suit straights, waves, and curls, and share salon-tested styling tips — like using a heat protectant before flat-ironing The Rachel, a texturizing spray to revive layered bobs, and a wide-tooth comb to preserve crimped texture. Follow along with the 28 images to see real examples and step-by-step ideas you can recreate at home or bring to your next salon appointment.
Textured Short Bob with Long Side-Swept Fringe
This cropped, textured bob with a long side-swept fringe works best on straight to wavy hair and medium to fine density. The cut creates soft inward curve at the nape and a face-framing fringe that can be styled across the forehead to soften features. To style, towel-dry hair, apply a root-lifting spray or volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a small-to-medium round brush to shape the ends under and add crown lift. Use a flat iron on small sections to smooth the fringe or add a slight bend for movement. Finish by raking a pea-sized amount of lightweight texture paste through ends for separation and misting with light-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer, small/medium round brush, flat iron, tail comb and sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizer or mousse, lightweight styling cream or texture paste, and light hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — the cut requires salon precision and styling takes a few minutes daily. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to retain shape, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, and use a weekly mask if heat styling frequently.
Textured Messy Updo with Wispy Curtain Bangs
Salon-tested textured messy updo paired with wispy curtain bangs. Best for medium to thick hair and natural waves or loose curls; fine hair can achieve the same silhouette with volumizing mousse, clip-in pieces, or strategic backcombing, while very curly hair benefits from slight smoothing at the bang area. Technique: start on damp hair with a heat protectant, blow-dry bangs with a round brush for soft separation, then create loose bends through mid-lengths with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions. Lightly tease the crown for lift, gather hair into a mid-to-high messy bun or loose ponytail and secure with an elastic and pins, leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Smooth and shape curtain bangs with a flat iron or round brush. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, flat iron, tail comb, teasing brush, pins and small elastic. Products required: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — basic curling and pinning skills required. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, touch up bangs with a small iron, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, and sleep on a silk scarf or pillow to preserve shape.
Layered Medium-Length Tight Curls with Short Curly Fringe
Perfect for natural curl patterns from 2B–3C (loose to tight ringlets), this medium-length layered style with a short curly fringe gives bounce without bulk. Cut on dry hair to assess natural fall: remove weight with vertical point cutting and short layers, then sculpt a soft rounded silhouette and a cropped fringe that sits above the brow. Styling technique: work on soaking-wet hair—apply a water-based leave-in and curl cream, then distribute a medium-hold gel or mousse using the “praying hands” method and scrunch to encourage ringlets. Diffuse on low heat with a nozzle until about 80% dry, finish with a cool blast to set. For less-defined natural curls, refine with a small-barrel wand on a few sections. Tools: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, curved shears, small-section clips, and optional ¾ curling wand. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, leave-in cream, medium-hold gel/mousse, light oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—precision layering and fringe shaping are best by a stylist experienced with curly cuts. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, sleep on satin, refresh with water + leave-in and scrunch; avoid brushing dry to reduce frizz.
Voluminous Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Ringlets
This elegant curly updo suits natural to permed hair textures (2C–4A) and medium to long lengths. Begin on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and curl‑defining cream, then diffuse on low heat to build volume without frizz. For added definition, selectively wrap stubborn pieces around a 3/4-inch curling wand. To construct the updo, loosely gather hair toward the crown, separate into sections, twist and pin each section with U‑pins and bobby pins to create lifted volume while leaving several face‑framing tendrils free. Backcomb lightly at the roots if extra lift is needed. Tools needed: diffuser, curling wand, wide‑tooth comb, tail comb, bobby pins, U‑pins and sectioning clips. Recommended products: leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, heat protectant, light‑to‑medium hold flexible hairspray and a small anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires practice to balance pin placement and curl definition. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple with a silk scarf, refresh curls with a water + leave‑in spray or curl refresher, touch up loose pieces with a wand and avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down.
Textured Half‑Up Bow Bun with Curtain Bangs
This playful half‑up bow bun pairs soft curtain bangs with loose, textured waves — ideal for medium to long lengths. Best on fine to medium hair (texturizing adds body); thick hair works too but may require sectioning or thinning for a lighter bow. Start with clean, towel‑dried hair. Apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a heat protectant through lengths. Blow‑dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown, or diffuse to preserve natural wave. Create soft waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron, alternating directions, then brush through for texture. Section the top half, lightly tease the crown for lift, and secure with an elastic. Create two looped sections to form a bow, pinning each loop with U‑pins and tucking the elastic tail underneath; pull a few face‑framing strands loose. Finish with texturizing spray for separation and a light‑hold hairspray. Tools: round brush, tail comb, curling iron, teasing comb, elastics, bobby/U‑pins. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo and a few waves, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks.
