If you’re shopping for the man in your life—whether it’s your partner, brother, son, or even dad—style gifts can be tricky. But when it comes to timeless grooming and style, there’s one surprising source of inspiration that’s making waves again: the 1990s. That’s right—’90s men’s hairstyles are coming back, and they’re cooler than ever. From the iconic curtains to the grunge-inspired undercut, these nostalgic cuts are not just trendy—they’re flattering, easy to maintain, and bursting with retro charm. Whether he’s into low-maintenance grooming or a full-on style statement, there’s a hairstyle here that fits. Pair your gift with a quality hair product or styling tool from Amazon to help him rock the look effortlessly.
1. The Middle Part (Curtain Cut)
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Arguably one of the most iconic styles of the ’90s, the curtain cut—defined by a middle part and flowy strands that frame the face—is back in a big way. Popularized by heartthrobs like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonathan Taylor Thomas, it’s a look that adds a youthful and effortless charm. The style works best for medium-length hair and flatters most face shapes, making it a versatile choice. For the guy who’s already got some length, all he needs is a quality styling cream or lightweight mousse to define the texture. Consider gifting him a premium hairdryer with a diffuser to help maintain this stylish, lived-in look.
2. The Buzz Cut
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Clean, minimal, and low-maintenance—the buzz cut was a staple in the ’90s, often seen on hip-hop icons and athletes. Today, it’s back with a refined twist, offering a sharp and masculine edge that’s also practical. Perfect for men who don’t want to fuss over styling or product, the buzz cut still gives off that cool, confident vibe. It’s especially ideal for guys with strong facial features or who want to showcase facial hair. A high-quality set of cordless clippers from Amazon makes a thoughtful and functional gift for DIY grooming at home.
3. The Caesar Cut
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Named after Julius Caesar but made famous again by George Clooney in the ’90s, the Caesar cut features short, horizontally straight bangs and an evenly cropped length. This style is back on the radar, appealing to men looking for a clean, structured aesthetic with a vintage twist. Its practicality and ease of upkeep make it perfect for men who prefer simplicity but want a touch of flair. A matte styling pomade helps keep the shape in place without adding too much shine. This hairstyle also pairs well with modern fades, giving it a contemporary update that suits all ages.
4. The Flat Top
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A bold and unforgettable style of the early ’90s, the flat top is back, especially among men who love a high-impact look. Characterized by high sides and a leveled-off top, this cut was synonymous with hip-hop and basketball culture. Today’s flat top comes with modern variations, such as fades or design work on the sides, bringing it into current style territory. This look requires maintenance, so gifting a precision trimmer or barber-quality clippers will help keep those lines crisp. For the man who enjoys making a statement, this hairstyle brings a mix of nostalgia and confidence.
5. The Slicked-Back Undercut
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The undercut with slicked-back hair was another ‘90s standout that’s found its place again in modern fashion. From Brad Pitt in Fight Club to today’s trendsetters, this style channels confidence, elegance, and a bit of rebellion. With closely cropped sides and long hair on top slicked back with pomade, it’s a style that requires some upkeep but pays off in sophistication. Look for strong-hold pomades or waxes on Amazon to keep this polished look in place all day. It’s perfect for men with straight or slightly wavy hair who enjoy versatile styling options.
6. The Grunge Shag
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Made famous by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, the grunge shag is all about that effortlessly messy vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for men who have longer hair and want a more natural, undone look. It suits creative personalities and guys who lean into vintage aesthetics. The modern version may include subtle layering to add movement and texture. To gift someone this look, consider a quality sea salt spray or leave-in conditioner that enhances natural waves without weighing them down. It’s a great pick for men with a laid-back, artsy style.
7. The Frosted Tips
source @only90sthings
Love it or hate it, frosted tips were everywhere in the ’90s—and yes, they’re back. This time, the look is more refined, with subtle highlights rather than the chunky bleach jobs of the past. Think texture, volume, and just enough lightness on the ends to add dimension. It’s a playful style that suits extroverted personalities and fashion-forward men. A good-quality highlighting kit or a salon gift card paired with a texture-enhancing product can make this a memorable and fun gift. The key is keeping the color balanced with hydrating shampoos and conditioners.
