The 2024 Fashion Awards has brought a jaw-dropping array of style and beauty to London, with some of the biggest names in the industry stepping out in their most striking looks to date. Among the standout trends on the red carpet was a distinctly nostalgic beauty moment: the return of ‘90s tendrils.
Seen on the likes of Rihanna, Gemma Chan, and Venus Williams, amongst others in attendance, this throwback hairstyle proved its enduring appeal.
Tendrils—those carefully styled face-framing strands of hair—defined ‘90s beauty and were frequented on everyone from Drew Barrymore to Naomi Campbell. Back then, they softened sleek updos, in 2024, they feel just as relevant.
From peeking out from underneath Rihanna’s epic blue faux fur hat to giving Gemma Chan’s polished bun a chic finish, tendrils have the power to add a an effortless, romantic touch that always looks elegant.
Why does this trend feel fresh again? The Y2K revival dominating both beauty and fashion is part of the answer, but it’s also about finding balance. After years of ultra-polished, hyper-glamorous hair dominating the red carpet, tendrils offer a softer, more relaxed aesthetic that still reads as sleek.
The best part? It’s a look that’s genuinely easy to re-create. Start with your go-to updo—whether it’s a bun, ponytail, or half-up style—then pull out a few strands around your face. Use a curling wand or flat iron to gently wave them, and set with a light mist of hairspray for hold. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest details make the biggest impact.
Shop the Pieces You Need to Re-Create the '90s Tendrils Hair Trend
First, detangle your lengths with a lightweight spray such as this.
Once you've got your hair up as you want it, use a tail comb to tease out tendrils to the front of your hairline.
Fix in place with a strong hold hairspray.
Made your '90s tendril hair look even more polished by using a hair gloss before you style.
If you suffer from hair breakage in the tendril area, this was will help grip the uneven lengths together and make them sit flush with the rest of the tendril, all while still looking weightless. Trust me on this—a little of this stuff goes a long way.
