The 90s Blowout Is Back: How to Get the Ultimate Bouncy Blow Dry in Brighton
The 90s Blowout Is Back: How to Get the Ultimate Bouncy Blow Dry in Brighton
Some hair trends come and go.
Others quietly become classics.
The 90s blowout falls firmly into the second category.
Think glossy volume, soft movement, face-framing layers and hair that looks effortlessly luxurious rather than overly styled. It's the kind of hair that catches the light, moves beautifully as you walk and somehow looks just as good hours later as it did when you left the salon.
At House of Kingshott in Fiveways, we've seen more and more clients asking for this look—and it's easy to see why. From red carpets to social media, the modern 90s blowout has become the hairstyle of the moment. But what many people don't realise is that achieving it isn't about using more products or buying the latest styling tool.
It's about technique.
And one of the biggest secrets behind a truly long-lasting blowout is something hairdressers have trusted for decades: pin curls.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed with the 90s Blowout?
The return of the 90s aesthetic has influenced everything from fashion to beauty, but hair has arguably seen the biggest revival.
Instead of poker-straight styles, we're seeing hair with movement, bounce and softness. It's polished without looking stiff, glamorous without feeling overdone.
Much of this inspiration comes from icons such as Cindy Crawford's signature volume and today's modern interpretations worn by celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Kaia Gerber and Sofia Richie Grainge.
The common thread?
Healthy-looking hair with incredible body.
Unlike tight curls or beach waves, a 90s blowout celebrates smoothness and shine while still creating plenty of lift at the roots and movement through the lengths.
Quick Take
A modern 90s blowout is defined by volume, softness, shine and effortless movement—not overly curled or rigid hair.
What Actually Makes a Blowout Look "90s"?
There's much more to this style than simply drying your hair with a round brush.
A true 90s-inspired blowout combines several techniques that work together.
Lift at the Crown
Volume starts at the roots.
Rather than flattening the hair against the scalp, we focus on creating natural lift that lasts throughout the day.
Soft, Rounded Shape
The ends shouldn't be poker straight.
Instead, they gently curve under or away from the face, giving the hair that unmistakable supermodel finish.
Movement
Hair should flow naturally.
When you turn your head, it should move beautifully without looking heavy or weighed down.
Glossy Finish
Healthy hair reflects light.
Professional products, careful drying techniques and finishing touches all contribute to that expensive-looking shine.
Face-Framing Layers
If your haircut includes long layers or curtain fringe, a 90s blowout enhances them beautifully, opening up the face and creating softness around the cheekbones.
Quick Take
The best 90s blowouts combine volume, shine, movement and soft shaping rather than obvious curls.
The Secret Most People Don't Know: Pin Curls
One of the questions we hear most often is:
"How does a salon blow dry last so much longer than when I do it at home?"
The answer is surprisingly simple.
After the hair has been blow dried, we often allow each section to cool in carefully placed pin curls.
This gives the hair time to set in its new shape before it's brushed out.
It might sound like an old-fashioned technique, but it's still one of the most effective ways to create long-lasting volume and movement.
Rather than dropping flat after an hour or two, the hair keeps its shape for much longer.
It's a small detail that makes a remarkable difference.
Why Cooling Matters
Hair is incredibly responsive to heat—but it's the cooling process that locks the shape into place.
By allowing each section to cool completely before releasing it, the style becomes far more durable.
It's one of those professional techniques that clients often don't see, but always notice in the finished result.
Quick Take
Pin curls help the hair cool in shape, creating longer-lasting volume, bounce and movement than blow drying alone.
Is a Dyson Airwrap the Same as a Professional Blow Dry?
The Dyson Airwrap is a fantastic styling tool and can achieve beautiful results at home.
But it's important to remember that the tool itself isn't what creates a luxury blowout.
Technique always comes first.
In the salon, we're constantly adjusting brush tension, airflow, section size, direction and elevation based on your individual hair.
No two blow dries are identical because no two heads of hair are identical.
Professional stylists also know how to adapt techniques for:
fine hair
thick hair
extensions
naturally curly hair
layered cuts
shorter styles
The result is a blow dry that's completely tailored to you.
Quick Take
A professional blow dry is about far more than the tools—it combines expert technique, personalised styling and finishing methods that help the look last.
Who Suits a 90s Blowout?
One of the reasons this style has become so popular is its versatility.
Whether your hair is shoulder length or long, naturally straight or gently wavy, a 90s blowout can usually be adapted to suit you.
It's particularly flattering if you have:
long layers
butterfly cuts
curtain bangs
face-framing pieces
balayage
highlights
The added movement helps showcase colour beautifully by reflecting light throughout the hair.
Even clients with finer hair are often surprised by just how much fullness a professional blow dry can create.
How to Make Your Blow Dry Last Longer
A beautiful blow dry shouldn't disappear the moment you leave the salon.
Here are a few tips we regularly share with clients.
Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Reducing friction helps preserve the shape overnight while also minimising frizz.
Avoid Touching Your Hair
The more you run your fingers through it, the quicker the style relaxes.
Use a Dry Shampoo Before It Looks Oily
Applying dry shampoo at the roots before excess oil appears helps maintain lift for longer.
Brush Gently
A soft bristle brush keeps the hair smooth while maintaining movement.
Book Regular Blow Dries
Many of our clients enjoy a weekly luxury blow dry as part of their self-care routine, especially before busy working weeks, weekends away or special occasions.
Quick Take
With the right aftercare, a professional blow dry can stay looking fresh and full of movement for several days.
Why Clients Love a Luxury Blow Dry at House of Kingshott
A great blow dry isn't just about leaving the salon with beautiful hair.
It's about how you feel afterwards.
At House of Kingshott, every blow dry is personalised to your hair type, face shape and the finish you love most.
Some clients want understated movement for everyday confidence.
Others are preparing for weddings, celebrations, race days or evenings out and want unmistakable glamour.
Whatever the occasion, our focus is always the same:
Healthy-looking hair.
Beautiful movement.
Lasting volume.
And a relaxed salon experience where you never feel rushed.
Located in Fiveways, we're proud to welcome clients from Brighton, Hove, Preston Park and across Sussex who return time and again because they know their hair is in experienced hands.
Ready for Your Own 90s Blowout?
If you've been inspired by the effortless glamour filling your Instagram feed or simply miss the days when your hair had a little more bounce, we'd love to help.
Whether you're visiting for a special occasion or treating yourself to a little everyday luxury, a professional blow dry is one of the simplest ways to transform how your hair looks—and how you feel.
Book your appointment at House of Kingshott and let us create a blowout that's tailored entirely to you.
Because great hair never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 90s blowout?
A 90s blowout is a voluminous blow dry with soft movement, glossy shine and face-framing shape. It's inspired by the iconic supermodel hairstyles of the 1990s while using modern styling techniques.
Why do salons use pin curls after a blow dry?
Pin curls allow the hair to cool in its new shape, helping the style last much longer while creating extra bounce and movement.
How long should a professional blow dry last?
With the right products and home care, a salon blow dry can often last between three and five days, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
Can I have a 90s blowout on fine hair?
Yes. Fine hair often benefits from a professional blow dry because expert techniques create lift and body without making the hair feel heavy.
Is a 90s blowout suitable for weddings or special occasions?
Absolutely. It's a timeless style that's perfect for wedding guests, celebrations, race days, parties and any occasion where you want polished, glamorous hair.