The 2026 Oscars red carpet was essentially a love letter to the '90s. Hollywood's A-listers ditched minimalism and embraced the volume, texture, and iconic silhouettes of the decade, proving that some trends are truly timeless. From reimagined pixies to supermodel-worthy blowouts, here’s a look at the standout retro hair moments of the night.
Trend 1: The Pixie & Bixie Revival
Short hair made a powerful statement, with the "Bixie"—a hybrid of a bob and a pixie—taking center stage.
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Gracie Abrams perfectly embodied the modern Bixie with an edgy side sweep. The look was a direct nod to '90s icons like Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz, who famously rocked the cut.
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Zendaya debuted a polished version of her new Bixie. Her celebrity stylist revealed the Oscars were the perfect occasion to elevate her natural texture. To achieve the sleek, high-shine finish, the look was crafted with classic Velcro rollers and a strong-hold hairspray.
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Nominee Teyana Taylor opted for a wavy pixie cut that instantly evoked memories of Halle Berry's legendary hairstyle from the late '90s and early 2000s, including when she won her Oscar in 2002.
Trend 2: The Bob—Geometric, Blunt & Flippy
The bob haircut, a '90s staple, returned in several exciting variations, each with its own personality.
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Emma Stone's flippy auburn bob was an immediate showstopper. The playful, outward-curled ends added movement and a flirtatious energy, reminiscent of Calista Flockhart's iconic look on the mid-'90s show Ally McBeal.
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Regina Hall brought back the '90s supermodel blunt bob. The sharp, structured cut provided a chic, geometric frame that perfectly complemented her asymmetrical gown, creating a cohesive and powerful silhouette.
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At the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Zoey Deutch offered a modern take on '90s minimalism. Her stylist focused on "clean lines and minimalism with a dash of glamour." A flat iron was used to subtly curve the ends inward, creating a sleek, high-shine shape that was a refined update on a classic.
Trend 3: The Supermodel Blowout—Va Va Voom Volume
For those who brought the drama, the '90s supermodel blowout was the only way to go. Think sky-high volume and effortless texture.
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Danielle Brooks delivered the ultimate "va va voom" moment with her tousled, voluminous waves. The look was pure, unapologetic glamour and confidence, capturing the essence of '90s fashion runways.
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Kathy Bates showcased a sophisticated take with her windblown silver waves. The dramatic curvature and the elegant side-swept bang were pure old-Hollywood glamour filtered through a distinctly '90s lens.
Trend 4: Voluminous Curls—Big, Bold & Natural
Finally, the red carpet celebrated big, bold curls, with stars embracing their natural texture in a way that echoed '90s icons.
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Alice Carvalho made a stunning impression by showcasing her gorgeous, voluminous natural curls. The bold texture and abundant volume were a direct callback to the era of Lisa Bonet and Julia Roberts, when big curls ruled the red carpet.
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Odessa A’zion stuck to her signature dark, shaggy curls. The cut, full of layers and texture, added a modern, rock-and-roll edge to the '90s-inspired voluminous curl trend, making for an unforgettable look.
The Final Takeaway
The 2026 Oscars were more than just an awards show; they were a testament to the enduring power of '90s style. By revisiting and subtly modernizing these iconic looks, the stars and their stylists didn't just replicate the past—they honored it, proving that true style is cyclical and always worth revisiting.
