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This ‘90s blowout tutorial is your go-to guide for big, bouncy hair

Blonde and brunette models with 90s blowout hair.

How to get the hair everyone’s recreating right now

If your For You Page has recently been overtaken by bouncy layers, velcro rollers, and girls twirling around in slow motion to "Crush" by Jennifer Paige, you’re not imagining things. The ‘90s blowout is back. And this time, it’s TikTok-official.


At the heart of the revival? Kelsey Anderson, the Bachelor breakout whose hair has launched a thousand hot tools. If you need a reminder of the look, picture soft waves, flippy ends, and volume you could spot from a departure lounge. But she’s not the first to do it, and she definitely won’t be the last.


Because when it comes to iconic hair, there’s one name we’re still not over: Rachel Green. Her perfectly feathered blowout in Friends was a cultural moment. And now, thanks to nostalgia-fuelled algorithms and a universal craving for “effortless but put-together,” the ‘90s blowout is having a full-circle moment. Again.


No matter if you're going full supermodel glam or just want to look like you own a round brush, we’re breaking down the techniques, tools, and style variations for you below.

 

The anatomy of a '90s blowout

A proper ‘90s blowout is volume without frizz, structure without stiffness, and movement that looks accidental but is very intentional.


The hallmarks?


Lift at the roots, bouncy ends that flip or feather, and layers that know how to frame a face. There’s a lightness to the look that’s distinctly different from the overly set blow-dries of the '80s or the poker-straight ironed hair of the 2000s. This is hair that says, “I just tossed my head and it landed like this.”


Getting that shape starts with the right tools.

  • Velcro rollers are your best friend. They cool the hair in shape after blow-drying, locking in volume and curve without crunch.
  • A round brush is non-negotiable. Bigger barrels = more bounce. Use it to pull up and out at the roots while drying for that signature lift.
  • You’ll also want a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray, a blow dryer with a nozzle, and a good amount of patience (sorry, no shortcuts to greatness).


And yes, this style is surprisingly universal. It works beautifully on:

  • Straight and wavy hair types (1A to 2C) who’ll get the full effect with just a blow dryer and some rollers.
  • Curly textures (3A and 3B) can totally rock a blowout too, with a bit more prep and smoothing. The key is using heat protectant and taking your time with sectioning.
  • If you’ve got fine hair, lightweight volumizers are key to stopping it from falling flat.
  • For thick or heavy hair, work in smaller sections to avoid drag and keep that bounce from turning into bulk.


Bottom line: the ‘90s blowout isn’t meant to be sleek or serious; it’s meant to move. Done right, it looks like you just walked off a sitcom set… or perhaps a Bachelor promo reel.

 

‘90s blowout tutorial

Ready to channel your inner Cindy, Kelsey, or Rachel? Here’s how to get ‘90s blowout hair at home—no glam squad required.

1. Prep like a pro

Start in the shower. Use a volumizing shampoo and lightweight conditioner—nothing too rich or heavy, or you’ll flatten your own hard work before you begin. Towel-dry gently, then layer on a heat protectant (non-negotiable) and a volumising mousse from roots to mid-lengths.


Pro tip: flip your head upside down when applying mousse to really encourage root lift.

2. Time to dry

Rough dry your hair until it’s about 60% dry—this cuts down on arm ache and speeds things up. Then, grab your round brush (a big barrel for longer hair, medium for shorter) and start at the crown, lifting the roots as you dry. Work in sections, curling the brush under slightly at the ends to start shaping that signature flip.


Want extra drama? Pop each section into a velcro roller straight off the brush. Let it cool while you move on—this is what sets the shape.

3. Style + set

Once your whole head is dry and rollered, take a beat. Let it cool completely. This is the patience part, but it’s worth it.


No rollers? No problem. A curling iron (1.5" or 2") will give you a similar bend at the ends, just curl away from your face, and don’t clamp too long. You’re going for bounce, not ringlets.


Or reach for the TYME Iron Pro. Its unique design lets you create smooth, flipped-out ends or voluminous curls with a single twist; perrrfect for achieving that iconic ’90s shape in half the time.

4. The finish

Remove rollers (gently!), then brush everything out with a paddle or boar bristle brush for that soft, airy wave. Don’t be afraid to shake it out a little—this style loves a bit of movement.


Set the whole thing with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray, and if you want a little shine? A drop of argan oil on your fingertips, raked through the ends, works wonders on your ‘90s blowout hairstyle.

 

10 iconic '90s blowout styles

While volume, bounce, and shape are non-negotiables, the final look can take on dozens of personalities: glam, grunge, polished, playful, etc. Whether you’re after Rachel Green layers, supermodel swagger, or butterfly-clipped nostalgia, there’s a version of the blowout that suits you. Below, we’ve rounded up ten iconic styles to inspire your next big-hair moment.

1. The Rachel

Arguably the most famous haircut of the ‘90s, The Rachel is all about bouncy, face-framing layers with plenty of movement. Popularised by Jennifer Aniston in Friends, it’s the OG blowout—equal parts structured and effortless. The key lies in the layering: short enough around the face to sculpt the cheekbones, but long enough to feel grown-up and glam. Pair it with a side part and lots of volume at the crown for that unmistakable sitcom-star energy. Even decades later, it still turns heads—and has made a full-blown comeback in salons everywhere.

