8 Retro Hairstyles That Are Unexpectedly Trending Again

You might think that old beauty trends have faded away completely, becoming mere distant memories, only to be surprised when they reemerge out of nowhere.

We never imagined we'd witness the return of those bold, chunky highlights from the early 2000s, yet here we are, two decades later, and they’re making a comeback. And the voluminous blowouts from the ‘90s, once thought to be a thing of the past, are now back in full force, with that signature Cindy Crawford style being one of the most popular hairdos today.

Fashion and beauty have a way of doing that, and honestly, it feels kind of nice to reconnect with old favorites. We spoke to professional stylists about the once “outdated” hairstyles that are now officially trending again, and here are their top picks. Maybe one of these will spark your next haircut inspiration.

1. The French Roll

Sleek, elegant, and subtly seductive, this twist-and-tuck updo is making waves everywhere—from casual brunches to professional meetings. "Many women are now looking for effortless styles that require minimal upkeep," says hairstylist Darrius Peace, co-owner of Hayah Beauty. "This style, once iconic in the 1990s, has made its way back into the spotlight."

2. Cindy Crawford’s ‘Bombshell’ Hair

Get ready because big hair is back in style. "Straight, flat hair is a thing of the past, and women are craving volume," says Kate Johnson, professional hairstylist and co-founder of Glossed Finishing Studio. "This cut combines layers with dramatic volume, creating the ultimate bombshell look, and I’m totally on board with it." The key to this look is the blowout—go heavy on the volumizing products—but don’t forget to ask your stylist for layers to perfect the style.

3. Crimped Hair

Don’t regret getting rid of your crimper years ago—simply pick up a new one or use your existing hot tools to achieve a similar look. (For instance, waving a flat iron back and forth creates a modern version of crimped strands.) "This playful and versatile styling method adds volume and texture to any hair type and requires fewer holding products than it did before," says Peace.

4. Shags

Notice a pattern? Volume and texture are in—and the shag delivers both in the coolest way possible. First popularized in the '70s and revisited in the '90s, it's now making its third appearance.

"The shag features choppy layers with feathered ends, often complemented by curtain bangs," explains Kristina Maccaro, professional stylist and founder of Love Lane Salon. "The shag is making a strong comeback due to its effortlessly cool, undone vibe, which aligns perfectly with the current trend of embracing natural textures, wash-and-go hairstyles, and low-maintenance styles."

She explains that, unlike the excessively teased and heavily sprayed shag of the past, today’s version is softer and tailored to your face shape and hair texture. Think Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Jenna Ortega.

5. The ‘Rachel’

Made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green on *Friends*, ‘The Rachel’ has earned iconic status all on its own. It’s no surprise that it's back in style, especially with all the ‘90s nostalgia currently making a comeback.

"It’s the perfect haircut," Johnson says. "I think the only reason it fell out of favor was because so many people had it. It frames the face beautifully, making it flattering on most face shapes, whether you have fine or thick hair. This style works in various lengths and looks great on most people—though it might not be the best fit for a very round face."

6. Spiky Updos

Messy, spiked-up buns and ponytails, often with stray strands sticking out, were a signature look in the early 2000s, thanks to icons like Gwen Stefani. Whether you loved the style back then or missed out, it’s time to celebrate its return. "This fun and carefree style mirrors today's bold and experimental approach to beauty," says Maccaro. "The updated version uses texture sprays and softer spikes, creating a deliberately effortless vibe rather than the rigid, gelled look of the past."

7. Perms

Short for "permanent," perms quietly disappeared after dominating the ‘80s and ‘90s, but Johnson says they’re making a major comeback.

"People with finer hair are seeking the volume and fullness that curly hair provides. And now that we know how to care for curly hair more effectively, it’s much healthier than it was back in the ‘80s," she explains. "A perm gives you control over your curl type. Plus, there are products available to make them even more appealing—goodbye, crunchy curls—and they’re healthier for your hair, reducing damage."

8. The Side Part

Someone must have quietly entered a dimly lit bathroom and whispered, "side part, side part, side part," because what was once out of fashion not even five years ago has made a full-on comeback.

"After years of middle parts ruling the scene, the side part is making a strong return as a nostalgic throwback to Y2K vibes," Maccaro explains. "The modern take is far more flexible, ranging from bold, deep parts for glamorous looks to softer, more casual side parts for everyday wear. It pairs beautifully with sleek, straight hair or messy, textured waves, offering a fresh alternative to symmetrical styles."