1. Introduction: The Return of 90s Hair Trends
The 90s are back in a big way, and hair trends from the decade are making a major comeback. From voluminous blowouts to playful accessories, the nostalgic styles of the era are influencing today’s beauty scene. Celebrities, influencers, and hairstylists are embracing iconic looks from the past, proving that 90s hair is timeless, versatile, and effortlessly cool.
One of the biggest revivals? Butterfly clips. These colorful, whimsical accessories have taken over social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with users styling them in everything from sleek updos to loose, carefree waves. Alongside butterfly clips, other 90s staples like claw clips, crimped hair, and high ponytails are making their way back into everyday hairstyling routines.
But how do you embrace these trends without looking outdated? The key is modernizing classic styles by blending them with current techniques and textures. Think polished versions of messy buns, soft layers instead of choppy cuts, and strategically placed accessories for a more elevated look. Whether you’re going for a subtle nod to the era or a full-on 90s-inspired transformation, this guide will show you how to rock these trends with confidence and a fresh, contemporary twist.
2. The Butterfly Clip Aesthetic: What Makes It So Iconic?
Butterfly clips are one of the most recognizable hair accessories from the 90s, evoking nostalgia for playful, youthful hairstyles. Originally popularized by celebrities like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and the cast of Clueless, these tiny, decorative clips were a must-have for adding a fun and whimsical touch to any look. Fast-forward to today, and butterfly clips have made a major comeback, now seen on red carpets, runways, and social media, proving their versatility and timeless charm.
These clips come in a variety of styles, each offering a unique way to accessorize your hair. Mini butterfly clips are perfect for creating scattered, fairy-like designs throughout the hair, while neon and brightly colored clips channel the bold energy of the 90s. Metallic and rhinestone-studded versions, on the other hand, bring a more glamorous and elevated touch, making them suitable for trendy, high-fashion looks. No matter the type, butterfly clips can transform even the simplest hairstyles into something eye-catching and stylish.
Modern hairstylists are reimagining the butterfly clip trend by blending it with today’s sleek, polished aesthetics. Instead of the chaotic, multi-clip placements of the 90s, contemporary versions often feature strategically placed clips to frame the face, accentuate braids, or add a delicate touch to half-up styles. Whether you’re going for a nostalgic throwback or a sophisticated take on the trend, butterfly clips are the perfect accessory to make any hairstyle feel fresh, fun, and effortlessly stylish.
3. The Best Hairstyles to Rock Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips are back in style, offering a fun and versatile way to accessorize your hair. Whether you’re aiming for a playful 90s-inspired look or a more polished, modern take, these clips can instantly elevate your hairstyle. Here are some of the best ways to style them for a trendy, nostalgic vibe.
Mini Twisted Updos for a Cute, Playful Vibe
One of the most classic ways to wear butterfly clips is in a mini twisted updo. This style involves taking small sections of hair, twisting them, and securing them with butterfly clips all over the head. It creates a fun, youthful look that works well for casual outings or festival-inspired hairstyles. You can use pastel-colored clips for a soft, dreamy aesthetic or bold neon hues for a more vibrant statement.
Half-Up, Half-Down Styles with Scattered Clips
For a simple yet stylish approach, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle with butterfly clips placed strategically along the crown or sides. This style adds a touch of whimsy while keeping your hair out of your face. It works beautifully with straight, wavy, or curly hair, allowing you to personalize the look to match your hair’s natural texture. If you want an ultra-glam version, opt for rhinestone-studded clips to add a bit of sparkle.
Sleek Middle-Part Ponytail with Butterfly Clips
A sleek ponytail with butterfly clips is the perfect blend of modern sophistication and 90s nostalgia. Start by creating a smooth, high or mid-level ponytail with a sharp middle part. Then, place butterfly clips symmetrically along the part or around the base of the ponytail for a chic, polished finish. This style works well for both casual days and special occasions, especially when paired with metallic or pearl-accented clips.
Messy Bun with Colorful Butterfly Clips for a Laid-Back 90s Feel
For an effortless, relaxed look, try a messy bun adorned with butterfly clips. This hairstyle embraces the carefree spirit of the 90s, combining volume and texture with a touch of nostalgia. Gather your hair into a loose, tousled bun and secure it with a hair tie. Then, add butterfly clips around the bun, framing the face or along the sides for a playful pop of color. This style is ideal for weekends, music festivals, or any time you want a fun, low-maintenance hairstyle.
Whether you prefer a polished or playful look, butterfly clips offer endless styling possibilities. They’re a simple yet effective way to add personality to your hair while embracing the resurgence of 90s trends.