Textured Curly Half-Up with Micro Braids and Face‑Framing Bangs
Suitable hair types: natural curls, wavy hair, or relaxed curls that can hold texture; fine hair can be built up with product and teasing, while very coarse hair benefits from extra smoothing. Technique: work with dry, pre-textured hair—create small corkscrew curls and crimps through the lengths, pull the top section into a loose half-up volume at the crown, secure with pins and small elastics, and weave a few micro braids through the back for detail. Leave soft face‑framing bangs and wisps for a lived-in look. Tools needed: 3/8–1/2 curling wand or small-barrel iron, rattail comb and sectioning clips, teasing brush, fine-tooth comb, bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or curl cream, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a finishing serum for shine. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires sectioning, controlled curling, and secure pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the style with a loose scrunchie, refresh with a water/mousse mist and re-twist stray curls, avoid heavy oils near the roots, and undo micro braids every few days to prevent matting. From salon experience, pin tightly at the crown and use minimal product to keep bounce and movement.
Half-Up Tousled Curls with Curtain Bangs — Medium-Length Wavy Hairstyle
This relaxed half-up style with soft curtain bangs works best on medium-length hair with natural waves or loose curls; straight hair can achieve the same effect with texturizing. Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse through the mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry bangs smooth with a round brush or diffuse waves gently to keep natural texture. Create loose, 1–1¼ inch barrel curls, alternating directions and leaving the last inch straight for a lived-in finish. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift and gather the top section into a half-up twist or small pouf, securing with pins so the bangs frame the face. Finger-comb curls and finish with a sea-salt spray or texturizing mist for separation, then lock with a medium-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow-dryer (diffuser optional), 1–1¼ inch curling wand, round brush, tail comb, clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizer, light oil for ends, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium. Maintenance: refresh with water or mist and scrunch, re-curl a few pieces as needed, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to preserve curl bounce.
Glossy Chin-Length Bob with Blunt Bangs and Soft Inward Ends
This glossy chin-length bob with blunt bangs suits straight to slightly wavy, fine to medium-thick hair. The cut relies on clean lines at the jaw and soft interior graduation to create natural movement while bangs frame the eyes. Styling technique: start with freshly towel-dried hair, apply a lightweight mousse or root-lift at the roots and a thermal protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry using a medium (1–1.5 inch) round brush and a concentrator nozzle, rolling the ends under to create the subtle inward curve; use tension to smooth the fringe. For a polished finish, run a flat iron quickly through the ends and lightly bend the perimeter inward. Use your fingers to break up the shape slightly for natural texture. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, medium round brush, flat iron, sectioning clips. Products required: smoothing shampoo/conditioner, lightweight mousse or root-lift, heat protectant spray, light-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum or cream. Difficulty: easy–medium — manageable at home after a few attempts; salon precision recommended for perfect bangs. Maintenance tips: trim bangs and length every 4–6 weeks, use dry shampoo between washes to preserve shape, deep-condition weekly, and sleep on silk to reduce friction.
Curly Textured High Messy Ponytail with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for naturally curly or wavy hair, this high messy ponytail works especially well on medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve this look with added texturizing products or light extensions. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse and diffuse to enhance natural texture. Gather hair high at the crown and secure with a strong elastic, then release small sections, twist or loop them and pin around the base to build a loose, voluminous bun—leave a few face‑framing tendrils out. Use a 3/4–1-inch curling wand to define or refresh curls on the tendrils and any pieces that need shaping. Tools: elastic, bobby pins, tail comb, curling wand, blow dryer with diffuser. Products: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum. Difficulty level: Moderate — salon technique but achievable at home with practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the style; refresh with misted water + leave‑in or curl cream and re-pin as needed; avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume and re-cut ends every 8–12 weeks to keep curls springy.
