1. Introduction
The ‘90s blowout is back in full swing, bringing big, voluminous, and bouncy hair inspired by icons like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. This signature style, known for its body, movement, and glamour, is once again a favorite—thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and Matilda Djerf, who have embraced the trend.
With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve this salon-worthy look at home. Whether you prefer a classic round-brush blowout or a modern take with velcro rollers, this guide breaks down everything you need—from the best products and styling tools to expert tips for long-lasting volume and bounce.
2. What is the ‘90s Blowout?
A. The Signature Look
The ‘90s blowout is all about soft waves, mega volume, and a glossy, bouncy finish. It’s the perfect middle ground between structured curls and effortless movement, giving hair a full-bodied, polished appearance without looking overly stiff. Unlike modern beach waves, this style features smooth, rounded layers that create a lifted, face-framing effect, adding dimension and a touch of retro glamour.
B. Why It’s Trending Again
The “old money” aesthetic and ‘90s supermodel vibes have taken over the fashion world, bringing this iconic hairstyle back into the spotlight. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are buzzing with #90sblowout tutorials, with influencers and hairstylists sharing their favorite techniques.
This style is also incredibly versatile, working well on short bobs, long layers, and everything in between. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, the ‘90s blowout adds instant glamour and a timeless, sophisticated touch.
Celebrity Inspiration
For the ultimate ‘90s volume goals, look no further than Cindy Crawford, whose signature blowout remains the gold standard. Today, modern takes on the style can be seen on Hailey Bieber, who keeps it sleek and effortless, and Zendaya, who rocks voluminous, high-fashion versions of the look.
3. How to Achieve the Perfect ‘90s Blowout (Step-by-Step Guide)
The ‘90s blowout is all about big volume, bouncy layers, and a smooth, glossy finish. With the right tools and techniques, you can recreate this salon-worthy style at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the perfect supermodel blowout.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Like any great hairstyle, a flawless blowout starts in the shower.
✔ Wash with a volumizing shampoo – Look for formulas that lift at the roots without weighing hair down. Avoid heavy moisturizing shampoos, as they can make hair too sleek for this style.
✔ Use a lightweight conditioner – Apply only to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid flattening the roots.
✔ Towel-dry gently – Blot excess water instead of rubbing to prevent frizz.
✔ Apply key styling products:
· Heat protectant – Shields hair from damage while ensuring a smooth finish.
· Volumizing mousse or root lift spray – Adds structure and lift, making it easier to achieve that signature bounce.
Let hair air-dry until it’s about 70% dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools
The secret to a pro-level ‘90s blowout lies in the tools you use.
✔ Round brush – A medium to large barrel (1.5 to 2 inches) works best for creating volume and shaping the ends. Boar bristle or ceramic brushes are ideal for smoothing while adding bounce.
✔ Blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle – Helps direct airflow precisely, reducing frizz and maximizing lift at the roots.
✔ Velcro rollers or a curling iron – These help set the shape and lock in long-lasting volume.
✔ Clips for sectioning – Essential for working in layers and preventing tangles.
Step 3: Blow Dry Like a Pro
Now for the magic step—creating that signature bouncy movement!
✔ Section your hair – Divide into four to six sections (depending on thickness) to make styling easier.
✔ Start with the roots – Use the round brush to lift the roots as you blow-dry. Point the nozzle downward to smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz.
✔ Roll sections away from your face – This creates the soft, glamorous movement seen on ‘90s supermodels.
✔ Use tension and slow movements – Pull the brush through the hair while directing heat onto it. The slower, the better—this allows each section to fully dry and hold its shape.
✔ Flip your head upside down for extra volume – Blow-dry at the roots for a few seconds to boost lift.
✔ Finish with a blast of cool air – This locks in the shape and shine while reducing frizz.
Step 4: Lock in the Volume
The final touches will make sure your blowout lasts all day (or even longer!).
✔ Set with Velcro rollers – While hair is still warm, wrap sections around Velcro rollers and leave them in for 10–20 minutes to reinforce the bounce.