4. Using Hair Extensions to Elevate the 90s Look
The 90s were all about bold, playful hairstyles, and hair extensions are the perfect way to take these nostalgic looks to the next level. Whether you’re looking for extra volume, fun pops of color, or the perfect texture to complement butterfly clips, extensions can help you achieve an effortlessly chic 90s vibe. Here’s how to incorporate them into your throwback styles.
Clip-In Extensions for Added Volume & Length
Clip-in extensions are the easiest way to add volume and length to 90s-inspired hairstyles. Whether you want to recreate the iconic Pamela Anderson updo, a voluminous high ponytail, or long, bouncy layers, clip-ins provide instant transformation. For a seamless blend, choose extensions that match your natural hair color and texture. Layering the extensions properly ensures a natural finish, making your 90s hairstyles look fuller and more dynamic.
Colored Extensions for a Fun, Nostalgic Twist
One of the most playful trends of the 90s was experimenting with bold hair colors, and colored extensions allow you to achieve that look without any commitment. Whether you opt for chunky streaks of pink, blue, or neon green, or prefer pastel and muted tones, adding colored extensions brings a fun, nostalgic element to your style. Clip-in streaks can be placed around the face for a pop of color or scattered throughout the hair for an all-over vibrant effect.
How to Seamlessly Blend Extensions with Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips and extensions can work together beautifully when styled correctly. To create a cohesive look:
Place extensions first – Before adding butterfly clips, make sure your clip-in or tape-in extensions are securely in place and well-blended with your natural hair.
Use clips to hide extension seams – Positioning butterfly clips along partings or where extensions meet your natural hair can help disguise the wefts.
Secure updos with extensions – If you’re doing a mini twisted updo or a half-up, half-down style, extensions provide extra volume and structure, making it easier to secure clips without them slipping.
By combining butterfly clips with extensions, you can create a multidimensional 90s hairstyle that’s both voluminous and playful.
Best Textures (Wavy, Straight, Crimped) for the Perfect 90s Vibe
The 90s embraced a wide range of hair textures, and extensions can help you achieve the perfect one for your desired look:
Straight & Sleek: Long, straight extensions paired with butterfly clips or mini hair barrettes create a polished, effortlessly cool aesthetic.
Crimped Hair: Crimped textures were a major trend, and using pre-textured extensions or a crimping iron on your extensions can give you an authentic 90s throwback look.
Voluminous Waves: Loose, fluffy waves create the ultimate “supermodel off-duty” 90s style. Clip-in wavy extensions add natural movement and body, making your hairstyle feel full and effortless.
By strategically using hair extensions, you can enhance any 90s hairstyle, whether you’re going for a casual, everyday look or a bold statement style. The key is to experiment with volume, texture, and accessories like butterfly clips to achieve the ultimate nostalgic glam.
5. Celebrity Inspiration: 90s & Modern Stars Who Rocked the Trend
Butterfly clips have made a major comeback, and both 90s icons and today’s trendsetters have embraced this nostalgic accessory. From pop princesses to supermodels, these celebrities have shown us how to rock butterfly clips in ways that feel both playful and stylish.
Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera – Pop Princess Vibes
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera made butterfly clips a must-have accessory. Britney often wore them in half-up, half-down styles, securing small twisted sections with pastel-colored clips. Christina took a bolder approach, incorporating metallic and rhinestone-studded butterfly clips into her crimped and voluminous hairstyles. To recreate their looks, section your hair into small twists or braids and secure them with colorful clips, or scatter butterfly clips throughout soft waves for a playful, Y2K-inspired finish.
Ariana Grande’s Modern Take on Butterfly Clips
Ariana Grande has brought back butterfly clips with a sleek, modern twist. She’s been spotted wearing them in her signature high ponytail, using mini clips along her hairline for a subtle yet stylish accent. To achieve her look, start with a sleek ponytail or half-up, half-down style, then strategically place a few small butterfly clips along the crown or sides for a fun yet polished touch.
Bella Hadid & Hailey Bieber’s Y2K-Inspired Looks
Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber are known for their love of early 2000s fashion, and butterfly clips are no exception. Bella often styles them in mini twisted updos or scattered across her hair for a chic, effortless vibe. Hailey has been seen pairing butterfly clips with sleek buns and middle-parted hairstyles, giving the trend a more minimalist, high-fashion feel. To copy their looks, opt for neutral or metallic clips and use them to secure small sections of hair while keeping the rest sleek and polished.
By taking inspiration from these 90s and modern icons, you can effortlessly incorporate butterfly clips into your own style, whether you prefer a nostalgic pop princess aesthetic or a more sophisticated, updated take on the trend.
6. Step-by-Step Tutorials: How to Style Butterfly Clips Like a Pro
Butterfly clips are a fun and versatile way to add a playful 90s touch to your hairstyle. Whether you want a nostalgic throwback look or a modern, fashion-forward take, these step-by-step tutorials will help you style butterfly clips like a pro.
