25 Iconic 90s Hairstyles For Men 2025 For Short, Long, Curly, Wavy, Straight Hair With Braids, Mullet Etc
The 90s were a golden era for men’s fashion, and 90s hairstyles for men are making a bold return in 2025. From grunge-inspired messy hair to sleek middle parts, these styles are perfect for modern men looking to channel a nostalgic vibe while staying trendy. This article explores a range of iconic 90s hairstyles through the lens of current trends, giving you styling tips and insights from top fashion voices.
Textured Messy Hair Revival
The textured messy hair look is back, offering a carefree and rebellious vibe reminiscent of the late 90s grunge era. This style works exceptionally well with medium to long straight hair, giving off an effortlessly cool aesthetic. It’s perfect for casual outings or creative work environments where self-expression is key. Pair it with distressed denim and a leather jacket for a timeless 90s feel.
Achieve this look with a light mousse or texturizing spray. Use your fingers to tousle your hair, focusing on volume and separation. Regular trims keep the layers sharp, while minimal styling ensures the authentic grunge effect.
Classic Side Part with a Modern Twist
The side part is a quintessential 90s hairstyle that has found new life in 2025. Ideal for men with short straight hair, this style is versatile enough for both formal and casual settings. It suits oval and oblong face shapes, adding structure and definition. Picture yourself at a business meeting or a dinner date, exuding confidence and charm.
To style, use a fine-tooth comb and a strong-hold gel or pomade. Blow-dry for added volume and finish with a shine spray for a polished appearance. Maintenance involves regular washes and occasional trims to maintain the sharp lines.
Wavy Locks for a Relaxed Vibe
Channeling the carefree spirit of the early 90s, these soft wavy locks are ideal for men with medium to long curly hair. This hairstyle is perfect for weekend getaways, music festivals, or laid-back brunches. It enhances natural texture while maintaining a relaxed and approachable vibe.
Use a curl-enhancing cream and scrunch your hair while damp. Air-dry or use a diffuser for defined waves. Regular deep conditioning keeps the waves soft and manageable, ensuring your style stays fresh and vibrant.
Short Curly Fade for a Bold Look
The short curly fade blends 90s street style with modern precision. This hairstyle is perfect for men with short curly or black hair, offering a clean yet playful appearance. Ideal for gym sessions, casual hangouts, or even date nights, this look adds personality to any outfit.
To achieve this, visit a skilled barber for the fade and use curl cream for definition. Regular moisturizing keeps the curls healthy, while weekly trims maintain the fade’s sharpness.
Messy Waves with an Edge
Inspired by 90s heartthrobs, these messy hair waves bring a touch of romance to 2025. This medium length style is perfect for artistic souls, photographers, or anyone with a creative streak. Imagine strolling through an art gallery or attending a rooftop party with this effortlessly stylish look.
Use sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch for texture. Blow-dry lightly for volume, and apply a light-hold wax to define the waves. Regular trims and conditioning keep this hairstyle in top shape.
Voluminous Quiff for a Sharp Impression
The voluminous quiff, a blend of 90s rebellion and modern flair, suits men with short straight or medium hair. This hairstyle is ideal for professional settings, formal events, or a stylish night out.
Style with a volumizing mousse, blow-dry upwards, and finish with a matte pomade for hold. Regular trims maintain the shape, while minimal product use ensures a natural finish.
Short Fade with Natural Texture
A timeless short fade, enhanced with natural texture, is a nod to 90s hip-hop culture. Perfect for black hair, this style suits active lifestyles, from gym-goers to tech professionals.
Use a light curl sponge or styling cream for texture. Regular barber visits keep the fade crisp, and moisturizing oils maintain hair health.
Clean Side Sweep for Versatility
This side part sweep is a refined take on the 90s prep look, ideal for men with short straight or medium hair. It’s suited for business meetings, weddings, or upscale dinners.
Blow-dry with a round brush for volume, apply a medium-hold pomade, and finish with a shine serum. Regular trims and daily styling keep this look sharp.
Blonde Textured Crop with Side Fringe
This short straight hairstyle with a side fringe is a direct nod to the boy band craze of the late 90s. The subtle texture adds volume and a laid-back feel, perfect for casual streetwear or smart-casual outfits. This cut works best on straight hair, with a bit of wax or pomade to keep the fringe in place.
Tousled Medium Waves with Mustache
A quintessential 90s wavy hairstyle, this medium-length cut offers natural movement with a touch of rebellion. Paired with a distinctive mustache, it brings a unique charm reminiscent of the grunge era. Ideal for men with medium wavy hair, this style can be enhanced with a sea salt spray for extra texture.
Layered Medium Hair with Side Part
This side part hairstyle with layers adds depth and volume, making it a great choice for men with medium straight hair. Inspired by the heartthrobs of the early 90s, it’s versatile enough for both formal and casual looks. Use a light hold mousse to keep the layers in place.
