Have you ever scrolled through old magazines or rewatched a classic 90s movie and found yourself captivated by the effortless glamour of supermodel hair? The iconic 90s blowout, characterized by its incredible volume, bouncy ends, and a polished yet “done-but-undone” feel, is making a major comeback. While achieving this coveted look might seem like a salon-exclusive dream, it’s entirely possible to create a stunning 90s blowout look at home with the right tools, techniques, and a little practice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you unleash your inner supermodel with ease.
Understanding the Iconic 90s Blowout
The 90s blowout is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement of confidence and chic elegance. This timeless look, famously sported by icons like Cindy Crawford and Rachel Green, is all about maximizing volume at the roots while creating soft, bouncy curls or flips at the ends. It’s designed to give your hair luxurious body and movement without appearing stiff or overly styled. The allure lies in its ability to look both glamorous and effortlessly natural, a perfect blend for any occasion. Celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Colombini notes that “getting volume is always in the foundation” of a bombshell blowout, emphasizing the importance of lift and fullness for this particular style.
Essential Tools and Products for Your 90s Blowout
Achieving the perfect 90s blowout begins with gathering the right arsenal of tools and products. Each item plays a crucial role in preparing your hair, sculpting the style, and ensuring its longevity.
Hair Dryer Types & Features
Table is empty.A quality blow dryer is non-negotiable for a 90s blowout. Look for one with a nozzle attachment, as this allows you to direct airflow precisely, which is critical for achieving root-centric volume. For fine hair where frizz isn’t a primary concern, a metal or ceramic brush can offer better grip during styling. Conversely, if your hair is thick and prone to frizz, a soft nylon or boar bristle brush will help create a smoother finish.
Brushes
- Round Brush: This is your primary styling tool. A small-to-medium sized round brush is ideal for creating more volume and shaping the curls.
- Hair Brush: Essential for detangling damp hair before applying products and for brushing out the final style.
Styling Products
- Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner: Start your routine with products designed to give your hair lift and body without weighing it down. When conditioning, focus on mid-lengths and ends to avoid flattening your roots.
- Heat Protectant Primer/Spray: Absolutely crucial to shield your hair from heat damage. Apply generously before any heat styling. Some primers also offer additional benefits like frizz control and shine.
- Hydrating Styling Cream/Mousse/Blowout Gel: These products provide hold, enhance volume, and add a smooth finish. Apply to damp hair, concentrating on the roots and distributing through mid-lengths.
- Texturizing Spray: Can be applied to damp hair to add grip and texture, or lightly to dry hair for extra body and movement.
- Hair Rollers: Old-school velcro rollers are a foolproof way to amplify volume and set your curls. The longer they stay in, the more voluminous your hair will be.
- Root Tease Spray/Hairspray: For the finishing touch, these products lock in your style, provide flexible hold, and give an extra boost of volume at the roots.
Other Tools
- Claw Clips: Indispensable for sectioning your hair neatly, keeping other strands out of the way as you work through each section.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the 90s Blowout
Creating a glamorous 90s blowout at home is a process that requires patience and precision. Follow these steps for a stunning, voluminous result.
1. Prep Your Hair for Volume
Begin by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down your roots. If your hair tends to be dry or damaged, consider incorporating a nourishing hair mask or treatment a few times a week to improve overall hair health, which will make your blowout look even better.
2. Product Application for Hold and Protection
On damp hair, liberally apply a heat protectant primer or spray to shield your strands from the blow dryer’s heat. Next, distribute a volumizing product like styling cream, mousse, or blowout gel evenly through your hair, paying extra attention to the roots for maximum lift. Some experts also recommend a texturizing spray combed through damp hair to add grip.
3. Rough Dry for Root Lift
Before beginning detailed styling, rough dry your hair until it’s about 60-80% dry. Use your hands to rake upwards at the roots, encouraging them to stand away from the scalp. This technique helps to create foundational volume where you need it most, setting the stage for that signature 90s lift.
4. Mastering the Blow Dry with Sections and Round Brush
Divide your damp, rough-dried hair into manageable sections using claw clips. Start with the bottom sections, working your way up. For each section, use the “C Section” technique:
- Place your round brush about a third of the way up the hair shaft, not at the very ends.
