From sitcom heartthrobs to boy band idols, the 1990s were filled with memorable men’s hairstyles that helped define an era. And now, in a whirlwind of nostalgia and modern reinterpretation, these iconic looks are making a bold return to mainstream style. For women looking for unique and thoughtful gifts for the men in their lives—whether it’s a partner, brother, son, or friend—bringing back a vintage hairstyle can be the perfect blend of fashion and fun. A stylish grooming kit, retro-inspired hair products, or a modern styling tool might be all he needs to channel his inner ’90s icon. In this blog post, we explore 14 hairstyles from the ’90s that guys are rocking again, along with style tips and product suggestions to help recreate each look effortlessly. Whether you’re gifting or guiding, this guide will help you choose the perfect look—and maybe the perfect present.
1. The Middle Part Curtain Cut
source @bestmenshaircutsnyc
Popularized by Leonardo DiCaprio and Nick Carter, the middle part curtain haircut is one of the most iconic ’90s styles that’s seeing a massive resurgence today. The curtain cut features long bangs parted down the center, creating a soft frame for the face that works well with both straight and slightly wavy hair. It’s a look that screams retro heartthrob while still feeling approachable in modern settings. Perfect for teens or adults aiming for an effortlessly cool vibe, this style pairs well with light styling cream for hold without stiffness. A great gift idea is a high-quality flat iron paired with a heat-protectant spray to maintain that signature smooth flow.
2. The Frosted Tips Look
source @only90sthings
A staple of late ’90s pop stars like Justin Timberlake, frosted tips are bold, fun, and surprisingly flattering when done right. The key to pulling off this look today lies in subtlety—light blond highlights on short, spiked-up hair add dimension without going overboard. A modern touch can involve toners to avoid brassiness and styling paste for that messy-yet-intentional texture. For the guy who’s willing to experiment with hair color, gifting a professional highlighting kit or a salon voucher makes a thoughtful and creative choice.
3. The Caesar Cut
source @menhairstylesworld
The Caesar cut, characterized by its short, horizontal fringe and even length around the head, is simple, sharp, and easy to maintain. While it was famously worn by George Clooney in the ‘90s, today’s version adds a modern twist with fade variations on the sides. This style is perfect for low-maintenance men who still want to look polished. All it takes is a good pair of clippers and a matte pomade to hold the shape throughout the day. Consider gifting a cordless hair clipper set or a grooming kit for easy upkeep at home.
4. The Grunge Bedhead
source @glambyiggyg
Inspired by Kurt Cobain and the grunge music scene, the bedhead hairstyle is effortlessly cool with its unkempt, textured appearance. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style embraces natural waves and a bit of rugged edge. It works best with a sea salt spray to add volume and separation without weighing the hair down. For the laid-back guy who leans into vintage rock vibes, a gift set that includes texture sprays, dry shampoo, and a wide-tooth comb would make a perfect match.
5. The Slicked-Back Undercut
source @hairstylespoint
Though rooted in earlier decades, the slicked-back undercut made a huge statement in the ’90s and continues to evolve in modern fashion. Featuring short or faded sides with longer hair slicked back on top, it’s both bold and refined. This style suits both casual and formal occasions, making it incredibly versatile. Styling this look requires a strong-hold pomade or gel and a fine-tooth comb. A premium pomade and a sleek grooming bag would be an excellent gift combo for any man looking to channel his inner James Dean or Brad Pitt.
6. The Flat Top
source @giftedhandzvip
With its square silhouette and sharp edges, the flat top was a defining hairstyle in the ’90s, especially within hip-hop and urban fashion communities. Today, it’s making a statement again as a bold and confident look. Best suited for coarse, tightly curled hair, the flat top requires regular trimming and shaping. A great gift for maintaining this look includes a precision trimmer and edge shaper, especially models designed for textured hair. Add in a good scalp moisturizer for overall hair health.
