11 Trendy Haircuts Inspired by the 90s

The 90s are back, and so are the cool hairstyles from that time! At Gifted Barbers Studio, lots of people are asking for these old-school looks with a new twist. Let's check out 11 trendy haircuts that bring back the best of 90s style but make them fresh for today. Whether you want to stand out, look like a rockstar, or just try something new, we've got styles for everyone. Get ready to turn heads with these awesome 90s-inspired haircuts!

Key Takeaways:

  • 90s-inspired haircuts are making a strong comeback in modern men's fashion
  • These styles range from bold fades to textured crops and longer, layered looks
  • Modern versions of 90s cuts often feature softer edges and more natural textures
  • Regular maintenance and proper styling products are crucial for these trendy looks
  • Gifted Barbers Studio offers expert styling for all these retro-modern haircuts

1. The Fresh Prince Fade

Remember Will Smith's cool high-top fade from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"? It's back and even better! This bold cut keeps the sides short and faded while the top is longer and full of texture. It's great for guys with thick hair who want to make a statement. The new version lets you style the top in different ways, from sleek and straight to messy and textured.


To get this cool look, you'll need some strong hair gel or pomade to keep everything in place. Put the product all over your hair evenly and use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to shape the top how you like it. Our expert barbers can help you get the perfect fade that looks great with your face shape and style. Remember, you'll need to visit the barber often to keep the fade looking sharp and the top well-shaped.

2. The Curtain Cut

Leonardo DiCaprio's famous curtain cut from the 90s is back in style! The new curtain cut is like the old one - parting the hair down the middle to frame the face - but with some modern changes. Today's version is usually shorter overall and has more texture and movement to look more natural.


This style looks great on people with oval or heart-shaped faces. It softens sharp features and balances out the face. To keep your curtain cut looking good, you'll need to get it trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Styling is important for this look - use a light mousse or sea salt spray to add texture and volume. Part your hair down the middle when it's damp and let it dry naturally for a casual, messy look. For a neater style, you can use a round brush and hair dryer to add volume at the roots and curve the ends slightly. With the right care and styling, this 90s-inspired look can be both cool and fancy, making it great for lots of different occasions.

3. The Messy Spikes

If you want a hairstyle that's easy to manage, the textured crop is great. This style is all about making your natural hair look good with just a little bit of styling. It's especially good for guys with thicker hair or those who want a relaxed, modern look for their wedding day. Here's how to get this style:


  • Ask for short hair on the back and sides, with slightly longer hair on top, about 1-2 inches long
  • Have your barber cut the hair in a way that makes it look textured and moveable
  • Use a small amount of hair clay or paste to make the texture stand out
  • You can use a light sea salt spray to make your hair look a bit messy, like you just came from the beach


The textured crop is perfect if you want to look good without trying too hard. It's great for outdoor or beach weddings where it might be windy or humid. This style also works well if your hairline is receding, as the textured top can be styled forward to make your forehead look smaller.

4. The Slick Back

The slick back is a classic style that's gotten a modern update. In 2024, we're seeing a softer, more natural version of this iconic look. It's not super shiny or hard anymore; today's slick back is more relaxed with some volume and movement.


To get this modern slick back, start with damp hair and use a small amount of light pomade or styling cream. Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair back, following the way your hair naturally grows. For a more relaxed look, you can use your fingers to gently mess up the hair on top for added texture and volume. The cool thing about this style is you can make it as neat or messy as you want, depending on where you're going. If you have thick hair, ask your barber to thin it out a bit to make styling easier. 
Book an appointment with our expert stylists to get the perfect slick back cut that works for your hair type and face shape. With the right cut and styling, the modern slick back can be a sophisticated yet easy-to-do style for any guy who wants to channel some 90s cool.

5. The Textured Crop

This modern take on 90s texture is great for men who want a low-maintenance but stylish look. The textured crop keeps things short and neat on the sides and back while leaving a bit more length on top to play with. This style is all about creating dimension and movement in your hair, making it perfect for those with fine to medium hair.


