The 1990s were an era defined by iconic fashion, but perhaps nothing captured the spirit of the decade more than the “blowout.” From the high-fashion runways of Milan to the sitcom sets of Los Angeles, volume was the name of the game. Today, the 90s blowout has made a massive comeback, proving that effortless glamour never truly goes out of style.
For those with medium-length hair, this trend is a goldmine. It offers the perfect balance of weight and length, allowing for maximum lift at the roots and playful movement at the ends. Whether you’re aiming for the bouncy supermodel look or the sleek, layered “Rachel,” these 14 styles will transport your mane back to the golden age of glam.
1. Classic Rachel
The “Rachel” is arguably the most famous haircut of the 90s. This style relies on heavy, feathered layers that frame the face and provide incredible movement. To achieve the blowout version, focus on using a medium-sized round brush to tuck the ends inward. It’s all about creating a soft, rounded shape that hugs the jawline and collarbone, giving you that quintessential girl-next-door vibe with a high-fashion edge.
2. Supermodel Volume
Think Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell. This style is all about “bigger is better.” The key to the supermodel blowout is root lift. Using a volumizing mousse on damp hair, blow-dry the hair upside down or use large Velcro rollers to set the crown. The result is a dramatic, sky-high look that screams luxury and confidence. It’s the ultimate power move for a night out.
3. Flipped Ends
While many 90s styles tucked inward, the “flip” went the opposite direction. This look is incredibly chic and works perfectly for medium-length hair that hits just above the shoulders. After drying the hair straight, use a round brush or a flat iron to flick the ends upward and outward. It’s a playful, retro-mod look that has been seen on modern icons like Bella Hadid.
4. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs were the fringe of choice in the 90s, and they remain the perfect companion to a blowout today. When styling, blow-dry the bangs away from the face using a small round brush. This creates a “wing” effect that opens up the face and adds an effortless, “I woke up like this” elegance to your medium-length cut.
5. Side Part
The deep side part was the secret weapon for instant volume in the 90s. By shifting the hair far to one side, you create a natural lift at the roots that a middle part simply can’t achieve. This style looks best when the hair is blown out with large, loose curls, allowing the front section to sweep across the forehead in a sultry, mysterious fashion.
6. Butterfly Layers
Butterfly layers are the modern evolution of the 90s “shag.” This style uses shorter layers around the crown to create height and longer layers toward the bottom to maintain length. When blown out, these layers fan out like wings, providing a multi-dimensional look that is full of life. It’s perfect for those with thicker hair who want to remove some weight while keeping the drama.
7. Face-Framing Curls
This style focuses specifically on the sections of hair that sit closest to your features. By using a smaller round brush on the front layers, you can create tighter, more defined curls that “frame” your face. The rest of the hair is blown out with a larger brush for a softer finish, creating a beautiful contrast that draws all the attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
8. Sleek Bouncy
If you prefer a more polished look, the sleek-and-bouncy blowout is your best friend. The hair is dried with a focus on smoothing the cuticle to eliminate frizz, but the ends are given a high-shine, bouncy finish. This style bridges the gap between the grunge of the 90s and the high-gloss aesthetic of the early 2000s.
9. Messy Texture
Not every 90s blowout was “perfect.” The grunge movement introduced a love for texture and “bedhead” looks. To achieve this, use a sea salt spray or a dry texturizing spray after your blowout. Instead of perfectly uniform curls, use your fingers to break up the sections, creating a look that is stylishly unkempt and incredibly cool.
10. Heavy Fringe
The thick, full fringe was a staple for many 90s stars. When paired with a medium-length blowout, it creates a bold, graphic look. The key is to keep the bangs smooth and slightly rounded using a large brush, while the rest of the hair provides the volume. It’s a high-impact style that works wonders for framing the face.
11. Crunched Waves
Before the modern beach wave, we had the “scrunched” wave. This involves blowing the hair out to get the initial volume and then using a diffusing attachment or hand-scrunching techniques while the hair is still warm. It results in a more organic, zigzag wave pattern that was a favorite of 90s pop stars.
12. Under-Tuck
The under-tuck is the epitome of “chic.” It’s a very controlled version of the blowout where every hair is in place, and the ends are tucked neatly toward the neck. This creates a very intentional, sophisticated shape that looks incredible with a silk slip dress or a structured blazer—classic 90s minimalism at its finest.
13. Wispy Layers
For those with finer hair, wispy layers are a godsend. Instead of the heavy, chunky layers of the Rachel, these are thin and delicate. A blowout on this style creates an airy, ethereal effect. Use a lightweight volumizing spray to ensure the hair doesn’t get weighed down, allowing the layers to dance with every movement.
14. Velvet Shine
The 90s were also an era of “healthy hair” obsession. The velvet shine blowout is less about the shape and more about the finish. Using high-quality hair oils and a boar-bristle brush, the goal is to create a surface so smooth it reflects light like a mirror. It’s a luxurious, timeless look that emphasizes the health and vitality of your hair.
