15 Best 90s Hairstyles for Men That Are Trending Again in 2025

Introduction

The 90s were more than just baggy jeans and boom boxes—they were a golden era for men’s hairstyles. From the iconic curtain haircut seen on boy band heartthrobs to the edgy flat top fade worn by hip-hop legends, 90s hairstyles for men blended bold personality with unforgettable flair. Today, these retro looks are making a serious comeback, reimagined for modern tastes.

As a barber who's worked with everything from classic fades to throwback undercuts, I’ve seen a growing demand for these nostalgic cuts, especially among Gen Z and style-conscious millennials. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 15 of the most iconic 1990s men’s hairstyles, why they’re trending again in 2025, and how to style them like a pro today.

Curtain Haircut

Key Features
The curtain haircut is defined by a center or slightly off-center part, with long fringe pieces that frame the face like drapes. Popularized in the '90s by heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio and Nick Carter, it typically features medium-length layers and tapered sides. It's ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair textures.

Why It is Trending in 2025
With the revival of Y2K fashion and grunge-inspired looks, the curtain haircut has re-emerged as a favorite among Gen Z and K-pop fans alike. It balances vintage charm with modern polish, especially when paired with textured layers or a subtle fade. Influencers are now styling it with lightweight pomades for a soft, tousled effect.

Pro Barber Tip
Ask for a middle-parted fringe with medium layers that fall around cheekbone level. Let your barber know if you want a modern twist—like a low taper or undercut—to avoid a flat, dated look. For versatility, request texturizing scissors to add movement and reduce weight in thick hair.

The Bowl Cut

Key Features
The bowl cut, once mocked as the ultimate “geek” cut, is back with a vengeance—this time sharper and more fashion-forward. Characterized by its rounded shape and straight perimeter that encircles the head, today’s versions often include tapered sides, disconnected undercuts, or even fade blends.

Why It is Trending in 2025
What was once a childhood cut has evolved into a bold, runway-approved statement. The modern bowl cut adds edge to your style and works great with Asian hair textures, thick straight hair, or even curly variations. With celebs like Timothée Chalamet and fashion models rocking it, the look has gained serious traction.

Pro Barber Tip
Ask for a modern bowl cut with a disconnected undercut or low skin fade underneath. For a more wearable version, request soft graduation around the edges rather than a blunt finish. Use matte clay or wax to style it with a slight texture for a less “helmet-like” effect.

The Caesar Cut

Key Features
The Caesar cut features a short, horizontally cut fringe and evenly trimmed sides and back, usually cropped close to the scalp. It’s a low-maintenance style that flatters oval, square, and angular face shapes. Inspired by Julius Caesar but made iconic in the '90s by George Clooney and Eminem.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Minimalist styles are making a comeback, and the Caesar cut fits the mold. It’s ideal for men who want a clean, structured look without spending time styling. With the rise of buzzed fringes and textured crops, modern Caesars now incorporate skin fades and razor detailing for edge.

Pro Barber Tip
Ask for a short crop with a blunt fringe and even taper on the sides. If you want a modern update, mention adding a high or mid fade and some point-cut texture on top. It’s also a great base for hairline designs or etched detailing.

The Heartthrob Hair

Key Features
This style screams boy band era—think Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Devon Sawa, or early Justin Timberlake. It’s a soft, layered cut with feathered ends and natural movement. Usually worn parted down the middle or slightly off to the side, the heartthrob cut complements medium to long hair.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Thanks to TikTok edits and Y2K nostalgia, romantic, soft-layered hairstyles are all over social media. The heartthrob look adds youthfulness and dimension, especially when combined with subtle waves or volume at the crown. It’s a favorite among fashion-forward guys and TikTok creators.

Pro Barber Tip
Request a layered scissor cut with feathered ends, keeping the length around eyebrow to cheekbone level. Mention that you want a natural middle part and flowing texture, not a heavy or choppy cut. Styling mousse or sea salt spray will help enhance natural movement.

