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Your ultimate guide to nailing—and sustaining—that timeless 90s blowout look
Thankfully, we’ve moved past the era of spending endless hours frying our hair into stick-straight submission. The spotlight is now on the effortlessly glamorous 90s blowout. Think Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer in their heyday—those full, bouncy waves are back in vogue. With proper prep, technique, and care, you can bring salon-level retro volume into your daily routine right at home.
How to achieve that 90s supermodel blowout
- Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give your strands lift and movement.
- Rough dry your hair until it's about 70% dry, flipping your head upside down for major volume at the roots.
- Section your hair, then use a round brush and nozzle attachment to blow dry each part. Lock it in with a flexible hold hairspray for lasting bounce.
Step-by-step guide
Prepping in the Shower for Your Blowout
Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is already clean and 70% dry, feel free to skip ahead. But if you're washing it now, your shampoo choice is key. A 90s blowout thrives on volume, so using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner sets the perfect base.
- If your hair is already thick and full, consider using smoothing shampoo and conditioner to manage frizz and keep strands sleek. After rinsing, towel dry your hair to remove excess water—products work best on damp, not soaking wet, hair.
Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist
Be selective with your hair products. "A lot of people choose their shampoo and conditioner from the same line—Volume, Repair, Clean—but what most don’t realize is that mixing and matching based on your hair’s unique needs can make all the difference. That tweak alone can unlock major hair wins."
Crafting the Perfect 90s Blowout
Use a volumizing mousse for extra lift. The key to big 90s hair is height at the roots, and volumizing mousse delivers that added grip and body.
- To apply, flip your head upside down and work a generous amount into your roots, then distribute it through to your ends for full-bodied texture and hold.
Apply a heat protectant before styling. Creating that iconic 90s blowout requires a fair amount of heat, whether from a blow-dryer or other hot tools. To shield your hair from potential damage, make sure to use a heat protectant during your prep routine.
- Most heat protectants are enriched with nourishing, hydrating ingredients that help tame frizz and smooth flyaways—two things you don’t want interrupting your sleek 90s-inspired finish.
Use a blow-dryer to rough dry your hair until it’s about 70%–80% dry. Getting most of the moisture out first will make the round brush step easier and add volume at the roots for a more lifted style.
Begin sectioning your hair from the bottom layers. Divide your hair into manageable sections that allow you to easily access the roots for maximum control and volume.
Blow-dry each section using a round brush, working from roots to ends. Lift the roots as you guide the brush through, positioning the blow-dryer behind it for precise airflow. https://www.revlonprofessional.com/blog/90s-blowout/
- Make sure your dryer is equipped with a nozzle attachment to help direct the heat and minimize frizz.
Roll each finished section into a hook-and-loop roller while still warm. Setting the hair while it’s hot helps lock in the shape as it cools.
- Larger rollers give more volume and body, while smaller ones offer tighter curls. Experiment with sizes to find your favorite look.
- Always begin rolling from the ends of the hair and move upward toward the roots for best results.
Let your hair cool down completely before removing rollers. The longer you can leave them in, the better your style will hold. If you’re short on time, at least wait until the rollers are no longer warm to the touch.
Take out the rollers with care. Slowly unwind each roller to minimize frizz. Once removed, use your fingers to gently comb through and shape your style into place.
Lock it in with a flexible hold hairspray. Lightly mist your entire head to maintain your blowout. For added lift, flip your head upside down and spray the underneath layers too.
Keeping Your 90s Blowout Looking Fresh
Sleep with your hair in a loose bun using a silk scrunchie. Putting your hair up at night helps preserve the blowout’s shape.
- A silk scrunchie is gentle on your strands, but you can also use a claw clip, silk turban, or bonnet to protect your style overnight.
Opt for a silk or satin pillowcase when you sleep. Regular cotton pillowcases can rough up your hair overnight, leading to frizz and breakage. A smoother surface like silk or satin helps preserve your 90s blowout while being gentle on your strands.
Shield your style with a terry-lined shower cap. Steam and moisture are the enemies of volume. A shower cap with a terry cloth lining offers solid protection for your blowout when you're bathing or showering.
Grab a reliable dry shampoo. To extend your blowout’s life, absorb oil at the roots with dry shampoo. It not only keeps your scalp fresh but also revives volume lost after a few days.
Wear a moisture-wicking headband at the gym. Sweat can kill your volume fast. A sweat-absorbing headband creates a barrier between your scalp and perspiration.
- To further protect your style, tie your hair up so it stays off your neck, shoulders, and back during your workout.
Revamp your style with a curling or flat iron. Use a curling iron to restore volume or a flat iron to smooth out problem areas.
- Spritz a little water and let your hair dry before applying heat to add texture. If that’s not enough, reach for the hot tools to revive your look.
What is a 90s blowout?
The 90s blowout is all about bold volume, bounce, and effortless waves. It’s that iconic, full-bodied look with a soft, brushed-out finish that feels polished yet carefree.
- Whether your hair is long or short, the key is sky-high roots paired with flippy, bouncy ends—classic 90s glam!
This look demands commitment—it’s not exactly low-maintenance. To achieve the full effect, you’ll need a blow-dryer and round brush or a set of rollers. Either way, it takes some effort to get that signature bounce and body.
The 90s blowout was a staple of supermodel style. Icons like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Cher from Clueless rocked this voluminous, high-shine look. It struck the perfect balance between intentionally styled and effortlessly tousled.
Tools Needed for a 90s Blowout
Blow-dryer A blow-dryer is your number one tool for crafting a 90s blowout. While any model will technically do, one with a nozzle attachment is essential. The nozzle helps direct airflow, which is crucial for frizz control.
- It also helps boost root volume and gives your ends that smooth, polished finish.
Round brush This is your secret weapon for lifting roots, smoothing strands, and building that signature bounce. Go for a large round brush—think 2 to 3 inches wide—to add volume without curling.
Hair clips Creating a flawless 90s blowout means sectioning like a pro. Use clips designed to avoid creases, like alligator clips, so your volume stays sleek and kink-free.
Curling iron Once you’ve blow-dried, reach for a large-barrel curling iron to amplify body. Use it to create soft waves and loose curls that enhance your blowout’s bounce.
Hook-and-loop fastener rollers Want to skip the heat? These rollers are perfect for adding lift and movement. The bigger the roller, the more voluminous and soft the wave—ideal for nailing that 90s vibe.
Teasing comb While not a must-have, a teasing comb is perfect for adding a little extra lift at the roots or pumping up the volume wherever your style needs a boost.
