The 1990s was a decade of bold and unique fashion choices, and black hair styles were no exception. From iconic box braids to sleek pixie cuts, the 90s saw a variety of trends that continue to inspire and influence the beauty industry today. One of the most popular black hair styles of the 90s was the Jheri curl, made famous by celebrities like Michael Jackson and Eazy-E. This style featured tight, glossy curls that required frequent moisturizing and maintenance to keep its shape. Another trend that dominated the 90s was cornrows, often adorned with colorful beads or hair accessories. This style was not only fashionable, but also functional for keeping hair out of the face and off the neck during the hot summer months. For those looking for a more edgy and daring look, dreadlocks were a popular choice in the 90s. This style, traditionally associated with Rastafarian culture, became mainstream in the 90s and was often worn by celebrities like Lauryn Hill and Whoopi Goldberg.Black Hair Styles in 1990
The 90s also saw an increase in black hair advertisements, as companies began to recognize and cater to the unique needs of black hair. Many of these ads featured beautiful black models with natural hair, promoting products specifically designed for their hair textures. One of the most notable advertisements from the 90s was for Dark & Lovely, a hair care brand that specializes in products for black women. Their campaign featured models with a range of natural hair styles, showcasing the versatility and beauty of black hair. SoftSheen-Carson was another popular hair care brand in the 90s, known for its line of relaxers and treatments for black hair. Their advertisements often featured before and after transformations, highlighting the effectiveness of their products. Some companies even teamed up with celebrities to promote their products. For example, L'Oreal featured actress and singer Brandy in their advertisements for their black hair care line, showcasing her iconic braided hairstyles.Black Hair Advertisements from 1990
Aside from specific hair styles and advertisements, the 90s also saw some overarching trends in black hair care and fashion. One of the biggest trends was the embrace of natural hair, as more black women began to reject damaging relaxers and embrace their natural hair textures. The 90s also saw a rise in the use of hair accessories such as headbands, scrunchies, and hair clips. These accessories were often used to add a pop of color and style to braids and other natural hairstyles. Another trend that emerged in the 90s was the use of hair extensions to achieve longer and fuller hair. This trend was particularly popular with black women, as extensions could provide a seamless blend with their natural hair.1990 Black Hair Trends
As black hair care became more mainstream in the 90s, so did the advertisements for these products. Many companies began to highlight the importance of proper hair care and maintenance, and the impact it can have on the health and appearance of black hair. One popular ad campaign was for Mizani, a hair care brand that focuses on healthy hair and scalp. Their ads emphasized the importance of using quality products and techniques to maintain strong and beautiful hair. ORS (formerly known as Organic Root Stimulator) also had a strong presence in the 90s, promoting their natural hair care products and educating consumers on the benefits of using natural ingredients for hair health.Black Hair Care Ads from the 90s
In addition to the iconic Jheri curl, cornrows, and dreadlocks, the 90s saw a variety of other popular black hair styles. Sleek, straight hair was a staple for many black women, achieved through the use of relaxers and flat irons. Short hairstyles also gained popularity in the 90s, with celebrities like Halle Berry and Nia Long sporting chic pixie cuts and bobs. These styles were often easy to maintain and offered a bold and confident look for black women. For those who preferred longer hair, weaves and wigs were a popular choice. These styles allowed for endless versatility and were often used to achieve the iconic goddess braids and fulani braids that were popular in the 90s.Popular Black Hair Styles in the 90s
The 90s saw a boom in black hair products, with a wide range of options for different hair types and styles. From shampoos and conditioners to styling products and treatments, there was something for everyone in the 90s. One of the most iconic products of the 90s was Blue Magic Hair & Scalp Conditioner, a moisturizing and conditioning product that was a staple in many black households. Its signature blue color and distinctive scent made it a recognizable and beloved product. The 90s also saw the introduction of sulfate-free and paraben-free products, as consumers began to pay more attention to the ingredients in their hair care products. Brands like SheaMoisture and Cantu capitalized on this trend, offering natural and organic options for black hair.Black Hair Products in the 1990s
Many black hair advertisements from the 90s focused not only on promoting products, but also on celebrating the unique beauty and versatility of black hair. These campaigns often featured diverse models with a range of hair textures and styles. Black Beauty was a popular hair care brand in the 90s, known for their ads that featured beautiful black women with natural hair. Their messages of self-love and embracing one's natural beauty resonated with many black women. The 90s was also a time for inclusivity in the beauty industry, with brands like Revlon featuring black models and actresses in their advertisements for hair products. This helped to break down barriers and promote diversity in the mainstream beauty world.90s Black Hair Ad Campaigns
Black hair styles in the 90s often went hand in hand with fashion trends of the decade. For example, box braids were often paired with oversized clothing and bold accessories, while sleek and straight hair was often seen with crop tops and high-waisted jeans. Hair scarves, bandanas, and headwraps were also popular fashion accessories in the 90s, often used to add a pop of color and personality to natural hair styles. The 90s also saw a resurgence of afros, as more black women embraced their natural hair textures and celebrated their cultural heritage. This trend continues to be a symbol of pride and empowerment for many black individuals today.Black Hair Fashion in the 90s
The 90s saw the rise of many black supermodels, who not only graced the covers of fashion magazines, but also became the faces of major black hair care brands. These models, such as Tyra Banks, Veronica Webb, and Alek Wek, helped to break down beauty standards and promote diversity in the fashion and beauty industries. One of the most iconic black hair models of the 90s was Naomi Campbell, known for her striking features and iconic hair styles. She was often seen sporting sleek, straight hair or voluminous curls, solidifying her status as a style icon for black women.1990s Black Hair Models
The 90s was a time for bold and influential black celebrities, many of whom were featured in hair care advertisements. Janet Jackson, for example, was a spokesperson for Pro-Line, a brand known for its range of relaxers and styling products for black hair. Actress Nia Long also appeared in ads for Dark & Lovely, promoting the brand's line of hair care products for black women. Her signature short hair styles were often featured in the ads, showcasing the versatility of natural hair. These advertisements not only promoted products, but also highlighted the beauty and influence of black celebrities in the 90s.Black Hair Advertisements Featuring 90s Celebrities