10 Iconic 90s Hairstyles for Black Hair

90s hairstyles were all about diverse and iconic yet laid-back trends. It was when we witnessed a sudden surge in people embracing messy updos, box braids, Bantu knots, finger waves, and more of such iconic black hairstyles.

To be honest, the revolutionary hair game of the 90s is making a comeback, as we see beauties like Kendall Jenner and Rihanna slaying in messy updos. If you want to keep up with the 90s trend and are looking for some of the best hairstyle picks to try this year, we have got your back!

In this ultimate guide, we will explore several of the best 90s hairstyles for black hair, along with their nitty-gritty details. So, let's get started!

1. Finger Waves

First on the list is none other than the most timeless black hairstyle of the 90s: finger waves! Those intricate S-shaped patterns are bound to spice up your look, be it formal or casual. The best part? Finger waves go well on short hair. So, if you have a bob or any other short haircut, you need to try this hairstyle.

How To:

@_ei2my_ Réponse à @AS voila votre tuto figer waves 😚 #fingerwaves #shorthair #hairstyle ♬ Anogo - Tayc

• Wash your hair and ensure you begin with a clean slate.
• Grab a high-quality mousse and apply it throughout your hair.
• Follow up with creating a deep side part using a rattail comb.
• Now, use your comb and finger to create well-defined S-shaped waves. Air dry your hair for best results. If you are in a hurry, you can rely on a blow dryer with a diffuser.

2. Cornrows

If you prefer a protective hairstyle, you can still keep up with the 90s trends by styling cornrows. This iconic hairstyle features intricate braids carefully placed close to the scalp to give off that sleek and stylish look. It's a low-maintenance hairstyle that can last for around eight weeks if you care well.

How To:

@kekekeanna Replying to @hasley I hope this video is helpful!:) #braids #naturalhair #type4hair #fyp #howtobraid ♬ Chillout Lofi Hip Hop F(884707) - musicabeats

To make these braids, simply part your hair in rows, beginning from the front and ending at the back.

• Now, shift to the first row and divide it into three sections to make a 3-strand braid. Try keeping the braid as close to the scalp as you can, but don't overtighten it, as it will trigger scalp irritation.
• Keep adding small sections of hair from both sides as you move downwards.
• On reaching the ends, secure them with a hair tie. Repeat the same process for all rows, and you are done!

3. The Face-Framing Messy Bun

Nothing can beat the charm of messy buns on black hair. With this hairstyle, you can showcase your true hair texture with confidence, and it's easy to make, too.

How To:

@symphani.soto My new fav hairstyle on my short hair! #BridgertonScandal #LizzosBigGrrrls #WomenOwnedBusiness #blackhairstyle #blackhair #90s ♬ I Must Apologise - PinkPantheress

• All you need to do is tie up your hair into a ponytail and use hair gel to smooth the hair from the front. If you hair is not longer enough, be sure to add water wave hair bundles.
• Now, just wrap your ponytail into a big, messy bun and secure it with bobby pins.
• Leave a few strands out for that perfectly messed-up bun look. If you don't like front strands out, just stick with a simple yet elegant mid-parting or style your baby hair with gel. You can use a comb to give them a perfect curly shape or use your fingers instead.

4. Micro Braids

This protective hairstyle is known for its versatility. As the hair is micro-braided, you can style it the way you want. Either let them fall freely, tie them up into a ponytail, or make a sleek braided bun with them. These braids offer endless styling possibilities—your imagination is the only limit.

How To Style Micro Braids:

@yinniethepoohh 3 styles for micro braids with looks from the OG braid queen @brandy (braids by me haha) #moesha #brandy #blackgirl #90sfashion #targethalloween #fyp ♬ original sound - thejaylineaves

5. Short Pixie Cut

This 90s hairstyle is ideal for those with short hair wishing to get a low-maintenance hairstyle that stands out. It has been worn by various famed celebrities of the 90s, Audrey Hepburn and Halle Berry, to name a few. Since then, the pixie cut has been considered a symbol of empowerment and confidence.

If you are an experienced hairstylist, you can cut your pixie without any hassle. But if not, prefer booking an appointment with your preferred hair salon instead of getting messed up hair in a bid to DIY. Make sure to take some photos for inspiration. You can find several of them, just google 90s celebs in a short pixie cut.

6. Flat Twists

What else could be next than the twists? Aside from being a protective hairstyle, twists are also considered versatile. You can style them in various ways without brushing your hair.

For that perfect throwback to the 90s, style your twists into a half-up, half-down bun. They will give off a chic and playful vibe.

How To:

@ashleeswest Love love how this flat twist style came out 🤞🏽❤️ #curlyhairstyles #flattwist #90s #2000s @BounceCurl @as i am @LUS Brands ♬ Dance for You - Beyoncé

7. Long Chunky Braids

These braids were first popularized by the one and only Janet Jackson. She wore these braids in the iconic 90s movie Poetic Justice, and since then, long, chunky braids have caught the eyes of everyone.

These braids are actually long rope-style worn-down hairstyles that could be worn in various ways. You can do braided updos with them, make up top buns, or rock undercuts.

How To:

Make regular 3-strand braids or any of your desired ones throughout the head. Try to make slightly larger sections so you end up with up to 20 braids on each side of your hair.

If you have thin hair, you may add a bandana for a fuller and voluminous look. Once done making braids, slightly pull out some strands to ensure that chunky appearance.

8. Silk Press

Here, we have another natural hairstyle that offers a shiny and sleek finish to your strands. It adds that much-needed volume and body to your hair without requiring intense heat exposure, unlike traditional press and curl looks.

Additionally, silk press can make your hair grow faster than usual. Wondering how? It seals in natural oils, forcing them to travel down the hair shafts and ensuring less hair breakage and brittleness.

How To:

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To achieve a perfect silk press look, apply hair protectant to your hair and blow dry it. Now, take a one-inch section, begin close to your roots, and slowly flat iron your hair, working toward hair ends. Repeat the same process for all hair to slay a silky, soft mane.

9. Space Buns

If you are looking for a 90s hairstyle that’s not much laid back and could be modernized to suit the latest hair trends, try space buns.

These can be styled for both casual and formal looks and are well-suited for various hair lengths and textures.

So, what’s stopping you from playing a bit and styling two cute little buns on either side of your head? Even Kerry Washington, Yara Shahidi, and Jennifer Lopez are rocking them, and these are easy to make, too.

How To:

• All you need to do is to part your hair into two parts. You can do simple mid-parting or a zigzag one that's much in-trend nowadays for that perfectly imperfect look.
• However, once parting is done, gather one section of your hair and tie it in a ponytail.
• Now, wrap it up into a sleek space bun and secure it with bobby pins. Repeat the same process on the side and you are done!

10. Bantu Knots

Last but not least, we have Bantu knots – a stunning protective hairstyle that lets you rock several mini buns throughout your mane.

How To:

To make these knots, create a one to two-inch section in your hair and begin twisting.

Start from your roots and work your way towards ends. Once there, twist the entire section around itself to create a small and secure bun.

Finally, secure with a hair tie and repeat the same steps for all your hair to make several knots on your head.

Even black men can rock this hairstyle with elegance. So, why not twin up with your partner?

Wrapping It Up!

90s hairstyles for black hair are back in-trend. Whether it's about short pixie cuts and messy buns or Bantu knots and micro braids, everyone is head over heels for these laid-back hair trends. And to be honest, we expect the iconic 90s hair game to rock throughout the coming year.

So, if you are looking for the best pick to suit your personality, we hope this article proves helpful. Stay tuned for more!