Remember the iconic voluminous hairstyles that dominated the ’90s? That’s right, we’re talking about the legendary 90s blowout—a look that gave us bouncy, full-bodied hair with plenty of movement and attitude. From Jennifer Aniston’s famous “Rachel” cut to Cindy Crawford’s supermodel volume, this signature style defined an era of hair fashion.
We’ve seen fashion trends come full circle, and the 90s blowout is making a major comeback. Today’s version offers a modern twist on the classic technique, delivering that perfect balance of volume and polish that looks effortlessly chic. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or simply want to elevate your hair game, mastering this timeless style might be exactly what your beauty routine needs.
The History and Rise of the Iconic 90s Blowout Hairstyle
The 90s blowout emerged as a defining hairstyle during an era when bigger was undeniably better in the industry of hair fashion. Originating in high-end salons of New York and Los Angeles, this voluminous style quickly captured the attention of women seeking to emulate their favorite celebrities. Fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle regularly featured this bouncy look on their covers, helping to cement its status as the must-have style of the decade.
Television played a crucial role in popularizing the 90s blowout, with shows like “Friends” showcasing Jennifer Aniston’s perfectly styled locks that millions of viewers wanted to recreate. Supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer walked runways with their signature voluminous blowouts, further establishing the look as synonymous with glamour and sophistication. Hair care companies quickly capitalized on this trend, developing specialized products designed specifically for achieving and maintaining the iconic volume.
Professional hairstylists during this period perfected techniques that made the look accessible to the average woman, not just celebrities with personal stylists. Round brushes and high-powered blow dryers became essential tools in salons nationwide as the demand for the perfect blowout continued to grow throughout the decade. Cultural shifts toward power dressing and female empowerment in the workplace also contributed to the style’s popularity, as the polished yet dramatic look conveyed confidence and authority in professional settings.
Hollywood red carpets of the 90s consistently showcased stars like Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman sporting variations of the voluminous blowout, influencing women around the industry to adopt the style. Music videos featuring artists like Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson further spread the trend, making it desirable across different demographic groups and age ranges. The versatility of the blowout appealed to women with various hair types and textures, as it could be adapted to suit different face shapes and personal styles while maintaining its characteristic bounce and body.
How the 90s Blowout Differs From Other Decade Hairstyles
The 90s blowout represents a distinctive era in hair fashion that stands apart from styles popular in other decades. While early 2000s hairstyles embraced sleek straightness, the 90s celebrated volume and movement in a uniquely glamorous way.
Key Characteristics of the 90s Blowout
Volume and texture define the signature 90s blowout, creating a bouncy, fluffy appearance that commands attention. The style features soft, bouncy waves or curls with maximum volume and a smooth, polished finish that epitomizes 90s glamour. Layering plays a crucial role in achieving the iconic look, similar to the famous “Rachel Cut,” adding necessary texture and movement while giving hair that nostalgic 90s flair. Unlike the relaxed “cool girl” hair trends that emerged later, 90s blowouts embrace boldness and glamour, reminiscent of runway looks worn by supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford. The smooth, polished finish completes this voluminous style, reflecting the era’s dedication to polished beauty.
The Tools That Made the 90s Blowout Possible
Creating the perfect 90s blowout requires exact tools that were essential to achieving this iconic look. Heat protection spray serves as the foundation, protecting hair from damage while ensuring the style maintains its bounce and longevity. Mousse becomes indispensable for adding volume and texture when massaged through the hair before styling. The blow dryer represents the star tool in this styling process, used to dry hair to about 80% before final styling to maintain the perfect volume and shape. Round brushes complete the essential toolkit, helping to smooth the hair while simultaneously creating lift at the roots for that characteristic 90s volume. These tools work together to recreate the voluminous, bouncy aesthetic that defined 90s hair fashion and continues to influence trends today.
7 Celebrity Icons Who Defined the 90s Blowout Trend
The iconic 90s blowout wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a cultural phenomenon brought to life by some of the most recognizable faces of the decade. These celebrities didn’t just wear the trend; they defined it, creating signature looks that women everywhere rushed to replicate.
- Cindy Crawford dominated the fashion industry with her voluminous, bouncy hair that epitomized 90s glamour. Her signature blowout featured maximum volume and fluffy waves that became the gold standard for the era’s beauty aesthetic.