Voluminous Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Spiral Curls and Bangs
This lifted curly updo suits natural curl textures (2B–4A) and works on wavy or straight hair when pre-curled. Best for medium to thick hair—fine hair can achieve similar volume with root-lifting products and clip-in width at the crown. Start with a layered cut that preserves length at the crown and short, textured bangs. Styling technique: apply leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair, diffuse to 70–80% dry while scrunching, then define tighter spirals with a 1/2–3/4 curling wand where needed. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather curls loosely at the top, and secure with bobby pins to create a high, rounded silhouette; leave tendrils and bangs to softly frame the face. Tools needed: diffuser, curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and a blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, light texturizing powder for root lift, flexible-to-strong hold hairspray, and a shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate—requires curling, pinning, and balancing volume. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the style, refresh with a water-based curl refresher or leave-in, avoid daily heat, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape.
Textured High Pony with Curtain Bangs and Face‑Framing Layers
This textured high pony with curtain bangs and face-framing layers suits fine to medium-thick hair with natural wave or light curl. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through mid-lengths. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the crown and shape the bangs, or smooth bangs with a flat iron for control. Create soft waves with a 1 curling wand, alternating directions for movement, then rough-texture the lengths with fingers. Backcomb slightly at the crown for extra lift, gather hair into a high pony and secure with a snag-free elastic; wrap a small section of hair around the elastic and pin underneath. Pull several face-framing pieces loose and tug gently at the pony to soften. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand, flat iron (optional), teasing comb, elastics and bobby pins. Products: root-lift spray or mousse, heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a drop of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–moderate. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl loose pieces as needed, sleep on silk or use a soft scrunchie, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks.
Half-Up Voluminous Natural Curls with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Ideal for natural waves and curls (type 2B–3C) and for straight hair with added texture, this half-up style creates height while keeping soft, face-framing pieces. Start on damp, conditioned hair: apply a leave-in conditioner and curl cream or mousse, then scrunch and diffuse until mostly dry to set the natural pattern. Section the top quarter from temple to temple, lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, then twist or loosely roll that section and secure with bobby pins or a small claw, leaving a few tendrils around the face. Touch up any flat pieces with a 1 curling wand for uniform definition. Tools: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, tail comb, 1 curling wand, bobby pins/claw, microfiber towel. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in cream, curl enhancer or mousse, light gel for hold, lightweight oil and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium—requires basic curl drying and pinning skills; allow 20–40 minutes. Maintenance: pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase, refresh with water + leave-in or curl refresher spray, avoid brushing, and trim every 8–12 weeks to remove weight and keep curl shape.
Tousled Half-Up with Soft Topknot — Wavy to Curly Hair
This relaxed half-up with a soft topknot is ideal for natural waves, loose curls, and medium-thick hair textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added texturizing products and light backcombing, while straight hair benefits from a quick wave with a curling wand. Start on damp hair with a volumizing mousse through roots and a heat protectant on lengths. Rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer until 80% dry, using your fingers to lift at the crown. Section the top third of hair, lightly tease the crown for height, then twist that section into a loose topknot or small bun and anchor with a soft elastic and a few bobby pins. Leave face-framing pieces soft and tousle the remaining lengths; add a few waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand if needed. Tools: blow-dryer with diffuser, curling wand or flat iron, teasing brush, comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with water or texturizer and scrunch, re-tighten pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Shoulder-Length Waves with Face‑Framing Layers (90s-Inspired)
This versatile shoulder-length wave suits fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker or curly textures with slightly longer layers. Start with a layered cut that removes bulk around the face and adds movement. For styling, towel-dry and apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at roots; rough-dry with your fingers until slightly damp. Use a medium round brush and blow dryer to lift the roots and smooth the mid-lengths, rotating the brush away from the face for soft outward waves. For definition, wrap 1
Retro Shoulder-Length Voluminous Curls with Soft Side-Swept Fringe
This polished, vintage-inspired shoulder-length curl is best for fine to medium hair textures and naturally wavy to curly hair; those with straight hair can achieve the look with heat styling. Technique: work in horizontal sections, set curls with 1–1.25 hot rollers or a curling iron, pin each curl to cool for long-lasting shape, then release and loosely shape with fingers to create soft, separated ringlets and a side-swept fringe. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, duckbill clips/pins, wide-tooth comb, boar-bristle or soft-bristle brush, round brush and blow dryer for root lift. Products required: lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair, heat protectant, lightweight styling cream or setting lotion, medium-hold hairspray for hold, and a finishing shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 45–60 minutes for precise sets and finishing. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely tie hair in a silk scarf, refresh curls with a water + leave-in mist and scrunch, touch up front pieces with a small-barrel iron, use dry shampoo between washes, and schedule a layered trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain bounce and shape.
