90s Blowout: How to Get That Supermodel Volume
Close your eyes and picture it: Cindy Crawford stepping out of a convertible, her hair a perfect, bouncy cascade. Claudia Schiffer on the runway, each strand moving in slow-motion unison. Christy Turlington in a photoshoot, with volume so immense it could block the sun. The 1990s supermodel wasn’t just a person; she was a phenomenon, and her hair was her halo. It was big, it was bold, it was brushed out to there, and it seemed to possess a life of its own.
For years, we’ve looked at those images with a mix of awe and frustration. In our age of beach waves and effortless texture, that level of polished, monumental volume felt like a lost art, a relic from a time of heavier hairsprays and even heavier styling techniques. But what if we told you the secrets aren’t lost? What if you could harness that power and walk out of your bathroom feeling like you just stepped off a Milanese catwalk?
Fear not, volume seekers. This is your ultimate guide to achieving the iconic 90s blowout. We’re diving deep into the tools, the techniques, and the tricks that defined an era of hair. Forget flat, lifeless strands. It’s time to bring big hair back.
The Foundation: It All Starts in the Shower
You cannot build a skyscraper on a weak foundation, and the same goes for 90s hair. The journey to mega-volume begins before you even pick up your blow dryer. Your shampoo and conditioner choices are critical. Put down those heavy, moisturizing formulas. While great for taming frizz or hydrating parched ends, they will weigh your hair down before you even begin.
Instead, opt for a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. Look for keywords like “body,” “lift,” or “strength” on the bottle. These products are specifically designed to cleanse without depositing heavy residues that flatten the hair. A pro tip from the era: only apply conditioner from your mid-lengths to your ends. Avoid the root area at all costs. The natural oils from your scalp provide enough moisture up there; adding more is just asking for limpness.
When you get out of the shower, your treatment isn’t over. How you dry your hair matters. Vigorously rubbing it with a terrycloth towel can cause breakage and create a frizzy, chaotic base to work with. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. This method is kinder to your hair’s cuticle, setting the stage for a smooth, controlled blowout.
The Product Pantheon: Mousse, Spray, and Everything in Between
If the 90s blowout had a holy trinity, it would be Root Lifter, Volumizing Mousse, and Hairspray. These are your building blocks, your structural supports. Applying the right products to wet hair is non-negotiable.
Start with a volumizing mousse or a root-lifting spray applied directly to your roots. Lift sections of your hair and spray or foam the product at the base. This is where you create the “lift” that the entire style depends on. Don’t be shy—coat those roots. Next, run a light-hold styling spray or a texturizing mist through the lengths of your hair. This gives the rest of your hair some “grip” and memory, making it easier to style and hold a curl.
A word of caution: While we remember the 90s for its helmet-head hold, the modern approach is about balance. You want hold and volume without the crispy, unnatural feel. Using too much product is a common mistake. Start with a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse for medium to long hair and adjust from there.
The Tools of the Trade: Your Blow Dryer is Your Best Friend
Forget the Dyson airwrap for a moment—the classic 90s blowout was achieved with two things: a powerful blow dryer and a high-quality, round brush. The brush is crucial. You’ll want a mix: a large round brush for overall volume and smoothness, and a smaller, tapered round brush for curling under the ends and tackling tricky sections around the face.
The technique is everything. Start by blowing your hair about 80% dry, just to get the majority of the moisture out. Then, section your hair. This is the most important step most people skip. Clip the top half of your hair up and start with the bottom, under-layers.
Take a one-to-two-inch section of hair. Place your round brush under the section, close to the roots. As you bring the blow dryer down the hair shaft (always pointing the nozzle downward to smooth the cuticle), pull the brush upward and outward, tension is your friend. Hold the hair taut on the brush for a few seconds with the heat, then hit it with a blast of cool air to set the shape. Repeat this process meticulously, section by section, until you’ve worked your way around your entire head.
The Secret Weapon: Teasing and Backcombing
This is the step that separates the meek from the magnificent. Teasing, backcombing, ratting—whatever you call it, this is the engine of 90s volume. Modern hairstyling has tried to demonize it, but when done correctly, it’s harmless and utterly transformative.
Once your hair is fully smooth and blown out, it’s time to build the structure. Take a front section where you want the most height—typically the crown. Hold it straight up. Using a fine-tooth comb, start about halfway down the length of the section and gently comb downward, toward your scalp, in short, gentle strokes. You are essentially pushing the hair fibers backward to create a cushion of air and texture at the root.
Do this 2-3 times on that same subsection, then move slightly higher and repeat. Be gentle to avoid snapping hairs. Once you’ve teased the base, gently smooth the very top layer of hair over the teased section, using a brush or comb to create a seamless, polished surface. You’ve just created invisible volume that will last all day. This technique is what gave the supermodels that incredible height at the crown without a single visible tangle.
The Final Flourish: The Power of Hairspray
No 90s blowout is complete without its finishing shield: hairspray. But it’s not just a quick spritz at the end. The technique matters. To lock in that incredible volume you’ve just built with your teasing, you need to set it.
Lift the front sections of your hair at the roots and give a short, targeted burst of hairspray right at the base. Do not soak it; you’re just misting the area to lock the teased fibers in place. Then, hold the can about 10-12 inches away from your head and give a light, all-over mist to finish. This final layer catches any flyaways and sets the overall style without making it look stiff or “hairsprayed.”
For an extra touch of authenticity, take a large-barrel curling iron and curl a few face-framing pieces away from your face, then brush them out slightly for that big, soft, brushed-out wave that was so iconic.
Modern Twists on a Classic Look
While we’re celebrating the pure, unadulterated glory of the 90s blowout, it’s okay to adapt it for modern life. Maybe you don’t want to commit to the full, all-over volume. The good news is the techniques are versatile.
For a more lived-in, modern version, skip the all-over smoothing with the round brush. Instead, blow-dry your hair for volume and root lift, but let it air-dry or diffuse the rest of the way for a more natural texture. Then, focus your teasing and hairspray only at the crown for that “Pineapple” effect—high volume on top with looser, more effortless waves below.
You can also use dry shampoo as a pre-styler on second-day hair. Not only does it absorb oil, but it also adds incredible texture and grit, making it easier to tease and hold volume. It’s a 90s trick with a 21st-century product.
Embrace the Big Hair Energy
Mastering the 90s supermodel blowout is more than just a hairstyle; it’s an attitude. It’s confidence. It’s the feeling that your hair enters a room three seconds before you do. It takes practice, and your arms might be sore after the first few attempts, but the result is so worth it.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little flat, don’t just reach for the dry shampoo. Block out an hour, put on a great playlist, and commit to the process. Section, blow-dry, tease, and spray. Channel your inner Linda, Naomi, or Cindy. Walk out that door with your head held high, and let your magnificent, voluminous hair do the talking.
