Ah, the ’90s – a time when we were all obsessed with frosted tips, oversized flannels, and, of course, curly hair that had a life of its own. If you had curly hair in the ’90s, you probably spent half your time battling humidity, frizz, and that strange concoction of products your mom swore by.
Trust me, I get it. As someone who survived the era of crunchy curls and hairspray clouds, I can tell you – we’ve come a long way since then. But today, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic hair moments of the ’90s: curly hair.
So, what was the deal with all those voluminous curls back in the day? Well, it’s pretty simple. The ’90s weren’t just about trying to control your curls – they were about embracing them, making them big, bold, and unapologetically fabulous.
From The Rachel to curly icons like T-Boz from TLC, curly hair was front and center. And let’s be honest – every curly-haired kid (me included) had that one dreaded moment when we tried to straighten our curls and ended up with something that resembled a hot mess of a science experiment.
But, hey, we learned, we grew, and now, we’re here to give those curls the love they deserve. Ready to jump back into the era of ’90s curls? Let’s go!
1. 90s Curly Bob
Ah, the 90s curly bob! This hairstyle was everywhere back in the day, and it’s making a serious comeback.
If you want to channel your inner 90s curly hair queen, this bob with defined curls gives you that effortlessly chic vibe.
It works best for those with medium to thick curls, adding volume while keeping things polished.
To pull it off, use a curl-enhancing mousse and finish with a light hairspray to hold the shape without making it crunchy.
If you’re looking for more chic short hairstyles, check out short curly hairstyles for even more ideas!
2. The Rachel with Curls
When you think of The Rachel, you likely picture Jennifer Aniston’s iconic straight hair, but add some curls to the mix, and you’ve got a whole new vibe!
The curly version of this cut is perfect for anyone with natural curls who wants to add some layers and movement.
To recreate it, curl your hair using a large-barrel curling iron, then tousle it for that effortlessly messy yet styled look.
Want more ideas for layered looks? Take a peek at these short layered haircuts for even more volume and shape!
3. Voluminous Curly Hair
Bigger is better when it comes to voluminous curly hair! This style is all about full, bouncy curls that look like they’ve been kissed by the ‘90s.
It works best for those with medium to thick curls. To get the look, apply a volumizing mousse, and don’t forget to fluff your curls at the roots with a wide-tooth comb for extra lift.
Love big hair looks? You’ll find more volume-friendly ideas in these short hairstyles for thick hair.
4. Tight Ringlet Curls
Tight ringlet curls are the ultimate throwback to the 90s. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone with tight, natural curls who wants to emphasize the bounce and definition.
Use a curling iron or flexi rods to enhance the natural curl pattern, and finish with a curl cream to define and control frizz.
5. Messy Curly Hair
Embrace the chaos with messy curly hair! This look is all about the carefree vibe that lets your curls do their thing.
It’s perfect for days when you want to look effortlessly stylish without much effort.
Just scrunch your hair with a sea salt spray, and let the natural frizz add to the texture.
6. Curly Shag
The curly shag is a fun mix of retro and modern vibes. This cut is all about layers and texture, making it perfect for those who want a rock ‘n roll vibe with their curls.
It’s great for fine to medium curly hair, as the layers add volume and movement.
Use a texturizing spray to define the curls and give them extra bounce.
For more ideas like this, check out these stylish short shaggy hairstyles for over 60—great inspiration at any age!
7. Curly Blowout
The curly blowout is the ultimate way to achieve smooth, voluminous curls without any frizz.
It’s ideal for those with looser curls who want to create a soft, polished look.
After blow-drying, curl small sections with a barrel curling iron and finish with a smoothing serum for that sleek yet voluminous style.
8. Curly Mullet
Yes, the curly mullet is a bold choice, but it’s definitely a 90s curly hair trend making a comeback!
If you’re looking for something daring, this cut is for you. It works best for those with thick, voluminous curls.
To pull it off, let the front layers frame your face while the back stays longer and full of texture.
A strong hold gel will help maintain the shape.
9. Soft Curled Bob
The soft curled bob is perfect for anyone who wants to keep things chic yet relaxed.
This is a more refined take on curly hair, with soft waves that give a bit of bounce without overwhelming the face.
It works well for medium to fine curls, and I recommend using a barrel curling iron to create loose curls, finishing with a lightweight hairspray.
