Volume, Layers, and Shine: Master the 90s Blowout

1. Introduction

The ‘90s blowout is making a major comeback, and for good reason.

Think fluffy volume, bouncy layers, and mirror-like shine—the signature look of icons like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Tyra Banks. This supermodel-approved hairstyle is all about effortless glamour, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Unlike today’s sleek, ultra-structured styles, the ‘90s blowout has a soft, touchable feel with just the right amount of movement. It’s polished but never stiff, giving your hair that fresh-from-the-salon bounce.

The best part? You don’t need a glam squad to achieve it. With the right tools, products, and styling techniques, you can easily recreate the look at home, no matter your hair length or texture.

Ready to bring back this timeless, voluminous style? Let’s dive in!

 

2. What Defines the 90s Blowout?

A. The Signature Look

The ‘90s blowout is all about big, bouncy volume with just the right amount of movement. Unlike modern, ultra-sleek hairstyles, this look embraces softness and flow, giving hair a natural yet polished appearance.

Key elements of the perfect ‘90s blowout include:

·        Soft, feathered layers that frame the face and create dimension.

·        Weightless volume at the roots for that fresh-from-the-salon effect.

·        A healthy, glossy finish that makes the hair look rich and vibrant.

This style isn’t about pin-straight precision—it’s about effortless glamour, where every wave and curl falls naturally into place. It’s the perfect blend of structured styling and carefree movement, making it a go-to for both casual days and red-carpet moments.

 

B. Celebrity Inspiration

The supermodels of the ‘90s defined this look, and their signature blowouts are still major sources of inspiration today.

·        Cindy Crawford – Known for her sexy, voluminous layers, Cindy’s blowout was always full of body with a subtle side part for that effortlessly tousled effect. Her look remains one of the most iconic representations of the ‘90s blowout.

·        Claudia Schiffer – The ultimate bombshell blowout, Claudia’s hair featured full-bodied waves with an ultra-luxurious feel. Her style had a soft, bouncy texture that made it the perfect mix of sophisticated and playful.

·        Tyra Banks – Tyra’s sleek yet fluffy finish gave her hair maximum movement without losing volume. Her signature blowout had just the right amount of flip at the ends, creating a fierce, high-fashion vibe.

From runways to red carpets, the ‘90s blowout was the hairstyle that defined an era—and now, it’s back in full force. Whether you prefer Cindy’s tousled effect, Claudia’s bombshell bounce, or Tyra’s sleek volume, this timeless look is completely customizable to suit your personal style.

 

3. Prepping Your Hair for a 90s Blowout

Achieving the perfect ‘90s blowout starts with the right foundation. Proper hair prep ensures volume, movement, and a glossy finish that lasts all day. Here’s how to set your hair up for success.

 

A. Start with the Right Shampoo & Conditioner

The key to a voluminous blowout is lightweight moisture—you want your hair to feel soft and bouncy, not weighed down.

Use a volumizing or thickening shampoo to boost fullness and give hair extra body from the roots.

Opt for a lightweight conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid flattening the roots.

Recommended products:

·        Shampoo: Fabulive Full-Body Volumizing Shampoo – Adds lift and fullness without stripping moisture.

·        Conditioner: Oribe Magnificent Volume Conditioner – Provides hydration while keeping hair airy and bouncy.

Pro Tip: If you have fine hair, rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and boost shine without weighing hair down.

 

B. Apply Heat Protection & Styling Products

Since a ‘90s blowout relies on heat styling, protecting your hair is non-negotiable. The right pre-styling products help you achieve volume, smoothness, and long-lasting bounce.

Heat protectant spray shields hair from damage while enhancing shine.

Root-lifting mousse gives extra body at the crown, creating that supermodel volume.

A lightweight hair oil or serum keeps hair smooth and glossy without making it greasy.

Best choices:

·        Heat Protectant: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil – Protects hair while boosting shine and softness.

·        Mousse: Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse – Adds lift at the roots for a bouncy, full-bodied effect.

How to Apply:

1. Towel-dry your hair gently to remove excess moisture.

2. Apply a heat protectant evenly from roots to ends.

3. Work a small amount of volumizing mousse into the roots to enhance lift.

4. If your hair is dry or frizz-prone, add a drop of lightweight oil to the ends.

Now, your hair is prepped and ready for the perfect ‘90s-inspired blowout!

 

4. SStep-by-Step Guide: Achieving the Perfect ‘90s Blowout

The ‘90s blowout is all about big, bouncy volume, soft layers, and high-shine movement. Think Cindy Crawford’s effortless waves or Claudia Schiffer’s bombshell bounce. The good news? You don’t need a professional stylist to achieve this look at home. Follow this detailed guide to master the ultimate supermodel blowout.

 

Step 1: Rough Dry to Build Volume

Before diving into sectioned styling, start with a rough dry to add natural lift and prep your hair for the final blowout.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Speeds up drying, reducing heat damage.

✔ Creates natural volume and movement before styling.