- Wrap the hair towards the root in a “C” shape, away from your scalp, then wrap your ends around the brush. This method helps concentrate airflow and heat at the root area, crucial for 90s volume.
- Direct the blow dryer’s nozzle down the hair shaft as you glide the brush, ensuring smooth, frizz-free results.
- Repeat this process for all sections of your hair, including your bangs or face-framing pieces, rolling them away from your face for that classic outward flick.
5. The Roller Setting for Lasting Volume
This step is vital for setting your blowout and enhancing volume. Immediately after blow-drying each section, while the hair is still warm, carefully wrap it around a velcro roller. Roll the hair inwards towards your scalp, securing it snugly. Continue placing rollers throughout your entire head. The longer you leave the rollers in—ideally until your hair has completely cooled down—the more voluminous and long-lasting your blowout will be. This cooling phase is critical for maintaining a longer-lasting style.
6. Finishing Touches for a Polished Look
Once your hair is completely cool, gently remove the rollers. For an extra boost of body and bounce, flip your head upside down and give your hair a gentle shake. Finish by spritzing your roots with a root tease spray and locking the entire look in place with a strong-hold hairspray. Avoid over-brushing to maintain the integrity of the curls.
A woman demonstrating how to section hair for a 90s blowout with a round brush and blow dryer, rollers in background.
Pro Tips for a Flawless 90s Blowout
To truly elevate your at-home 90s blowout, consider these expert insights:
- The Cooling Phase is Key: As celebrity stylist Rodney Cutler emphasizes, “The cooling down phase is critical for maintaining a longer-lasting style.” Allowing your hair to cool on the brush or in rollers sets the cuticle and locks the curl.
- Consider Your Haircut: A haircut with face-framing layers and round layers can significantly enhance the movement and shape of a 90s blowout, making it appear more natural and dynamic.
- Don’t Over-Product: While styling products are essential, using too much can weigh down your hair. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Utilize Your Dryer’s Nozzle: The nozzle helps direct heat, allowing you to focus on lifting the roots and smoothing each section effectively.
- Alternative Heat Tools: If you struggle with a round brush and blow dryer, a hot brush or a curling iron with a large barrel can help achieve the desired flip and curl at the ends.
Maintaining Your Blowout
A fresh 90s blowout deserves to last. Here are tips to preserve your voluminous style:
- Sleep Smart: Before bed, gather your hair into a very loose, high bun (often called a “pineapple”) on top of your head, secured with a soft scrunchie. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also reduce friction and preserve your style.
- Refresh with Dry Shampoo: On subsequent days, use dry shampoo at your roots to absorb oil and add volume, breathing new life into your blowout.
- Guard Against Humidity: Hairsprays with anti-humidity properties can be your best friend. Avoid exposing your hair to excessive steam or moisture, as this can cause curls to fall and frizz to appear.
Conclusion
The voluminous, bouncy, and undeniably glamorous 90s blowout is a timeless hairstyle that you can absolutely master at home. By understanding the essential tools, carefully following each step from preparation to finishing touches, and incorporating expert tips like the crucial cooling phase, you can achieve a salon-worthy look that exudes confidence and style. Embrace the process, experiment with products, and enjoy the stunning transformation of your hair. Now that you know how to create an iconic 90s blowout at home easily, which 90s hair trend will you try next?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 90s blowout?
A 90s blowout is a classic hairstyle characterized by significant volume at the roots, bouncy, soft curls or flips at the ends, and a smooth, polished finish that appears effortlessly glamorous. It’s known for its body and movement, reminiscent of supermodel hair from the 1990s.
How long does a 90s blowout last?
With proper preparation, product application, and maintenance techniques like using rollers and sleeping on a silk pillowcase, a well-executed 90s blowout can last for 2-3 days. Using dry shampoo can also help extend its life.
Can I do a 90s blowout on short hair?
Yes, a 90s blowout can be adapted for shorter hair, although the length of your hair will influence the extent of the bounce and flip. The core principles of root volume and outward-turned ends still apply, often creating a chic, retro bob style.
What products are essential for a 90s blowout?
Essential products include a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, heat protectant, a volumizing styling product (like mousse or gel), and hairspray for hold. For added volume and longevity, texturizing spray and velcro rollers are highly recommended.
