90s Blowout: The Iconic Hairstyle Making a Modern Comeback
The 90s blowout is more than a hairstyle—it’s a statement of confidence, sophistication, and effortless glamour. In the 1990s, it became a cultural phenomenon worn by supermodels, Hollywood stars, and trendsetters. Think Cindy Crawford stepping onto a runway, Jennifer Aniston rocking “The Rachel” on Friends, or Tyra Banks showing off layers of bounce on red carpets.
Unlike sleek, pin-straight hair trends of later years, the 90s blowout was all about body, shine, and movement. The layers framed the face, the ends flipped with perfection, and the overall vibe was chic yet approachable. Fast-forward to today, and this nostalgic hairstyle is back in the spotlight, with Gen Z and millennials embracing its voluminous charm all over again.
In this guide, we’ll explore 13 modern ideas inspired by the 90s blowout, each with styling tips and updated twists to make them fit seamlessly into today’s fashion-forward lifestyles.
Classic Big Volume Blowout
The classic big volume blowout is the ultimate throwback to the golden age of 90s glam. This style is defined by high-volume roots, smooth strands, and bouncy, layered ends that frame the face. It was a favorite on runways and music videos, setting the tone for the decade’s hair trends.
To recreate it today, start with freshly washed hair and apply a volumizing mousse or lightweight root-lift spray. Use a round brush while blow-drying, lifting at the crown for height. The key is to curl your ends slightly under to get that salon-polished finish. For extra bounce, hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron can enhance the layers.
This look works best on medium-to-long hair, but shorter styles can still carry the blowout with some layered cuts. What makes it so appealing is its versatility—it transitions effortlessly from daywear to evening glam without needing major touch-ups.
The classic 90s blowout also photographs beautifully, which is why it remains a favorite for influencers and stylists recreating retro vibes. It’s the kind of look that turns heads while still feeling effortless.
Middle Part Blowout
The middle part was a defining characteristic of many 90s blowout hairstyles, and today it feels just as sleek and fashionable. A middle part creates a symmetrical frame for the face, highlighting cheekbones and jawlines while giving off a polished, professional vibe.
To achieve this style, part your hair down the center before blow-drying. Use a medium-sized round brush to smooth each section, curling the ends slightly for movement. If your hair naturally resists parting in the middle, a fine-tooth comb and styling cream can help set it in place.
This blowout variation works especially well for oval and heart-shaped faces because it elongates and balances facial features. It’s also an excellent choice for those who prefer a minimal yet elevated look.
Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss in the 90s showcased how effortlessly chic the middle part blowout could be, and now stars like Hailey Bieber and Zendaya are reviving it with modern elegance.
Curtain Bangs with a Blowout
Curtain bangs were another 90s hairstyle trend that paired perfectly with blowouts. Soft, parted bangs that cascade to the sides create a romantic, face-framing effect. Combined with a voluminous blowout, the result is both youthful and sophisticated.
To style curtain bangs with a blowout, use a smaller round brush at the front sections of your hair. Blow-dry them away from the face to create the signature feathered look. Then, blend them into the rest of your layers for a seamless finish.
The charm of this look is that it flatters nearly every face shape. Round faces get added dimension, while long or square faces benefit from the softening effect of the bangs. It’s also a low-maintenance bang style, since curtain bangs grow out naturally and blend with layers.
This hairstyle channels serious retro vibes but feels modern enough to wear in professional settings, brunches, or nights out.
Tousled Blowout for Effortless Vibes
If you love a more undone, carefree aesthetic, the tousled blowout is your perfect 90s-inspired style. It mimics the bounce of a polished blowout while adding a touch of imperfection that feels chic and casual.
To create this look, start with the classic blowout method, but instead of smoothing every strand, let some natural texture come through. Use a texturizing spray or salt mist after styling to add grit and volume. Running your fingers through your hair instead of a brush enhances the tousled finish.
Think of Kate Moss in the 90s or modern fashion influencers who embrace effortless “model-off-duty” vibes. The tousled blowout is perfect for weekend outings, casual dates, or when you want a glamorous yet laid-back energy.
The style is also practical for busy women—it looks just as good slightly messy on day two as it does freshly styled.
Side-Swept Blowout
For drama and movement, nothing compares to the side-swept blowout. By flipping your part to one side, you create instant height and volume while giving your hair a glamorous, asymmetrical shape.
This blowout was a red-carpet staple in the 90s, with stars like Tyra Banks and Cindy Crawford often rocking side-swept layers. Today, it works beautifully for anyone wanting to add instant flair to their everyday look.
To achieve it, blow-dry your hair with a round brush while pulling sections to one side. For extra volume at the crown, use a root lift spray. Once set, lock it in place with a flexible hold hairspray.
The result is bold, eye-catching, and perfect for formal occasions, photoshoots, or when you want your hairstyle to be the star of your outfit.
Soft Waves Blowout
Not every blowout has to be sleek and polished—the soft waves blowout brings a more feminine, romantic feel to the classic style. Instead of flipping ends inward, you create gentle waves throughout your hair.
To achieve this, use a round brush during blow-drying to bend sections of hair outward. You can also wrap sections around a curling iron and brush them out afterward for soft, flowy waves.
This version of the 90s blowout hairstyle is perfect for weddings, date nights, or any event where you want your look to feel both polished and natural. It’s the epitome of effortless beauty, with a touch of Hollywood glam.
