The 1990s was a decade of iconic fashion and hairstyles that continue to influence trends today. For boys, the 90s offered a range of cool and edgy haircuts that are making a comeback. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 20 boy haircuts that defined the 90s and are making a comeback in playgrounds, schools, and streets today.
From the sleek curtain cut that graced many a teen heartthrob poster to the edgy undercut that screamed rebellion, we’ll delve into each style’s history, how to achieve it, and why it might be the perfect choice for the fashion-forward youngster in your life.Let’s dive into the top 20 90s boy haircuts that can give modern kids a touch of nostalgia while keeping them stylish.
1. The Curtain Haircut
The curtain haircut, popularized by heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio and Nick Carter, is characterized by a middle part with long, straight hair falling on either side of the face like curtains. This style works best for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair.
To achieve this look:
- Grow out the hair to at least chin length
- Create a center part
- Use a straightening iron if needed
- Apply a lightweight styling product for hold and shine
The curtain haircut offers a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for boys who want to embrace their sensitive side.
2. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, famously sported by Moe Howard of The Three Stooges, gained popularity among 90s kids. This haircut features hair cut short on the sides and back, with a longer, rounded top that resembles an upside-down bowl.
To get the bowl cut:
- Cut the sides and back short, typically with clippers
- Leave the top longer, about 2-3 inches
- Trim the top in a circular shape to create the “bowl” effect
- Style with a light pomade for a neat finish
While it may seem outdated, modern variations of the bowl cut can look quite stylish and edgy on confident young boys.
3. The Caesar Cut
Named after Julius Caesar, this short and simple haircut was popularized in the 90s by George Clooney. It features short, horizontally straight cut bangs, with the rest of the hair cut to a uniform length all around.
How to achieve the Caesar cut:
- Keep hair length between 1-2 inches all over
- Cut straight, short bangs across the forehead
- Texturize slightly for a modern touch
- Use a matte styling product for a natural look
The Caesar cut is low-maintenance and perfect for active boys who don’t want to fuss with their hair.
4. The Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were all the rage in the late 90s, with boy band members and teen idols sporting this edgy look. It involves bleaching or dyeing just the tips of spiky or messy hair.
To create frosted tips:
- Style hair in spikes or a messy, textured look
- Bleach or dye only the tips of the hair
- Use a strong hold gel to maintain the spiky style
While the original look might be too bold for some, a subtle version with natural-looking highlights can give a modern twist to this 90s classic.
5. The Undercut
The undercut features short or shaved sides and back with longer hair on top. It was popular among grunge and punk rockers in the 90s and has made a strong comeback in recent years.
How to get an undercut:
- Buzz or shave the sides and back very short
- Leave the top significantly longer, typically 3-4 inches
- Style the top in various ways – slicked back, messy, or to the side
The versatility of the undercut makes it a great choice for boys who like to change up their look frequently.
6. The Mushroom Cut
Similar to the bowl cut but with a softer edge, the mushroom cut was a staple for many 90s boys. It features a rounded shape with the sides slightly longer than a traditional bowl cut.
To achieve the mushroom cut:
- Cut the top in a circular shape, leaving it about 2-3 inches long
- Gradually taper the sides and back, blending with the top
- Texturize the ends for a softer look
- Use a light styling cream for definition
The mushroom cut offers a cute, boyish charm that works well for younger kids.
7. The Slicked Back Look
Inspired by greasers of the 50s, the slicked back look made a comeback in the 90s. It involves combing all the hair straight back and securing it with gel or pomade.
How to create the slicked back look:
- Grow hair to at least 3-4 inches in length
- Apply a strong hold gel or pomade to damp hair
- Comb hair straight back from the forehead to the nape
- Use a blow dryer for extra hold and shine
This sleek style gives boys a cool, retro vibe that’s perfect for special occasions.
8. The Spiky Hair
Spiky hair was everywhere in the 90s, from boy band members to skater kids. This versatile style involves using gel to create multiple spikes all over the head.
To get spiky hair:
- Keep hair short to medium length, about 2-3 inches
- Apply a strong hold gel to damp hair
- Use fingers to twist and spike hair in various directions
- Set with hairspray for long-lasting hold
Spiky hair is a fun, playful style that allows boys to express their energetic personality.
9. The Surfer Shag
The surfer shag, popularized by actors like Keanu Reeves, features medium to long hair with a messy, tousled look. It’s perfect for boys who want a laid-back, beachy vibe.
How to achieve the surfer shag:
- Grow hair to at least shoulder length
- Add long layers throughout for movement
- Use sea salt spray for texture and wave
- Tousle hair with fingers for a messy finish
This low-maintenance style is great for boys with naturally wavy or curly hair.
