The ’90s Party Up-Do Revival: Top Knots, Slick Buns & Messy Magic

The party season has a new – or rather, old – hair hero: the ’90s up-do. From deliberately messy top knots to razor-sharp slick buns, what once felt aggressively after-school-special has re-emerged as the coolest way to wear your hair after dark. Designers are sending models down the runway with sculpted chignons, sky-high knots and face-framing tendrils, while British salons report a surge in requests for nostalgic, photo-ready up-dos that still feel modern.

Why the ’90s Up-Do Is Back on the Party Circuit

On fashion’s front row, the up-do has quietly reclaimed its place from the hairline to the hem of the dress code. At recent London shows, we’ve seen:

• Ultra-sleek, gelled buns paired with embellished gowns.
• High, slightly chaotic top knots teamed with structured tailoring.
• Soft, messy twists balanced with minimal make-up and bold earrings.

The common theme is deliberate styling. These aren’t the accidental gym buns we shove up between Zoom calls. Instead, the ’90s up-do revival is all about contrast: polished versus undone, glossy lengths versus textured roots, sharp partings against softened, wispy edges.

Stylists in the UK point to a few reasons for the comeback. First, the shift towards statement earrings and sculptural necklines makes exposed shoulders and necks especially desirable. Second, social media has turned the back of the head into a talking point – twisted knots, criss-cross grips and satin ribbons are just as important as a smoky eye. And finally, it’s practical: a well-secured up-do will survive the Tube, December drizzle and a dance floor without demanding constant checks in your phone camera.

For anyone planning party looks right now, that practicality matters. You can walk into a high-street blow-dry bar or your regular stylist and request a ‘90s up-do with a reference photo, knowing you’ll leave with a style that feels on-trend but not overdone.

The New-Season Top Knot, Slick Back and Messy Bun

Within the broader comeback, three ’90s favourites have clearly taken the lead: the top knot, the slick-back bun, and the messy bun. Each has evolved beyond its original version, and UK stylists are tailoring them to different hair types and textures.

1. The modern top knot

The classic high knot sits right on the crown, giving an instant lift to the face and elongating the neck.

• How it looks now: Less ballerina-perfect, more sculpted yet relaxed. You’ll often see a hint of natural texture at the base, with the knot itself tightly coiled or looped.
• Who it suits: Works especially well on medium to long hair. Coily and curly textures create beautiful volume in the knot, while straighter hair can be twisted or braided before wrapping to add interest.
• Party-season tweak: Add a slim velvet ribbon or a scattering of discreet grips in metallic finishes to reward anyone who spots the detail from behind.

2. The hyper-slick ’90s bun

The slick-back bun is arguably the most runway-led look, seen everywhere from couture shows to influencer events in London and Manchester.

• How it looks now: Glass-like shine and precision partings. The bun itself might be knotted low at the nape or mid-height, but the key is the controlled surface and strong silhouette.
• Who it suits: Particularly flattering on straight or relaxed hair, but many stylists now use gentle, temporary smoothing products or blow-dries to create a similar finish on curls and coils without overworking the hair.
• Party-season tweak: Pair with a deep side part and a single ear cuff or chandelier earring for a distinctly ’90s supermodel feel.

3. The deliberate messy bun

Once shorthand for ‘I haven’t tried’, the messy bun has been recast as a highly intentional, styled look.

• How it looks now: Texture at the crown, a few face-framing strands – sometimes tonged for a soft wave – and a bun that looks like it might unravel but is actually anchored with serious grip work underneath.
• Who it suits: Ideal for wavy and curly hair that naturally holds texture. For straight hair, many stylists recommend adding light waves with a tong first.
• Party-season tweak: Combine with a shimmery hair accessory – think a barely-there comb or a tonal claw clip – to catch the light without feeling like a throwback prom look.

