Images of trendy short haircuts
The 1990's, much like the Eighties, was a decade that featured unique hairstyles. The 90's was strongly characterized by materialism and consumerism. However, this capitalistic mentality took on new forms as new technology, such as cable television and the internet, began to emerge and grow. A strong sense of multiculturalism dominated the Nineties, and new movements like grunge, hip hop and the rave scene spread. More than ever, hair became a way to express individuality, and men and women alike tried new styles that emphasized fun and originality. With greater access to celebrities, made possible through television and the internet, actors, singers and models were the absolute standard of beauty and hair trends throughout the decade.
Click through to see our list of the top 11 hairstyles that have us nostalgic for the 1990's!
The Rachel Hairstyle
When Jennifer Aniston took on the role of Rachel Green in the insanely popular TV show, Friends, she inspired millions with her famous bouncy, square-layered hairstyle that came to be known as "The Rachel." Women across America copied the look which was universally flattering and could be cut in a variety of lengths. Despite its immense popularity, however, Aniston has stated that the look was "the ugliest haircut" she'd ever seen, and soon switched up her locks after the second season of the show.
[Image credit: NBC Universal via Getty Images]
The Flipped-Out Bob Hairstyle
This wasn't the first time that a short, flippy bob became a popular look, but actresses like Drew Barrymore helped to re-popularize this 60's-esque style, as well as keep it fresh with super short bangs. The look gave off a fun, sweet vibe that many women mimicked during the 1990's.
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Mini-Buns Hairstyle
Also known as bantu knots or Zulu knots, this look became popular after Gwen Stefani, then-singer for the band No Doubt, was seen sporting the look on multiple red carpets. The style involves sectioning off hair into diamond, triangle or square shapes and then twisting strands into small, tight knots all over the head.
[Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder via Getty Images]
Crimped Hairstyle
Beginning in the late 1980's and taking off in the following decade, hair crimping is a method of creating small, sawtooth waves in naturally straight hair. Nineties girls and women would achieve this popular look by braiding wet hair overnight, or by using a crimping iron for perfectly crimped hair. Pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera helped to re-popularize the style after its initial mid-Eighties peak.
[Image credit: Chris Weeks via Getty Images]
The Winona Hairstyle
The pixie has been a popular hairstyle for decades, and is continually re-done each new decade. During the 1990's, actress Winona Ryder took the hair world by storm when she opted for a stylish, piecey pixie cut. Suddenly, every woman wanted the gorgeous, feature-highlighting look, and the pixie received yet another revival.
[Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd. via Getty Images]
The Box Braid Hairstyle
This hairstyle provided a new twist on the classic braid. To create a box braid, four strands of hair are woven together to create a square, box-like shape. The look was especially popular amongst African-American women during the 1990's, and still maintains a certain level of popularity today.
[Image credit: KMazur via Getty Images]
Curtained Hairstyle
The curtained look became an incredibly popular style amongst men during the 1990's. Named for the look of long strands of hair in the front, often parted in the middle, that fell to either side of the face, much like curtains, the style adorned the heads of Nineties teenage heartthrobs everywhere. The curtained haircut also included shorter, sometimes shaved hair in the back and on the sides, and was sometimes shaped into a bowl cut, with fringe pushed equally across the forehead.