The 90s blowout is making a major comeback in 2025 — from supermodel volume to soft, bouncy movement, the full finish is ideal to add glamour without looking overdone, and it is wearable across a variety of hair types, lengths, and textures.
And medium length hair? It is the absolute sweet spot for this look. Long enough to hold the volume, short enough to style in under 45 minutes. Whether you want sleek and polished or soft and bouncy, there is a 90s blowout variation made exactly for your length.
Here are the top 10 styles to try right now.
1. The Classic Supermodel Blowout
The one that started it all. Cindy Crawford’s signature big, blown-out hair — the iconic blowout of the era — does not actually scream 90s. Instead, it feels timeless. Massive root volume, smooth mid-lengths, and a polished inward bend at the ends. This is the foundation that every other variation builds on. Best for: all hair types, especially straight to wavy.
How to style: Round brush + blow dryer, over-direct the roots upward, bend the ends under. Finish with flexible hold hairspray.
2. Curtain Bangs Blowout
The 90s blowout is frequently paired with face-framing layers or curtain bangs, but the foundation is always the same — weightless volume and bounce with a smooth, glossy finish. Curtain bangs soften the look instantly, frame the face beautifully, and add a romantic 90s energy that works on literally every face shape.
How to style: Blow dry the bangs outward and away from the centre using a small round brush. Let them fall naturally back toward the face once cooled.
3. Face-Framing Layers Blowout
Layers are the secret weapon of the 90s blowout on medium hair. Invisible layering adds internal movement while maintaining a strong perimeter — ideal for anyone who wants more lift without sacrificing length or density. The face-framing pieces fall forward softly while the rest of the hair sits full and voluminous behind them.
How to style: Blow dry face-framing pieces forward while lifting the back sections for maximum crown volume.
4. The Bouncy C-Wave Blowout
The 90s blowout is all about big, chill waves — not tight springy curls but soft, beachy C-shaped curves that look effortless. On medium hair, these soft waves sit beautifully at the shoulder and give the whole look a relaxed, lived-in quality that feels modern while staying true to the era.
How to style: Use a large round brush to create a single soft bend through the mid-lengths. Velcro rollers set in while the hair cools will hold the shape without crunch.
5. Side Part Volume Blowout
The deep side part is one of the most recognizable 90s hair signatures. All of the volume is pushed to one side, creating a dramatic asymmetry that feels both retro and completely current. Blow dry with a round brush to add volume at the roots on the parting side and let the weight of the hair fall naturally across the forehead.
How to style: Set the part while the hair is damp. Direct the crown sections away from the part side for maximum one-sided volume.
6. The Glossy Sleek Blowout
Not every 90s blowout is about wild volume. Some of the most iconic looks from the decade were all about gloss — smooth, mirror-shine hair with just enough root lift to avoid looking flat. The smoothness factor is a key 90s blowout rule — zero frizz, blown out so smooth you can almost see your reflection.
How to style: Use a boar bristle round brush, direct the airflow downward along the shaft for maximum shine, and finish with a light serum on the mid-lengths and ends.
7. The Textured Volume Blowout
A slightly undone, textured take on the classic blowout that feels very 2025. This blowout works best for short to medium-length hair, particularly for those with fine to medium hair types — for extra volume at the crown, lightly tease the roots and set with a light hairspray. The finish is piecey and full rather than polished and smooth — perfect for casual, everyday wear.
How to style: Rough dry with fingers for 80 percent of the drying time, then finish with a round brush only at the crown and ends.
8. The Flipped Ends Blowout
Zendaya and Madelyn Cline recently donned the 90s blowout style, with Zendaya taking it one step further with a Pattie Boyd-esque twist — flipped ends. Instead of the classic inward bend, the ends flip outward and upward. On medium length hair, this creates a playful, youthful silhouette that sits perfectly at shoulder length.
How to style: Roll the round brush outward and upward at the ends instead of under. Set with a light mist of hairspray to hold the flip.
9. The Half-Up Blowout
Take all the volume of the classic 90s blowout and pull the top half loosely up. This is the most versatile version of the look — you get the full, bouncy lower section falling at the shoulders while the top creates a soft, voluminous crown. Perfect for days when you want the blowout to do double duty as a real hairstyle.
How to style: Complete the full blowout first. Then take the top section from temple to temple, gather loosely, and secure with a claw clip or a simple elastic slightly pulled through for a relaxed half-bun.
10. The Blowout with Butterfly Clips
The most unapologetically 90s version on this list. Take the full blowout and pin random sections at the sides or crown with butterfly clips — the iridescent, colourful kind that are everywhere again right now. Butterfly clips were a defining accessory of 90s hair, and they are fully back. This is the style for anyone who wants to commit fully to the decade rather than just nod at it.
How to style: Style the full blowout as normal. Once cooled and set, section off 1 to 2 inch pieces from the sides or front and clip them back with butterfly clips at varying angles.
Which Style Is Right for You?
| Look | Best For | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Supermodel | All hair types | Medium |
| Curtain Bangs | Oval and round faces | Medium |
| Face-Framing Layers | Fine hair | Medium |
| C-Wave | Wavy hair | Easy |
| Side Part Volume | Thick hair | Easy |
| Glossy Sleek | Straight hair | Medium |
| Textured Volume | Fine hair | Easy |
| Flipped Ends | Shoulder length | Easy |
| Half-Up Blowout | Everyday wear | Easy |
| Butterfly Clips | Fun and casual | Easy |
Final Thoughts
The 90s blowout on medium hair is one of those rare hairstyle categories where every variation works — from full supermodel volume to casual textured bounce. The decade gave us more iconic hair moments than almost any other, and every single one of them translates beautifully to medium length in 2025.
Pick the variation that fits your hair type and your lifestyle, master the round brush technique, and the rest takes care of itself.