(Hair)

Iconic ‘90s Celebrity Hair Moments We Can’t Get Enough Of

Inspo for days.

by Natasha Marsh
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Although it’s almost been three decades since the dawn of Y2K, celebrities are still paying tribute to the iconic hairstyles of the era, proving that face-framing strands, full fringe, and fluffy blowouts have withstood the test of time. Ahead, 10 styles to inspire your next hair look.@90scelebvibes
Penelope Cruz’s Lived-In Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs, the wispy face-framing style, never looked better than on Cruz. For a tousled look, start by blowing them with your fingers and a dryer, going in one direction first and then the other, then finish with a round brush.

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Whitney Houston’s Curly Puff

For those on-the-go, a curly puff a la Houston will allow you to style your hair in an updo that is both manageable and chic. Let the curls flutter to whatever side they want and embrace the volume.

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Brooke Shield’s Fluffy Blowout

If you crave body, volume, and movement, there is no better Y2K hairstyle than the fluffy blowout. Achieve Shield’s look with rollers or a round brush and blow dryer.

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Reese Witherspoon’s Tiny Space Buns

Seen on everyone from Lizzo to Hailey Bieber, Witherspoon’s space buns are the hairstyle of the moment. Originating in the ‘90s, they involve teeny twist buns across the crown for a playful and trendy look.

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Mariah Carey’s Volumnious Curls

It wouldn’t be a Y2K hair call out without Mariah Carey’s big curls. Embrace your natural curl pattern or manipulate curls with a diffuser for a Carey-inspired DIY look. Tip: Diffusing will also help minimize frizz.

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Gwyneth Paltrow’s Middle Part

Although Gen-Z might beg to differ, the middle part has been going strong for decades, as seen here by Gwyneth Paltrow. When styling, add in a gloss spray or hair oil for extra shine.

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Beyonce’s Cornrows

Yes, cornrows debuted prior to the Y2K era but this is when they really got to shine, thanks to IT-girls like Beyoncé. Loved for their versatility, they can be worn as straight backs, in a ponytail, to the side, or with unraveled ends as seen here.

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Sofia Coppola’s Face-Framing Braids

Embraced by supermodels like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, face-framing braids are here to stay. Regardless of desired width, to execute, take a chunk of hair from both sides of your middle part and work in a braid.

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Julia Roberts’ Big Hair, Don’t Care

With the natural hair movement taking flight over the last several years, curls, coils, spirals, and waves have been free to roam how they please just like Roberts. When styling your curls, opt for an anti-frizz serum to combat humidity and other environmental stressors.

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Janet Jackson’s Micro Senegalese Twists

The Y2K queen of braids, Janet Jackson often sported a different protective style monthly. Among them were Senegalese twists, or rope braids, known for two strands being wrapped around each other for a cute rope-like look.

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