23 90S Updo Hairstyles That Prove This Trend Is Here to Stay

23 90S Updo Hairstyles That Prove This Trend Is Here to Stay

The 90s never really left, and honestly, the updos from that decade are having a full-blown renaissance right now. There’s something about the mix of polish and undone texture that just works for real life today. Whether you grew up watching Rachel Green swap out buns or you’re discovering this era for the first time on social media, these 23 90s updo hairstyles prove the trend has serious staying power. Grab a hair tie and let’s get into it.

The Slicked-Back Bun

This one is pure 90s minimalism. Hair is combed straight back with a wet-look gel, twisted into a low, tight bun at the nape. It suits pretty much any face shape but looks especially sharp on oval and heart-shaped faces since it shows off the cheekbones. Fine and medium hair textures hold this style best since thick hair can fight the slicked-back effect. Maintenance is low once you get the gel application down, though you’ll want a strong-hold product and an edge brush to tame flyaways. Try it with gold hoops for an instant throwback moment.

Butterfly Clip Half-Up

You can’t talk about 90s updos without mentioning butterfly clips. This half-up style gathers the top section of hair and secures it with two or three colorful clips, letting the rest cascade down in loose waves. It’s a favorite for medium to long hair and works beautifully on round faces since the height at the crown adds length. Curly and wavy textures shine here because the clips grip better into texture. Zero heat required most days, making it a genuinely low-maintenance pick. Swap plastic clips for pearl or metallic ones for a slightly dressier take.

The Claw Clip Twist

A big claw clip twisted through a messy topknot is basically the unofficial uniform of the decade, and it’s back in a major way. This look works on almost any length past the shoulders and is a lifesaver for second-day or third-day hair. Thick and coarse hair textures actually benefit the most since the clip has more to grip onto. There’s barely any styling involved, just twist, clip, and go. For variation, try a smaller clip higher on the crown for a more sculpted finish.

Space Buns

Space buns are one of those 90s updo hairstyles that keep resurfacing every few years, and this time they’re softer and less symmetrical than before. Hair is parted down the middle and twisted into two buns, one on each side. This suits younger faces and square or oval shapes particularly well. Fine hair might need some texturizing spray first to give the buns more grip and shape. It’s a fun weekend style rather than an everyday office look, though a sleeker version can absolutely work for a night out. Try adding small braids before twisting for extra dimension.

The Bump It Ponytail

Remember the bump? This updo brings back the exaggerated crown volume paired with a smooth, high ponytail. It flatters heart and diamond face shapes by softening a narrower forehead. Straight and fine hair actually take to this style easiest since teasing shows up more visibly. You’ll need a teasing comb and a strong-hold hairspray to keep that lift through the day. It’s more of a special-occasion look given the setup time, but the payoff is worth it for a retro glam night out.

Crimped Half-Up Updo

Crimping irons made a comeback, and this half-up style is where they really shine. The crown section gets crimped for texture, then pinned back while the rest of the hair stays loose. Medium to long hair with some natural wave works best here. It suits oval and round faces nicely since the added texture at the crown balances things out. Maintenance-wise, you’re looking at a bit of heat styling time, so a heat protectant is non-negotiable. For a modern twist, pair it with face-framing pieces left out to soften the whole look.

The Ponytail with a Wrap

This is that iconic ponytail where a small section of hair wraps around the base to hide the elastic. It’s clean, polished, and works on nearly every hair type and length from shoulder-length up. Square and oval faces both suit this style well since the pulled-back effect highlights bone structure. It’s low maintenance day to day but does require smoothing serum to avoid a frizzy finish. Try it sleek and straight for office days or slightly wavy for weekend errands.

Chunky Highlighted Bun

Nothing says 90s quite like chunky highlights peeking out of a twisted bun. This updo works especially well on medium to thick hair since the twisted sections show off color contrast beautifully. Warm skin tones tend to love the caramel and honey highlight combos here. It suits any face shape honestly, since the focus is really on the color play rather than the silhouette. Upkeep depends on your highlight maintenance schedule at the salon, roughly every eight to ten weeks for touch-ups. Balayage works here too if you want a softer, lower-maintenance color option.

The Messy Top Knot

A deliberately undone top knot with pieces falling out around the face was everywhere in 90s grunge fashion, and it’s just as popular now. Long and extra-long hair lengths work best for a knot with enough volume. Oval, square, and heart face shapes all suit this look since the height adds balance. Wavy and curly textures create the most effortless-looking version without much effort at all. It genuinely takes under two minutes once you’ve practiced the twist. Add a few bobby pins strategically instead of relying only on the hair tie for more staying power.

Sleek Low Chignon

This is the more sophisticated cousin of the slicked-back bun, smoothed into a low, rounded chignon at the nape. Straight and fine hair textures produce the sleekest version, though thicker hair can absolutely pull it off with a bit more product. It flatters long, oval, and heart-shaped faces particularly well. This one leans dressier, so it’s a great pick for weddings or formal events rather than daily wear. A shine serum applied before smoothing back really makes this look glossy and intentional.

Double Braided Updo

Two French or Dutch braids twisted up into a bun at the back bring serious 90s tomboy energy. This works great on medium to long hair with some texture, since braids hold better with grip. Round and oval faces suit the style nicely, and it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to keep hair fully off the face during workouts or hot weather. Maintenance is minimal once braided, and it can last two to three days depending on your hair type. Try adding thin braids only at the front for a subtler variation.

