Among the most iconic beauty looks of the past is the flawless Julia Roberts with her red, wild, untamed curly hair. It is this free and natural mood that inspires the 2026 trend, which brings back the curls of the 1990s, but with modern variations. Here's how to accentuate your own curls, inspired by the 1990s aesthetic.
Curls from the 1990s are among the trends of 2026: light, voluminous and as natural as possible
If we recall the aesthetics of the 1990s, one of the key elements of female beauty of that decade was undoubtedly curls: airy, maximally voluminous, sometimes with a slight fluffiness, but always with a feeling of lightness. In 2026, this trend returns thanks to the main feature – naturalness, which is emphasized by the movement and texture of the hair. Even a controlled frizz (the effect of a slight fluffiness) adds authenticity to the image.
Advertising.
We've already seen this trend at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Think Olivia Deen with her luxurious dark curls. And actress Odessa A'zion with bouncy, small curls at the recent Golden Globes – 2026. Many celebrities choose curls as their signature look or as a spectacular hairstyle for a special event, inspired by the iconic 1990s. Here's how to repeat this style today.
View this post on Instagram
Beauty icons and characteristic features of curls of the 1990s: from Julia Roberts to Nicole Kidman
The power of this type of hairstyle is in its naturalness. Curls of the 1990s are wild, a little naughty, full of character. They are dense, large, voluminous, often with a slight fluffiness – a natural feature of curly hair, which makes it even softer and airier. This is not just an element of the hairstyle, but a real personality trait.
Among the main beauty icons of the 1990s was Julia Roberts from the “Pretty Woman” era. Her beauty always had an effortless look, and her curls created a natural effect without excessive “styling”.
View this post on Instagram
Sarah Jessica Parker made golden bouncy curls her signature look, both in real life and on Sex and the City. Mariah Carey, with her tighter, more defined curls, and Nicole Kidman, with her softer, more delicate waves, are also worth mentioning.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
How to Create 1990s Curls in 2026: A Modern Take on the Trend
To adapt the style of the 1990s to the present, it is worth considering three key points.
- Soft parting. Without clear graphic lines – central or with a slight offset, but always natural and relaxed.
- Uneven curls. No geometry or overly ideal shapes – volume and movement are created precisely due to the different structure of the curls.
- Controlled frizz. Light fluffiness adds relevance, the main thing is that it is delicate and natural.
View this post on Instagram
Step-by-step styling for perfect 1990s curls
- After washing, only lightly pat your hair with a towel, without rubbing it – it should remain well moisturized.
- Apply a light cream to activate curls: warm it in your palms and, tilting your head down, distribute it along the length, forming curls using the scrunch method (squeezing the strands in your palms towards the roots).
- Add volumizing mousse to the roots, also with your head tilted down, lightly squeezing with your fingers.
- Dry your hair with a diffuser, without lifting your head.
- After drying, gently separate the curls with your fingers, especially at the roots, to add even more volume.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
In 2026, 1990s curls are not about perfection, but about freedom. Light, lively, a little unruly – they become a symbol of beauty without stress and excessive effort.
Based on material from: Vogue.it