8. The Bowl Cut (With a Twist)
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The bowl cut of the ’90s has been reimagined for the modern man. Today’s version includes edgy undercuts, fades, or asymmetrical layering to break up the classic shape. While once the subject of jokes, the current bowl cut trend embraces boldness and avant-garde flair. It’s a standout look for someone who isn’t afraid to push the style envelope. Gifting the right styling clay or matte paste ensures he can define the shape without looking outdated. This cut is perfect for men with straight hair and a daring fashion sense.
9. The Mohawk and Faux Hawk
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The mohawk—once reserved for punk rockers—saw a stylish adaptation in the ’90s and now has a fresh resurgence with even more wearable versions like the faux hawk. These styles let men play with volume and edge without going too extreme. Whether it’s spiked, sleek, or textured, this look is all about personal expression. A high-hold styling gel or wax from Amazon can help maintain the peak while a quality fade on the sides keeps it modern. This is a gift idea for men who want to channel bold energy with a bit of rebellion.
10. The Textured Crop Fade
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A fresh evolution of ’90s minimalism, the textured crop fade combines the simplicity of a short cut with edgy detailing. Think of it as the cooler cousin of the Caesar cut—with choppy layers on top and a clean fade on the sides, it delivers a modern silhouette with retro roots. It’s the perfect hairstyle for guys who want an easy-to-maintain look that still shows off some personality and precision. The cropped top adds texture and movement, making it ideal for thick or wavy hair.
To gift this look, consider a texturizing paste or clay that allows him to define layers without stiffness. Pair it with a quality trimmer for touch-ups or a grooming set that includes a fade brush to help maintain the style between barber visits. It’s a bold yet wearable cut that brings together utility and urban edge—a great match for the modern man with nostalgic style.
11. The Side Part with Volume
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This sophisticated take on a traditional style was a go-to for ’90s professionals and remains just as relevant today. With a defined side part and some added volume at the crown, this cut combines structure with a touch of flair. It suits both formal and casual settings and works well with most hair types. Gift ideas here include a quality boar-bristle brush and a medium-hold volumizing mousse to add lift without stiffness. This style makes an excellent grooming upgrade for men who value polish and simplicity.
12. The Dreadlocks
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Dreadlocks were a strong cultural and style statement in the ’90s, seen on artists like Lenny Kravitz and athletes like Allen Iverson. Now, the style is embraced more widely and crafted with care and individuality. From freeform to neatly twisted locks, there’s plenty of room for self-expression. Maintaining healthy dreads requires quality products—think residue-free shampoos, scalp oils, and crochet tools. For a meaningful and practical gift, consider a complete dreadlock maintenance kit that supports his commitment to this iconic look.
13. The Blowout (Brooklyn Fade)
source @menhairstylesworld
The blowout—also known as the Brooklyn Fade—rose to fame in the late ’90s and is enjoying a serious revival. This high-volume look features tight sides that fade into a fuller, blown-out top. It’s stylish, dramatic, and screams confidence. This hairstyle suits men with thick hair and works particularly well with Afro-textured hair. A professional-grade blow dryer with a comb attachment is a fantastic gift that makes at-home styling easier and more precise. Add a heat-protectant spray and a finishing cream to round out a full grooming bundle.
Conclusion
The return of these ’90s hairstyles is more than just a fashion trend—it’s a nostalgic nod to a memorable era that still resonates today. For anyone shopping for a man who enjoys expressing himself through his look, these styles offer both inspiration and opportunity. By pairing each hairstyle with the right product or tool from Amazon, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re delivering confidence, personality, and a touch of retro cool. Whether it’s for Father’s Day, a birthday, or just because, helping him revisit the ’90s in style is a gesture that’s both fun and timeless.
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