How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 1990
Sweety Karlak
In 1990, women’s hair care focused on volume, bold styles, and chemical treatments. Big hair, perms, and layered cuts dominated the era. Natural hair care and minimal-product routines were almost nonexistent, as women prioritized style over long-term health.
This blog explores the most popular hair care routines, treatments, and trends women followed in 1990.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Frequent washing was standard:
50–60% washed hair daily
20–25% washed every 2–3 days
Dry shampoo was rarely used
Women valued clean, shiny hair, often stripping natural oils in the process.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Conditioners were used occasionally, deep treatments were rare:
40–45% used conditioner regularly
3–5% applied hair masks weekly
The goal was mainly detangling and shine rather than repair.
3. Oils & Serums
Hair oils were a minor trend:
5–10% used oils (coconut, mineral, or almond)
Serums were mostly for frizz or shine
Most hair care revolved around styling products rather than nourishment.
4. Heat Styling — Heavy Use
Heat styling was widespread but slightly less dominant than the 2000s:
60–65% used blow dryers regularly
50–55% used curling irons or flat irons
Heat protectants were almost nonexistent
Big, voluminous styles were the main goal.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Cuts focused on layers and volume:
45–50% trimmed every 8–12 weeks
Layered, feathered styles and shag cuts were highly popular
Perms and chunky highlights were common
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Natural and protective hairstyles were extremely rare:
Only 5% wore braids or buns for protection
Curly hair was often brushed out or permed for manageability
7. Scalp Care
Scalp care was minimal:
Less than 10% used oils or scalp scrubs
Hair health focused more on shine and volume than scalp wellness
8. DIY Hair Treatments
Home treatments were occasional:
5–10% tried egg, yogurt, or mayonnaise masks
Salons were preferred for perms, color, and chemical straightening
9. Color Care
Hair coloring grew in popularity:
30–40% colored hair at home or in salons
Highlights, perms, and streaking were major trends
Color-preserving shampoos were not common
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Night routines were minimal:
10–15% tied hair in loose buns or braids
Silk pillowcases were rare, leading to frizz and breakage
11. Product Trends
Styling products dominated daily routines:
Mousse, gel, hairspray, and volumizing sprays were heavily used
Focus was on volume, shape, and shine rather than hair health
Minimal-product, natural routines were not yet mainstream
In 1990, women’s hair care emphasized:
Frequent washing
Heavy styling with heat and chemical treatments
Salon-based perms and color for bold looks
Styling-focused routines over hair health
Big, voluminous, and structured hairstyles were the main priority. Natural trends and protective routines were nearly nonexistent.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (1990)
50–60% washed hair daily
40–45% used conditioner regularly
3–5% applied hair masks weekly
5–10% used oils/serums
60–65% used heat styling regularly
45–50% got trims every 8–12 weeks
5% wore protective hairstyles
<10% cared for scalp actively
5–10% used DIY treatments
30–40% colored hair at home or salon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often did women wash their hair in 1990?
Most women washed their hair daily (50–60%) or every 2–3 days (20–25%). Dry shampoo was rarely used, as the focus was on clean, shiny hair.
Q2: Were deep conditioners or hair masks popular?
No, deep conditioning was uncommon. About 40–45% used regular conditioner, while only 3–5% applied hair masks weekly. Shine and detangling were the main goals.
Q3: Did women use oils or serums?
Hair oils were a minor trend, used by 5–10% of women. Serums were mostly applied to control frizz or add shine, rather than for nourishment.
Q4: How common was heat styling?
Heat styling was widely used. Around 60–65% used blow dryers regularly, and 50–55% used curling irons or flat irons. Heat protectants were almost nonexistent.
Q5: What hairstyles were popular in 1990?
Layered, feathered, and shag cuts dominated. Perms, chunky highlights, and big, voluminous styles were very trendy. Most women trimmed every 8–12 weeks.
Q6: Were natural or protective hairstyles widely used?
No, natural and protective hairstyles were extremely rare. Only about 5% of women wore braids or buns for protection. Curly hair was often brushed out or permed.
Q7: Did women care for their scalp?
Scalp care was minimal. Fewer than 10% used oils or scrubs, as focus was mainly on shine and volume rather than scalp health.
Q8: Were DIY hair treatments common?
Only occasionally. About 5–10% tried home remedies like egg, yogurt, or mayonnaise masks. Most relied on salons for perms, color, and chemical treatments.
Q9: How popular was hair coloring?
Hair coloring was gaining popularity. Around 30–40% colored hair at home or in salons, with highlights, streaks, and perms being common. Color-preserving shampoos were rare.
Q10: Did women follow nighttime hair routines?
Minimal nighttime routines existed. Only 10–15% tied hair in loose buns or braids. Silk pillowcases were rare, contributing to frizz and breakage.
Q11: What were the most common hair products?
Styling products dominated, including mousse, gel, hairspray, and volumizing sprays. The focus was on volume, shape, and shine rather than hair health.