Boho Half-Up with Soft Waves and Knotted Headscarf
Salon-style boho half-up pairs soft curtain bangs with long, loose waves and a knotted headscarf. Best for medium to thick, naturally straight-to-wavy hair at shoulder length or longer; fine hair can wear this look with volumizing mousse or clip-in pieces, while very curly hair should be smoothed or stretched first. To create it: apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry with a round brush to smooth bangs and add crown lift. Using a 1–1.25 curling wand, wrap 2–3 sections away from the face for soft S-waves; alternate directions on lower layers for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown, gather the top half into a high half-ponytail and secure with an elastic; knot a narrow scarf around the base and tuck the ends. Finish with a texturizing spray for separation and a light-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, clips. Products: heat protectant, mousse, texturizer, light hairspray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate. Maintain by refreshing waves with a quick heat pass, using dry shampoo at the roots, sleeping in a silk scarf, and trimming bangs every 6–8 weeks.
Textured Curly Updo with Full Fringe and Soft Face‑Framing
Suitable hair types: best for medium to thick naturally curly or wavy hair; fine or straight hair can replicate the look with heat-styled ringlets and optional clip‑in volume. Styling technique: prep damp hair with a lightweight mousse and heat protectant, diffuse until about 80% dry for natural lift, or blow-dry bangs smooth with a small round brush. Create small to medium curls (3/8–1 barrel depending on desired ringlet size) throughout, lightly backcomb the crown for height, then gather curls into a loose, high bun. Pin individual curled loops with U‑pins and bobby pins to build a textured, airy shape; leave a few tendrils and curl the full fringe under for a soft frame. Tools needed: curling wand/iron, dryer with diffuser, round brush, sectioning clips, rat‑tail comb, bobby pins, hair elastic. Products required: heat protectant, mousse or curl cream, texturizing spray, firm‑hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: medium — requires curling and precise pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow, re‑pine stray curls, refresh with a water/curl‑refresher spray, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape.
Textured Tousled Pixie with Curtain Fringe — Short Layered Waves
This short, textured pixie with a soft curtain fringe suits fine to medium hair and works well on natural waves; very tight curls can be softened by a longer top and looser layering. Technique: start with a short tapered back and sides, leaving length on top through point-cut layered sections to create movement. Use a razor or texturizing shears for feathered ends and soft fringe that can be swept to either side. Styling: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry with fingers or a small round brush to lift the roots, then define pieces with a ¾ curling wand or flat iron for soft S-shapes. Finish by raking a pea-sized amount of matte paste or styling cream through the ends and lock with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: scissors, texturizing shears/razor, blow dryer, small round brush, ¾ curling wand or flat iron. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, light paste/wax, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: salon cut is advanced; daily styling is easy (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, use weekly deep-conditioning if colored, and refresh texture with water + sea-salt spray between washes.
Short Textured Curly Bob with Soft Curly Fringe
This short textured curly bob with a soft curly fringe suits natural wavy to curly hair (2B–3C) and works well on fine to medium density when layered to add body. The salon technique uses short, face-framing layers and a slightly graduated jaw-length perimeter to keep weight off the curls while preserving shape. To style: start on towel-dried hair, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then a curl-defining cream or light gel from roots to ends; use the praying-hands method to distribute product and then scrunch to encourage curl formation. Diffuse on low-medium heat with a diffuser attachment while cupping curls to set shape, or air-dry for softer texture. Tools needed: diffuser, microfiber towel, wide-tooth comb, clips, and a small curling wand (3/8–1/2 in) for occasional shaping. Products required: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in, curl cream or mousse, lightweight oil for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray or refresher spray. Difficulty level: intermediate—requires product balance and diffusing technique. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with a water/leave-in mist, sleep on silk/satin, and avoid brushing dry to prevent frizz.
