The Coolest ’90s Haircuts Making a Major Comeback in 2026
Proof that the best haircuts were invented before the early aughts.
As a 1996 baby, I don’t exactly remember what the trendiest haircuts of the 1990s were. I was, obviously, only 4 years old. But as I recently flipped through my mom’s scrapbooks of the decade (she took very diligent notes and lots of photos), I realize that the hair of yore isn’t all that different from what’s catching my eye on Instagram now. Curtain bangs, bixies, layered lobs, and blunt midi cuts—these are all haircuts I’ve covered over the last year as some of the biggest haircut trends of 2026. But here they were, littered about my mom’s recollection of the ‘90s, in all their original glory.
It’s no surprise we’re all starved for nostalgia. The ‘90s were a simpler time, some might say, without smartphones to scroll on and Love Island to dominate your every conversation. But I’m keen to believe the best method to pay homage to the decade is with a ‘90s-inspired haircut. It was a pretty diverse time: Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam convinced us to don ourselves in flannels and dark lipstick, the supermodel boom launched its own version of the “clean girl aesthetic,” and the golden age of sitcoms honed the whole “girl next door” thing.
All this to say, no matter what your style is in 2026, there’s ‘90s haircut that’ll match your vibe while feeling both retro and trendy at the same time. Ahead, I’m breaking down the top looks of the decade:
Piecey Curtain Bangs
Pamela Anderson’s hair is almost as iconic as her time on Baywatch. And this voluminous cut is largely thanks to strategically placed layers, as well as these piece-y curtain bangs. She walked so Sabrina Carpenter could run!
The Boy Cut
To mimic a traditional men’s haircut, the “boy cut” (which, obviously, can be worn by any gender) combines a layered cropped style to create texture and volume at the top, á la Nia Long. It elongates your face and seriously highlights your cheekbones.
Lots of Layers
All of Jennifer Lopez’s layers make her hair look sexy and tousled, something that would be difficult with a blunt cut. Paired with big sunglasses and a cropped tank, it’s got that classic ‘90s bombshell look.
Layered Curls
IDK if it’s the suiting or Julia Roberts’s voluminous curls, but this is easily one of the most iconic images in all fashion and beauty history. It’s no wonder this side-swept styling and layered cut is still trendy today.
Mullet
As an ode to the grunge aesthetic of the ‘90s, Halle Berry’s relaxed mullet takes a more glam approach without losing its angularity (see: short layers for volume around the crown and soft, tousled waves to style).
Face-Framing Lob
Everything about this moment feels ‘90s: The minimalist LBD, the dark lipstick, and the layered lob. It’s a Spice Girl concert after all.
The Supermodel Blowout
While Tyra’s iconic flipped-in blowout is largely a result of a blow dryer and round brush, it starts with a haircut: Long, face-framing layers create lots of bounce.
Midi Cut
Referred to now as the “girl next door” haircut, Uma Thurman’s midi-length in the ‘90s felt fresh and weightless, as opposed to the mermaid-lengths of today’s Utah curls. And the maintenance is super low-key, if you’re not into upkeep.
Wispy Bangs
My mom still rocks this style to this day, and I can’t blame her. These bangs instantly elevate your hairstyle and work especially well with fine hair.
Medium-Length Braids
Before we had Tessa Thompson’s butt-length braids and Zoë Kravitz’s boho micro braids, we had Brandy’s midi box braids. Although it’s technically a protective style, it defined the decade so much that it feels akin to a cut.
Bumped Bob
A collarbone-length bob was rebranded to the “clavi cut” in 2026, but the same principles remain: Sleek, sparse layers with bumped in ends for an ultra-smooth finish. Not to pick favorites, but Salma Hayek does it best.
“The Rachel”
Arguably the most famous haircut of all time, Jennifer Aniston’s Friends ‘do had everyone asking their stylist for this shoulder-length style, complete with face-framing layers and flipped ends.
Bixie
A super-short bob, aptly named a bixie (bob + pixie), became the epitome of class and grace in the ‘90s, thanks to Princess Diana’s devotion to the cut. Lots of layers and bangs add volume and a playful edge so it’s not stuffy.
‘90s Shag
Your brain might immediately go to the ‘70s when you think of a shag haircut, but Mariah Carey’s ‘90s version added in these wispy bangs and choppy layers to give her curls soft movement.
Choppy Pixie
This cropped haircut has major cool factor (or maybe that’s just Winona Ryder?), with its androgynous shape and feathered texture.
Sleek Bob
Cameron Diaz’s bright-blonde chin-length bob is what ‘90s dreams are made of, especially with these slightly bumped in ends around her face.
Long Waves
Fiona Apple’s sexy, “undone” waves are anchored by her long hair and minimalist middle part. It’s got a rocker edge that begs you to headbang.
Carrie Curls
Although Carrie Bradshaw’s hair remained iconic throughout the entirety of the Sex and the City franchise, this cropped version is one of the most noteworthy. The shoulder-length cut highlights your curl pattern without reducing too much length.
Blunt Lengths
If you want to keep your hair long and sleek, consider ditching the whole layers thing. Alicia Silverstone as Cher in Clueless proves you don’t need ‘em for hair that’s fun to flip from side to side.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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