✔ Helps styling products distribute evenly for long-lasting results.

How to Do It:

1️⃣ Towel-dry your hair to remove excess moisture—pat, don’t rub, to avoid frizz.

2️⃣ Apply a heat protectant to shield hair from damage.

3️⃣ Work in a root-lifting mousse or volumizing spray to enhance fullness.

4️⃣ Use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle on medium heat.

5️⃣ Flip your head upside down and dry the roots first for instant volume.

6️⃣ Stop when your hair is 80% dry, leaving a little moisture for shaping.

Pro Tip:

Fine hair? Opt for a lightweight mousse for extra lift.

Thick or frizz-prone hair? Smooth on a light serum before drying.

 

Step 2: Section Your Hair Like a Pro

Dividing your hair into sections ensures an even blowout with maximum volume and bounce.

How to Do It:

1️⃣ Part your hair into four sections:

✔ Top (crown area)

✔ Two side sections

✔ Back section

2️⃣ Use sectioning clips to keep each part neat and prevent flyaways.

3️⃣ Always start styling from the bottom layers and work upward for the best results.

Pro Tip:

Keeping your crown section for last ensures you lock in the most volume where it matters!

 

Step 3: Blow Dry with a Round Brush

Now for the signature step—using a round brush to create big, voluminous curls with that supermodel bounce.

What You’ll Need:

✔ A large round brush (ceramic or boar bristle)

✔ A high-powered blow dryer (with a concentrator nozzle for precision)

How to Do It:

1️⃣ Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the round brush.

2️⃣ Aim the blow dryer downward to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.

3️⃣ Roll the brush away from your face to create soft, flipped layers.

4️⃣ Use the “cool shot” button on your dryer to set the shape before releasing each section.

Pro Tip:

For extra volume, flip your head upside down before styling the top section.

 

Step 4: Lock in the Look with Velcro Rollers

Want runway-ready volume that lasts all day? Velcro rollers are your secret weapon!

How to Do It:

1️⃣ While hair is still warm, roll each blow-dried section into a Velcro roller.

2️⃣ Secure rollers at the crown and face-framing layers for maximum lift.

3️⃣ Let them set for 10–15 minutes (perfect time to do your makeup!).

4️⃣ For even more hold, blast the rollers with cool air before removing them.

Pro Tip:

The longer you let the rollers set, the longer your volume will last!

 

Step 5: Add Shine & Movement

The final step is what gives this look its glossy, high-fashion finish.

How to Do It:

1️⃣ Carefully remove Velcro rollers to avoid frizz.

2️⃣ Gently brush out curls with a boar bristle brush for soft, feathered layers.

3️⃣ Apply a shine spray or lightweight oil for that supermodel-worthy glow.

4️⃣ Mist with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep volume intact without stiffness.

Best Products for the Final Touch:

·        Shine Spray: Fabulive Gloss & Glow Mist

·        Flexible Hold Hairspray: L’Oréal Elnett (keeps hair in place while allowing movement)

Pro Tip:

Avoid touching your hair too much—it can flatten the volume!

 

Final Thoughts: Channel Your Inner ‘90s Supermodel

This isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s a statement of effortless glamour and confidence. Whether you want Cindy Crawford’s tousled waves, Claudia Schiffer’s full-bodied bounce, or Naomi Campbell’s sleek, glossy locks, this ‘90s blowout is timeless.

Now go strut your stuff—your hair is runway-ready!

 

5. Best Tools & Products for a Long-Lasting Blowout

Achieving the perfect 90s blowout is only half the battle—keeping it voluminous, bouncy, and fresh for hours (or even days) requires the right tools and products. Here’s everything you need to lock in the look and make your blowout last.

 

A. Must-Have Styling Tools

The right heat tools and brushes make all the difference when it comes to volume, smoothness, and shine.

1. Blow Dryer: Dyson Supersonic or T3 AireLuxe

Why It’s a Must: A high-powered blow dryer speeds up styling while reducing heat damage.

Best Features:

·        Dyson Supersonic: Uses intelligent heat control to prevent frizz.

·        T3 AireLuxe: Offers powerful airflow for fast drying with less heat exposure.

2. Round Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion

Why It’s a Must: The ceramic barrel retains heat for smoother, shinier hair.

Best Features:

·        Lightweight & easy to handle for professional results.

·        Boar bristles add shine and reduce frizz.

3. Velcro Rollers: BaBylissPRO Set

Why It’s a Must: Velcro rollers help set volume and create soft, bouncy curls without extra heat.

Best Features:

1.      Different sizes for customized volume and lift.

2.      Helps extend the life of a blowout.

 

B. Top Finishing Products

Once your blowout is styled, these finishing products will help keep it fresh, glossy, and full of movement.

1. Shine Spray: Fabulive Gloss & Glow Mist

Why It’s a Must: Adds a healthy, luminous finish without making hair greasy.

Best Features:

·        Lightweight mist that enhances shine.

·        Won’t weigh hair down or disrupt volume.

