Experience the Aroma of the Spritz in These ‘90s Hair Looks

One time for your Aunt Tonya in 1996. She went to Freaknik and came back with her updo intact. A moment for Miss Lisa, your mom’s hairstylist who wore her hair only one way: bob-length box braids, curled up at the ends. It’s time to give your old next door neighbor Juanita some props: She perfected the technique for finger waves at her bathroom sink.

The ‘90s was a generation-defining era for hair artistry and Black women were the primary canvas for it. Whether it was on a billboard for the B*A*P*S* movie or in line at the grocery store, the creativity and dynamic skill of Black hairstylists was on display. “I want to highlight what an amazing time this was for Black hair,” says hairstylist Nikki Nelms, who did all the looks you see here for Allure. She re-created a few of the common styles of that time with her own modern touches for 2023. “To most of the world, these styles look like they’re supposed to be super fancy for a special occasion. But they were just being worn for a regular workweek,” she says. “That’s what made this era so amazing — it was normal for your hair to be extra.”

How about donning a stunning Balmain dress coupled with a pair of glamorous Khiry earrings? If you want to make a lasting impression, this iconic combination is sure to turn heads and leave everyone amazed. The Balmain dress exudes elegance and sophistication, while the Khiry earrings add a touch of luxurious flair. It’s like wearing a work of art that effortlessly elevates your style. So, why wait? Embrace your inner fashionista and shine bright with this chic ensemble!

You had the option to choose your desired level of “extra” in terms of hairstyling. On one end of the spectrum, there were finger waves, which are a contemporary twist on a popular hairstyle from the 1920s. During the final decade of the 20th century, these waves became more pronounced, defined, and practically stiff due to the introduction of strong-hold gels. In 1999, Halle Berry sported loose finger waves on her honey-brown short hair. Meanwhile, Missy Elliott rocked ultra-tight finger waves on the cover of her 1997 single, “Hit ‘Em With The Hee,” with her hairline cut straight across resembling the legendary Caesar hairstyle (which was perfect since she was the queen of hip-hop at the time).

On the right side, you’ll find an exquisite Asai dress paired with a classy Carolina Herrera shirt and elegant Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Complete the look with trendy Gucci sunglasses for that perfect touch of style. On the left side, we have a fashion-forward ensemble consisting of an OnlyChild vest, a cool K.ngsley shirt, stylish Sacai pants, chic Aquazzura heels, and fabulous Bottega Veneta sunglasses.

The more intricate the hairstyles, the better they are. Hours spent in the salon enduring spritz showers, sweating under hooded dryers, and flinching as the marcel iron got a little too close to the back of your neck were all worth it for the stunning looks you’d achieve. Celebrity hairstylist Nelms credits two things for the long-lasting style: the advancements in hair product formulas in the 90s and the fact that most Black women at that time chemically straightened or relaxed their hair. The products typically used for these styles would cause natural hair to revert back to its curly pattern. So, with the combination of these factors, the hairstyles could endure for a week or even two.

To truly embrace the theme, Nelms armed herself with some nostalgic products to put a fresh twist on the looks. She incorporated wefts of yaki hair, along with bottles of Pump It Up Gold Styling Spritz and Fantasia Liquid Mousse Spritz, to achieve the desired shape. To add shine to the styles, she utilized Kemi Oyl and the classic Oil Sheen. When she applied all these elements to relaxed strands, the result was a distinctively rigid and frozen texture reminiscent of the era, according to Nelms. And what better way to showcase the potential of this combination than through an intricate updo?

These unique updos were an impressive display of talent by Black hairstylists, whether the rest of the world recognized it or not. These hairstyles served as a showcase for a wide array of techniques on a single head, serving as wearable masterpieces that showcased their exceptional skills. According to Nelms, the women who wore these hairstyles were essentially sporting three distinct hairstyles in one. They desired two crimped sections in the front, a French roll at the back, and a cascading waterfall effect on top. It was akin to constructing a sandwich, but with an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Each curl, bump, crimp, and wave was meticulously placed with precision, resembling the crispness of a freshly ironed dress shirt.

Imagine stepping into a world of style and sophistication, where each piece of clothing and jewelry tells its own unique story. Picture yourself donning the elegant Kallmeyer suit jacket, vest, and pants, exuding confidence and charm with every step. Adorn your ears with the awe-inspiring David Yurman earrings, necklaces, and rings, sparkling with a brilliance that captivates all who lay eyes on them. Wrap your wrist in the exquisite Misho cuff, a true statement piece that effortlessly elevates any outfit. Embrace the timeless elegance of the Alighieri necklace and the striking beauty of the Pamela Love necklace, both sure to turn heads wherever you go. And don’t forget the Sewit Sium ring, a stunning accessory that symbolizes individuality and strength. With these exquisite pieces, you can express your unique personality and leave a lasting impression. Fashion is more than just clothing and jewelry; it’s a form of self-expression that speaks volumes without saying a word.

