Grunge hair was one of the most key, defining aspects of 1990s youth culture. Young people adapted Bantu knots, childlike pigtails, and princess hair to augment their laid-back style. Wild colors went mainstream. Check out the surprising amount of work that went into some of these "whatever" styles.
Go Unnatural
One key for grunge hair was obviously unnatural color. Just look at Gwen Stefani's bubblegum pink locks. If you dye your hair, it's best to show some root rather than touch up frequently.
Flatten It Out
Although grunge was about looking like you weren't putting any effort into your appearance, long and lanky locks were in. Whether it was a bob or long, gothic, dark hair, Gen-X hair can indeed be flat-ironed. Part down the center or on the side and rock your new style.
Look to Your Youth
Grunge hair mixed childlike innocence with young adult sass. This grunge hair style was so pervasive that eventually pop acts straight-up adopted it. Of course, your makeup shouldn't be too bright. Brown lipstick and the word "whatever" are your best friends here.
Vintage, Baby, Vintage
Alongside the grunge movement was the swing kid revival, and there was some overlap. Drew Barrymore's short hair paired with vintage gowns are a perfect example of the trend.
Exotic Inspiration
In the '90s, a lot of tribal-inspired trends hit popular culture. Mohawks, fauxhawks, and hair styles inspired by braids and Bantu knots were in. No Doubt with Gwen Stefani were among the rock stars who best demonstrated this trend.
Image via Pinterest
Up and Down
A twist on the above styles was to mix it up. Grunge kids never wanted to look too put together, so a couple buns on top of the head and otherwise natural hair was a common look. A great example of this is Mel B, or Scary Spice as she was known back then.
Hair Accessories
The childlike attitude carried over into hair accessories. Courtney Love and Minnie Driver were both known for wearing plastic in their hair. In
Good Will Hunting, Driver's character wore the sleek and upscale Goody Classics Snap Hair Clip, $5. Plastic tiaras paired with vintage tea dresses were Courtney Love's answer to formalwear. If you've got a prom to head to, may we suggest taking her lead?
Keep it Dirty
Generation X was reacting, in part, to the preppy, carefully groomed 80s. Getting the Claire Danes look is pretty simple - just go a couple days without washing your hair. Alternatively, you can use the Ulta Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to give your hair some oomph for $5.99.
Grungy Waves
Somewhat linked to the greasy trend was the bedhead look. Again, texturizing spray is your friend here. You can also twist your hair, then flat iron the twists to get this look. Early- to mid-90s Drew Barrymore rocked this classic grunge hair look pretty frequently.
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