Ready to sizzle this summer with some seriously head-turning hair? I’m spilling all my stylist secrets on the hottest ’90s supermodel-inspired trends making a triumphant comeback. These looks combine that effortless glamour we all crave with modern twists that’ll have everyone asking for your hair guru’s number (that’s me, darling!).
1. The Bouncy Blowout
Nothing screams ’90s runway queen like voluminous, bouncy locks! I’ve watched clients strut out of my chair feeling ten feet tall after this treatment.
The secret? Hot rollers are your best friends. Start with volumizing mousse on damp roots and blow-dry upside down for that gravity-defying lift.
2. Sleek Middle Part
Whenever someone sits in my chair requesting this look, I mentally high-five them. Though simple, this style packs serious attitude!
While blow-drying, use a paddle brush and finish with a flat iron. Then apply a tiny drop of shine serum—emphasis on tiny unless you’re going for the ‘I haven’t showered in days’ vibe.
3. Face-Framing Layers
Where have these been hiding? Face-framing layers are my secret weapon for clients who need an instant face-lift without the needle!
These magical layers soften features and highlight cheekbones like nobody’s business. Ask your stylist for layers that start at chin level and cascade downward—trust me, your selfie game will thank you.
4. Sun-Kissed Highlights
If I had a dollar for every client begging me for that ‘I just spent a month in St. Tropez’ glow, I’d be retired by now!
The trick to nailing this ’90s staple is keeping highlights two shades lighter than your base color. Think subtle ribbons of gold rather than chunky streaks—we’ve evolved since the actual ’90s, thank goodness.
5. The Supermodel Swoop
Honey, this isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s an attitude! That deep side part with hair dramatically swooping across the forehead makes everyone feel like they’re about to be photographed for Vogue.
Achieve this by blow-drying with a round brush, creating volume at the roots. Then use a large-barrel curling iron for that perfect swoop that says ‘I woke up like this’ (but definitely didn’t).
6. Tousled Beach Waves
These aren’t your average beachy waves, darling! I’m talking about that perfect balance of ‘I just emerged from the ocean’ and ‘I have a personal stylist on speed dial.’
Spritz sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch while blow-drying with a diffuser. For extra definition, wrap random sections around a curling wand, leaving the ends straight for that effortlessly cool ’90s vibe.
7. The Power Pony
Forget everything you thought you knew about ponytails! This isn’t your gym hair—it’s the sleek, high-positioned stallion that ruled ’90s runways.
Smooth hair with a boar bristle brush before securing with a covered elastic. The game-changer? Wrap a section of hair around the elastic and use texturizing spray on the tail for that perfect supermodel swish.
8. Flipped Ends
Well, well, well, look what’s strutted back into fashion! Those flirty flipped ends that dominated magazine covers are having their moment again.
Unlike the ’90s version, today’s flips are subtler. Use a round brush while blow-drying or a flat iron with a quick wrist flick at the ends. Finish with light-hold hairspray—we want movement, not helmet hair!
9. Boucles volumineuses
Heavenly volume alert! These aren’t just curls—they’re statement-making, room-commanding coils that would make any ’90s cover girl proud.
Though diffusers work wonders, my pro tip is setting hair in large Velcro rollers after applying mousse. Let them cool completely before removing for curls that last longer than your last relationship.
10. The Bombshell Updo
Sometimes I create this style and just stand back in awe. It’s messy yet polished, with tendrils that frame the face like they’re being paid to be there.
The secret is texturizing spray before styling. Gather hair loosely, secure with pins, then—here’s the magic—gently tug sections to create intentional looseness. Pull out those face-framing pieces and watch confidence levels soar!
11. Retro Hair Accessories
Guess who’s back in my styling kit? Those glorious claw clips and headbands that defined a decade! However, I’m not letting clients walk out looking like they raided their teenage time capsule.
Modern takes include tortoiseshell claws for half-up styles and slim velvet headbands positioned an inch back from the hairline. These accessories elevate even the most basic styles to supermodel status.
12. Feathered Fringe
If there’s one thing that makes me clap with glee, it’s when a client asks for this face-transforming style! Feathered bangs softly sweep across the forehead with wispy, graduated ends.
Unlike blunt bangs, these forgive you when you’re overdue for a trim. Style with a small round brush, directing bangs to one side for that effortless ’90s supermodel ‘I just happen to look perfect’ effect.
13. The Wet Look
Though terrifying to some, this runway-ready style screams editorial glamour when done right! I’ve converted countless skeptics into believers.
Apply generous amounts of styling gel from roots to mid-lengths, then comb through. Leave ends product-free for contrast. The key is using enough product to look wet without creating crunchy, ramen-noodle hair.
14. Chunky Highlights
Wait! Before you run away screaming, hear me out—these aren’t your mom’s zebra stripes from 1995! Today’s version features strategic placement and blending.
I place bolder, chunkier highlights framing the face while keeping the rest subtle. This creates that eye-catching dimension without looking like you lost a bet with your colorist.
15. Pixie with Micro-Bangs
Bold, fearless, and absolutely showstopping! This dramatic cut channels those boundary-pushing models who weren’t afraid to make hair statements.
The modern twist? Super short micro-bangs that barely cover the forehead. Style with fingertips and a dab of pomade for piece-y texture. Warning: this look causes spontaneous compliments from strangers!