Black Hair in the 90s
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When the Culture Took Over
The 90s were a time like no other. Black folks were in our bag—on the radio, on TV, on the big screen, and in the streets. Everything about the 90s was bold, iconic, and full of flavor, and Black hair was no exception. Whether you were rocking box braids like Brandy, cornrows like Allen Iverson, or finger waves like Missy Elliott, your hair spoke before you even said a word.
Let’s take it back to the era of Baby Phat, gold hoops, and Timberlands. When your hair wasn’t just a style—it was a movement.
Box Braids: The Brandy Effect If you didn’t want box braids after watching Brandy on Moesha, were you even living in the 90s? Box braids weren’t just a style; they were a lifestyle. They said, “I’m fly, I’m carefree, and I can do anything.” Whether they were waist-length or bobbed, with beads or without, box braids were the ultimate protective style.
And let’s not forget how versatile they were. You could wear them down, throw them in a high bun, or even twist them into a crown. Box braids were—and still are—a love letter to Black culture.
Cornrows: From Allen Iverson to Destiny’s Child Cornrows in the 90s were about precision and artistry. Allen Iverson made them mainstream on the basketball court, and Destiny’s Child brought them to the red carpet. Cornrows weren’t just about keeping your hair laid; they were a canvas for creativity.
Designs, zig-zags, and intricate patterns turned heads everywhere. And the best part? They were low-maintenance, long-lasting, and unapologetically Black. Cornrows were a quiet flex that said, “I see you, but you can’t do it like me.”
Finger Waves: The Slick and Chic Look If box braids were for the carefree queens, finger waves were for the girls who liked to keep it sharp. Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, and even Halle Berry rocked these laid, slick styles that stayed locked in place no matter what. Finger waves said, “I can be edgy and elegant at the same time.”
It wasn’t just a style; it was a commitment. Those waves required precision, gel, and a steady hand. But once they were set? Baby, you were untouchable.
The Afro Renaissance Even though the 70s gave us the original Afro, the 90s brought it back with a twist. Lauryn Hill showed us how to rock natural hair with confidence, and the Neo-Soul movement made Afros feel fresh and modern.
The 90s Afro wasn’t just about size—it was about texture, shape, and embracing your roots. It reminded us that natural hair isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful.
The Rise of Weaves and Extensions Let’s not forget about the era when sew-ins and quick weaves became a thing. Long, sleek hair with a middle part was all the rage, and Black women took the beauty supply game to new heights. From Kandi in Xscape to Aaliyah with her signature swoop bang, we mastered the art of versatility.
Weaves weren’t just about length; they were about options. You could be long and flowing one day, then short and chic the next. It was all about being whoever you wanted to be whenever you wanted to be it.
The Beauty Supply Store Vibes
If you didn’t spend your Saturdays at the beauty supply store in the 90s, were you even living? That was the spot. You’d go in for some braid hair and leave with hoop earrings, lip gloss, and a fresh pair of lashes.
The beauty supply store was more than a place to buy products—it was a cultural hub. It was where you’d catch up on neighborhood gossip, try out new products, and figure out your next hairstyle. It was a reminder that Black women have always created spaces for themselves, even when the world tried to shut us out.
Made in Black America: A Legacy of Excellence At Grow Your Edges Back, we carry the 90s energy in everything we do. Our products are designed to keep your hair healthy, your edges strong, and your confidence sky-high. From our braiding gel to our growth oil, every product is made for us, by us.
The Legacy Lives On The 90s were a vibe, a mood, and a moment. They reminded us that Black hair isn’t just hair—it’s culture, identity, and pride. Whether you were rocking braids, finger waves, or an Afro, your hair told a story.
So here’s to the styles that defined a decade. Here’s to the creativity, the artistry, and the beauty that only Black women can bring. And here’s to carrying that 90s energy into every twist, braid, and curl we wear today.