How to Style Modern '90s Heartthrob Hair
The center-parted, effortlessly cool hairstyles made famous by stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Devon Sawa are finding new life on today’s red carpets. “Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams has become one of the defining faces of the modern revival, with his hockey hair helping bring the iconic silhouette back into the spotlight.
Celebrity hairstylist Aika Flores (@by.aikaflores) shares the styling routine behind the look, including how she builds the foundation, creates root lift, adds lightweight shine and refines the finish with natural-looking separation.
What Defines Modern ’90s Heartthrob Hair?
Modern ’90s heartthrob hair is defined by:
- Soft movement
- Longer layers that encourage natural flow
- Piecey front sections
- A lived-in, touchable finish
- Natural-looking shine
Aika says today’s version favors movement, touchable texture and a finish that feels natural rather than overstyled. “The inspiration definitely pulls from the ’90s—the movement, the longer layers, the middle or sometimes 60/40 part—but the execution feels a little bit more modern.”
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Before styling begins, Aika says the haircut lays the groundwork for the finished look. “The foundation needs to have the right shape and layers to encourage the natural movement,” she explains. “I like to work with the natural movement instead of fighting it. The right layering and texturizing remove unnecessary bulk while preserving shape, so the hair naturally falls where you want it to.”
Tap through the images to see more of the look:
Step 1: Build the Foundation on Damp Hair
Aika’s styling routine begins on damp hair with Redken One United to hydrate, protect from heat and create the foundation for styling. She then applies Redken Acidic Grow Full System Instant Densifying Hair Spray at the roots to create lightweight lift and the appearance of fuller hair while maintaining the style’s soft movement.
Step 2: Add Shine Without Weighing Hair Down
Once the foundation is in place, Aika enhances the hair’s natural movement with Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil. Applied through the midlengths and ends, the lightweight oil adds softness and healthy-looking shine without weighing the hair down.
Step 3: Create Piecey Separation
Aika finishes with Redken Spray Wax, misting it throughout the hair before scrunching and separating sections with her fingers to create lived-in texture. Today’s version is less polished and less precious,” Aika says. “It’s about hair that feels effortless, touchable and authentic while, of course, still being camera-ready.”
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