The Banana Clip Updo

Banana clips are quietly making their way back into salons, and this gathered updo shows exactly why. Hair gets pulled back and secured vertically with the clip, creating natural volume without teasing. Thick and medium hair textures work best since the clip needs some grip to hold everything in place. It suits most face shapes and is a genuinely fast option for busy mornings. There’s no heat styling required, which makes it easy on hair health long term. Curl the ends slightly before clipping for extra texture underneath.

Twisted Half-Up with Face-Framing Pieces

This softer take on the half-up updo leaves curtain-bang-style pieces out to frame the face while the rest twists back neatly. It’s particularly flattering on square and heart face shapes since the loose pieces soften angular features. Wavy hair takes to this look effortlessly, though straight hair can use a curling wand for the face-framing sections. It’s a moderate-maintenance style thanks to the extra styling on those front pieces. This one photographs really well, which probably explains why it’s all over Pinterest boards lately.

The Ballerina Bun

A high, tight bun positioned right at the crown, reminiscent of dance class buns from the era, has found new life as a street style staple. It suits oval and long face shapes especially well since the height elongates things nicely. Fine to medium hair holds this shape cleanest, while very thick hair may need extra pins for security. Daily upkeep is simple, though you’ll want a boar bristle brush to smooth away bumps. This look pairs surprisingly well with baggy streetwear, which is part of why it’s trending again.

Scrunchie Ponytail Updo

The scrunchie comeback deserves its own updo entry. This style twists a ponytail up into a loose bun secured entirely with a fabric scrunchie instead of pins. Medium to long hair works best for enough length to twist comfortably. It flatters basically every face shape since it’s such a relaxed, unstructured look. Maintenance is about as low as it gets, and scrunchies are gentler on hair strands than tight elastics. Velvet scrunchies give it a slightly more elevated feel for evening wear.

The Zigzag Part Updo

A bold zigzag part paired with a simple low bun brings a playful, graphic edge to this classic shape. It works on straight to slightly wavy hair since the part needs to stay crisp and visible. Oval and round faces suit this well thanks to the visual interest at the part line. This one takes a little practice with a rat-tail comb to get the zigzag clean. It’s a fun way to make a basic bun feel more intentional without much extra effort.

Twisted Pigtail Buns

Instead of the rounder space buns, this version twists each pigtail section tightly before wrapping it into a smaller, neater bun. It suits younger and more casual styling preferences and works great on thick or coarse hair that holds twists well. Square and heart face shapes benefit from the symmetry this style creates. It requires a bit of texturizing spray for grip but no heat tools at all. This is a solid gym or festival-day option since it stays put through movement.

The Bandana Updo

Tying a bandana around a low bun or twisted updo was a defining 90s accessory move, and it’s back with a vengeance. Any hair length from shoulder-length up can work with this styling trick. It suits every face shape since the bandana itself becomes the focal point rather than the hair shape. Maintenance is minimal, and it’s a great way to disguise second or third-day roots. Silk bandanas add a slightly more polished finish compared to cotton ones.

The Voluminous French Twist

A classic French twist gets a 90s update here with deliberately loosened sections and a slightly messier finish than the traditional formal version. Long and extra-long hair creates the most dramatic twist shape. Oval and heart faces suit this elegant silhouette particularly well. It does require some practice and bobby pins to master the twist and pin technique. This one leans toward special occasions, though a looser daytime version works for the office too. A texturizing spray beforehand helps the twist hold without looking too stiff.

The Wrapped Braid Bun

A single thick braid coiled into a bun shape at the crown or nape creates a textured, sculptural updo. Medium to thick hair produces the fullest version of this braid-bun combo. It flatters round and oval faces by adding visible height and dimension. Upkeep is moderate since braiding takes a few extra minutes compared to a plain twist. This style holds up well through a full day of activity, making it practical for both work and weekend plans.

The Side-Swept Updo

Instead of a centered bun, this style gathers hair and pins it off to one side for an asymmetrical finish reminiscent of red carpet looks from the era. It works best on medium to long hair with some wave already built in. Heart and oval face shapes suit the asymmetry especially well. This is more of an occasion style given the pinning involved, though it photographs beautifully for events. A shine spray at the end gives it that glossy, finished look.

The Micro Braid Updo

Tiny micro braids gathered into a high or low bun bring incredible texture and dimension to this list. Coily and curly hair textures showcase this style at its absolute best, though any texture can achieve it with prep work. It suits all face shapes since the intricate detail draws the eye evenly. Maintenance depends on whether the braids are natural hair or extensions, but the style itself can last several days once set. This is a great protective styling option that still looks distinctly on-trend.

The Curly Updo with Loose Tendrils

Natural curls gathered loosely at the crown with a few curly tendrils left out around the face capture 90s romance perfectly. Curly and coily hair types get the most volume and shape from this look naturally. Round and square faces both benefit from the soft framing the tendrils create. It’s genuinely low effort for curly hair types since the curls do most of the work. A curl-defining cream applied beforehand keeps the tendrils from getting frizzy throughout the day, and honestly, this might be the easiest style on this whole list to recreate on a rushed morning.

There you have it, 23 90s updo hairstyles that genuinely earn their spot back in rotation. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek slicked-back styles or the messier claw clip looks, there’s a version here for pretty much every hair type, length, and occasion. Pick one, grab your bobby pins, and see which throwback works best for you.