When getting this cut, ask your barber to use special cutting techniques on the top to add texture and create a more dynamic, piece-y look. This makes it easier to style and makes your hair look fuller and more voluminous. To style your textured crop, start with clean, towel-dried hair and work in a small amount of matte clay or texturizing paste. Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, focusing on creating separation and definition. For a messier look, ruffle your hair in different directions; for a neater appearance, use your fingers to style the hair forward or to one side. The great thing about this cut is that it's versatile - you can quickly style it for a casual, effortless vibe or neaten it up for more formal occasions. Get it trimmed every 4-6 weeks to keep the shape looking fresh. This style looks particularly good on those with round or square face shapes, as the textured top adds height and the short sides make your face look slimmer.

6. The Undercut Revival

Inspired by 90s punk and grunge styles, the undercut is back in a big way. This bold look has very short sides and back (often buzzed or even shaved) contrasted with much longer hair on top. The modern undercut has evolved to offer more styling options and a slightly more polished look compared to its 90s version.


The cool thing about the undercut is how versatile it is. You can style the longer top in many ways to fit different occasions or moods. For a neat, professional look, slick the top back using a strong hold pomade. For a more relaxed, edgy vibe, mess up the top with some texturizing powder for a matte, voluminous finish. Some guys even braid or tie up the longer top section for a unique twist. The undercut looks particularly good on square or diamond-shaped faces, as it highlights strong jawlines and cheekbones. Keep in mind that this style needs regular upkeep to keep the contrast between the short sides and longer top sharp. You'll probably need to visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain the clean lines of the undercut. Even though it needs more maintenance, the undercut remains popular for men who want to make a statement with their hair while still being able to change their style for different settings.

7. The Layered Mid-Length

Think of Keanu Reeves in his "Speed" days with this cool, laid-back style. The layered mid-length cut is all about showing off your hair's natural texture and movement, creating a look that's both effortlessly cool and surprisingly sophisticated.


This style usually has hair that falls between the ears and shoulders, with layers cut throughout to add dimension and reduce bulk. The modern version has more texture and movement than the 90s original, allowing for lots of styling options. To get this look, ask your stylist for long layers that enhance your natural hair texture. The great thing about this cut is that it works well for straight, wavy, and curly hair types, adapting to your natural texture for a personalized look. For styling, start with damp hair and use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to enhance natural waves and add volume. Scrunch the product into your hair and let it air dry for an effortless, messy look. For a neater look, you can use a large round brush while blow-drying to create soft waves. Remember, the key to this style is embracing a bit of messiness - it should look effortless and lived-in. Get regular trims every 8-10 weeks to keep the shape and prevent split ends. The layered mid-length is great for those looking to grow out shorter styles or for anyone wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish look that brings back the cool, carefree vibe of the 90s.

8. The Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut, a classic style that goes way back to ancient Rome, was super popular in the 90s and is now making a comeback in modern men's hairstyles. Named after Julius Caesar, who supposedly used this style to hide his receding hairline, the modern Caesar cut offers a fresh take on this timeless look.


Today's version of the Caesar cut has a slightly longer fringe than the 90s version, usually between 1 to 3 inches long. The hair is cut to the same length all around the head, with the fringe styled forward to create a straight line across the forehead. The modern version often has more texture on top, making it look less rigid and more natural. This cut is great for those with high foreheads or receding hairlines, as the forward-styled fringe can help hide these features. To style a Caesar cut, start with damp hair and work a small amount of light hold cream or pomade through your hair. Use your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to style the fringe forward, creating a subtle texture as you go. For a more relaxed look, you can mess up the hair slightly with your fingers. The Caesar cut is pretty low-maintenance, only needing occasional trims to keep its shape. It works well with most hair types, though people with very curly hair might find it hard to get the signature straight fringe. This versatile style can be adapted to suit different face shapes and personal preferences, making it a popular choice for men wanting a classic yet modern look.

9. The Frosted Tips Revival

Believe it or not, frosted tips, one of the most famous (and controversial) hair trends of the 90s, are making a surprising comeback. But don't worry - the modern version of this bold style is much more subtle and cool than the old one. Today's frosted tips look more like natural sun-kissed highlights instead of the stark, bleached look from the past.


