90s Curls: The Voluminous Blow-Dry Trend for 2026

Anyone who has painstakingly blow-dried their hair poker-straight until now may be ready for a major change in 2026. A voluminous, softly curled 90s-style blow-dry is suddenly taking centre stage again, from celebrities and catwalks to everyday life. It feels nostalgic without looking dated, and fits surprisingly well with the renewed desire for a more natural look.

Why 90s curls are suddenly appearing everywhere

One thing stands out immediately at recent awards ceremonies: hairstyles are expanding outwards rather than simply growing longer. Waves, curls and fullness evoke 90s film icons and television characters, but in a softer, more contemporary way.

“Volume beats sleek – in 2026, the trend is moving decisively away from severely straightened lengths towards lively, bouncy curls.”

Several influences are driving the shift:

• Star power: Actresses such as Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker are once again being cited as curly-hair inspirations.
• Red-carpet moments: Events including the Grammy Awards and Golden Globes are showcasing large, glossy curls rather than flat, straightened styles.
• Back to natural: Many people want to show off their natural texture instead of disguising or “ironing” it away.
• The nostalgia factor: The 90s are seen as cosy, easy-going and slightly romantic – exactly the mood conveyed by this new wave of curls.

Interestingly, this is not a straightforward revival. Although the hairstyle takes strong inspiration from the 1990s, modern care products and styling methods make it far more wearable for daily life and less overly constructed.

What defines today’s classic 90s blow-dry

A modern 90s blow-dry is not simply about “creating curls”. It follows distinct markers that make the look instantly recognisable.

Curl shape and movement

The curl pattern sits somewhere between a wave and a corkscrew curl. The curls are:

• generous and soft rather than sharply defined;
• styled to spring naturally as you walk;
• deliberately varied, with some sections more tightly turned and others only gently waved.

It is precisely this “imperfection” that makes the style feel current. The hair should look as though the curls happened to fall that way, rather than having been brushed through and set for hours.

Root volume and a soft face-framing shape

A key feature is fullness built in from the roots. Rather than lying flat against the head, the hair is lightly lifted before falling into airy lengths. Broad, supple sections frame the face, recalling the classic 90s romantic-comedy heroine.

The effect changes according to hair length:

• Very long hair: This creates the impression of a true cascade of curls that seems to “freeze” in motion, almost like a perfect snapshot.
• Medium-length hair: The result has more romantic-comedy appeal, feeling lighter and more playful with a pronounced blowout effect.

Slightly outward-turned ends are typical, inspired by vintage sitcom hairstyles but finished with far more shine and conditioning than in the past.

The relaxed parting rule

The parting is intentionally undefined. Rather than being drawn with a tail comb, it is adjusted with the fingers. It can sit loosely in the centre or be shifted slightly to one side. The aim is for the hair to appear as though it has just settled after a breeze, not as if it has come straight from the salon chair.

How to achieve a 90s blow-dry with curly or straight hair

The trend depends heavily on your natural texture. Those with naturally curly or wavy hair begin from a very different point to someone with very straight hair.

For naturally curly or coily hair

Here, the focus is less on making curls and more on shaping the potential that is already there.

• Conditioning and moisture: Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, then work in a rich leave-in treatment or curl cream.
• Use a diffuser, not straighteners: Dry the hair upside down with a diffuser on medium heat. This maintains the texture while building volume.
• Targeted shaping: Lightly reshape only a few face-framing pieces with curling tongs to give the overall style direction.
• Hold without crunch: Choose a lightweight mousse or gel-cream blend that adds definition without making curls stiff.

The crucial point is not to keep scrunching the hair once it is almost dry. Doing so creates frizz and unevenness instead of defined movement.

For straight or lightly wavy hair

This hair type calls for a little more technique, but gives you plenty of control over the final shape.

• Create a volume base: After washing, apply a volumising mousse through the lengths and lightly at the roots.
• Blow-dry with a round brush: Roll each section outwards around a large round brush, dry it thoroughly and allow it to cool.
• “Break up” the curls: If curling tongs have created perfect corkscrew curls, gently brush them out at the end using a soft brush.
• Use fingers rather than a comb: Run your fingers through the hair, adjust the parting and twist a few individual sections back into place.

“The rule is: deliberately over-style first, then carefully ‘break it up’ until the curls look effortless.”

Products that make the 90s look practical for everyday wear

The trend only works if the hair still looks healthy and glossy despite all the volume. These product categories can help:

Those with fine hair should apply very rich oils only to the ends, otherwise the volume will quickly collapse again.

Who do the new 90s curls suit – and what are the limits?

The good news is that this look works for many face shapes and age groups. Soft waves can visually lengthen or round the face, depending on where the curls are positioned.

• Round face: Add more volume at the crown and less at the sides, with the parting set slightly off-centre.
• Narrow face: Fan the curls out a little more at the sides to create contour.
• A pronounced jawline: Turn sections outwards softly at chin level to soften the effect.

The main limitations apply to severely damaged hair. Anyone who bleaches frequently or experiences breakage should reduce heat styling and, where necessary, ask their hairdresser about gentler styling options. Excessively aggressive blow-drying and curling-tong styling can weaken the hair structure over time.

More than a trend: what the curl boom says about our beauty ideal

The renewed emphasis on curls reflects a deeper change. For a long time, sleek, “controlled” hair was the unquestioned ideal. In 2026, it feels almost liberating when hairdressers work with natural texture again and allow hair to “live”.

There is also a practical benefit: once you have mastered the technique, a 90s blow-dry can last for several days. On day two, a light mist of water, a little curl spray and a diffuser are often enough to restore the fullness. This saves time and is gentler on the hair than straightening it every day.

It is also striking how well the look works with current fashion and make-up trends. Wide-leg trousers, oversized blazers, natural-looking foundation and glossy lips all pair perfectly with soft curls. For a more polished result, combine them with a deep side parting and statement earrings; for a relaxed version, wear them with a sweatshirt and jeans.

Anyone who has been considering moving away from standard straight hairstyles has the ideal prompt in 2026: a trend that works not only on Instagram, but also at the office, university and on a date – while quietly showing just how good hair can look when it is given more freedom.