The Frosted Tips Haircut

Key Features
Frosted tips refer to bleached or light-colored ends, usually spiky or gelled up for that signature '90s vibe. The base hair is kept dark while the tips are highlighted blonde or platinum. Think *NSYNC-era Justin Timberlake or Guy Fieri with a bit more edge.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Frosted tips are making a bold return thanks to the rise of pop-punk aesthetics and Y2K fashion. Today, they’re worn with textured crops, undercuts, or even messy fringe styles, blending nostalgia with individuality. The updated versions use softer blends and cool-toned blondes for a modern finish.

Pro Barber Tip
Tell your barber you want short, choppy layers on top with clean fades on the sides. Once the cut is done, ask your colorist for partial bleach just on the tips, not the roots. Use a stronghold gel or texture paste to spike and separate the strands.

The Spiky Hair

Key Features
Spiky hair was the go-to look for edgy 90s teens. Think Joey from Friends or the early-2000s boy band scene. This cut involves short to medium-length hair styled upright using gel or wax, often with defined separation and a crunchy finish (classic!).

Why It is Trending in 2025
We’re seeing a modern revival with matte-textured spikes, disconnected undercuts, and skin fades for a fresher take. Today’s spiky styles blend better with natural flow and less product-heavy looks, catering to Gen Z’s preference for effortless, messy volume.

Pro Barber Tip
Request a short textured cut on top with a medium to low fade on the sides. Tell your barber you plan to style upward with product, so the top should have choppy layers. For modern spikes, go for a dry matte clay instead of heavy gels.

The Flat Top Haircut

Key Features
The flat top is a bold, structured style with straight vertical sides and a perfectly flat crown, often shaped with clippers and lineups. It gained fame in hip-hop culture and TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — think Kid from Kid 'n Play.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Today’s version features tight skin fades, razor-sharp edges, and sometimes graphic designs for extra flair. It’s a staple in the barbershop culture revival, particularly popular among clients embracing Afro-textured cuts with high precision.

Pro Barber Tip
This one requires skill—ask for a high-top fade with a squared finish. If you have curly or kinky hair, request tight clipper control with a straightened crown. Bring a reference photo, and be ready for regular shape-ups to maintain that crisp flat top look.

The Mullet

Key Features
“Business in the front, party in the back” — the mullet needs no introduction. Characterized by short front and sides with a longer back, it was worn by everyone from Billy Ray Cyrus to wrestlers and rock stars.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Ironically cool again, the mullet has been reclaimed by trendsetters and TikTokers. Today’s mullets are more textured, layered, and often paired with taper fades, shaggy tops, or even permed curls. It’s all about personality and controlled mess.

Pro Barber Tip
Ask for a modern mullet with a low taper or burst fade, keeping the back longer but blended. You can personalize it with shaved sides, a curly top, or razor texture, depending on your hair type. Use a sea salt spray to boost that natural wave in the back.

The Grunge Hair

Key Features
Popularized by icons like Kurt Cobain, grunge hair is all about effortless rebellion. This style features shoulder-length, messy layers, often parted in the middle or just left unkempt. It leans into natural waves, unstyled texture, and an almost neglected aesthetic.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Today’s grunge revival is big with guys who want a laid-back, lived-in look. With the right haircut and minimal product, you get that careless cool that works with wavy or straight hair. It pairs well with layered cuts, texturizing shears, and natural finishes.

Pro Barber Tip
Request mid-to-long layers with light feathering at the ends. Let your barber know you want to keep it raw and slightly unstructured. Recommend using a leave-in conditioner or texturizing spray to avoid frizz while maintaining that gritty vibe.

The Cornrows Hairstyle

Key Features
Cornrows are a traditional protective hairstyle involving tight, straight rows braided close to the scalp. While the style dates back centuries, the 90s saw its mainstream rise with hip-hop artists and athletes flaunting geometric, zigzag, and pattern braids.

Why It is Trending in 2025
Cornrows have become both a cultural staple and a style statement. In 2025, men are embracing creative braid patterns, color accents, and even fade combinations. It’s a low-maintenance style that protects textured hair while showing off individuality.

Pro Barber Tip
See a braiding specialist, not just a general barber. Decide if you want straight-back rows, designs, or tapered sides. For durability, keep your scalp moisturized with natural oils and refresh edges with a weekly touch-up.