Layered Voluminous Curly Bob with Soft Fringe
Salon-friendly mid-length layered cut that enhances natural curls and creates a rounded, voluminous silhouette with soft, face-framing bangs. Best suited to type 2B–3C hair (wavy to tight-curly); fine hair can wear this style with added density from layers and mousse, while coarse hair benefits from longer interior layers to reduce bulk. Technique: the stylist uses dry-cutting to map curl pattern, short face-framing layers and a blunt-ish fringe that blends into the body; home styling relies on scrunching with curl cream and diffusing on low heat to preserve shape. Tools needed: professional shears and thinning shears for texture, wide-tooth comb, diffuser attachment, sectioning clips and a 1–1.25 curling wand for touch-ups. Products: sulfate-free cleanser, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in, curl-defining cream or mousse, light gel for hold, anti-frizz oil and heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate — requires a pro cut for curl mapping, but daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trim every 8–10 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh curls with a water/leave-in mist, pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase, and avoid brushing dry.
Short Layered Curly Bob with Soft Curtain Bangs
Suitable for natural wavy-to-curly hair (2A–3C); works best on medium to thick density but can be adapted for finer hair with added layering and volume products. The salon cut is a chin-length bob with graduated, point-cut layers and a textured curtain fringe to enhance spring and movement. On damp hair, distribute a lightweight leave-in and curl cream, then scrunch to encourage formation. Diffuse on low heat while cupping the curls to build gentle volume, or air-dry for a softer finish. Use a 1 curling iron sparingly to refine any pieces or to shape the bangs. Tools: wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel or T-shirt, diffuser, 1 curling iron, cutting shears and thinning shears for the initial cut. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl-defining cream or mousse, light gel for hold, heat protectant, and a lightweight finishing oil or spray. Difficulty: Moderate — requires a professional cutting technique but daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks to retain shape, deep-condition weekly, refresh with water + leave-in spritz, and sleep on silk or loosely pineapple to preserve curl definition.
Textured Shoulder-Length Shag with Curtain Bangs
This shoulder-length textured shag with soft curtain bangs suits fine to medium wavy hair and relaxed natural curls; it also adapts well to thicker hair when the layers are blended to reduce bulk. The cut is created with graduated, face-framing layers and point-cut ends to produce movement and a slightly shaggy silhouette. In the salon, shape the layers with scissors and a razor for texture, set the curtain bangs to skim the brow, and remove weight from the crown with subtle layering. For styling, apply a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair, distribute with fingers, then diffuse on low while scrunching for natural separation. Tools needed: sharp haircutting shears, razor or texturizing shears, blow dryer with diffuser, wide-tooth comb, and a small curling wand for occasional definition. Recommended products: heat protectant, curl mousse or cream, sea-salt/texturizing spray, a light finishing oil, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty is moderate — requires an experienced stylist for the cut and simple daily shaping at home. Maintain with trims every 8–10 weeks (bangs 4–6 weeks), weekly deep conditioning, microfiber drying, and nighttime silk protection to preserve texture and reduce frizz.
Textured Curly Updo with Wispy Curtain Bangs
This romantic, textured curly updo with soft curtain bangs works best on medium to thick hair and on natural waves or loose curls; fine hair can achieve the look with light extensions or added padding. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, then diffuse to enhance natural texture or rough-dry for body. Using a 3/4–1 curling iron, curl small sections to create defined ringlets, finger-twist each curl and pin them at the crown to build a loose, elevated bun while leaving several face-framing pieces and bangs free. Backcomb lightly at the roots for lift and use bobby pins and a small elastic to secure shape. Finish with a salt or texturizing spray for grit, a light-hold hairspray to set, and a tiny dab of smoothing cream for flyaways. Tools: curling iron, clips, bobby pins, elastic, teasing brush, diffuser (optional). Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizer, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with mist and scrunching or gentle steaming, touch up bangs with a round brush, and dry-shampoo roots between washes.
Twisted Half-Up with Beachy Waves and Headband
Suitable for naturally wavy to curly hair (2A–3B) and medium to long lengths; fine hair benefits from added texture and very thick hair may need extra pins. Technique: work on towel-dried or dry hair with natural texture. Create soft, loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or enhance natural pattern with braids and a diffuser. Take two small front sections, twist each toward the back and secure at the crown with a small elastic or discreet bobby pins, then place the headband over the joins to conceal pins and add style. Gently loosen the twists with fingers and pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic, bobby pins, and a soft fabric headband. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, and a lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium; allow 15–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or loose top-knot, refresh with water or spray-and-scrunch plus texturizer, re-twist front pieces if needed, and avoid heavy conditioners at roots to keep lift.
