1. The Return of ‘90s Supermodel Hair
The ‘90s supermodel aesthetic was all about hair that looked effortlessly glamorous yet undeniably high-fashion. Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington perfected the art of big, bouncy blowouts with a glossy finish that framed their faces like a dream. It was the era of voluminous layers, soft waves, and just the right amount of movement—never stiff, never overdone, just naturally radiant.
Fast forward to today, and that iconic supermodel hair is making a major comeback. Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Kim Kardashian have all embraced the look, proving that classic volume and bounce never go out of style. But while the ‘90s relied on rollers, mousse, and a whole lot of teasing, modern techniques make achieving this look easier than ever. With the right tools and styling tricks, you can recreate that signature bombshell blowout without spending hours in a salon chair.
The secret to nailing ‘90s supermodel hair lies in three key elements: the right haircut, high-quality styling products, and the perfect blow-dry technique. Think layers that add body and movement, volumizing mousses and root lifts for fullness, and a round brush to smooth and shape. Whether you prefer a soft, lived-in wave or a sleek, bouncy finish, this guide will walk you through everything you need to master the ultimate supermodel blowout.
So, grab your blow dryer and a round brush—it’s time to bring back that timeless, head-turning volume with modern ease.
2. What Makes ‘90s Supermodel Hair So Iconic?
The Signature Look: Big, Bouncy, and Effortlessly Chic
The ‘90s supermodel hairstyle wasn’t just about looking glamorous—it was about looking effortlessly glamorous. Unlike the sky-high perms and ultra-teased styles of the ‘80s, the ‘90s embraced natural movement, soft layers, and a glossy, voluminous finish. Hair wasn’t crunchy with hairspray or stiff with excessive styling. Instead, it was healthy, shiny, and full of life, giving off that “I woke up like this” energy (even if hours of styling went into it).
The magic of this style came from layers. Instead of a blunt, one-length cut, layers added dimension, bounce, and fluidity, making the hair move beautifully with every step. Whether your hair was straight, wavy, or curly, the goal was always the same: to enhance natural texture rather than completely reshape it. The result? A style that looked polished without trying too hard.
The Supermodel Effect: Runway-Ready Hair That Defined an Era
This wasn’t just a pretty hairstyle—it was the look of high fashion. The ‘90s supermodel blowout graced Vogue covers, Victoria’s Secret runways, and every major fashion campaign. It was the ultimate symbol of luxury, confidence, and effortless beauty, setting the gold standard for glamorous, high-fashion hair.
Each supermodel had her own take on the look, giving us endless inspiration:
· Cindy Crawford was the queen of tousled waves, with just the right amount of volume and texture to give her that relaxed yet sultry vibe.
· Claudia Schiffer embodied the ultimate bombshell blowout, with cascading, perfectly sculpted locks that never lost their bounce.
· Naomi Campbell showed that supermodel hair didn’t have to be all about curls—her sleek, high-shine blowout proved that polished, straight styles could be just as glamorous.
These women—and their hair—defined beauty in the ‘90s, proving that you didn’t need over-the-top styling to look absolutely stunning.
Even today, this timeless, sophisticated style continues to inspire modern beauty trends. From Hailey Bieber’s effortless waves to Gigi Hadid’s voluminous blowouts, the supermodel aesthetic is still everywhere. Some looks never fade—they just evolve with time, proving that big, bouncy, beautiful hair will always be in style.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get ‘90s Supermodel Hair
The secret to that bouncy, full-bodied supermodel blowout? It’s all about prep, technique, and the right finishing touches. Whether you have fine strands or thick locks, you can achieve this classic look by following these simple steps.
Step 1: Prepping Your Hair for Volume
A great blowout starts in the shower. If you want your hair to have that signature bounce without feeling weighed down, proper prep is everything.
Start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner—this ensures your roots get lifted while keeping your strands soft and manageable. Skip anything too heavy, like ultra-hydrating masks, which can flatten the volume.
Once you're out of the shower, gently towel-dry (no aggressive rubbing—that’s how frizz is born). Then, spritz a heat protectant spray all over your damp hair to keep it safe from heat styling.