Edgy Mullet with Short Fade
The mullet is back with a modern upgrade! This style features a short fade on the sides with longer layers at the back, staying true to its 90s roots while embracing contemporary trends. Perfect for men who dare to be bold, it suits all hair types, from straight to wavy.
Two-Tone Medium Hair with Middle Part
Channeling the middle part trend of the late 90s, this two-tone look adds a fresh dimension with its striking color contrast. Suitable for medium straight hair, it’s ideal for fashion-forward men who love making a statement. Maintain the color with sulfate-free products.
Messy Medium Waves with Beard
This messy hair look with medium wavy hair offers an effortless, lived-in vibe reminiscent of the grunge icons. Paired with a well-groomed beard, it’s a versatile choice for both day and night. Use texturizing spray for added volume and a matte finish.
Long Straight Layers with Curtain Bangs
A classic from the early 90s, this long straight hairstyle with curtain bangs exudes a relaxed yet stylish appeal. Ideal for men with naturally straight hair, it pairs well with leather jackets and ripped jeans for that vintage rocker look. Use a lightweight serum to keep strands smooth.
Textured Medium Shag with Side Part
The medium shag cut, popularized in the late 90s, is all about layers and texture. This version with a side part is perfect for men with wavy or straight hair who want a carefree yet put-together look. Apply a styling cream for definition and a soft hold.
Textured Messy Hair with a Modern Edge
This messy hair look captures the essence of late 90s grunge with tousled layers and a carefree attitude. The slightly overgrown top and subtle texture give it a rugged charm, perfect for casual days or laid-back evenings. This style works exceptionally well for medium-length hair, adding volume and movement. Pair it with a leather jacket or a flannel shirt for that quintessential 90s vibe.
To achieve this look, apply a lightweight texturizing spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your fingers while blow-drying. Use a matte pomade for definition, ensuring the hair remains touchable. Maintenance is minimal, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed grooming routine.
Classic Short Fade with Side Part
The short fade with a defined side part is a timeless choice that dominated the early 90s. This style exudes sophistication and is perfect for both office settings and weekend outings. The crisp fade on the sides highlights the neatly combed top, creating a polished appearance.
To recreate this style, ask your barber for a high fade with a clean side part. Use a fine-tooth comb and a strong-hold gel to keep the part sharp. Regular trims are essential to maintain the fade, and a daily styling routine ensures the side part stays immaculate.
Voluminous Long Wavy Hair
Long wavy hair was a hallmark of 90s heartthrobs, and its return in 2025 is nothing short of exciting. This style features voluminous waves that cascade effortlessly, offering a blend of romance and rebellion. It’s versatile enough for formal occasions or casual settings.
For styling, use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair and let it air dry for natural waves. A light mousse adds volume without weighing down the hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments keep the waves soft and manageable.
Tousled Layers for a Relaxed Look
This messy hair with tousled layers brings back the late 90s charm, perfect for a laid-back yet stylish appearance. The layers add dimension, making it suitable for medium-length hair.
Use a texturizing paste to define the layers and give the hair a piecey finish. Finger combing is recommended for a more natural look. Regular trims maintain the layers, and occasional use of dry shampoo keeps the style fresh.
Retro Waves with a Side Part
Combining wavy hair with a defined side part, this hairstyle is reminiscent of the early 90s, offering a refined yet playful vibe. It’s an excellent choice for formal events and everyday wear.
Style with a volumizing spray and a wide-tooth comb for soft waves. A medium-hold pomade adds shine and holds the part in place. Regular trims and moisturizing products keep the waves healthy.
Slicked Back Straight Hair
This sleek, straight hair look channels the minimalist styles of the late 90s. It’s ideal for men with short straight hair who want a clean, modern appearance.
Use a high-shine pomade and a fine-tooth comb to slick back the hair. Regular use of anti-frizz products ensures a smooth finish, and frequent trims maintain the sleekness.
Playful Medium-Length Waves
Medium wavy hair offers a playful and youthful look, reminiscent of 90s teen idols. This style is perfect for both casual hangouts and date nights.
Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch for texture. A light-hold cream enhances the waves, while occasional use of a diffuser adds definition.
Long Straight Hair with an Edge
Long straight hair was a staple of 90s grunge bands, and this look revives that edgy aesthetic. It’s perfect for music festivals or creative settings.
Blow-dry straight with a heat protectant spray, and use a flat iron for sleekness. Regular trims prevent split ends, and a shine serum adds a glossy finish.
Platinum Blonde Messy Hair
This bold messy hair look with platinum blonde color is a nod to late 90s punk culture. The disheveled layers add an effortlessly cool vibe.
Bleach and tone for the perfect platinum shade, and use a texturizing spray for volume. Regular toning treatments maintain the color, and minimal styling keeps the look authentic.
The 90s hairstyles for men are back in full force, proving that classic trends never truly go out of style. Whether you prefer messy hair, long curly styles, or a sharp short fade, there’s a look from the 90s that fits every personality and hair type. Which one will you be rocking in 2025? Drop a comment below and share your favorite throwback look!
