If you grew up anywhere near the ‘90s or early 2000s, you probably remember how seriously we all took prom hair. Like, there were entire prom magazines dedicated to it—glossy pages full of vintage prom hairstyles, sparkly accessories, and enough hairspray to single-handedly thin the ozone layer. My friends and I treated those magazines like sacred texts. We circled our dream looks, debated the merits of voluminous bouncy hair, and practiced twisting our bangs into those dramatic curled ends hairstyles that only looked good from exactly one angle.
Honestly, the 90s prom hair vibe was a whole personality. And now? It’s back—hard. Thanks to Miley Cyrus (who’s basically on a nostalgic beauty world tour lately), we’re getting a full-on 90s inspired hair comeback… but somehow she makes it look casual. Everyday. Like, “I just tossed my hair into a masterpiece while brushing my teeth” levels of casual.
This whole nostalgic moment reminds me of that time she stepped back into her signature era in Miley Cyrus Revives Hannah Montana Style—the girl has range when it comes to iconic hair moments.
So let’s talk about Miley Cyrus 90s hair, why it suddenly feels fresh again, and how she pulled off the ultimate prom hair ideas 90s look without looking like she’s headed to an auditorium decorated in plastic streamers.
The Look That Walked Out of a ’90s Prom Magazine and Onto Jimmy Kimmel Live
Picture this: Miley shows up on Jimmy Kimmel Live looking like she time-traveled right out of one of those old prom hairstyle guides we used to worship. Her dark blonde hair—highlighted to perfection—was parted deeply to the side and slicked up into a high bun perched right on the crown of her head. But this wasn’t your “every hair pinned within an inch of its life” ballerina bun. No. This was the cool cousin.
Miley went full casual glam hairstyles meets retro hair trends. The ends of her bun were left sticking out in that very intentional, spiky ’90s-style texture we all tried to do for school dances but somehow ended up looking like porcupines. And just to make things extra dramatic, she left one massive tendril cascading down the side of her face like every rom-com heroine from 1997 to 2003.
Honestly? I saw that tendril and instantly smelled glitter body spray.
This moment is basically the poster child for celebrity hair trends, soft glam hair, and effortless 90s hair all rolled into one.
And if you need a modern comparison, think of the spiky, textured vibe behind the look in Rita Ora Soft Service Ice Cream Hair—lots of playful edges, lots of personality.
The Prom Flashbacks Are Flashing Hard
The second I saw Miley’s bun, my brain instantly pulled up a mental slideshow of every prom look I’d ever dog-eared in those old magazines. I could easily see her hairstyle paired with a shimmery orange two-piece gown, complete with matching glittery heels and a beaded choker. You know the exact look I’m talking about.
This vibe fits right into the current Hollywood hairstyle trends, where stars are fully embracing nostalgic beauty looks and throwback fashion and beauty moments—even if they weren’t actually alive when these styles were trending the first time.
It’s all part of a bigger hair revival trend. Just look at the dramatic bouffant in Zendaya Bouffant at Paris Fashion Week—another nod to elevated, high-volume hair with a retro twist. The past isn’t just influencing today’s beauty world; it’s basically running the show.
Celebrities Are Bringing Back the Prom Updo… Again
Miley’s not the only one tapping into this wave of celebrity beauty trends. The entire Y2K aesthetic is back—claw clips, micro mini skirts, frosted makeup—and of course, Y2K hair trends like the iconic tendril updo.
See also: Hailey Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo, who both recently showed up wearing updos that look like they were styled by that one girl in your homeroom who always carried bobby pins and a mini bottle of hairspray. Their looks could absolutely have made it onto the glossy pages of a 2004 prom guide, but they somehow feel brand new when paired with today’s minimalist, “clean girl” fashion.
Even dramatic transformations like the one in Lady Gaga Ditches Jellyfish Cut for a Bob tie into this bigger trend: celebrities bringing back old-school hairstyles and giving them a modern twist.
So… How Did Miley Make Prom Hair Look Casual?
Honestly? She simplified it. She took the bones of vintage prom hairstyles and stripped away the “three-hour salon appointment” energy. Instead of polished ends, everything’s tousled. Instead of perfect symmetry, there’s the one dramatic tendril doing its own thing. Instead of a loud dress screaming for attention, she paired the hair with an effortlessly chic outfit.
It’s the perfect example of modern 90s hairstyles—recognizable but not costume-y. Stylish, not stiff. It’s basically the hair version of wearing your old prom jewelry with a hoodie and somehow making it look intentional.
She created a look that hits that sweet spot between everyday glam hair and red-carpet-ready red carpet hair inspiration. Personally? I love it.
Want the Look? Here’s How to Recreate Miley Cyrus’ ’90s Prom Hair (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you’re itching to try this trend yourself, here’s an everyday 90s hairstyle tutorial that’s as simple as it gets:
1. Start With Volume
Think layered hair with volume or soft curls with volume. A blowout—especially a 90s blowout hair—gives the whole updo a smoother, fuller base.
2. Slick the Top
Use a light gel or cream to sweep your hair into a high ponytail. Don’t worry about making it perfect. This is casual 90s hair, not auditioning-for-Swan-Lake-hair.
3. Twist and Pin
Twist the pony, wrap it into a bun, and—this is key—leave the ends sticking out. That’s how you get the spiky 90s prom hair energy.
4. Pull Out a Tendril
Pick your more flattering side. Or the side you prefer for selfies. No judgment.
5. Add Shine
A little gloss spray gives that soft glam hair finish.
For products, go for light-hold gels, volume mousses, and shine sprays. Basically, the best products for 90s glam hair are anything that gives hold without making you crunchy.
That’s it. Seriously. That’s the whole 90s prom hair step by step routine.
The Trend Isn’t Going Anywhere
Between Miley, Hailey, Zendaya, and half the red carpets we’ve seen this year, celebrity-inspired 90s hairstyles are having a moment. And honestly? They deserve it. They’re cute, they’re fun, they’re flattering, and unlike the real prom hair era—you don’t need 47 bobby pins and your mom yelling, “Hold still!” for them to work.
For more inspo on how to wear updos in a fresh, modern way, check out Hailey Bieber’s Spring Updo. It’s basically the blueprint for how to style casual 90s hair without looking like you’re headed to a school dance.
Whether you’re trying this for a night out or just for fun on a random Tuesday, Miley Cyrus hairstyle trends prove one thing: the past is back—and this time, we’re skipping the crunchy hairspray.
And honestly? Bless.