The Jheri Curl

Key Features
The Jheri Curl—also called the “Juice” look thanks to movies like Coming to America and Boyz n the Hood—features soft, glossy curls with defined shape and shine. It’s a chemical-treated style that turns naturally kinky hair into loose, springy curls with a wet finish.

Why It is Trending in 2025
While less mainstream today, the Jheri Curl is making a nostalgic comeback among men who want retro glam with curl control. It's now styled with lighter modern activators, non-greasy creams, and low-maintenance curl systems.

Pro Barber Tip
This look requires professional chemical processing, so ask your barber or stylist for a softening perm tailored for your hair type. Recommend finishing with a modern curl activator that avoids the greasy residue of old-school formulas.

Feathered Hair

Key Features
Feathered hair is all about light layers that sweep away from the face, offering movement, texture, and volume. Think Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell or young Brad Pitt. It’s often parted in the middle or side and styled to look natural yet intentional.

Why It is Trending in 2025
In the age of TikTok throwbacks, feathered cuts have re-emerged as part of the “soft boy” aesthetic. Men are opting for mid-length cuts with razor-cut ends to enhance softness and flow, often paired with highlights or balayage.

Pro Barber Tip
Request light layering around the crown and sides, and ask for ends to be texturized, not blunt cut. Use a round brush and blow dryer to shape the flick. Finish with matte cream for hold without stiffness.

Slicked Back Hair

Key Features
A timeless staple that peaked in the 90s, slicked back hair is all about clean lines and controlled shine. Hair is combed back with pomade or gel for a polished, professional, or edgy appearance, depending on how tight the sides are clipped.

Why It is Trending in 2025
With the return of power grooming, slicked back styles are evolving into modern undercuts, wet-look fades, and retro executive contour cuts. It’s a favorite among professionals and creatives alike who want a refined yet bold look.

Pro Barber Tip
Choose between a skin fade, taper, or scissor-cut sides depending on how sharp or soft you want the silhouette. Use a strong-hold pomade or gel with shine, and a fine-tooth comb to lock in that sculpted shape.

Side Part Haircut

Key Features
A classic that defined the clean-cut aesthetic of the '90s, the Side Part Haircut offers structure, sharpness, and versatility. Worn slick with gel (think George Clooney in ER) or soft and natural, this style parts the hair along the natural fall, creating a distinguished silhouette.

Why It is Trending in 2025
In 2025, side parts are being reimagined with faded sides, textured tops, and low-maintenance matte finishes. This makes it a go-to for men balancing style with professionalism.

Pro Barber Tip
Ask for a low or mid fade on the sides with about 3–4 inches of length on top to part easily. Mention if you prefer a hard part (razor-defined line) or a natural soft part. Use matte clay for volume or pomade for shine, depending on your style vibe.

FAQs

What hairstyle was popular in the 90s for men?

Iconic 90s men’s hairstyles include the Curtain Cut, Spiky Hair, Flat Top, Mullet, and Frosted Tips. These styles were worn by celebrities, boy bands, and TV stars, and defined the decade’s hair culture.

Are 90s hairstyles still in style in 2025?

Absolutely. 90s cuts are back with a modern twist—barbers today mix classic shapes with fresh textures, fades, and updated products to give retro styles new life.

Which 90s hairstyle works best for thick/thin/curly hair?

• Thick hair: Caesar Cut, Slicked Back Hair, Side Part

• Thin hair: Spiky Hair, Feathered Hair, Frosted Tips

• Curly hair: Jheri Curl, Heartthrob Hair, Hi-Top Fade

How do I choose a retro haircut that suits my face shape?

Round faces work well with angular cuts like the Flat Top. Oval faces can rock almost anything—from Mullet to Spiky. If you have a long face, try medium-length layers like Curtain Hair or Feathered Hair.

Can I pull off frosted tips or a bowl cut today?

Definitely—if styled right. Frosted tips work great with modern fades and textured tops. Bowl cuts are back in a soft-edged, indie-inspired way rather than the old-school blunt version.