There’s no denying it—the ‘90s blowout is having a major moment, and we’re here for the resurgence of big, bouncy volume. The ‘90s supermodel-inspired hairstyle, with its signature soft waves and glossy finish, has made a stylish comeback thanks to this generation’s trendsetters. We love how today’s icons have reimagined the ‘90s blowout with relaxed textures and playful layers, striking a perfect balance between nostalgic glamor and contemporary edge.
Fortunately, you don’t always need to visit the salon to get '90s blowout hair. When life gets booked and busy, you can easily achieve a pro-worthy look without leaving the house. That’s where we come in. Whether you want to master the standard at-home blowout or learn how to do a ‘90s blowout without rollers, this guide covers everything you need to know.
How to Do a ‘90s Blowout
Follow this ‘90s blowout tutorial to get voluminous, bouncy hair straight out of a ‘90s rom-com.
Good hair day by @thehdexperience.
What you’ll need:
- Hair dryer with a removable concentrator nozzle
- Medium or large round brush
- Sectioning clips
- Styling products (heat protectant, hairspray, and finishing serum)
Step 1: Prep your hair
Starting with freshly washed, towel-dried hair, apply a heat protectant from roots to ends to help shield your strands from heat damage. For best results, look for a heat formula that also offers styling hold to help set the foundation for your ‘90s blowout. We’re partial to Biolage Professional’s Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion, which provides a combination of heat protection, weightless hydration, and shape memory. We also love Redken’s Thermal Spray 11 Low Hold for clean, lightweight hold and frizz control.
Step 2: Section your hair
Next, divide your hair into manageable sections and use duckbill clips to keep them neatly out of the way while you work through each one. This will make the styling process easier (especially if you have layers) and help you achieve super polished ‘90s blowout hair. Aim for 4-6 sections to ensure every strand gets the attention it needs. Keep in mind that you may need to create more if you have very long or thick, dense hair.
Step 3: Rough dry your hair
Using your hair dryer—without the concentrator nozzle on for now—rough dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. To do this, lift and tousle your roots with your fingertips as you direct the airflow toward your scalp. Doing so will help speed the drying process and encourage that iconic voluminous ‘90s blowout look.
Step 4: Blow dry with a round brush
Now, attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer and pick up your round brush. It’s important to note that the larger the brush barrel, the looser and softer the curl will be. For shorter hair, it’s best to use a smaller round brush to define your curls and give structure to your cropped ‘do.
The actual blow-dry technique is simple: Working section by section, use a round brush to smooth and straighten your hair. When you get to the ends of your hair, roll the brush under, toward your face while keeping tension on the section of hair. Direct your dryer at the brush for 5-10 seconds to heat it and help form the shape of your curl. Once released, this will help create the signature body and movement associated with a ‘90s bouncy blowout.
Step 5: Add rollers (optional)
For additional volume, curl definition, and hold, wrap each blow-dried section of hair around a velcro or heated roller while your strands are still warm. Let them cool completely before removing—this should take around 15-30 minutes. If you don’t have any rollers on hand or your hair doesn’t need extra help holding a curl, just skip this step.
Step 6: Smooth with serum
Once your hair is completely dry and you’re happy with your ‘90s blowout, apply a small amount of finishing serum to tame flyaways. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to prevent the roots of your hair from getting weighed down. The lightweight Pureology Style and Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum is ideal for controlling flyways and enhancing shine, making it a great choice for achieving the glossy finish that characterizes a ‘90s blowout. You may also want to consider the award-winning Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil. The deeply nourishing camellia-infused formula helps tame frizz and add long-lasting shine.
Step 7: Lock it in
Complete your at-home blowout with a strong-hold hairspray to keep your hairstyle intact all day or night. The fast-drying Matrix High Amplify Proforma Hairspray is an excellent choice for this step, as it provides extra root lift and maximum hold to lock in high-volume styles. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from your head and spray it lightly all around your hair for even coverage.
10 ‘90s Blowout Hair Ideas to Try
Nowadays, there are so many ways to customize your ‘90s blowout to fit your vibe and hair type. If you need some styling inspo, bookmark one of these 10 looks.
Good hair day by @hairby_giorgia.
1. The Classic ‘90s Look
Big, loose curls with smooth, voluminous roots are what you probably envision when you think of a ‘90s blowout hairstyle. It’s easy to see why the look stands the test of time: A combination of soft layers and effortless movement makes for a glamorous style that fits any occasion.
Good hair day by @Ivehadituptohair.
2. Layered ‘90s Blowout Hair
Cascading layers on medium to long hair create a flattering face-framing effect. Layers are also great for yielding a more dynamic ‘90s blowout, as they help add texture to your look. If you have straight, fine, or thin hair, this cut and styling combo may be just what you need to turn up the volume.
Good hair day by @stephany.liriano.
3. ‘90s Blowout Bob
A chin-length style with a voluminous crown and curled-under ends can take your bob from everyday to elevated. Plus, flippy ends are a strategic way to detract from an overgrown bob that’s in serious need of a trim.
Good hair day by @hairstylistrocky.
4. ‘90s Blowout with Curtain Bangs
Center-parted bangs paired with soft layers make for a flattering, ultra-romantic look. This style is all the rage right now (thanks to the queen of bangs herself, Sabrina Carpenter) and helps soften your haircut while adding dimension to your at-home blowout.
Good hair day by @karenkolors.
5. Sleek Throwback Hair
Those with coarse, curly, or thick hair may want to keep excess volume to a minimum. In that case, opt for this smoother take on the classic ‘90s blowout, complete with glossy lengths and soft waves turned in at the ends.
6. Flipped-Out ‘90s Hair
Channel a different decade entirely (looking at you, 1970s) by flipping your ends out for a whimsical, retro-inspired finish. This style is fun, dynamic, and particularly well suited for shoulder-length or layered hair.
Good hair day by @pinklablonde.
7. Bombshell Blowout
Big, glamorous waves with extra height—this look is exactly what you want for special occasions, dates, and nights out with the girls. For an XXL finish, blow-dry your locks with Redken’s Stay High Mousse. The lightweight, gel-to-mousse formula provides maximum hold with textured volume, body, and fullness for up to 24 hours.
Good hair day by @bb.loungebybilja.
8. ‘90s Blowout Hairstyle With Feathered Ends
To ensure your blowout always has a breezy, lightweight finish, have your stylist snip feathered ends into your haircut. This technique helps release some of the weight of thick, long hair, preventing your favorite styles from getting weighed down.
Good hair day by @thefloralaw.
9. Half-Up ‘90s Hair
This look combines the full-bodied nature of a voluminous ‘90s blowout with an elegant half-up hairstyle. It’s practical too, keeping your hair off your face while still allowing you to showcase your lustrous waves.
Good hair day by @luis_alvarez_images.
10. Blowout With a Deep Side Part
A deep side part with loose, sweeping curls creates a glam, Old Hollywood-inspired look. Plus, flipping your part to the opposite side of your head instantly lifts your roots, adding natural fullness and height.
Next Up: How To Make Your Blowout Last Longer: 11 Expert Tips
Header photo credits (left to right): @hairby_giorgia, @biolage
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