✔ Gently remove rollers and shake out hair – Don’t brush too much—use your fingers to loosen the waves and maintain the volume.
✔ Apply a lightweight hairspray or texture spray – This holds the shape while keeping the look soft and touchable. Avoid heavy sprays, which can weigh down the style.
✔ Optional: Add a finishing oil – If you want extra shine, apply a tiny amount of lightweight oil to the ends for that supermodel glow.
Expert Tip: Why Hairstylists Swear by Velcro Rollers for Lasting Volume!
Velcro rollers might seem old-school, but they’re a game-changer for creating long-lasting, weightless volume. Unlike curling irons, they don’t use direct heat, which helps maintain the hair’s health while still setting the perfect shape.
For extra lift at the roots, try using larger rollers on top sections and smaller ones on the sides for a more natural, layered effect.
By following these steps, you’ll have a bouncy, voluminous ‘90s blowout that lasts—just like Cindy, Claudia, and today’s modern icons!
4. Best Products for a ‘90s Blowout
Achieving the perfect bouncy, voluminous ‘90s blowout starts with using the right products. From shampoos that boost body to styling tools that lock in lift, here are the must-haves for flawless results.
A. Best Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner
✔ Fabulive Volume Boost Duo – A lightweight yet hydrating shampoo and conditioner set designed to add body without weighing hair down. It cleanses gently while keeping hair soft and manageable, the perfect foundation for a bouncy blowout.
✔ Alternatives:
· Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo – Strengthens hair while providing lift.
· Kevin Murphy Plumping.Rinse – Conditions while enhancing natural volume.
B. Must-Have Styling Products
✔ Heat Protectant: Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray
Essential for protecting hair from heat damage while keeping it smooth and frizz-free.
✔ Mousse for Lift: Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse
Provides long-lasting volume and structure without making hair feel crunchy.
✔ Finishing Spray: IGK 1-800-Hold-Me Hairspray
A flexible yet strong-hold spray that keeps the blowout bouncy and soft, not stiff.
✔ Bonus: Batiste Dry Shampoo (for second-day volume)
Absorbs oil and refreshes hair without losing that ‘90s bounce.
C. Best Tools for the Job
✔ Best Blow Dryer: Dyson Supersonic
Powerful airflow, prevents heat damage, and reduces frizz while adding volume.
✔ Best Round Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Brush
Helps create smooth curls and volume while reducing static.
✔ Best Velcro Rollers: Conair Self-Grip Rollers
Locks in volume and bounce without excessive heat styling.
With these expert-approved products and tools, you’ll have everything you need for a full-bodied, high-volume ‘90s blowout that lasts all day!
5. How to Maintain Your ‘90s Blowout
A flawless ‘90s blowout isn’t just about styling—it’s about keeping that volume and bounce for days. Here’s how to maintain your look without losing its signature lift and movement.
A. Preserve Volume Overnight
✔ Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Reduces friction, preventing frizz and flattening.
Helps maintain hair’s smoothness and shine.
✔ Try the Loose Bun Method
Gather hair into a loose, high bun using a silk or satin scrunchie (no tight elastics!).
In the morning, let hair down and shake it out for revived bounce.
✔ Alternative: Use a large claw clip to loosely twist hair up for volume retention.
B. Refresh on Day 2 or 3
✔ Use a Dry Shampoo (like Batiste or Living Proof Perfect Hair Day)
Absorbs oil and adds texture without weighing hair down.
Apply at the roots and massage in for an instant lift.
✔ Flip Hair & Blast with Cool Air
Flip your head upside down and use a blow dryer’s cool setting to revive volume.
✔ Touch-Up with Velcro Rollers
If needed, re-roll a few face-framing sections and let them sit while you get ready.
C. Avoid Overloading on Products
✔ Use Lightweight Products
Too much hairspray, mousse, or oil can weigh hair down.
Stick to a volumizing dry shampoo and a light mist of texture spray.
✔ Less is More
If your hair starts feeling heavy, brush through it and re-fluff with dry shampoo instead of adding more product.