The key to pulling off modern frosted tips is to keep it subtle. Instead of the chunky, all-over bleached look of the 90s, today's version uses special highlighting techniques to create a more gradual, natural-looking effect. This approach makes it easier to grow out and needs less maintenance than traditional frosted tips. To get this look, ask your stylist for subtle highlights focused on the ends and top layers of your hair. The color should be only a few shades lighter than your natural hair color to look most natural. This technique works especially well on shorter styles like textured crops or longer styles like the layered mid-length cut. To keep your frosted tips looking good, use a purple shampoo once a week to prevent them from turning brassy and keep the color looking fresh. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help keep your hair healthy and prevent damage from the lightening process. For styling, modern frosted tips look great with a messy, textured finish - use a sea salt spray or texturizing powder to bring out your natural texture and show off the dimension created by the highlights. This updated version of frosted tips is a fun way to add some 90s flair to your look without going overboard, making it a versatile option for those wanting to experiment with color.

10. The Textured Bowl Cut

The bowl cut, which many 90s kids dreaded, has gotten a major makeover to become one of the coolest styles in modern men's hair fashion. Today's version of the bowl cut keeps the round shape but adds layers, texture, and asymmetry to create a look that's both edgy and sophisticated.


The modern textured bowl cut usually has longer hair on top that's cut in a circular shape around the head, similar to the old-school version. But the big difference is in the special cutting techniques used to break up the harsh lines and add movement to the style. Choppy layers and special cutting methods are often used to create a piece-y, lived-in look that's very different from the stiff bowl cuts of the past. The sides can be left a bit longer for a softer look or cut shorter for a more dramatic contrast. To style a textured bowl cut, start with damp hair and work in a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse. Use your fingers to scrunch and mess up your hair as it dries, encouraging natural texture and movement. For a more defined look, you can use a small amount of pomade or styling cream to piece out individual sections. This cut works well for those with straight to wavy hair and looks particularly good on oval or heart-shaped faces. While it's a bold choice that might not be for everyone, the textured bowl cut is perfect for those who like to push fashion boundaries and make a strong style statement. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are necessary to maintain the shape and texture of this unique cut.

12. The Grunge-Inspired Long Layers

Channel your inner rock star with this cool style that's inspired by the grunge era of the 90s. The grunge-inspired long layers cut is all about embracing a carefree, slightly messy look that gives off a rock-star vibe while still looking modern and stylish.


This style usually has hair that falls past the shoulders, with long layers cut throughout to add movement and reduce bulk. The modern version often involves more deliberate styling to achieve that "perfectly imperfect" look. To get this cut, ask your stylist for long, subtle layers that enhance your natural texture without looking too structured. The cool thing about this style is that it works with different hair types - straight hair can be messed up for added texture, while wavy or curly hair can embrace its natural movement. To keep long hair healthy, get regular trims every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends and keep your layers looking fresh. For styling, start with damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair manageable and frizz-free. Scrunch in a small amount of styling cream or mousse to enhance texture, then let your hair air dry for that effortless, lived-in look. For added grunge authenticity, you can use your fingers to create a messy center part. This style is low-maintenance for daily styling but needs proper care to keep long hair healthy. The grunge-inspired long layers are perfect for those who want to embrace a rebellious, rock-and-roll look while still looking stylish and modern.

Wrapping It Up

The 90s were awesome for men's hairstyles, and it's exciting to see these cool looks coming back with modern twists. At Gifted Barbers Studio, we love helping our clients get these retro-inspired cuts with a fresh, modern edge. Whether you want the bold Fresh Prince Fade, the cool Curtain Cut, or you're brave enough to try updated Frosted Tips, our skilled barbers know how to make your hair dreams come true.


Remember, the key to rocking any of these trendy haircuts is feeling confident and taking good care of your hair. Regular maintenance is important - get trims every 4-6 weeks to keep your style looking sharp. Using good hair care products that work for your specific hair type and style will also make a big difference in how your cut looks and feels every day. Don't be shy about asking your barber for advice on products and styling tips - they're there to help you look and feel awesome!



Book your appointment at Gifted Barbers Studio today and take the first step towards getting an awesome 90s-inspired haircut with a modern twist. Our expert stylists are ready to help you find the perfect look that not only brings back the coolest decade in hair fashion but also fits your personal style and personality. Let's bring back the 90s, one great haircut at a time!

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