For the real magic? A root-lifting mousse or volumizing spray. Work it into the roots and mid-lengths, and you’re officially on your way to supermodel status.
Step 2: The Perfect Blowout
Now for the fun part—the blowout that makes all the difference. The goal is to create big, glossy, lifted hair that looks effortlessly glamorous.
What You’ll Need:
✔ A round brush (medium or large barrel, depending on hair length)
✔ A high-powered blow dryer (with a concentrator nozzle for precision)
✔ Velcro rollers (for max volume and shape)
How to Get That Signature Lift:
Start by sectioning your hair—this gives you better control and ensures you don’t miss any spots.
Next, take your round brush and start blow-drying from the roots, making sure to lift the hair upwards for maximum volume. As you reach the ends, give them a slight curl to create that soft bounce.
For extra lift, wrap the freshly blow-dried sections into Velcro rollers while the hair is still warm. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes while you finish getting ready—this is the secret to lasting volume!
Step 3: Creating Those Soft, Bouncy Waves
Supermodel hair isn’t just about volume—it’s about movement. Now that your hair has been prepped and lifted, it’s time to add those signature soft waves.
Grab a large-barrel curling iron (1.25” to 1.5” barrel) or, if you want an ultra-retro touch, hot rollers. Wrap sections of your hair away from your face to create that effortless, flowing effect.
Pro tip: Let your curls cool completely before touching them—this helps them set and last longer. Once they’re cool, gently brush through with either your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to soften the curls into waves.
For a more polished look, go over everything with a boar bristle brush—it blends the waves seamlessly while keeping the volume intact.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches
You’ve done all the hard work—now it’s time to lock in that supermodel glow.
First, run a few drops of shine serum or lightweight oil through your ends to give your hair that healthy, glossy finish. Avoid applying too much near the roots—you want lift, not limpness.
Next, mist lightly with a flexible-hold hairspray. The key here is to keep the movement, so don’t go overboard with a heavy-duty spray.
Finally, take your boar bristle brush one last time to smooth flyaways and refine your look. The result? Bouncy, radiant, supermodel hair that lasts all day—whether you’re strutting down the sidewalk or an actual runway.
Final Thoughts: Channel Your Inner ‘90s Supermodel
This is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a statement of confidence, glamour, and effortless beauty. Whether you’re channeling Cindy Crawford’s tousled waves, Claudia Schiffer’s bombshell bounce, or Naomi Campbell’s sleek shine, the ‘90s supermodel blowout is proof that some trends never go out of style.
Now, go rock that big, bouncy, beautiful hair like the runway icon you were born to be!
4. Best Products & Tools for ‘90s Supermodel Hair
Achieving iconic supermodel volume starts with the right products and tools. From bouncy blowouts to glossy, full-bodied waves, these essentials will help you nail the look effortlessly.
A. Must-Have Hair Products
✔ Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner – Fabulive Full-Body Shampoo & Conditioner
Adds lift and body without weighing hair down.
Keeps strands light, soft, and full of movement.
✔ Heat Protectant – Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Shields hair from heat damage while adding shine.
Helps maintain a silky, frizz-free finish.
✔ Root Booster – Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
Gives instant lift and structure at the roots.
Creates long-lasting volume without stiffness.
✔ Shine Serum – Fabulive Gloss & Glow Mist
Provides a high-shine finish without greasiness.
Perfect for that signature supermodel glow.
B. Best Styling Tools
✔ Blow Dryer – Dyson Supersonic
Fast drying with minimal heat damage.
Comes with a concentrator nozzle for precise styling.
✔ Round Brush – Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion
Helps create a smooth, voluminous blowout.
Ceramic technology distributes heat evenly for faster styling.
✔ Hot Rollers – BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium
Adds lasting body and soft waves without extreme heat.
Ideal for creating that classic ‘90s bounce.
With these top-tier products and tools, you’ll have big, beautiful, supermodel-worthy hair in no time!
