A trip to the drugstore in 1998 meant leaving with a card of 20 butterfly clips, a pack of scrunchies and maybe a stretchy zigzag headband. These cheap, colorful accessories did more to define 90s hair than any haircut, and most of them are back.
Quick answer
The most iconic 90s hair accessories were butterfly clips, claw clips, scrunchies, zigzag comb headbands, snap clips, padded headbands, bandanas, rows of bobby pins, hair glitter and thread hair wraps. Claw clips and scrunchies are the easiest to wear every day now.
Clips
1 Butterfly clips
Tiny plastic clips with butterfly wings, often glittery or translucent. The late-90s hair accessory. See the zigzag-part tutorial in 90s hairstyles.
2 Claw clips
Big tortoiseshell or colored plastic claws for quick twists. Huge comeback.
3 Mini claw clips
Small claws lined along a part or used on twists.
4 Snap clips
Flat metal or enamel clips that snapped shut, often in bright colors.
5 Bobby pins in rows
Colored bobby pins lined up or crossed in X shapes.
6 Flower clips
A big flower clipped behind one ear.
7 Barrettes
Rhinestone or slogan barrettes.
Bands and ties
8 Scrunchies
Velvet, satin, chiffon or giant oversized scrunchies. Also worn on the wrist.
9 Ponytail holders with beads
Elastic ties with two plastic balls (and, yes, a famous sting when they snapped).
10 Spiral phone-cord ties
Coiled plastic hair ties.
11 Hair wraps
Embroidery thread wrapped around a thin section, often with beads. A summer camp classic.
Headbands and headwear
12 Zigzag stretch headbands
The flexible comb headband that left ridges in your hair.
13 Thin padded headbands
Velvet or satin, the preppy finish. See 90s preppy outfits.
14 Bandanas
Folded and tied as a headband or worn as a head scarf.
15 Elastic headbands
Thin stretch bands worn across the forehead.
16 Head scarves
Silk scarves tied under the chin or at the nape.
17 Baseball caps
With a ponytail pulled through the back.
Sparkle
18 Hair glitter
Glitter gel and spray-on sparkle.
19 Hair jewels
Stick-on gems along a part.
20 Tinsel strands
Shiny strands tied into the hair for parties.
| Accessory | Best for | Modern way to wear it |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly clips | Fine to medium hair | 2–3 clips at the front |
| Claw clip | All lengths | Quick twist, ends out at the top |
| Scrunchie | All | Low ponytail or on the wrist |
| Zigzag headband | Medium to long | With a sleek pony |
| Padded headband | All | With a blowout |
| Bandana | All | As a folded headband |
3 quick styles
The claw twist
Twist all hair up and clip. Done in 30 seconds.
Two clips at the front
Twist the front pieces back and secure with butterfly clips.
Scrunchie pony
Smooth low ponytail with a satin scrunchie and two face-framing strands.
Planning a 90s day at school? Butterfly clips and scrunchies are the cheapest way to look the part. See 90s day outfit ideas for school and the full list of 90s accessories.
Why accessories defined 90s hair
In the 90s, hair accessories were the easiest and cheapest way to follow trends. A new haircut cost money and took months to grow out, but a pack of clips cost a few dollars at the drugstore and could transform a look instantly. That made accessories the go-to way for teens and kids to experiment, and stores stocked endless variations in every color.
The butterfly clip phenomenon
Few accessories capture the late 90s like butterfly clips. Small, colorful and often glittery, they were worn in rows along a part, twisted into small sections at the front or scattered throughout the hair. Pop stars wore them in music videos and on magazine covers, and they became one of the defining images of 1998 and 1999.
The claw clip comeback
Claw clips were a practical favorite in the 90s, used for quick updos. In recent years they have become one of the biggest accessory comebacks, now made in sleek materials, muted colors and larger sizes. They are a perfect example of how 90s trends return in a more polished form.
Caring for your hair
Some 90s accessories, like tight elastics with metal parts, could damage hair. Today, satin scrunchies and smooth claw clips are gentler options. If you wear clips daily, vary placement to avoid stress on the same strands.
Conclusion
90s hair accessories are cheap, fun and easy to wear now. Start with a claw clip or a satin scrunchie for everyday wear, and save the full row of butterfly clips for parties. Pair them with a classic 90s hairstyle and a 90s makeup look.
Frequently asked questions
What hair accessories were popular in the 90s?
Popular 90s hair accessories included butterfly clips, claw clips, scrunchies, stretchy zigzag comb headbands, snap clips, thin padded headbands, bandanas, bobby pins in rows, hair glitter and hair wraps with thread.
How do you wear butterfly clips?
Twist small sections of hair at the front and secure each with a mini butterfly clip, or line clips along a zigzag part. For a modern version, use two or three clips, not a dozen.
Are claw clips 90s?
Yes. Claw clips were a 90s staple and have become one of the biggest hair accessory comebacks of recent years.
What is a zigzag headband?
A flexible plastic headband shaped in a zigzag with comb-like teeth that grip the hair, leaving a ridged pattern.
Where can I buy 90s hair accessories?
Drugstores, fast-fashion retailers and online shops sell 90s-style clips, claw clips and scrunchies. Vintage originals turn up at thrift stores.
Are scrunchies still in style?
Yes. Satin and silk scrunchies are popular again, partly because they are gentler on hair than tight elastics.