- Claudia Schiffer showcased the quintessential 90s blowout on countless magazine covers and runways. Her big, bouncy blonde locks highlighted the dramatic volume that made this style so desirable and distinctive.
- Christy Turlington regularly appeared in fashion magazines with her perfectly executed blowout. Her hairstyle emphasized movement and volume, making her one of the most photographed examples of this iconic trend.
- Veronica Webb contributed to the popularity of the 90s blowout with her glamorous, high-volume style. Her bouncy locks became a signature element of her modeling career during this pivotal fashion era.
- Jennifer Lopez embraced the voluminous blowout both during its original heyday and in its modern revival. Her adaptations of the style helped bridge the gap between the 90s and contemporary interpretations.
- Kim Kardashian has played a important role in bringing the 90s blowout back into modern beauty conversations. Her updated takes on this classic style have introduced it to a new generation.
- Hailey Bieber represents the modern revival of the 90s blowout trend. Her contemporary interpretations pay homage to the original style while adapting it for today’s fashion sensibilities.
Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel” Revolution
While “The Rachel” was technically more about a exact layered haircut than a traditional blowout, this iconic style still incorporated elements of the 90s blowout aesthetic. Aniston’s character on “Friends” sparked a hair revolution that had women flocking to salons nationwide. The cut featured distinctive layers that framed the face, but it was the voluminous, bouncy styling that truly completed the look. Unlike the pure volume focus of supermodel blowouts, “The Rachel” combined strategic layering with blowout techniques to create a more accessible everyday version of the trend.
Cindy Crawford’s Supermodel Volume
Cindy Crawford’s hair became the ultimate benchmark for 90s blowout perfection. Her supermodel mane featured three key characteristics that defined this luxurious style. First, Crawford achieved maximum volume from roots to ends, creating that coveted lifted look that seemed to defy gravity. Second, her big, bouncy waves added movement and dimension, making her hair appear full of life and energy whenever she walked the runway. Third, even though all that volume, Crawford’s blowouts maintained a polished, smooth finish that looked impeccably groomed rather than messy. Professional hairstylists regularly styled her signature look for major fashion events, creating a template that many women attempted to recreate at home with varying degrees of success.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Authentic 90s Blowout
Ready to recreate that iconic 90s volume? We’ve broken down the process into simple, manageable steps that anyone can follow at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start with freshly washed hair to create the perfect canvas for your 90s blowout. Apply a heat protecting primer like Redken’s Quick Blowout Primer Spray to shield your locks from potential damage. This crucial first step ensures your hair stays healthy while achieving that signature bounce.
Step 2: Apply Volumizing and Heat Protectant Products
Spritz a volumizing spray throughout your damp hair to build that characteristic 90s fullness. Follow with a quality heat protectant such as Redken’s Big Blowout Heat Protectant, focusing on application from mid-lengths to ends. These products create the foundation for volume while safeguarding your strands from heat damage.
Step 3: Rough Dry Your Hair
Rough dry your hair until it reaches about 60-70% dryness. Use your fingers to rake through from the scalp upward, creating lift at the roots. This technique builds the essential volume that defines the authentic 90s blowout look.
Step 4: Style Using the “C Section” Technique or Heated Rollers
Divide your hair into manageable sections and employ the “C Section” technique with a round brush to blow dry each portion. Allow each section to cool completely before moving to the next. Alternatively, use a heated roller hairbrush to form loose, voluminous waves by holding the roller for several seconds before release.
Step 5: Add Volume and Define Curls
Backcomb any flat areas at the roots for extra lift if needed. For defined curls, incorporate hair rollers or continue using your heated roller brush. Once complete, gently shake out the curls to achieve those soft, bouncy waves characteristic of the 90s era.
Step 6: Set in Place
Finish your blowout by applying a light mist of hairspray to lock the style in place. Create a center part for the most authentic 90s look, though you can adjust the parting based on your personal preference and face shape.
Essential Products for the Perfect 90s Blowout
- Heat Protecting Primer – Redken’s Quick Blowout Primer Spray protects your hair from the high temperatures needed for proper styling.
- Volumizing Spray – Apply to damp hair to build the foundation for that signature 90s volume and lift.
- Heat Protectant – Products like Redken’s Big Blowout Heat Protectant shield your hair from damage while allowing for proper styling.
- Round Brush or Heated Roller Hairbrush – These tools are essential for creating the bouncy waves and curls characteristic of the 90s blowout.
