Did you hear the news? The ‘90s are back—at least on TikTok they are. Lately, we’re seeing a revival of some iconic beauty trends from the era and we are so here for it. One hairstyle, in particular, is blowing up (or in this case out) and gracing our FYP. Remember Cher Horowitz and her fluffy hair from Clueless? Well, the voluminous blowout is back and here to stay. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Plus, some tips on how to achieve the look at home.
The ‘90s Hair Trend That TikTok Revived (and We’re *So* Thrilled It’s Back)
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Published May 30, 2021
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Ok, What Is Fluffy Hair?
The kids are dubbing it “fluffy hair” but any ‘90s babies out there would just call this a classic blowout. For inspo look no further than Topanga Lawrence from Boy Meets World, the aforementioned Cher Horowitz from Clueless and every supermodel from that era.
But we see where the new name comes from. The style is all about volume and bounce. The fluffier and more ruffled it is, the better. You want to look like you rolled out of bed…but are ready for the runway.
Got It. So Why Is It Back?
Trends are constantly coming and going. But the ‘90s (and early ‘00) trends are making a comeback in a big way this year. We’ve seen countless celebrities and influencers—from Hailey Bieber to Emma Chamberlain—rocking fluffy blowouts online and all over TikTok.
And that’s not the only ‘90s look having its moment on the Internet. Just scroll through your feed and you’ll also see claw clips, high ponies and skater skirts. Let’s face it: ‘90s trends will always be in. (Sorry, we don’t make the rules.)
How To Get Fluffy Hair
So, you’re into the trend but don’t know where to start? No worries. If you’ve booked a salon appointment, make sure you have a reference pic ready. (Note: It’s especially helpful to show someone with your hair type, texture and length.) OK, now sit back in your stylist’s chair with confidence and channel your inner Cindy Crawford.
If you prefer to try the style yourself, we got you covered there as well. We tapped Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist and artistic director for ColorWow for some tips and tricks to replicate the look right at home.
Step 1: Grab your materials. You’ll need a hot tool, a brush, a comb and a heat protectant spray (because no one wants frizzy, damaged strands). Maine recommends starting with wet hair and prepping it with a leave-in conditioner to start.
Shop leave-in conditioners: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Serum ($6); Color Wow Dream Cocktail Carb-Infused ($25); Ouai Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave In Conditioner ($26)
Step 2: Next, divide your hair into even sections and mist on the heat protectant. “I would spray it all throughout to repel humidity and act as a thermal protectant. It also gives that red carpet shine,” says Maine.
Shop heat protectants: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Cream ($24); Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ($25); Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray ($29)
Step 3: Wrap each section of hair around a round brush. (Maine recommends a 32mm - 56 mm sized barrel) and direct the air from the blow dryer to your roots. Begin working the brush down the shaft of your hair and finishing by tucking the ends under. You’ll want your ends to flip inwards, almost like they were curled. (BTW, you can also accomplish this with other tools like a hot brush, curling iron or flat iron.)
Step 3: Use velcro rollers (or pins) to add even more volume to each section. (You can skip the previous step if you have thicker hair.) It’s optional to run the blow dryer over the rollers and/or sleep overnight with them.
Step 4: “Once the hair has cooled down, remove the clips or rollers, and brush your hair from the inside, while scooping it forward,” Maine suggests. (Another tip for maximum fluff is to shake your head up and down–like you’re a lead singer in a rock band.)
Step 5: Complete with a generous misting of hairspray to lock everything in and keep the bounce. Now marvel at your ‘90s-inspired do.
Shop finishing sprays: Color Wow Cult Favorite ($26); Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry ($32); Oribe Imperial Blowout Styling Hair Cream ($68)
I Love This! But Can All Hair Types Wear This Style?
Yes and yes. All hair types can rock this ‘90s do. Just look at curly gal TikToker @nessaamazin who tried it on her natural hair. Fluffy hair is not limited to straight or wavy (or even long) hair.
So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and try the “fluffy hair” trend yourself. (We promise you won’t regret it).