These hair designs were like works of art, resembling sculptures more than just regular styles. If there was no crimp or curl to hold them in place, the foundations were perfectly straight, with a preference for a side part that elegantly curved around the forehead, forming stylish bangs. Trendy girls, wanting to stand out from the crowd, would ask their hairstylists to add curls on top and let them flow down like a beautiful fountain. Achieving height and volume was always the desired goal, according to Nelms, although her modern interpretation is more gentle, maintaining a certain stiffness but without appearing completely frozen. The hair has a lustrous sheen rather than a fake, shiny plastic look.

In the 1990s, there were some amazingly creative and unique hairstyles that not only expressed individuality but also drew inspiration from a rich tradition within the Black American community. These hairstyles were often showcased at hairstyling competitions like the Bronner Brothers Hair Show, where the boundaries of hair artistry were pushed to the limit. One such hairstyle, envisioned by Nelms, featured a double French roll with a twist—an actual working zipper separating the rolls. The result was a jaw-dropping masterpiece that combined elements of fantasy and absurdity. Nelms compares the energy of the show to the iconic Met Gala, emphasizing the extreme and boundary-pushing nature of the hairstyles on display. This particular look was a dream come true for Nelms, who had always wanted to experiment with such a bold and extraordinary style.

When it comes to preserving your unique style and avoiding awkward sleeping positions, box braids have always been a reliable option. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they also offer endless styling opportunities. Take a cue from Janet Jackson in the iconic movie “Poetic Justice” where she flaunted her long, straight box braids. If you’re willing to invest a little more time at the salon, Brandy’s micro version of box braids could be an exciting choice. Meanwhile, Jada Pinkett-Smith showcased a bob-style box braid in the movie “Set It Off,” with strands gracefully bending inward to frame her face. To keep the braids in place, the ends were either burned or curled with rollers dipped in hot water. Looking ahead to the future, Nelms has conceptualized a 2023 version of box braids that maintains the same vibe, featuring sharp and defined ends. Nelms emphasizes that a slight curve in the ends adds a touch of sophistication without sacrificing the overall effortless charm of box braids.

Are you looking for an outstanding outfit that exudes style and sophistication? Look no further than the exquisite Alexander McQueen suit and sunglasses. This ensemble is the epitome of elegance, designed to make a bold statement wherever you go. The suit is meticulously tailored to perfection, emphasizing your unique personality and impeccable taste. Complemented by the sleek and fashionable sunglasses, this combination adds an extra touch of glamour and allure to any look. With Alexander McQueen, you can expect nothing less than the absolute best in luxury fashion. So why settle for ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary with this remarkable suit and sunglasses duo? Let your true fashionista shine through and leave a lasting impression with this remarkable fashion statement.

In the glorious era of the 90s, Black women embraced a wide array of hairstyles that were not only beautiful but also served as a means of self-expression and merriment in their everyday lives. It wasn’t just about rocking a simple and effortless protective style; they experimented with intricate and glamorous looks, all of which were an integral part of their daily celebrations. These hairstyles didn’t have to be reserved for special events; they were a testament to the fact that Black women themselves were the epitome of uniqueness and exceptionalism. Celebrity hairstylist Nelms sheds light on the undeniable charm of these hairstyles, emphasizing that they were simply a part of their normal existence, effortlessly exuding confidence and radiance. It was a time when these hairstyles became an intrinsic part of their identity, symbolizing the magic and allure that Black women brought wherever they went.

Discover the enchanting allure of Black hair as we delve into its captivating beauty. In this captivating exploration, we’ll unravel the exquisite intricacies of this unique hair type. From its mesmerizing textures to its rich history, Black hair is a testament to both diversity and resilience. Join us on this journey of admiration as we celebrate the sheer magic that Black hair possesses. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of this extraordinary natural crown! Delve deeper into the captivating world of Black hair and embrace its undeniable beauty.

Get ready for a jaw-dropping journey as we delve into Janet Jackson’s iconic music video fashion moments. Brace yourself for a thrilling exploration of her groundbreaking visuals like never before. We’ll be uncovering the details that make these music video ensembles stand out, leaving you captivated and inspired. From Janet’s commanding presence to her fearless fashion choices, be prepared to be taken on an exhilarating ride through her most unforgettable looks. Join us as we dissect and celebrate the brilliance of Janet Jackson’s artistic expression through the lens of her music video fashion statements. Get ready to be amazed!

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