Finding a haircut that is utterly timeless, effortless to grow out, and easy to style is no small feat, but somehow the ’90s bob ticks all the boxes. As sported by the supermodels of the decade (think Christy Turlington, Yasmeen Ghauri, and Beverly Peele), that particular bob is defined by its bouncy body, soft finish, and classic chin-grazing length. Today, models like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid have all adopted the cut, carrying the torch forward in the name of effortless elegance and ultimate hair drama.
Whether you’re looking for a transformative hair refresh for summer, or a clean cut to elevate your short, choppy look, this is everything you need to know about getting a ’90s-style bob, including how to style it yourself.
What Exactly Is the ’90s Bob?
Sleek, stylish, and enduringly sophisticated, the ’90s bob is known for its timeless shape and bouncy, full finish.
“The ’90s bob is all about soft, voluminous structure with a slightly undone, effortless finish,” says hairdresser and Amika ambassador Tobias Bell. 'When speaking to your stylist, ask for a classic chin- to shoulder-length bob with soft layers to create natural movement and volume.”
If you’re seeking inspiration, look no further than the runway looks of 1991 and 1992. Whether it’s an airy flipped side-part style or a straightened symmetrical cut, there’s ample ’90s bob inspiration to be found in iconic beauty archives. Our personal favorite? Christy Turlington’s elegant shoulder-length crop.
“The ’90s bob is a great way to add texture and volume to hair that is above shoulder-length,” adds Caspar Finch, a stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia hair salon in London. “With the weight removed internally within the haircut, it means it can be flipped from side to side for that effortless ’90s volume and easy texture. It can be worn in any parting and styled in multiple ways, making it super versatile.”
How to Style the ’90s Bob
While the ’90s bob is seemingly effortless, a true bouncy blowdry does require a little skill and finesse.
“For styling at home, prep damp hair with Amika’s Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse for lift, then blow-dry using a round brush to build volume at the roots,” Bell says. “This can then be styled either by flicking the round brush towards the face or away—a combination of both techniques can also work for extra movement. Finish with an anti-humidity spray to keep the look full and frizz-free all day.”
Finch’s pro tip? Use a hairdryer to blast your roots in the opposite direction to where your parting naturally falls, creating shape with your fingers. This will add extra volume and movement at your roots.
“For an even fuller feel, and to create that retro ’90s bouncy, blow-dry look, use the Hershesons Medium Pro Blow Dry Brush to create that ‘tucked-up’ feeling on the ends,” he says.
If you’re looking for a more playful finish, turn to the supermodels of today instead. When she’s not sporting an impressive voluminous crop, Hadid turns to another statement shape: the flipped bell-bottom bob, a look that has also been adopted by the likes of Hailee Steinfeld and Zendaya.