- Hair Rollers – Traditional rollers offer an alternative method for achieving big, loose waves with lasting hold.
- Quality Hairspray – Provides the finishing touch to set your style and maintain that voluminous effect throughout the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling
- Overusing Products – Applying too much product weighs down hair and diminishes volume. Stick to a quarter-sized amount of heat protectant and use volumizing spray sparingly for best results.
- Rushing the Rough Drying Process – Failing to rough dry properly reduces volume at the roots. Take time to thoroughly rake through hair with your fingers, focusing on creating lift from the scalp.
- Skipping the Cooling Step – Not allowing sections to cool completely prevents proper setting. Let each section cool fully before moving to the next for longer-lasting results.
- Leaving Curls Too Tight – Forgetting to shake out curls after using rollers or a heated brush creates an unnatural look. Gently loosen curls with your fingers for those signature soft, bouncy waves.
- Using the Wrong Brush Size – Selecting a brush that’s too small or too large for your hair length can compromise your results. Medium to large round brushes typically work best for achieving authentic 90s volume.
Modern Adaptations: How the 90s Blowout Has Evolved for Today
While the classic 90s blowout captured hearts decades ago, today’s version has been reimagined to fit contemporary beauty standards. The modern blowout maintains its signature volume and bounce but incorporates new elements that make it fresh and relevant for today’s style industry.
Contemporary Celebrity Interpretations
Today’s celebrities have embraced the 90s blowout with their own unique interpretations. Hailey Bieber and Zendaya frequently showcase updated versions of this iconic style, featuring the characteristic volume and glamour but with modern updates that feel fresh rather than dated. Social media star Emma Chamberlain and TikTok sensation Addison Rae have popularized variations that incorporate curled ends and customized volume levels, making the style appealing to younger audiences. Musicians have also contributed to the style’s revival, with Doja Cat featuring a bold 90s-inspired blowout in her ‘Streets’ music video and Kali Uchis becoming known for her big, uniform waves that capture the essence of 90s glamour while feeling thoroughly contemporary.
Making the 90s Blowout Work for Different Hair Types
The versatility of the modern 90s blowout makes it accessible for virtually all hair types and lengths. For those with longer hair, achieving big, uniform waves creates that signature bouncy effect, while shorter styles can incorporate more subtle volume and texture while maintaining the blowout’s polished finish. Hair texture plays a crucial role in how the style manifests, with naturally curly hair benefiting from the shine and frizz reduction that blowout techniques provide. Straight hair types gain dramatic volume and movement they might otherwise lack. We recommend essential tools like quality blow dryers, round brushes, and potentially rollers to achieve the look properly. Styling techniques such as flipping your hair upside down can add that extra volume boost, while using the right combination of products helps maintain both shine and smoothness throughout the day. Unlike the strictly uniform look of the original 90s version, today’s adaptations often incorporate more relaxed, beachy waves that maintain volume while feeling less structured and more casual for everyday wear.
Why the 90s Blowout Is Making a Major Comeback in Modern Fashion
Celebrity Influence
A-list stars are spearheading the revival of this iconic hairstyle in today’s fashion scene. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and Bella Hadid have embraced the 90s blowout, giving it fresh relevance with their modern interpretations. These influential figures showcase the versatility of the style, demonstrating how it can be adapted to contemporary aesthetics while maintaining its signature volume and bounce. Their red carpet appearances and social media posts featuring this nostalgic style have inspired countless fans to experiment with the look themselves.
Social Media Impact
TikTok and Instagram have become powerful catalysts for the 90s blowout renaissance. Viral tutorials showing step-by-step techniques for achieving the perfect bounce have garnered millions of views across these platforms. Hair influencers regularly share before-and-after transformations that highlight the dramatic impact of this styling technique. The accessibility of these digital demonstrations has democratized what was once considered a salon-only style, allowing everyday people to recreate the look at home with modern tools and products.
Versatility and Effortless Style
The adaptable nature of the 90s blowout makes it appealing to today’s fashion-conscious crowd. This versatile style works beautifully with various hair lengths and textures, from shoulder-length cuts to longer layers. Round brush techniques can create anything from subtle volume to dramatic bounce, depending on personal preference. Many appreciate how the blowout offers a polished finish that still maintains movement and body, striking the perfect balance between put-together and effortlessly cool that today’s beauty standards embrace.