2. Supermodel volume

Think Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and every major Vogue cover from the decade. Supermodel volume is less about precision and more about attitude: full-bodied hair with big curls, blown out to perfection. Use a large-barrel round brush or hot rollers to build soft waves from root to tip, then brush them out for that signature “bounce when you walk” effect. The roots should feel lifted, the ends flipped just enough, and the overall look slightly tousled, as if you just got off a photoshoot. Ideal for nights out, glam shoots, or anytime you want to feel ~iconic~.

3. Cher Horowitz chic

This one’s for the Clueless fans. Cher’s blowouts were the polished, prep-school version of the ‘90s look—sleek, shiny, and ultra-controlled. The silhouette is smooth with a subtle curve, usually parted in the middle and styled with minimal frizz. While it still has volume, it’s refined, not wild. To get the look, focus on blow-drying with a smoothing serum and a medium-barrel round brush, tucking the ends slightly under. This style works beautifully on straighter hair types and plays well with hair accessories—think velvet headbands, mini barrettes, or a swipe of lip gloss for the full effect.

4. Kelsey Anderson waves

Bachelor alum Kelsey Anderson is TikTok’s latest hair muse, and her modern take on the ‘90s blowout is blowing up. Less flippy and more flowy, this look is all about soft, romantic movement. The secret lies in the styling: round-brushed sections rolled under just enough to create natural curves, then finished with a gentle brush-out for that airbrushed finish. It feels fresh but nostalgic, like the upgraded version of what Rachel Green might wear today. It’s also incredibly wearable, especially for medium to long hair, and perfect for dates, brunches, or any moment you want your hair to do the flirting.

5. The side-part flip

Dramatic yet totally doable, the side-part flip was a staple of ‘90s cool-girl glam. The part is deep, almost exaggerated, and the volume follows suit, lifting at the crown and cascading into a perfect flip at the ends. It’s a great option for anyone with naturally thick hair or a strong hairline, and it flatters pretty much every face shape. Use a round brush to curl ends away from the face, and don’t be afraid to push the part further than usual. Add a little hairspray and a bold lip, and you’ve got instant throwback drama.

6. ‘90s blowout with butterfly clips

Nothing says '90s teen dream like a voluminous blowout topped with butterfly clips. This playful style combines big hair energy with nostalgic charm. Start with a classic blowout—lots of lift at the roots and a soft curve through the lengths—then part the hair down the middle and add mini butterfly clips to frame the face or pin back small sections. It’s flirty, youthful, and surprisingly wearable, even now. Bonus: it works on second-day hair too. Just revive the volume with a blast of dry shampoo and re-roll a few front sections to bring back the bounce.

7. Half-up blowout

The half-up, half-down style gets a major upgrade when paired with a ‘90s blowout. This look keeps the volume but adds a touch of polish and practicality—perfect for when you want to show off your hair but keep it out of your face. After blow-drying with a round brush, pull the top half back into a high pony or mini claw clip, leaving the ends to bounce freely. The result? Instant ‘90s It-girl energy. Think Tyra Banks off-duty or your coolest babysitter circa 1997. It’s chic, low-effort, and endlessly versatile.

8. Curtain bangs combo 

Curtain bangs were made for blowouts. These face-framing layers open like, well, curtains—softly sweeping to each side and blending into the rest of the hair. The look is flattering on almost everyone and gives a ‘90s edge without needing a full cut overhaul. To style, use a small round brush to lift and curve the bangs away from the face, then blend into the front layers using a paddle brush or your fingers. The rest of the blowout should have light, bouncy volume to match. A bonus? This one grows out gracefully and looks good on day three.

9. The sleek blowout

If big hair isn’t your thing, the sleek blowout might be your go-to. Envisage Jennifer Lopez in the late ‘90s: smooth, glossy, and ultra put-together. This look still has body, but it’s more about shine and movement than lift. Prep your hair with a smoothing serum and blow-dry using a paddle brush for control. Then lightly curl the ends under or out, depending on your mood. Finish with a shine spray or hair oil to really bring the gloss. It’s elegant, versatile, and pairs perfectly with both minimal makeup and bold, statement looks.

10. The grunge blowout

Not all ‘90s blowouts were sweet and polished—some had a little bite. The grunge blowout is the edgier cousin: slightly messier, more lived-in, and full of cool-girl texture. Think Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder, or early Gwen Stefani. To recreate it, start with a classic blowout, then add texture spray or dry shampoo and use your fingers to break up the shape. You want it to look like you slept in it (in a good way). It’s perfect for layered cuts, shag styles, or anyone who likes their volume with a side of attitude.

 

Keeping your ‘90s blowout in check

So, you’ve mastered the ‘90s blowout tutorial. Now, how do you keep it from deflating overnight?


1. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction (read: frizz), and loosely tie your hair into a high, soft ponytail or bun—aka the “pineapple.” You can also wrap sections around large velcro rollers again to help maintain shape while you snooze.

2. Keep a round brush and hairdryer handy to re-style any flat areas. A dry shampoo at the roots helps revive volume, while a lightweight oil or shine spray on the ends keeps things glossy without going greasy.

3. Refresh your blowout by re-rolling the top layers or touching up the ends with a tool like the TYME Iron Pro. And hey, if things start to fall apart? Just pivot to a half-up style or a claw clip moment. Blowout hair loves a second act.

 

Will you try our ‘90s blowout tutorial?

From sitcom icons to TikTok stars, the ’90s blowout has never really gone out of style—it just keeps evolving. Going big with rollers or soft with curtain bangs, it doesn’t matter, there’s a version that fits your mood, suits your face shape, and works with your skill level. The fun is in the experimenting.


Tried a style you loved? Tag us @tyme and show us your blowout glow-up. We’d love to see how you make it your own!

 

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