Twisted Front Strands with Butterfly Clips
A soft and feminine style that’s perfect for casual outings or adding a Y2K-inspired twist to any look. Start with clean, dry hair and part it down the middle. Take a small section from the front on one side and twist it back towards your ear. Secure the twist with a butterfly clip, placing it near your temple. Repeat the process on the other side for a symmetrical look. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft waves or straighten it for a sleek finish.
Crimped Hair with Scattered Clips – Ultimate 90s Energy
Crimped hair and butterfly clips are a match made in Y2K heaven. Begin by applying a heat protectant and crimping your hair in small sections using a crimping iron. Once your hair is fully crimped, create a center part. Randomly place butterfly clips throughout your hair, focusing on the top layer for a playful, effortless effect. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place while maintaining movement.
Space Buns with Butterfly Clips for a Festival-Ready Look
This style is perfect for concerts, festivals, or just embracing your inner 90s diva. Start by dividing your hair into two equal sections and securing each side into high ponytails. Twist each ponytail into a bun and pin it in place. Decorate the edges of each bun with butterfly clips, using different colors for a fun, eclectic vibe. For extra volume, add clip-in extensions before creating your buns.
Modern Sleek Ponytail with Butterfly Clip Accents
For a chic, modern take on the butterfly clip trend, try a sleek ponytail. Brush your hair back into a high or mid-level ponytail, securing it tightly with a hair tie. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways and create a polished finish. Clip butterfly clips along the base of the ponytail or randomly throughout the length for a subtle yet trendy touch. Finish with a shine spray for a glossy effect.
With these styles, you can effortlessly incorporate butterfly clips into your look, whether you're going for playful nostalgia or a modern twist on 90s trends. Experiment with different colors, placements, and hair textures to make the style your own!
7. Must-Have Accessories for a Complete 90s Hair Look
The 90s were all about fun, bold, and sometimes over-the-top hair accessories. Whether you're going for a full Y2K revival or just adding a touch of nostalgia to your look, the right accessories can make all the difference. Here are the must-haves for achieving the ultimate 90s hair aesthetic.
Scrunchies & Claw Clips for Extra Nostalgia
Scrunchies were a staple in every 90s girl’s collection. Whether in velvet, satin, or neon shades, they added a playful and effortless vibe to ponytails and messy buns. Claw clips, on the other hand, were the go-to for quick and easy updos. A large tortoiseshell or pastel claw clip instantly elevates a half-up style or keeps a casual bun in place with minimal effort.
Beaded Hair Strands & Colorful Elastics
Beaded hair strands were a must-have, especially for vacations or summer looks. Inspired by beachy, bohemian vibes, they were often woven into braids or simply clipped into the hair for an extra pop of color. Colorful elastics, often worn in bubble ponytails or multiple small pigtails, added a fun and youthful touch. For a modern twist, try incorporating pastel or metallic hair ties to keep the look fresh and stylish.
Chunky Headbands & Zigzag Parts
Thick, padded headbands were a defining accessory of the 90s, often worn in solid colors or bold prints. They worked well with both sleek, straight styles and voluminous blowouts, making them a versatile addition to any outfit. Zigzag parts, created using special plastic headbands or combs, gave a cool and edgy feel to straight or crimped hair. While the original zigzag headbands might be harder to find today, you can recreate the look by parting your hair in a zigzag pattern with a tail comb.
How to Mix & Match Accessories Without Overdoing It
The key to nailing the 90s look without going overboard is balance. If you’re rocking a bold scrunchie or claw clip, keep the rest of your accessories minimal. If you’re opting for beaded strands or colorful elastics, pair them with a sleek ponytail or braids to keep the look intentional rather than messy. Mixing textures—like a velvet scrunchie with a glossy claw clip—can add dimension while keeping things stylish.
By incorporating these iconic accessories into your hairstyle, you can fully embrace the 90s trend while keeping it modern and wearable. Whether you're going for full nostalgia or just a subtle nod to the era, these accessories will help you achieve the perfect retro-inspired look!
8. The Best Products to Keep Your 90s Hairstyle in Place
Recreating 90s hairstyles isn’t just about the right accessories—it’s also about using the right products to ensure your look stays flawless all day. Whether you’re going for voluminous blowouts, messy crimped waves, or sleek ponytails with butterfly clips, these must-have products will help you maintain the perfect 90s vibe.