10. The Flat Top
The flat top was a popular military-inspired cut in the 90s. It features short sides and back with longer hair on top, cut flat to create a boxy, level appearance.
To create a flat top:
- Cut sides and back very short with clippers
- Leave the top longer, about 1-2 inches
- Cut the top perfectly level, creating a flat surface
- Use a strong hold gel and brush to keep hair standing up
The flat top is a bold, attention-grabbing style that works well for boys with thick, coarse hair.
11. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a classic, super-short hairstyle that was popular among athletes and low-maintenance guys in the 90s. It involves cutting all hair to a uniform, very short length.
How to get a buzz cut:
- Use clippers with a short guard (typically #1 to #4)
- Cut all hair to the same length all over the head
- Optionally, fade the sides and back slightly shorter
This no-fuss style is perfect for active boys or those who prefer a clean, minimal look.
12. The Messy Bed Head
The messy bed head look gained popularity in the 90s as a rebellion against polished, perfect hairstyles. It’s characterized by intentionally tousled, slightly unkempt hair.
To achieve the messy bed head:
- Keep hair medium length, about 2-4 inches
- Use texturizing products like sea salt spray or styling cream
- Tousle hair with fingers, creating a disheveled look
- Set with a light hold hairspray
This effortless style is great for boys who want a cool, carefree vibe.
13. The Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs were a softer alternative to spiky or gelled styles in the 90s. This look features longer hair on top, swept to one side across the forehead.
How to create side-swept bangs:
- Keep the top hair longer, about 3-4 inches
- Cut the sides and back shorter for contrast
- Use a comb and blow dryer to sweep hair to one side
- Apply a light hold product for staying power
This versatile style works well for boys with various face shapes and hair types.
14. The Cornrows
Cornrows, a traditional African hairstyle, became mainstream in the 90s thanks to athletes and hip-hop artists. This style involves braiding hair close to the scalp in straight lines.
To create cornrows:
- Start with clean, detangled hair
- Part hair into sections
- Braid each section from the hairline to the nape
- Secure ends with small elastics
Cornrows are a protective style that works well for boys with textured or curly hair.
15. The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk, a tamer version of the mohawk, emerged in the late 90s. It features shorter sides with a strip of longer hair down the center of the head.
How to achieve a faux hawk:
- Cut sides short, gradually getting longer towards the top
- Leave a strip of longer hair from forehead to nape
- Style the longer hair upwards and slightly pointed
- Use strong hold gel or pomade for definition
The faux hawk is a edgy yet wearable style for boys who want to stand out.
16. The Longer Layers
Inspired by grunge musicians, longer layered hair became popular among teenage boys in the 90s. This style features shoulder-length or longer hair with lots of layers for movement.
To get longer layers:
- Grow hair to at least shoulder length
- Add long layers throughout for texture and movement
- Use a lightweight styling product for definition
- Air dry or blow dry with fingers for a natural look
This relaxed style is perfect for boys who prefer a more alternative, artistic vibe.
17. The High Top Fade
The high top fade, popularized by hip-hop culture, features very short sides that fade into a flat, boxy top.
How to create a high top fade:
- Fade the sides and back very short
- Leave the top long, typically 3-4 inches
- Cut the top flat and boxy
- Use a strong hold product and brush to shape the top
This bold style makes a statement and works especially well for boys with thick, coarse hair.
18. The Middle Part
The middle part, seen on many 90s heartthrobs, is similar to the curtain cut but with shorter hair. It features a center part with hair falling to either side.
To achieve the middle part:
- Keep hair medium length, about 2-3 inches
- Create a center part
- Style hair to fall naturally to either side
- Use a light hold product for a natural finish
This classic style works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair.
19. The Skater Cut
The skater cut, inspired by skateboarding culture, features longer, shaggy hair often partially covering the eyes.
How to get the skater cut:
- Grow hair to about chin length
- Add long, subtle layers for movement
- Let bangs grow long, covering the forehead
- Use minimal product for a natural, tousled look
This laid-back style is perfect for boys who want a cool, casual vibe.
20. The Gelled Spikes
Gelled spikes, a more extreme version of spiky hair, were popular among boy band members and edgy teens in the 90s.
To create gelled spikes:
- Keep hair short to medium length
- Apply a generous amount of strong hold gel
- Use fingers or a comb to create dramatic, pointed spikes
- Set with hairspray for long-lasting hold
This eye-catching style is great for boys who want to make a bold statement with their hair.
In conclusion, these 20 nostalgic 90s boy haircuts offer a range of options for modern kids looking to add a touch of retro cool to their style. From low-maintenance buzz cuts to edgy undercuts and playful spikes, there’s a 90s-inspired hairstyle for every personality and hair type. Remember, the key to pulling off any of these looks is confidence – encourage your young style maverick to wear his chosen 90s haircut with pride!