2. Flexible Hold Hairspray: L’Oréal Elnett

Why It’s a Must: Keeps your blowout in place while allowing natural movement.

Best Features:

·        Brushable hold—no stiffness or crunchiness.

·        Humidity-resistant, so your hair stays frizz-free.

3. Dry Shampoo: Fabulive Volume Refresh

Why It’s a Must: Absorbs oil and adds instant volume, making your blowout last for days.

Best Features:

·        Keeps hair feeling clean and lightweight.

·        Adds a boost of texture without leaving a white residue.

With these styling tools and products, your 90s supermodel blowout will stay voluminous, bouncy, and fresh from morning to night!

 

6. The 90s Blowout for Every Hair Type

The 90s blowout is universally flattering, but achieving that big, bouncy, and voluminous look depends on your hair type. Whether you have fine, thick, or curly hair, here’s how to customize the technique for the best results.

 

A. Fine Hair: Maximize Volume Without Weighing It Down

Fine hair tends to fall flat quickly, so the key is boosting lift and hold.

Best Techniques:

·        Use a volumizing spray (like Oribe Maximista) at the roots for added body.

·        A smaller round brush (1.5-inch barrel) creates more lift at the crown.

·        Velcro rollers are a must—wrap sections while hair is warm and let them cool for maximum volume.

·        Finish with a lightweight hairspray (like L’Oréal Elnett) to hold the shape without stiffness.

 

B. Thick Hair: Control Frizz While Keeping the Bounce

Thick hair naturally holds volume, but it can be prone to frizz. The goal is to smooth without flattening the blowout.

Best Techniques:

·        Apply a lightweight serum (like Fabulive Gloss & Glow Mist) to control frizz while keeping movement.

·        Use a larger round brush (2-inch barrel) to create sleek yet voluminous layers.

·        Blow-dry in sections for a polished finish—smaller sections prevent heat from getting trapped.

·        Opt for long layers to remove bulk while enhancing the shape of the blowout.

 

C. Curly or Wavy Hair: Enhance Natural Texture with a Polished Finish

Curly and wavy hair naturally has body, so the goal is to define the shape while keeping volume.

Best Techniques:

·        Start by blow-drying with a diffuser to maintain volume and enhance natural texture.

·        Use a round brush for shaping, focusing on smoothing the top layers while keeping movement.

·        Skip velcro rollers if you want to preserve natural curls or waves—instead, set the style with a flexible hold hairspray.

·        A lightweight oil (like Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil) adds shine without weighing hair down.

 

No matter your hair type, the 90s blowout is customizable for effortless, voluminous, and polished hair. The right products and techniques will help you achieve that iconic supermodel look with long-lasting hold!

 

7. FAQs About the 90s Blowout

How do I make my blowout last longer?

To keep your 90s blowout fresh for days, start with lightweight styling products—too much product can weigh hair down. Use a flexible hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett to lock in volume without stiffness. At night, wrap your hair in a loose bun or use a silk scarf to prevent frizz and flattening. A bit of dry shampoo at the roots in the morning will revive volume instantly.

 

Can I achieve a 90s blowout without heat?

Yes! For a heat-free version, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then roll sections into velcro rollers and let air-dry completely. Sleeping in the rollers overnight also works for extra hold. If you have natural waves or curls, braid damp hair loosely and let it dry before brushing out for soft, bouncy movement.

 

Which haircut works best for this style?

The 90s blowout thrives on layers! A long-layered cut adds movement, while face-framing layers enhance volume and softness. Curtain bangs blend beautifully into the look, creating that effortless, bouncy finish. If you have thick hair, ask for thinned-out ends to prevent excess bulk.

 

What’s the best way to refresh a blowout the next day?

To bring back day-one volume, flip your head upside down and mist your roots with dry shampoo (like Fabulive Volume Refresh). Brush through with a boar bristle brush to redistribute oils. If your ends have lost their bounce, use a round brush and blow dryer for a quick refresh, or roll sections into velcro rollers for 10 minutes. A touch of shine spray brings back that glossy, fresh-out-of-the-salon look!

 

8. Conclusion

The 90s blowout is the ultimate blend of glamour and effortlessness, bringing back the big, bouncy volume that defined an era. With the right techniques and products, anyone can achieve that supermodel-worthy movement—whether you’re inspired by Cindy Crawford’s iconic layers, Claudia Schiffer’s bombshell bounce, or Tyra Banks’ sleek yet fluffy finish.

This versatile hairstyle works for all hair types and occasions, from casual days to red-carpet moments. The key to nailing the look? A solid blowout routine, velcro rollers for extra lift, and the perfect finishing products to lock in shine and volume. Whether you have fine, thick, or curly hair, the 90s blowout can be tailored to suit your style.

Want to take your blowout game to the next level? Fabulive’s professional-grade styling products are designed to give you long-lasting volume, salon-quality shine, and effortless movement—right from the comfort of your home.

Get ready to turn heads with your fluffiest, most fabulous blowout yet!

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