Ah, the ’90s – a decade that celebrated individuality and self-expression, with its bold fashion, vibrant music, and iconic hairstyles. Black women embraced a wide range of styles during this time, from sleek bobs and braids to voluminous Afros and dreadlocks.
Whether you’re a ’90s baby looking to relive your youth or simply seeking inspiration for a fresh new look, our comprehensive guide to 35 timeless ’90s hairstyles for black hair will leave you spoiled for choice.
1. The Sleek Bob
Hair Type: Straight to slightly wavy
Description: A chic and versatile hairstyle that frames the face beautifully. Bobs can be cut at various lengths, ranging from just below the ears to the shoulders. In the ’90s, sleek bobs were often paired with blunt bangs or a side-swept fringe.
2. The Inverted Bob
Hair Type: Straight to slightly wavy
Description: Similar to the sleek bob, but with a slight variation – the inverted bob is shorter in the back and gradually lengthens towards the front. This creates a flattering silhouette that adds volume to the crown.
3. The Pixie Cut
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A bold and edgy choice that exudes personality. Pixie cuts can be customized to suit individual face shapes and hair textures. In the ’90s, pixie cuts for black hair were often styled with long bangs or a shaved nape.
4. The Buzz Cut
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: The ultimate statement-making hairstyle – the buzz cut is a closely cropped cut that leaves just a few millimeters of hair on the head. It’s a low-maintenance option that showcases the scalp’s natural shape.
5. Bantu Knots
Hair Type: Coily to kinky
Description: A protective and versatile style that involves wrapping small sections of hair around themselves to form tiny knots. Bantu knots can be worn in various sizes and patterns, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
6. Box Braids
Hair Type: Coily to kinky
Description: A classic and timeless style that consists of multiple individual braids that are squared off at the ends. Box braids can be worn short or long, and embellished with beads or accessories.
7. Cornrows
Hair Type: Coily to kinky
Description: A protective and intricate style that involves braiding the hair tightly from root to tip. Cornrows can be designed in various patterns, from simple lines to intricate geometric shapes.
8. Dreadlocks
Hair Type: Coily to kinky
Description: A statement-making style that occurs naturally when hair locks together and forms long, twisted strands. Dreadlocks can be styled freely or adorned with beads or other accessories.
9. The Afro
Hair Type: Coily to kinky
Description: A symbol of black pride and empowerment, the Afro is a natural hairstyle that allows the hair to grow freely outwards from the scalp. It can be styled in various sizes and shapes, from small and tight to large and voluminous.
10. The Blowout
Hair Type: Natural to relaxed
Description: A sleek and voluminous style that involves blow-drying the hair with a round brush. Blowouts can be customized to achieve desired volume and texture, from sleek and straight to beachy waves.
11. The Finger Waves
Hair Type: Natural to relaxed
Description: An elegant and sophisticated hairstyle that involves creating waves in the hair using only the fingers and water. Finger waves were particularly popular in the ’90s and can be worn in various styles, such as the classic Marcel wave or the more modern fingerroll.
12. The Rachel
Hair Type: Straight to wavy
Description: Inspired by the iconic hairstyle of Jennifer Aniston in the popular sitcom “Friends,” the Rachel is a layered haircut that frames the face beautifully. It features long layers in the front and shorter layers in the back, creating a volumized and effortless look.
13. The Flip
Hair Type: Straight to wavy
Description: A playful and retro hairstyle that involves creating a slight flip at the ends of the hair. Flips can be worn in various lengths and can be styled with bangs or a side-swept fringe.
14. The Shag
Hair Type: Straight to wavy
Description: A layered hairstyle that creates a feathered and textured look. Shags can be cut to various lengths and can be styled with bangs or a side-swept fringe. They were particularly popular in the ’70s and ’80s, but made a comeback in the ’90s.
15. The Dutch Braid
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A beautiful and intricate braid that resembles a French braid, but with a different weaving technique. Dutch braids are created by crossing the strands over each other instead of under, resulting in a raised effect.
16. The French Braid
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A classic and versatile braid that involves taking three strands of hair and weaving them together in an over-under-over pattern. French braids can be worn in various styles, such as a single braid, two braids, or a halo braid.
17. The Fishtail Braid
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A unique and eye-catching braid that resembles the scales of a fish. Fishtail braids are created by dividing the hair into two sections and passing small strands from one section over to the other, alternating sides.
18. The Halo Braid
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A beautiful and elegant braid that wraps around the head like a halo. Halo braids are created by starting with a French braid or Dutch braid and then wrapping the ends around the head and securing them with bobby pins.
19. The Crown Braid
Hair Type: All hair types
Description: A regal and sophisticated braid that resembles a crown. Crown braids are created by wrapping a braid around the head in a circular motion and securing it with bobby pins.
20. The Edge-Up
Hair Type: Natural to relaxed
Description: A sharp and defined hairstyle that involves shaving the sides and back of the head, leaving a narrow strip of hair around the hairline. Edge-ups are often paired with short hairstyles, such as the fade or the Caesar cut.
21. The Caesar Cut
Hair Type: Straight to wavy
Description: A short and sleek hairstyle that is cut straight across the forehead and