Pro Tip: How Supermodels Kept Their Blowouts Fresh for Days
In the ‘90s, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer swore by minimal product use and daily volume refreshes with rollers or cool air. They also relied on weekly deep conditioning to keep hair looking healthy and bouncy.
Follow these tips, and your ‘90s blowout will stay fresh, voluminous, and supermodel-approved for days!
6. The ‘90s Blowout for Different Hair Types
A ‘90s blowout works for all hair types, but the key is adjusting your products, tools, and techniques to suit your hair’s unique texture. Here’s how to achieve maximum volume and bounce no matter what type of hair you have!
A. Fine Hair
✔ Use Lightweight Products
Volumizing mousse or spray (like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse) adds lift without weighing hair down.
Avoid heavy oils or creams that can flatten your style.
✔ Tease the Roots for Extra Lift
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently backcomb the roots before setting with Velcro rollers.
A little dry shampoo at the roots will also help hold volume.
✔ Smaller Sections = More Volume
Blow-dry in smaller sections with a medium-sized round brush to create more movement.
B. Thick Hair
✔ Work in Larger Sections for a Smoother Finish
Thick hair holds volume naturally, so larger sections help maintain control.
A larger barrel round brush (like the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Brush) ensures a sleek yet bouncy blowout.
✔ Use Velcro Rollers to Set the Look
Rollers help lock in the style and prevent the blowout from becoming too heavy.
✔ Don’t Overdo the Mousse
A small amount of volumizing mousse at the roots is enough—too much can make thick hair feel stiff.
C. Curly or Wavy Hair
✔ Start with a Smoothing Cream
A lightweight smoothing cream (like Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion) tames frizz while keeping volume.
Apply to damp hair before blow-drying.
✔ Round Brush Technique for Soft Waves
Use a large round brush to smooth the hair while still maintaining body.
If you want to enhance natural waves, twist sections with the brush instead of pulling them completely straight.
✔ Finish with a Light Hairspray
A flexible-hold spray (like Oribe Superfine Hairspray) helps set the style without making hair stiff.
Final Tip: Whether your hair is fine, thick, or curly, cooling each section before letting it down helps lock in long-lasting bounce and movement—just like the ‘90s supermodels did!
7. FAQs About the ‘90s Blowout
How long does a ‘90s blowout last?
A well-done ‘90s blowout can last 2-4 days with proper care. Using dry shampoo on day 2 or 3 helps absorb oil and maintain volume. Sleeping with a silk pillowcase or a loose bun keeps the style fresh longer.
Can I do a ‘90s blowout on short hair?
Yes! Even chin-length bobs can achieve a voluminous blowout. Use a smaller round brush for more control and focus on root lift. Velcro rollers add extra bounce, especially around the crown.
What’s the best way to revive the style without washing?
Flip your head upside down and blast with cool air to restore volume.
Use a dry shampoo (like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day) at the roots.
Touch up face-framing sections with a round brush and blow dryer for a fresh finish.
Do I need Velcro rollers, or can I just use a blow dryer?
Velcro rollers lock in volume and movement for a longer-lasting blowout. However, if you don’t have them, you can achieve a similar effect by:
Using a round brush to curl sections, then holding them in place while they cool.
Pinning curls with clips to help set the shape.
Final Tip: Whether you use rollers or just a blow dryer, always finish with cool air to seal in the style!
8. Conclusion
The ‘90s blowout is a timeless, glamorous hairstyle that’s making a huge comeback. Whether you love the Cindy Crawford-inspired volume or a modern take like Hailey Bieber’s sleek bounce, this look is all about big, bouncy, and effortlessly chic hair.
With the right prep, styling techniques, and tools, you can achieve salon-quality results at home. A good volumizing shampoo, heat protectant, round brush, and Velcro rollers are essential for maximum lift and movement. And with the right maintenance—like dry shampoo, a silk pillowcase, and minimal product buildup—your blowout can last for days.
Want to elevate your styling game? Check out Fabulive’s collection for premium haircare products and tools to help you perfect your ‘90s blowout!