Your Favorite Headband Hairstyle From the '90s Is Back

Updated on July 9, 2024 at 5:45 PM

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The '90s and early aughts were all about accessories. From stretch chokers to butterfly clips, slap bracelets, and rhinestone tattoos, an outfit was nothing without a little pizazz. Hair accessories were particularly hot at the time and, since then, many have made a triumphant return, like claw clips and our new personal favorite: stretchy fabric headbands.

Back when we were throwing on a cotton headband before running out the door to catch the bus, we never could have imagined we'd be returning to the style as an adult. However, with other nostalgic styles trending in the beauty space — like pigtails, money-piece highlights, and "The Rachel" haircut — this news should come as no surprise. A quick scroll on TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest proves just how popular the look is again. At its creation, we were looking to '90s icons like Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport from "Clueless" for style inspiration, and despite it being a cool 28 years later (if you can imagine), that statement still rings true.

We get the appeal: cotton headbands are more comfortable than other popular styles at the time (like zig-zag headbands), easy to throw on when you're in a rush, and can keep your hair out of your face (so if you're trying to grow out a pair of curtain bangs, it's no biggie). In its comeback era, you can catch the casual, sporty style on everyone from models Bella Hadid and Lori Harvey to actor Nicola Peltz Beckham.

To get in on the '90s headband trend just in time for summer, head to Amazon to pick up some options — like the Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwraps ($3) and the Kenz Laurenz Cotton Headbands ($11) — and keep scrolling for inspiration on how to wear it. Just be warned: the following photos will immediately give you a flashback to the aisles of your local drugstore as a child, begging your mom to buy you a new pack.

Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwraps

From

Kenz Laurenz Cotton Headbands

From

$11

Nicola Peltz Beckham in the '90s Headband Trend

Nicola Peltz Beckham kept her beauty look pared down and simple while wearing the '90s cotton headband trend with a black leather jacket. Her loose mermaid waves elevate the entire look.

Olivia Culpo in the '90s Headband Trend

Olivia Culpo proves that the '90s headband trend can be worn for all occasions, no matter how casual. Here she's wearing the look with full glam and sleek hair.

Bella Hadid in the '90s Headband Trend

Bella Hadid is a big fan of this '90s hairstyle trend, having worn it on multiple occasions. Here she paired the look with a simple nude lip.

Lori Harvey in the '90s Headband Trend

Lori Harvey pulls off the casual sporty look wearing a gray '90s headband. She chose to accessorize with black sunglasses and oversized hoops, but kept her makeup simple with her go-to lip combo.

Kendall Jenner in the '90s Headband Trend

Kendall Jenner's '90s headband hairstyle is effortless. She paired the accessory with straight, blown out hair.

Jackie Aina in the '90s Headband Trend

Beauty founder and makeup artist Jackie Aina loves wearing the '90s headband trend in her makeup videos. They're easy to slip on when you need your hair out of your face, but they also pull together any look quickly and effortlessly.

Matilda Djerf in the '90s Headband Trend

Fashion brand founder and influencer Matilda Djerf goes for a summery look in a multi-toned blue '90s headband. She kept her makeup bronzy and glowy, with an emphasis on the blush.

— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez

Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.