Nostalgia and Timeless Appeal
Retro aesthetics continue to cycle through fashion, with the 90s currently enjoying particular prominence in style conversations. The blowout represents a callback to an era defined by its optimistic and bold beauty choices. Fashion’s cyclical nature means styles typically resurface every 20-30 years, placing 90s trends squarely in today’s spotlight. Unlike some dated trends, the blowout has endured because it fundamentally enhances features and creates a universally flattering frame for the face, making it both nostalgic and relevant.
Modern Twists
Today’s version of the 90s blowout incorporates contemporary styling innovations while honoring its roots. Modern heat tools with advanced technology make achieving the look less damaging and more efficient than in the original era. Current interpretations often feature softer edges and more natural-looking volume compared to the sometimes rigid versions of the past. Hair products have evolved significantly, with lightweight formulas that create hold and bounce without the crunchiness or heaviness associated with vintage styling products.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of 90s Volume and Bounce
The 90s blowout stands as a testament to how truly iconic hairstyles never really disappear. They simply evolve. We’ve seen how this voluminous style has transcended decades to reclaim its place in today’s beauty industry with modern adaptations that honor its bouncy roots.
Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic appeal or discovering the blowout for the first time the versatility of this look makes it accessible for everyone. With the right tools techniques and products you can achieve that perfect balance of polish and volume that made the 90s blowout legendary.
So grab your round brush turn up the heat and embrace the timeless glamour that continues to influence beauty standards across generations. The 90s blowout isn’t just back—it’s here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 90s blowout hairstyle?
A 90s blowout is a voluminous, bouncy hairstyle characterized by smooth, polished locks with significant body and movement. Popular in the 1990s, it features fuller roots, softly curved ends, and an overall glamorous finish. Unlike sleeker styles of other decades, the 90s blowout celebrates maximum volume while maintaining a sophisticated look that framed the face beautifully.
Who made the 90s blowout famous?
Several celebrities popularized the 90s blowout, with Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel” being particularly influential. Supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington showcased the style on magazine covers and runways. Television shows, especially “Friends,” helped bring the look into millions of homes, while fashion magazines featured the style prominently, establishing it as the epitome of 90s glamour.
What tools do I need for a 90s blowout?
Essential tools include a high-quality blow dryer with concentrator attachment, various sizes of round brushes (larger for more volume), heat protectant spray, volumizing mousse or spray, sectioning clips, and a lightweight finishing product. Optional tools include velcro rollers for additional volume and a cool-shot button on your dryer to set the style. Modern additions might include ionic dryers that reduce frizz while maintaining volume.
How long does it take to do a 90s blowout?
A proper 90s blowout typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on your hair length, thickness, and your experience level. Professionals might complete it faster, while beginners should allow up to an hour. The process includes washing, applying products, rough-drying to about 80% dry, section-by-section styling with a round brush, and cooling time to set the volume, which shouldn’t be rushed for optimal results.
How is the modern blowout different from the original 90s version?
Modern blowouts maintain the signature volume and bounce while incorporating contemporary elements like softer, more natural-looking volume concentrated at the crown rather than throughout. Today’s version often features more piece-y texture, less uniform waves, and lighter-weight products that prevent heaviness. The finish is typically less “done” looking, with customizable volume levels that suit individual preferences and current beauty standards.
Can I get a 90s blowout with short hair?
Yes, short hair can absolutely rock a 90s blowout! The technique simply needs to be adjusted for your length. Focus on creating volume at the roots using a small round brush, and add gentle curves wherever possible. Bob and lob haircuts particularly benefit from this styling, creating a bouncy, dynamic look. The key is maintaining the smooth, polished finish characteristic of the 90s blowout while working with your hair’s natural movement.
How do I make my 90s blowout last longer?
To extend your blowout, sleep with hair loosely gathered on top of your head or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Dry shampoo applied pre-emptively at bedtime absorbs oil before it builds up. Avoid touching your hair frequently and protect it from humidity with anti-humidity spray. When refreshing, focus on the roots with dry shampoo and quickly touch up only the front sections with a round brush if needed.
What hair types work best for a 90s blowout?
The 90s blowout works for most hair types with proper technique and products. Straight to wavy hair typically requires less effort, while curly hair needs more thorough straightening first. Fine hair benefits from volumizing products, while thick hair may need smoothing serums. The style is particularly flattering for medium-thickness hair with some natural wave. Those with very short hair or extremely curly textures may need modified approaches but can still achieve the volume-focused aesthetic.