Looking for more cute bob ideas? Don’t miss these short bob haircuts for more fresh and easy styles!
10. Curly Layers
Curly layers are perfect for adding shape and movement to your hair without sacrificing volume.
This style works best for those with naturally curly or wavy hair who want to create texture without the bulk.
Add some curl cream to your damp hair, then define your layers with a diffuser for a natural, bouncy look.
11. Curly Updo
For special occasions, a curly updo is a fantastic choice. It combines the elegance of an updo with the playful energy of curly hair.
Whether it’s a formal event or a casual brunch, it works for any curly hair type.
To achieve the look, simply gather your curls into a loose bun or chignon, and use bobby pins to secure.
12. Curly Bob with Volume
This style takes the classic bob to the next level with extra volume and lift.
It’s the perfect option if you’re after a fuller, bouncier version of the bob.
To achieve this look, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, and use a blow dryer with a round brush to create lift at the roots.
13. 90s Curly Pixie Cut
The ’90s curly pixie cut is for the bold and daring. This cut embraces the curls but keeps things short and sweet.
It works best for those with thick, naturally curly hair who want a low-maintenance yet high-impact style.
A curl-defining cream will help to keep everything in place without weighing it down.
14. Fluffy 90s Curls
Fluffy 90s curls are all about big, soft curls that look effortless yet fabulous.
It’s a perfect style for anyone who wants to add some drama to their natural curls.
Use a diffuser to dry your curls, and finish with a light hold hairspray to maintain the fluff without stiffness.
15. Defined Curls with Volume
Defined curls with volume is the dream for anyone with medium to thick curls who wants bold, bouncy hair.
To achieve this look, apply a curl cream to damp hair and use a diffuser to dry.
Scrunch your curls as you go to enhance their natural definition while adding volume at the roots.
16. Bouncy Curly Hair
Bouncy curly hair screams energy and fun. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add some serious life to their curls.
Use a curling iron to create bouncy curls, and finish with a curl-enhancing gel to keep everything in place while retaining that natural bounce.
17. Side-Parted Curly Hair
The side-parted curly hair is a simple yet effective way to add dimension to your curls.
It works well for all curly hair types and is a great way to change up your look without doing anything drastic.
A side part can also help give your curls more volume and shape.
18. Natural Curly Hair
Sometimes, the best style is just embracing your natural curly hair.
No frills, just natural curls that shine with their own personality.
To enhance your natural curls, use a moisturizing curl cream and let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser for more volume.
19. 90s Curly Shaggy Layers
For a totally nostalgic ’90s look, curly shaggy layers are your go-to.
This hairstyle adds texture and fun while keeping your curls relaxed.
Use a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair to create those perfectly tousled, messy curls.
20. Curly Ponytail with Volume
The curly ponytail with volume is a playful take on a classic style.
This one’s perfect for those with medium to thick curls who want to keep it fun and casual.
To pull it off, gather your curls into a loose ponytail, and add volume by teasing the roots before securing it.
21. Big Hair Curly Curls
If bigger hair is your thing, big curly hair is a statement. This works for those with thicker curls who want volume and texture.
To achieve this, use a volumizing mousse at the roots and a curling iron to create large, bouncy curls that take up space – in the best way possible.
22. Loose Curly Waves
Loose curly waves are perfect for a relaxed, beachy vibe.
If you’re not into tight ringlets but still want curls, this look is for you.
Create soft waves with a large barrel curling iron, and finish with a sea salt spray to give it a natural, textured look.
23. Chunky Curly Curls
Chunky curls bring that bold, statement-making look to life.
They’re perfect for those with thicker curls who want to show off their hair’s natural volume and texture.
Use a thick-barrel curling iron to create large, defined curls, and finish with a light hairspray for hold.
24. Slicked-Back Curly Hair
Slicked-back curly hair is the ultimate way to combine control with natural texture.
It works best for those with looser curls who want a clean, sleek style.
Apply a curl cream, comb your hair back, and use a lightweight gel to keep the curls in place.
25. Curly with Bangs
Curly hair with bangs is a fun, edgy look that gives your curls an extra pop.
This works well for people with medium to thick curls and can add some personality to your style.
To pull it off, trim the bangs to just above the eyebrows, and use a curling iron to enhance their shape.
