‘90s Hair Accessories

By The FabFitFun Team | February 28, 2022

Lot of Colorful silk Scrunchies on white

Fashion trends have a way of hitting their stride when it goes retrograde. This season, that means taking a glance back in the cultural rearview mirror and channeling hair looks from the ‘90s.

Whether you’ve watched Clueless 26 times or are just keen to experiment with some of the era’s most irresistibly adorable hair looks, we’ve compiled the hottest hair trends to reach for so you can level up your look with a healthy dose of ‘90s hair accessories nostalgia.

Iconic ‘90s Hair Accessories To Rock Right Now

You don’t need to go full Gwen Stefani to introduce some ‘90s flair into your look. Adding a cute hair accessory to your usual hairstyle is an ideal way to channel some iconic 90’s hair trend features of the decade without overindulging.

Below, find our favorite ways to do just that.

Claw Clips

Rejoice in the return of the claw clip. This nostalgic hair trend is making a huge comeback from design houses like Balmain, but are still available in the aisles of your neighborhood drugstore (thank you, Goody).¹

This is a surprisingly functional piece that keeps hair out of the way while delivering strikingly gorgeous results. Wear it one of two ways:

Undone – Popularized by iconic figures like Rachel on Friends, the undone hair claw clip look is perfect for days when you need to dash out the door 15 minutes ago. Loosely group your hair into an elastic at the nape of the neck, then twist hair up towards the scalp and secure with a claw clip. Using your fingers, tease out a few strands from around your temples, and you’re out the door!
Done-up – You can also reach for your favorite glossy claw clip on evenings when you have a little more time to spare. Using a hair serum, smooth your hair into a low or mid-pony, then use your finger to create a cavity in the middle. Loop your ponytail through and tightly twist it up against the scalp. Clip in place. Then, use any remaining serum to quell any stubborn baby hairs. Voilà—a polished, ‘90s supermodel look.

Scrunchies

Is there anything more ‘90s than throwing your hair into a plush, playful scrunchie? We think not.

Scrunchies are everywhere this season, and you’ll find the market has come a long way since the neon “hair clouds” of 30 years ago.² From sheer, delicate fabrics that let your hair shine through to oversized designs that rival a hair wrap, you’ll find plenty of ways to update this retro accessory, whatever your personal aesthetic.

Barrettes

Whip out your favorite cardigan and get ready to bring your hair into your collegiate chic look.

We love hair barrettes in one of two ways:

Layered – The classic snap-clip style of barrette is perfect for layering two or more around the crown of your head, and they have an especially ‘90s flair in pastels like lavender or baby blue. To channel ’90s minimalism, swap the bright colors for neutral colors like black, brown, or even understated bobby pins to smooth fine hairs around your forehead.
Statement – Broad, wide hair clips are also in this season, and are ideal for days when you want to keep your hair out of the way. Fasten your topmost layers into a jumbo barrette for a half-updo, or coax all of your hair into a low pony with a sleek tortoiseshell for a Parisian ’90s look.

Butterfly clips

If a fun, playful attitude is at the heart of ’90s fashion, butterfly clips deserve a starring role in your trove of this season’s hair accessories.

Quintessentially ’90s butterfly clips come in bright colors and neons, but you’ll also find them in muted tones that can bring a touch of whimsy to your hair while still being grown-up. For a wearable look, twist a face-framing tendril around your finger and tuck a butterfly beside your temple to clip it back. Mirror on the other side, and you’re ready to go!

Headbands

Headbands are the perfect accessory to add a hint of the ’90s to your look without going overboard. We’re seeing two styles make an appearance this season:

Classic, with a broad, smooth band in satin or velvet textiles.
Combs, which help to keep hair in place and add visual interest with their wavy patterns.

If you’re planning on wearing a headband for more than 4 hours, we recommend bringing along a hair elastic (or your new favorite scrunchie!) to give your scalp a break and avoid any pinching behind the ears.

Get The Top Hair Trends First with FabFitFun

Looking forward to updating your hair routine with a ’90s throwback? There’s no need to get your scrunchies in a bunch hunting for your favorite new accessory!

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