Hairsprays & Mousses for Volume & Hold
Big, bouncy hair was a huge part of 90s beauty trends, and the secret to achieving that voluminous look lies in the right styling products. A strong-hold hairspray keeps teased roots lifted and locks your style in place without making your hair stiff. If you’re aiming for a more touchable, flexible hold, opt for a lightweight mousse instead. Apply mousse to damp hair before blow-drying to add volume and structure, especially if you’re styling flipped-out ends or bouncy layers.
Texturizing Sprays for That Effortless Messy Look
For those effortless, beachy waves or piecey, crimped hair, a good texturizing spray is key. It adds grip and movement to your hair without weighing it down, making it easier to style and maintain that perfectly undone 90s vibe. A salt spray or dry texturizer works great for adding separation to waves and enhancing the look of natural texture. Spritz a little onto your mid-lengths and ends, then scrunch your hair for a tousled, carefree finish.
Heat Protectants & Serums for Silky, Healthy Hair
Straight, glossy hair was just as trendy in the 90s as big, voluminous styles. If you're using a flat iron, curling wand, or crimper, a quality heat protectant is essential to prevent damage and maintain healthy shine. Look for lightweight heat protectant sprays that won’t make your hair greasy but will provide a smooth finish. To enhance sleekness, finish your style with a few drops of serum or hair oil—this will help tame flyaways and give your locks that signature 90s shine.
How to Keep Butterfly Clips Secure All Day
Butterfly clips are a fun and nostalgic way to accessorize your hair, but they can sometimes slip out, especially if you have fine or silky hair. To keep them secure, prep your hair with a little texturizing spray or dry shampoo before placing the clips—this will give your hair some grip so the clips stay put. If you're styling mini twisted updos or half-up styles, try using small, clear elastics to hold sections of hair in place before adding the clips. This trick ensures they stay secure while keeping the look neat and polished.
With the right products, you can keep your 90s-inspired hairstyle looking flawless from morning to night. Whether you’re channeling a sleek supermodel blowout or a playful Y2K butterfly clip moment, these essentials will help you achieve and maintain the ultimate throwback look!
9. FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Styling Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips are back in a big way, but knowing how to style them properly can make all the difference between a trendy Y2K look and an outdated throwback. Here are answers to the most common questions about rocking this nostalgic accessory.
Can butterfly clips work on short hair?
Absolutely! Butterfly clips aren’t just for long, flowing locks—they can look just as cute on short hair. If you have a bob or pixie cut, use mini butterfly clips to pin back small sections of hair, create tiny twists along your hairline, or add a pop of color to your parting. For a trendy, modern look, try clipping a few along one side of your head for a stylish asymmetrical effect.
How do I make them look modern instead of outdated?
The key to making butterfly clips look fresh and fashionable is in how you style them. Instead of the overly symmetrical, scattered placement from the 90s, go for a more intentional approach. Try placing clips along a sleek middle-part ponytail, securing small face-framing braids, or clustering them together in an updo. Opt for metallic, pearl, or monochrome clips instead of neon-colored plastic ones for a more sophisticated take on the trend.
What’s the best way to match clips to my outfit?
Butterfly clips can be a fun statement piece or a subtle addition to your look, depending on how you style them. For a bold, playful vibe, choose clips in bright, contrasting colors that pop against your hair. If you’re going for a more polished aesthetic, match your clips to your outfit’s color scheme or stick to neutral tones like gold, silver, or clear for a chic and cohesive look. You can also mix and match different clip styles—pearls, rhinestones, and matte pastels—to create a unique, personalized aesthetic.
With these tips, butterfly clips can be a stylish and modern way to accessorize any hairstyle, whether you're embracing full-on 90s nostalgia or just adding a fun touch to your everyday look!
10. Conclusion: Bringing 90s Hair Into Today’s Fashion
Butterfly clips and other 90s hair trends have made a major comeback, proving that nostalgia never truly goes out of style. Whether you’re rocking mini twisted updos, a sleek ponytail with clip accents, or crimped hair for ultimate Y2K energy, the key is to blend the past with the present. By mixing retro elements with modern styling techniques, you can make these iconic looks feel fresh, trendy, and completely your own.
The beauty of 90s hair is its playful, experimental nature. Don’t be afraid to mix and match accessories—pair butterfly clips with scrunchies, zigzag parts, or beaded strands for an extra dose of nostalgia. At the same time, keep your styling polished by using quality hair products to maintain hold, volume, and shine. Whether you’re inspired by Britney Spears’ pop princess era or Ariana Grande’s updated take on the trend, there’s no right or wrong way to embrace 90s hair.
Confidence is the ultimate accessory! No matter how you choose to wear butterfly clips or other 90s-inspired styles, owning the look is what makes it stand out. Experiment with different placements, color combinations, and textures until you find a version that feels true to your personal style. After all, the best fashion moments come from having fun and expressing yourself—so clip in those butterflies and let your hair be as bold as you are!