Layered Blowout with Bounce
One of the reasons the blowout was so iconic in the 90s is that it celebrated layered haircuts. A layered blowout creates dimension, movement, and lots of bounce. Each layer catches light differently, giving your hair depth and body.
To style, focus on lifting each layer separately with a round brush as you blow-dry. The more layers you have, the more volume you can achieve. For added hold, a lightweight mousse at the roots helps.
This hairstyle was made famous by models like Claudia Schiffer and actresses like Jennifer Aniston. It continues to be a go-to for those who want maximum volume without sacrificing style.
Sleek and Polished Blowout
For those who prefer a refined look, the sleek and polished blowout is a timeless option. This style emphasizes smooth strands, shiny finish, and perfectly tucked ends. It was especially popular in business and formal settings in the 90s.
Today, it remains a professional favorite. To achieve it, use a smoothing serum before blow-drying, followed by a paddle brush for extra sleekness. Curl ends slightly under for that signature 90s finish.
This blowout variation is great for important meetings, interviews, or nights when you want your look to exude sophistication. It’s proof that the 90s weren’t only about grunge—they also had room for chic, polished hair.
Textured Blowout for Modern Edge
While the original 90s blowout was polished, today’s textured variation adds a modern edge. By blending traditional bounce with natural grit, you get a style that feels lived-in yet still glamorous.
Textured blowouts are achieved with styling sprays, dry shampoo, or matte-finish products that keep hair voluminous without looking too perfect. It’s perfect for those who prefer a trendier, fashion-forward look.
This version is often seen on runways today, proving that the 90s blowout can evolve with time while still keeping its iconic essence.
Half-Up Blowout Style
The half-up style was everywhere in the 90s, often paired with scrunchies, clips, or barrettes. When combined with a blowout, it creates a playful yet glamorous vibe that’s perfect for casual and semi-formal settings.
To create this look, blow out your hair as usual, then section the top half and secure it with a clip or hair tie. Let the bottom half flow freely with bounce and volume. Add accessories for extra retro points.
This look is youthful, fun, and a great way to show off your blowout while keeping hair out of your face.
Retro Supermodel Blowout
Channel the energy of the original 90s supermodels with the retro supermodel blowout. Think big volume, layers, shine, and runway-ready drama. This style is all about confidence—it doesn’t just sit on your shoulders, it makes a statement.
To nail this look, combine volumizing mousse, round brush styling, and maybe even some Velcro rollers to maximize height. The goal is to create a blowout that moves with you and turns heads everywhere you go.
This was the hairstyle of icons like Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Cindy Crawford—and it still inspires today’s generation.
Visit Also: Worst Celebrity Hairstyles
Blowout with Highlights
The highlighted blowout was one of the biggest 90s hair statements. Chunky highlights or streaky blonde pieces paired with bouncy blowouts created dimension and shine. While chunky streaks may be less popular today, modern balayage or babylights can be paired with a blowout for a fresh update.
Highlights emphasize the movement of layers and make hair look thicker and healthier. Pair this with a blowout for maximum light reflection and glamour.
Casual Everyday Blowout
The everyday blowout is the understated sister of the dramatic 90s glam look. It tones down the volume slightly while keeping the shine and bounce intact, making it perfect for work, brunch, or errands.
It requires less product and styling time, making it accessible for anyone who loves the blowout vibe but needs a practical version for day-to-day wear.
The casual blowout proves that the 90s weren’t just about high drama—there’s room for subtle glamour too.
FAQs About the 90s Blowout
1. What makes a blowout “90s” style?
The 90s blowout is defined by its volume, bounce, and layers. Unlike today’s sleek, flat-ironed styles, it celebrated body and movement. The ends were often flipped under or feathered, giving it a salon-fresh finish.
2. Can the 90s blowout work on short hair?
Absolutely! While long layers show it off best, short and medium cuts can achieve the same look with strategic layering. A round brush and some root-lifting mousse are all you need for a shorter blowout.
3. How do you maintain a 90s blowout?
Invest in good styling tools—a round brush, blow-dryer with concentrator, and hot rollers. Use lightweight hairspray to hold shape without stiffness. Dry shampoo can help extend the life of a blowout for several days.
4. What face shapes look best with this style?
Oval faces pull off all blowout variations, while curtain bangs enhance heart-shaped faces. Round faces benefit from layered, voluminous blowouts that add structure, and square faces soften with waves or curtain bangs.
5. Is the 90s blowout trending again?
Yes! Social media has revived the blowout trend, with influencers and celebrities embracing it. Tutorials on TikTok and Instagram highlight modern versions of the 90s blowout, proving its timelessness.
Final Thoughts
The 90s blowout is proof that some trends never truly fade—they just reinvent themselves for each generation. From big-volume classics to tousled, textured modern updates, the blowout continues to reign as one of the most flattering hairstyles ever.
Whether you’re going for polished professional chic, retro supermodel vibes, or casual everyday bounce, the 90s blowout adapts to your lifestyle. With the right tools, products, and a little styling practice, you can carry the essence of 90s glam into your everyday look.
So next time you’re debating a hairstyle that combines nostalgia, versatility, and pure confidence—choose the blowout. After all, the 90s may be behind us, but their style lives on stronger than ever.
