Layers, bangs and a big bouncy blow-dry, is everyone’s obsession right now (we’re looking at you Sabrina Carpenter!) Here’s how to master the 90s blow-dry look on all hair types…
It comes as no surprise that when creating a blow-dry look on clients with straight hair, prep is key. “Start with a volumising base,” says Victoria Panting. “I recommend washing the hair using the Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner to plump up the hair, then the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Spray to add body and grip without weighing the hair down.” Meanwhile, Rachel Valentine adds: “You need a really good setting spray, and a good mousse in the roots such as the L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI Art Volume Lift. You can then blow-dry the hair to get the volume at the root first and use the L’Oréal Professionnel SteamPod to create movement and bend.”
“To promote this look, create a signature ‘90s Blow-Dry Experience’ that includes styling and retail recommendations and pair the service with a curated product bundle so clients can recreate the look at home.”
Victoria Panting
90s Blow-Dry Step by Step
- Cleanse and prep: Voluminous hair needs a solid foundation. Wash with a lightweight, volumising shampoo and conditioner – avoid anything too heavy. Towel dry and add a volumising mousse for added control and softness.
- Rough dry for lift: Flip the hair upside down and use the KASHO Intense Dryer on medium heat to rough-dry until about 80% dry.
- Blow-dry: Using a large round brush, lift sections up and away from the scalp, directing heat from the dryer towards the roots for added height. Finish each section with a cool shot to lock in shape.
- Roll and set: For extra volume longevity, wrap sections around large Velcro rollers or pin-curl them while still warm. Let them cool completely before releasing to maximise bounce and movement.
- Finishing touches: Shake out the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for that ‘just blown-out’ movement. A light mist of texturising spray or a flexible hold hairspray helps keep everything in place.
Tania Betsy, Creative Salon Director, The Hair Movement, Sidcup
“STYLING HACKS AND HOW TO'S ARE SO EASY TO PUT TOGETHER , AND CLIENTS LOVE THEM! SHARE VIDOES ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO COME INTO THE SALON - YOU COULD EVEN DO A VIDEO ON HOW TO GET STRAIGHT HAIR TO HOLD!”
Rachel Valentine
Go Light With Your Hairdryer
Lightweight, powerful and low noise, this brushless motor hairdryer ensures fast drying with three speed and temperature settings. Includes a cold shot button, easy to clean filter, two nozzles, a diffuser, and a 3m cable – available in colours Twilight, Black and Dusk.
“The size of the brush you use depends on the length of the hair. Using a micro crimper on the root is a great way of adding extra volume but also longevity to the root area.”
Ross Taylor, Gamma+ Ambassador
“Educate clients that with the right products and touch-ups, a blow-dry can last days – promote blow-dries as a low-maintenance luxury service.”
Peter Mellon, UK Style Ambassador for Alfa Italia
How to Achieve a 90s Blow-Dry on Wavy Hair
Achieving a 90s blow-dry on wavy hair is all about enhancing that natural volume and movement. Which is why, “choosing the right round brush will determine the final look,” Emma Dixon tells us. “Smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger ones give a soft bouncy wave.” Once the hair is fully dried and cooled, you can then work on enhancing the shape. “Using the Diva Pro Styling Curling Tong, make sure your heat selection is suitable for the hair type and hold you want to achieve,” Emma adds. “Start at the front to control finer baby hairs. Keeping the clamp loose and the tong moving prevents creases, and cooling each curl in a barrel shape ensures long-lasting structure. After unclipping, gently brushing out the curls while tilting the head in different directions helps to blend and soften the shape.”
Check out our guide on brushes for every hair type, here!
The Tools to Help you Achieve the 90s Blow-Dry!
“The ghd duet blow-dry is the perfect tool for anyone wanting to leave flat hair in the past,” says Sarah Dixon, ghd key account educator. “It allows you to dry and style the hair at the same time while providing 3x more volume for bouncy blow-dries, and with no heat damage.”
“The CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro's lightweight design makes it ideal for juggling a brush, dryer and clips," says Marie Nieuwoudt, Group Education Manager at CLOUD NINE. "Its eco-precision motor allows for faster drying, and the variable temperature control ensures healthier heat styling. The cool shot feature is perfect for setting the curls in place and provides a short burst of cool air for a longer lasting bounce!"
To nail the 90s look, you want a sleek and healthy bounce without losing precious volume, and KEEO prides itself on hair health. “The KEEO Genius protects the hair with every glide,” says Alfredo De Benedictis, founder of KEEO.
The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hairdryer is Dyson's lightest, smallest and most precise styling tool enabled by power-dense technologies. The tool is 30% smaller, 20% lighter and more manoeuvrable, delivering fast drying, smoother, and frizz-free and shinier results.
Pro Tips for a Modern Twist
Peter Mellon, UK Style Ambassador for Alfa Italia, talks us through the best of 90s glam with a more wearable look...
- Add more face framing, soft and feathery layers that enhance the bounce and flow.
- Keep the ends straight or slightly flicked out for a fresh, loose, less structured and undone feel.
- Swap heavy serums for dry texturising sprays to keep it airy and cool.
- Add a soft side part to give it that effortlessly voluminous vibe.
How to Achieve a 90s Blow-Dry on Curly Hair
To achieve a 90s bouncy blow-dry on curly hair, you need to understand the curl pattern to help determine what tools and styling products to use, Nadine Farquhar, Gamma+ Ambassador tells us. Why? “The key is to smooth it out while maintaining body and softness,” says Nicky Clarke. “The Nicky Clarke Infrared PRO Hairdryer dried hair faster while reducing heat damage, making it ideal for smoothing.” Top tip! “Use a soft bristle brush to smooth and blend for that effortless 90s supermodel finish,” adds Nicky.
The Tools You Need to Create a 90s Blow-Dry on Curly Hair
Laura Elliott, Head Stylist and Educator at Neäl & Wølf shares the essential tools you'll need to create the perfect 90s blowout on curly hair:
1.
Hairdryer with Diffuser: Helps enhance natural curl texture while adding volume.
2.
Round Brush: Ideal for stretching curls, creating movement, and adding bounce.
3.
Velcro/Heated Rollers: Essential for achieving the 90s supermodel fit.
4.
Curling Iron or Wand: For refining and defining any curls that need extra shape.
5.
Flat Iron with Curved Edges: Great for smoothing and adding subtle flicks to ends.