Textured Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs
This relaxed curly updo with wispy curtain bangs works best on naturally wavy to curly mid-length or long hair, and is easily created on straight hair with heat styling. Start with a layered cut to encourage movement; apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse or curl-enhancing cream to damp hair. Diffuse until 80% dry to boost natural texture or blow-dry smooth if starting with straight hair. Section hair and use a 3/8–1/2-inch curling wand to define a mix of loose and tighter ringlets, focusing on pieces intended for face-framing. Loosely gather hair at the crown and mid‑nape and pin with bobby pins to form a soft, messy chignon, leaving several tendrils and bangs free. Finish by tousling with a salt or texturizing spray for separation and a flexible-hold hairspray to set without stiffness. Tools: curling wand, diffuser, tail comb, clips, bobby pins. Difficulty: medium — requires curling and strategic pinning. Maintenance: refresh curls with water + curl cream or a light mist, dry shampoo at roots between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple hair, and trim layers every 8–10 weeks to maintain shape.
Shoulder-Length Layered Curls with Soft Side-Swept Bangs
This look works best on naturally wavy to curly hair or medium-thick textures that hold shape — fine hair can achieve it with added product and smaller barrel heat styling, while very coarse hair may need longer drying and hydrating prep. The cut is a shoulder-length layered shape with shorter face-framing layers and soft side-swept bangs to create bounce and movement. Styling technique: apply a leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair, then scrunch and diffuse on low heat to set natural pattern. For defined pieces and bangs, wrap small sections around a 3/4–1 curling iron or wand, alternating directions, and finger-comb. Tools needed: diffuser-equipped hairdryer, curling wand (3/4–1), wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, and professional shears for shaping. Products required: hydrating shampoo/conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream or mousse, lightweight oil or serum, heat protectant, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — cut requires a stylist experienced with curly layering; styling is salon-simple at home. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh curls with a water + curl-refresher mist, pineapple at night on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy products at the roots to preserve lift.
Textured Messy Updo with Curtain Bangs
An undone, textured updo with soft curtain bangs and face‑framing tendrils — ideal for medium to long hair with natural waves or loose curls; straight hair benefits from pre‑texturizing. To create it, rough‑dry with a diffuser or blow dryer after applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, add loose waves with a 1 curling wand if needed, then mist with sea‑salt or texturizing spray. Section the hair, loosely twist or knot 3–4 small sections at the crown and secure with bobby pins, leaving front pieces and bangs free to soften the face. Lightly tease the crown for lift and pull pieces apart for a lived‑in finish, finish with flexible hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer (diffuser), curling wand, fine‑tooth comb, bobby pins, elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, light pomade for flyaways, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo for day‑two refresh. Difficulty: easy–medium; 10–20 minutes with practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely tie a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose sections, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks.
Voluminous Half-Up Beachy Waves with Curtain Bangs
This look is ideal for medium to long hair and flatters fine, medium and naturally wavy textures; coarse or very curly hair will need smoothing or a looser blowout before styling. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse through roots and a heat-protectant serum mid-length to ends. Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the crown to create volume. Section the top half from temple to temple, lightly backcomb the crown for height, then smooth the top layer and secure the section at the back with discreet pins or a small clip to form the half-up shape. Create loose, beachy waves using a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, alternating direction and leaving ends softer. Finish with a light salt spray for texture and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1–1.25 inch curling wand, clips. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing/sea salt spray, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh waves with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizer, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks to keep the frame fresh.
Bringing 90s hairstyles into the present is all about smart updates and good hair care. As a stylist, I recommend starting with a consultation so your cut complements your face shape and lifestyle. For at-home styling: always use a heat protectant, choose a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray for fine hair, and a smoothing serum for coarse or frizzy textures. Invest in a quality flat iron and round brush for sleek looks, and a crimper or small-barrel curling iron for texture. Maintain layered cuts with trims every 6–8 weeks and refresh color with glosses rather than heavy lifts to preserve hair health. Refer to the 28 images to pinpoint the style you love, then adapt length, layers, or bangs with your stylist for a modern, wearable finish. Book a professional if youre making big changes — small tweaks can make a huge difference.