Lady Kitty Spencer’s Va‑Va‑Voom 90s Hair Makes a Bold Return

Lady Kitty Spencer has unveiled a glamorous 90s-inspired transformation, trading her signature softness for a va‑va‑voom, supermodel-style blow‑dry brimming with bounce, shine and attitude. The look taps into the season’s appetite for unapologetic volume and classic bombshell energy—think camera‑ready movement, high‑gloss polish and face‑framing layers. Here, we unpack why this nostalgic hairstyle is trending again, what defines the silhouette, and the smartest ways to achieve it—whether you’re booking a salon blow‑dry or recreating the look at home.

What the 90s ‘va‑va‑voom’ look really means

The 90s supermodel blow‑dry is all about sculpted volume with a soft, luxurious finish. Rather than stiff height or teased roots, the shape is lifted yet touchable, with movement that reads expensive and editorial rather than over‑set. Hallmarks include:

• Airy lift at the crown and along the mid‑lengths for a face‑lifting effect.
• Rounded, bevelled ends that flick and curve rather than sit poker‑straight.
• Long layers that encourage bounce without thinning the hair’s outline.
• A smooth, glossy surface with minimal flyaways.
• Side‑swept or softly parted fringe detail that frames the cheekbones.

It’s the difference between “big hair” and balanced hair: volume is distributed through the shape, not just stacked at the roots. The result is cinematic and celebratory—ideal for party season and black‑tie events, yet equally wearable for daytime if the finish is kept soft and the brush‑out is thorough.

Why it’s back now: nostalgia, precision and polish

Trends are cyclical, and the return of the 90s blow‑dry reflects a wider appetite for refined glamour. After seasons dominated by undone textures, polished volume feels fresh again—still modern, but with a nod to runway‑ready silhouettes from fashion’s archive. The look also photographs beautifully. Light catches rounded, glossy strands, adding depth and dimension without relying on heavy styling products. For many, the appeal is emotional as well as aesthetic: it evokes a mood of optimism and occasion dressing, a welcome shift as winter events fill the calendar.

Crucially, the 90s resurgence is arriving with a 2020s sensibility. Today’s versions prioritise hair health—heat protection, tension control and brush technique—so the style reads expensive rather than over‑processed. In short: less crunch, more cushion; less hairspray, more memory and movement.

Salon or at‑home: how to get the look

Whether you opt for a professional blow‑dry or a home routine, a successful 90s finish starts with the cut and the prep.

At the salon—what to ask for:

• Long layers with minimal thinning so the outline stays full.
• Face‑framing layers or a long fringe to create that cheekbone‑skimming sweep.
• Ends bevelled for bounce, not razor‑tapered flat.
• A round‑brush blow‑dry set with cool air or rollers for memory and hold.

At home—step‑by‑step blow‑dry:

• Prep smartly: Start with a volumising but lightweight primer or mousse and a heat protectant. Overly heavy creams will collapse the finish.
• Rough‑dry to 80%: Lift at the roots with your fingers and direct airflow upwards to build a base of volume before you bring in the brush.
• Section cleanly: Top (crown and fringe), sides, then back. Smaller sections deliver better tension and a glossier result.
• Round‑brush technique: Use a medium‑to‑large ceramic or boar‑bristle round brush. Keep the dryer’s nozzle parallel to the hair shaft and focus on smoothing the cuticle. Roll the ends under or out, depending on the flick you want.
• Cool‑shot and set: After each section, hit the cool shot while the hair is on the brush, then pin the curl or drop it into a Velcro/hot roller to lock in the shape.
• Let it cool completely: Patience is non‑negotiable—this is what builds that buoyant “memory”.
• Brush‑out and finish: Release rollers, then brush through with a soft paddle or a wide tooth comb to blend. Finish with a flexible‑hold spray or a light mist of setting spray. A touch of shine serum through the lengths adds polish.

Tool kit essentials: medium‑large round brush (35–53mm depending on hair length), concentrator nozzle for your dryer, Velcro or hot rollers, sectioning clips, flexible‑hold hairspray, soft bristle brush for the final blend.

Suitability, longevity and care

Hair types and lengths: The 90s blow‑dry shines on straight to wavy hair with medium to thick density, but fine hair can wear it beautifully by focusing on root lift and strategic layering. Shorter bobs can deliver a chic, curved finish using a smaller brush and fewer rollers, while long hair benefits from staggered roller sizes to prevent ends from dropping.

Curly and coily hair: A silk press followed by large rollers can achieve the silhouette while respecting the curl pattern. Prioritise heat protection and tension control, and always allow the hair to cool fully in its set for lasting movement.

Scalp and strand health: Because this look relies on heat and tension, balance styling days with restorative care: gentle cleansing, bond‑care or protein as needed, and regular hydration. If you’re blow‑drying frequently, consider alternating with heat‑free roller sets to reduce cumulative stress.

Make it last: Night‑time preservation is the difference between day‑one drama and a week of easy styling. Try one of the following:

• Velcro rollers top‑up: Pop two or three at the crown before bed to refresh lift in the morning.
• Wrap and cap: Gently wrap hair around the head, secure with clips, and sleep in a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
• Humidity control: A light, humidity‑resistant finishing mist keeps frizz at bay without making hair rigid.

Day‑two refresh: Flip your parting to the “other side” to reclaim instant crown lift, or spot‑reheat sections with a round brush and dryer, setting with cool air. Avoid repeated heavy product layering; it weighs the style down and accelerates the need to wash.

Key Takeaways

• Lady Kitty Spencer’s new look spotlights a full‑bodied, 90s supermodel blow‑dry—glossy, lifted and fluid rather than crunchy or stiff.
• The trend’s resurgence blends nostalgia with modern, hair‑health‑first techniques for polished, touchable volume.
• Success starts with a balanced cut: long layers, face‑framing movement and bevelled ends that encourage bounce.
• At home, tension, direction and cool‑setting are as important as the brush—set sections properly for lasting memory.
• Preserve the look overnight with rollers or a wrap and keep products light to maintain swing and shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a 90s blow‑dry different from a modern “big hair” blowout?
It’s more balanced and sculpted: volume is distributed through the lengths with rounded, glossy ends, rather than relying on aggressive backcombing or heavy hairspray at the roots.

What should I ask my stylist to achieve the look?
Request long layers that keep the outline full, face‑framing movement, bevelled ends, and a round‑brush blow‑dry set with cool air or rollers for memory and soft, bouncy polish.

What brush size works best?
For shoulder‑length hair, a 35–43mm round brush gives control with lift. Longer hair can handle 43–53mm. Use smaller brushes for fringes and shorter layers to avoid kinks.

Can fine hair pull this off?
Yes—focus on lightweight prep (mousse or root‑lift spray), precise sectioning and a thorough cool‑set. Avoid heavy serums and oils, which collapse volume.

Is backcombing necessary?
Not for this look. You’ll get a more refined finish by building tension with the brush, directing airflow from root to tip, and locking sections in with cool air or rollers.

Will it work on curly or coily hair?
Absolutely, with thoughtful technique. A silk press followed by large rollers creates the silhouette while preserving hair health. Heat protection and full cooling time are essential.

How long does a 90s blow‑dry last?
With good prep, a proper set and night‑time preservation (rollers or a wrap), expect 2–4 days of wearable shape, with minor refreshes between washes.

How can I avoid heat damage?
Use a quality heat protectant, keep the dryer moving, work at moderate heat with adequate tension, finish every section with a cool shot, and build in heat‑free styling days.