Woman with 90s inspired look at the cover of 90s inspired hairstyles.

Beauty

7 Easy ’90s-Inspired Updos to Try

From butterfly clips and wispy bits to high ponytails, these are our new favorite fall hairstyles.

by Laura Pitcher
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

You can say what you want about Y2K style, but you can’t say it wasn’t full of creative yet easy hair looks, including statement hair clips and face-framing tendrils. Whether you’re looking to channel J.Lo, Britney, or Mariah, nothing can change the vibe of an outfit quite like a ’90s updo hairstyle and we’ve been taught by the very best.

As throwback hairstyles continue to trend—like this viral bun on TikTok—there’s a style for every occasion, person, and hair type. Tap for a history lesson that comes with some hair inspiration we’ll be attempting to master this season.

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The Up and Down

J.Lo’s ’90s updo with face-framing pieces is still on our mood board, complete with a cute barrette.

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The Up and Down

Dua Lipa channeled the same energy with a high bun and long face-framing bangs at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020.

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Show Pony

The high, sleek pony is always event-worthy. Tyra Banks effortlessly nailed the look back in the ’90s.

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Show Pony

Hailey Bieber channeled the super model style in 2019. This velvet bow was the perfect accompaniment.

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The Butterfly Effect

We couldn’t mention throwback hairstyles without butterfly clips, seen here in Alicia Silverstone’s messy updo with major wispy pieces.

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The Butterfly Effect

Thanks to TikTok, colorful butterfly clips are back and make any updo immediately cuter. In fact, Y2K trend icon Olivia Rodrigo wore the cutest butterfly clips in face-framing braids at last year’s VMAs.

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High Pigtails

Back in the Spice Girls’ heyday, everyone was recreating Baby Spice’s signature high pigtails.

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High Pigtails

This year, Megan Fox attended an Avril Lavigne performance with this iconic early 2000s hairstyle, calling the look “BDSM Spice” on an Instagram post.

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Put a Crimp In It

This one is for those truly committed to trying a throwback style.

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Put a Crimp In It

We’re sure queen Ariana has tried every high ponytail under the sun, including a crimped one.

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All Dolled Up-do

A frontwards-facing pony with waves or curls is look that still has a lot of body and flirty appeal.

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All Dolled Up-do

A master of slicking her hair into the perfect pony, Bella Hadid rocked a curly updo at a Dior Makeup dinner last year.

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Seeing Double

Zenon was right, space buns are a look for girls of the 21st Century. In the ’90s we also saw them on the Spice Girls, Gwen Stefani, and Britney Spears.

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Seeing Double

Space buns have persisted as a mainstay of festival hair and are now trending again with Gen Z.

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