Hair

The ’90s Blowout Hair Trend Is Back and Better Than Ever

The bigger, the better.

April 15, 2021

90s blowout hairstyles on models Veronica Webb Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford in 1993

For the latter part of the last decade, the defining look has been all about not trying. Following the big ’90s blowout and more-is-more era of the early aughts, the 2010s were all about barely there beauty: Think Glossier no-makeup makeup and Olsen-influenced beach waves. But after a year of minimal reasons to get dolled up, full glamour is back.

When it comes to hair, that means bouncy, polished ’90s blowout vibes are having a moment once again. Think supermodel hair like that of Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer—or Cher’s in Clueless. This is a hairstyle that isn't afraid to look “done”; in fact, it begs the world to acknowledge the time, care, and skill put into it. It's classy and classic, and has a “rich bitch” vibe about it that's a welcome change to the greasy ponytails and half-hazard clips we've relied on for the past year.

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It's not just influencers and celebs who are getting in on the glamour, though, as TikTok is full of tutorials on how to get the perfect blowout using tools like hot rollers and hair-dryer brushes. And while the standard ’90s blowout is certainly the dominant trend, a tutorial for a ’70s Farah Fawcett video has gone viral on Twitter. The verdict is in, and big hair is back and better than ever.

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While the ’90s and early aughts have been trending for the past few months—prom hair and braided tendrils were big last year—it was more about leaning into the grunginess and youthful energy of the time. This emphasis on polish feels like a distinctly post-pandemic phenomenon. Plus, it’s the perfect style to show off the curtain bangs that may be the result of your first salon visit in a year.

Celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown agrees. “Coming out of quarantine, I’m finding that most of my clients have the healthiest, and in some cases longest, hair they’ve ever had,” she says. “COVID really gave people a chance to give their hair a break and take great care of it by air-drying and using hair masks while not leaving the house. A voluminous, polished blowout is the perfect way to showcase your gorgeous, shiny, healthy hair.”

It's also pretty easy to DIY, so if you're not ready to head to Drybar just yet, you can replicate the look at home. Speaking from personal experience, it takes a bit of practice and a good blow-dry brush, while Brown says it's all about the product. She likes Kérastase and Drybar mousse for volume, Color Wow's Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray for finishing touches, and Virtue The Finale Shaping Spray for light hold.

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Kérastase Mousse Bouffante Volumizing Hair Mousse

$29

Kérastase

Courtesy of brand

Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse

$27

Drybar

Courtesy of brand

Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray

$29

Color Wow

Courtesy of brand

Virtue The Finale Shaping Spray

$36

Virtue

Polko says the secret to a classic blowout is an equally classic tool: Velcro rollers. After priming your hair with something thickening like NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly, blow your hair out in sections with a large round brush (or a two-in-one blow-dry brush if, like me, you're less dexterous). After you've blown dry each section, set it with large Velcro rollers, and let it cool while you do your makeup.

Ready to make your big-hair debut? Shop everything you need, below.