7. The Textured Crop
source @arleemenggi
Replacing overly spiky styles, the textured crop offers a more versatile and wearable update to a classic ‘90s look. Think of it as the modern evolution of the choppy styles seen on skaters and indie rockers of the era. The textured crop is all about movement—short on the sides with a bit of length and choppiness on top to create dimension and rugged appeal. It’s ideal for men who want something low-maintenance yet fashion-forward. Styling is simple: a touch of matte paste or clay will help add structure without stiffness. For gifting, consider a premium texturizing product along with a lightweight blow dryer to add lift and shape with ease.
8. The Bowl Cut Reinvented
source @boysfreshcuts
Once mocked, now praised—the bowl cut has come full circle. While the ’90s version was often too literal, today’s iteration is a bit longer, layered, and stylishly messy. It can be edgy or artsy depending on how it’s worn and styled. The key is texture—so using volumizing mousse or a light pomade helps keep the look controlled yet casual. A good gift idea here would be a high-quality trimmer with adjustable length guards and a texturizing spray to help style the look with flair.
9. The Bleached Buzz Cut
source @vidawildsalon
Think Eminem in his prime—the bleached buzz cut is a daring and high-impact look that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. It combines the simplicity of a buzz cut with the boldness of platinum blond, making a clear fashion statement. Maintenance involves regular trimming and color touch-ups, especially to avoid visible roots. For the bold man in your life, consider gifting a professional-grade clipper set and a quality at-home bleaching kit with a toner to keep the shade clean and bright.
10. The High and Tight
source @soho_master_hair_stylists
Originally a military haircut, the high and tight became a mainstream staple in the ’90s for its clean and masculine appearance. It features very short sides and a slightly longer top, offering a structured look that’s both timeless and trendy. This cut requires minimal styling but benefits from scalp care and occasional texturizing products to add depth to the top. A gift bundle including a scalp massager, hair trimmer, and moisturizing shampoo would be both practical and thoughtful.
11. The Long Wavy Locks
source @toniandguyph
Long hair wasn’t just for rock stars in the ‘90s—it was embraced by actors, athletes, and fashion-forward guys alike. The modern version embraces healthy, flowing waves that are kept in shape with layered cuts and leave-in conditioners. To maintain this look, hydration and frizz control are key. If you’re shopping for a man who loves the boho or beachy aesthetic, gift ideas include a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo, detangling brush, and a lightweight leave-in cream.
12. The Mohawk Fade
source @hairbutcher_naresh
Combining the rebellious vibe of the mohawk with the precision of a fade, this look has found its place in both urban and high-fashion circles again. The modern mohawk fade can be subtle or extreme depending on personal style and comfort. It requires regular trimming to maintain the contrast between the top and the sides. A precision trimmer and a strong-hold gel or wax will keep the look sharp. Gifting a high-end grooming tool set tailored for detailed cuts can be a game-changer.
13. The Cornrows Comeback
source @naturalhairartist
Cornrows were a cultural staple in the ’90s and are seeing renewed appreciation in today’s fashion landscape. Not only do they look sleek and stylish, but they’re also protective and low-maintenance once styled. Achieving clean cornrows requires skill, but upkeep is straightforward with regular moisturizing and scalp care. A thoughtful gift here might be a set of nourishing hair oils, a silk sleep cap, and a leave-in spray to keep the hair and scalp healthy.
14. The Messy Faux Hawk
source @1847formen
This final look bridges edgy and wearable—a faux hawk that’s messy and textured instead of stiff and spiked. Popular in the late ’90s and early 2000s, it’s now evolved into a more relaxed, fashionable version that works for various hair types. The right product makes all the difference—a pliable paste or clay can help shape the look without hardening. For the trend-conscious man who likes some flair without the full commitment, a styling clay and a professional comb set make a great gift pairing.
Conclusion
The return of ’90s hairstyles is more than just a fashion flashback—it’s a movement filled with personal expression, individuality, and a touch of nostalgic charm. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a style-savvy man or simply exploring fun ways to elevate someone’s grooming routine, these hairstyle comebacks offer plenty of inspiration. From tools and styling products to salon-quality kits, there’s a perfect match for every look and lifestyle. The key is to embrace the spirit of the ’90s while adding a modern twist, ensuring he feels confident, stylish, and ready to turn heads. So go ahead—give the gift of style.
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