Pigtails were one of the trendiest hairstyle go-tos during the 90s. At least, in part, because of Britney Spears and her iconic "Baby One More Time" video. We're here to tell you that pigtails are cool again! Whether in the form of ponytails or french braids, this 90s hair trend is back.
No self-respecting '90s kid wore their pigtails low behind the ears. It was all about the volume and the swing, so those scrunchies were gathered way on top of the head for a sassy, bouncy, classroom-ready look.
The 1990s were all about iconic and diverse hairstyles that reflected the decade's unique fashion trends. Some of the popular hairstyles in the 90s were the bob, the pixie, the 'Rachel,' space buns, and crimped hair.
From the later 17th century through the 19th century, the term came to be applied to any braided ("plaited", in British parlance) hairstyle. The British army also adopted a single pigtail or "queue" as its standard dress for long hair.
The sleek ponytail is a timeless style that became particularly popular in the '90s. This polished look is perfect for both casual outings and formal events.
One of the key 80s hairstyles that continues to impress is the side ponytail. Whether you're out with the girls or on a date downtown, it definitely makes a statement.
Bouncy curls, feathered bangs, and crimped waves were all options when going for volume looks. More relaxed '90s hairstyles featured middle parts, straight hair with curled ends, and messy buns.
The difference between pigtails and ponytails is that a ponytail involves gathering all the hair together and placing it at the back of the head, whereas pigtails are divided into two sections positioned on the opposite sides.
Societal norms around hairstyles and age should not dictate how individuals choose to express themselves. Pigtails can be fun, cute, and nostalgic, and there's no reason why adults shouldn't be allowed to wear them.
Crimped Hairstyle
Beginning in the late 1980s and taking off in the following decade, hair crimping is a method of creating small, sawtooth waves in naturally straight hair. Nineties girls and women would achieve this popular look by braiding wet hair overnight or by using a crimping iron for perfectly crimped hair.
Butterfly Clip
The Butterfly clip in the '90s was just an easy way to get that long hair out of your face while you waited for your dial-up internet to load (if you don't know what that is, consider yourself lucky). Its purpose has remained the same since although some have been featured on the runway very recently.
Space buns were a big festival hair trend in the 90s that went mainstream in recent years.
Pigtails. The pop princesses of the early aughts donned sky-high pigtails and we love to see the comeback of this retro look. But just like with the ponytails of the era, the higher the better. Two high pigtails, complimented by a side part (or paired with side swept bangs) makes for a trendy 2000s throwback look.
French braids are the quintessential '90s braid.
Between the 17th century and 19th century, people started sporting hairdos that resembled these tobacco leaves and the term expanded to incorporate hair as well. Curiously, “pigtails” applied to just about any type of braided hair, including what most of us understand to be braided hair today, including “ponytails”.
Pigtails cause notable hair loss when there is an almost daily tendency to wear them excessively tight. In the most serious cases, as we have previously mentioned, traction alopecia can develop.
High pigtails are trending, but if you're skeptical about the style looking juvenile, try adding shaggy bangs and leaving some loose pieces in the front and back. Add colorful highlights to really lean into the whole rocker chic aesthetic!
Low pigtails with a middle part were all the rage in the '70s. These would often be brushed into two low ponytails at the nape of the neck (the ends could be left straight or curled), and secured with a ribbon or hair tie.
There wasn't just one look that defined the'90s. “The short cropped bob, voluminous, bouncy blowouts, long hair with blunt ends and face-framing layers, sleek updos with face-framing pieces, and voluminous bombshell updos with face-framing pieces were all popular during this time period,” says Marjan.
'90s fashion for teens
For girls, common styles were babydoll and denim dresses over t-shirts and leggings, fuzzy sweaters, oversized sweatshirts, and plaid shirts over acid washed or light high-waisted straight leg jeans, capri pants, or denim and patterned shorts.