17 '90s Hair Accessories We Love Just as Much Today as We Did Back Then
I really do feel for anyone who didn't experience the '90s when it was actually happening. I say this because, with the current trends, it feels as if we're living in the '90s right now. While those with a minimalistic aesthetic did exist during that decade, what I loved most about growing up in the '90s was the fun we had with fashion. Cycling shorts were bright, prints were loud, logos were slapped on just about everything, and accessories—oh how they made an outfit. From bubble, blow-up rucksacks to running shoes, accessories were statement, and the more of them, the better. Still, perhaps no '90s accessory is as iconic as '90s hair accessories.
Before brushed-out waves came on the scene, most of us relied on punchy accessories to elevate our tresses. We added clips, we wore headscarves, we pushed our hair back with bands, and, yes, we owned scrunchies that matched every top in our wardrobes. Indeed, wearing a '90s hair accessory is a joyful thing, which is why we think they're making such a comeback right now. We've noticed a considerable number of influencers styling their 'dos with '90s hair accessories and making them look hella chic in the process. And so, we thought we'd get in on the throwback appeal with an edit of the best '90s hair accessories you can shop now. With everything from butterfly clips to comb hairbands, scroll on to see them, and get ready for the wave of nostalgia that's sure to wash over you.
Hair scarves were an integral part of the '90s-hair-accessory uniform.
Hair beads in your tendrils? It doesn't get more '90s than that.
Headbands add the final pretty flourish to any outfit—a padded style being all the more authentic to the '90s.
Scrunchies are all the rage now, but they were even more so in the 1990s.
SHOP '90S HAIR ACCESSORIES
1. Hair Scarf
2. Comb Headband
3. Large Scrunchie
4. Metal Snap Clips
5. Micro Claws
6. Padded Headband
7. Zigzag Slides
8. Claw Clip
9. Banana Clip
10. Towelled Hair Bands
11. Butterfly Clips
12. Jersey Headband
13. Hair Comb
14. Bucket Hat
15. Hair Beads
16. French Pins
17. Jumbo Barrette
Next Up: 5 Haircuts That Will Trick People Into Thinking You Have 3 Times More Hair
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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