5. ‘90s Supermodel Hair for Different Hair Types
The supermodel blowout is all about big volume, soft layers, and effortless glam, but the approach varies depending on your hair type. Here’s how to achieve the look whether your hair is fine, thick, or naturally curly.
A. Fine Hair
Fine hair tends to fall flat quickly, so the key is building volume without making it heavy.
✔ Use a lightweight mousse – Try Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse for lift without stiffness.
✔ Blow-dry with a round brush – Focus on the roots for maximum height.
✔ Velcro rollers = instant volume – Roll the crown section while hair is still warm and let them set.
✔ Finish with a flexible hold hairspray – Keeps the bounce intact without making hair stiff.
B. Thick Hair
Thick hair naturally has plenty of body, but it can get too heavy or frizzy if not styled correctly.
✔ Use a smoothing serum – Try Fabulive Gloss & Glow Mist to add shine and control flyaways.
✔ Long layers are your best friend – They remove bulk while enhancing movement.
✔ Blow-dry with a large round brush – This smooths out the hair while keeping volume.
✔ Finish with a lightweight mist – Adds that glossy supermodel finish without making hair greasy.
C. Curly or Wavy Hair
Naturally curly or wavy hair can still rock the ‘90s supermodel look while keeping some texture.
✔ Blow-dry with a diffuser – This enhances natural waves while adding volume.
✔ Use hot rollers instead of a curling iron – They create soft, bouncy curls without heat damage.
✔ Apply a lightweight styling cream – Helps define curls while keeping the look polished and frizz-free.
✔ Brush out curls for a softer effect – This gives that signature voluminous, tousled look seen on ‘90s runways.
With the right techniques and products, every hair type can achieve the effortless, bouncy, and ultra-glam ‘90s supermodel hair!
6. FAQs About ‘90s Supermodel Hair
How do I get my blowout to last longer?
✔ Prep with the right products – Use a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray before blow-drying.
✔ Cool down before touching – Let hair set in Velcro rollers or pin curls to lock in volume.
✔ Sleep smart – Wrap hair in a loose silk scrunchie or use a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and flattening.
✔ Refresh with dry shampoo – Absorbs oil and revives volume on second or third-day hair.
Can I achieve this look without heat?
Yes! While a blowout adds extra polish, you can still get supermodel volume without heat:
✔ Use Velcro rollers on damp hair – Let it air dry for a heat-free bounce.
✔ Try overnight foam rollers – They give soft, natural waves without heat styling.
✔ Use a root-lifting mousse – This boosts volume even without blow-drying.
✔ Flip your hair while air-drying – Helps create natural lift at the roots.
What’s the best way to add volume to fine hair?
✔ Use a lightweight mousse – Heavy products weigh fine hair down.
✔ Blow-dry upside down – Lifting the roots creates natural volume.
✔ Layer in Velcro rollers – These are game-changers for fine hair.
✔ Tease strategically – Gently backcomb the crown for subtle lift.
Which haircuts work best for ‘90s supermodel hair?
✔ Long layers – Add movement and volume without bulk.
✔ Curtain bangs – Frame the face and enhance the bouncy blowout.
✔ Soft, feathered ends – Keep the look light and airy.
✔ Mid-length to long cuts – Shorter cuts may not hold the signature bounce as well.
With the right techniques and cuts, you’ll have runway-ready ‘90s supermodel hair in no time!
7. Conclusion
The ‘90s supermodel hair trend is timeless, chic, and ultra-flattering. It’s all about big volume, soft layers, and that effortlessly glamorous bounce that defined the era. Whether you love Cindy Crawford’s bouncy layers, Naomi Campbell’s sleek shine, or Claudia Schiffer’s bombshell volume, this style is versatile and achievable for everyone—no matter your hair type.
With the right products, tools, and techniques, you can bring this iconic look back to life. From Velcro rollers and round brushes to volumizing mousses and shine serums, everything you need is just a styling session away. And the best part? It’s a trend that never truly goes out of fashion—just ask today’s biggest trendsetters like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid.
Want salon-quality results at home? Fabulive has all the must-have styling essentials to help you nail the perfect ‘90s supermodel blowout. Because some trends are just too good to stay in the past!