'90s Hairstyles That Are Anything but Outdated

Updated on 6/21/2018 at 3:00 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Don't call it a throwback. Overplucked eyebrows not withstanding, '90s beauty has a lot of good ideas to offer. Scrunchies (aka hair clouds) don't leave dents in your hair, and crimping can look surprisingly sophisticated.

Inspired by the best parts of the Delia's catalog and the most elevated looks in our old Sassy magazines, we tapped celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan to create four '90s-inspired hairstyles that are anything but outdated. Justine is one of the go-to hairstylists for A-list clients like Chrissy Teigen, Kerry Washington, and Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney Kardashian, among others. Known for creating modern braids, ponytails, and updos, Justine envisioned new versions of these '90s looks that are easy to re-create right now.

Look No. 1: Sleek Topknot With Scrunchie

Inspired by the runway and Bella Hadid, the topknot is even more approachable with a scrunchie. Scunchies are making a comeback, and they are great for holding up the hair while acting as a decorative accessory.

Step 1

Divide hair into two sections, front and back, by parting from the top of one ear to the other.

Step 2

Gather hair half up by applying pomade to the roots and spraying a brush with hairspray, then secure with an elastic.

Step 3

Repeat on the bottom section, attaching it to the first top ponytail.

Step 4

Use your scrunchie to twist the hair into a bun, then finish with a few bobby pins if necessary.

Look No. 2: Space Buns

Inspired by Baby Spice and Gwen Stefani, a modern version of this popular '90s hairstyle has been spotted on celebs like Hailey Baldwin and Khloé Kardashian. Leaving out hair in the front and letting the buns look messy gives the style a sexy finish.

Step 1

Create a clean center parting from the forehead to the nape of the neck, then section from the top of the ear to the crown of the head so the hair is separated into four sections.

Step 2

Gather hair half up into two pigtails, spraying a brush with hairspray and applying product to the roots. Leave out any desired face-framing pieces.

Step 3

Gather back sections and attach them to front pigtails, securing with an elastic.

Step 4

Back-brush the pigtails for fullness if needed, then twist into a knot and secure with french and bobby pins.

Step 5

Spray with hairspray to seal in the look.

Look No. 3: Low Ponytail With Crimped Hair

Inspired by Britney Spears and Lizzie McGuire (aka Hilary Duff), crimping is getting a modern makeover on runways and red carpets. The key is to not crimp the entire head but use the crimped hair as more of an accent piece.

Steps 1 and 2

Step 1
Flat-iron strands with the GHD Gold Styler so the hair is super smooth, then create a clean center part.

Step 2
Pull out layers on the surface where you want to see the crimps, then spray that section with hairspray and brush through. Crimp from roots to ends. Repeat on as many sections as desired.

Step 3

Gather hair into a low ponytail, keeping the crimped sections visible on top, then secure with an elastic.

Step 4

Finish by adding smoothing balm or hairspray to detail the look.

Look No. 4: Sleek Strands With Decorative Barrettes

Inspired by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, this look combines a middle part with superstraight hair.

Step 1

Create a clean center parting, then flat-iron thin horizontal sections from roots to ends, curving the ends under.

Step 2

Run finishing cream and oil through ends, then spray a brush with hairspray and brush through hair.

Step 3

Use a small comb or brush to smooth hair if needed.

Step 4

Carefully apply barrettes to the front pieces to hold the hair away from the face, using your facial features as a guide.