If you’re heading to a UK salon, you don’t need the exact vocabulary of each look. Bring at least one reference image, know where you’d like the bun to sit (high, mid or low) and be honest about how much time you want to spend maintaining it once you leave the chair.

How to Make the ’90s Up-Do Work for Your Hair Type

While the trend has a nostalgic core, today’s best up-dos are highly personalised. Many stylists in the UK now approach party hair in a similar way to skincare: what’s your hair type, lifestyle and tolerance for maintenance?

For fine or flat hair, the goal is subtle fullness and hold without overwhelming the hair.

• Ask your stylist to build volume at the roots with gentle backcombing or a lightweight volumising spray before they sweep hair up.
• Half-up, half-down versions of the ’90s up-do – a mini top knot with loose lengths – can give the impression of more hair while still showcasing a sculpted shape.

For thick or heavy hair, support and comfort are key. An over-loaded bun can drag at the scalp during long evenings.

• Stylists often create structure with hidden braids, pinning these close to the head as an anchor, and then wrapping the remaining hair around.
• Low or mid-height buns tend to feel more wearable than very high knots if you have long, weighty lengths.

For curly and coily hair, the ’90s up-do can look spectacular, especially when the natural pattern is celebrated rather than hidden.

• Many stylists suggest smoothing only the perimeter for a sleek finish, then allowing the bun or top knot itself to showcase your texture.
• Edge styling is a strong trend in the UK, with soft, swooping baby hairs adding a crafted detail that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

For protective styles and wigs, the up-do revival can slot easily into your existing routine.

• Braided or twisted up-dos inspired by ’90s red-carpet looks offer both protection and drama.
• If you wear a wig, your stylist can secure a high or mid bun by anchoring into the wig’s structure, but it’s important to avoid excessive tension and to follow the wig maker’s guidance.

On a practical level, one of the easiest steps you can take before a party appointment is to arrive with clean, fully dry hair. Let your stylist know if your scalp is sensitive or if you’re prone to headaches, so they can avoid overly tight styles and heavy accessories.

Runway Styling Tricks You Can Borrow at Home

You don’t need a backstage team to tap into the ’90s up-do mood. With a little preparation, it’s possible to re-create a polished knot or bun at home for a night out, festive drinks or even New Year’s Eve.

• Prep the foundation: Many stylists recommend working with hair that’s been dried smooth, either with a blow-dry brush or a simple tension blow-dry. This makes it easier to control shine and shape.
• Choose your parting: Centre, deep side or no parting at all will dramatically change the mood of the style. Experiment in front of the mirror before you start pinning.
• Use more grips than you think: The effortless look often relies on a surprising number of bobby pins and hair grips, criss-crossed and hidden. This is how runway styles hold through outfit changes – and how your party hair survives a long night.
• Refine the hairline: A soft toothbrush or edge brush with a little styling product can help polish or shape baby hairs without gelling everything flat.
• Finish with touchable hold: Rather than shellac-level hairspray, aim for flexible hold so you can still move your head comfortably on the train home.

If you’re short on time, a realistic next step is to master just one version of the trend: perhaps a mid-height bun with a clean centre part. Practise it once before the event you care about most, and take a photo of the finished look so you can reference what worked.

Key Takeaways

• The ’90s up-do – from top knots to slick buns and messy twists – has made a major return on runways and at UK parties.
• Today’s versions are more deliberate and personalised, balancing polish with texture rather than aiming for stiff perfection.
• Different hair types can all wear the trend, with adjustments for volume, support and scalp comfort.
• Simple techniques – careful partings, strong grip work and subtle hairline detailing – can elevate at-home up-dos.
• Preparing clean, dry hair and practising one signature version in advance will help you feel confident throughout party season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ask my stylist for a ’90s-inspired up-do without looking dated?
Bring one or two recent runway or editorial images rather than photos from the actual 1990s, and explain what you like: the height, the shine, the loose pieces. A good stylist will translate the references into a fresher, softer shape that suits your face and outfit.

Can I wear a ’90s up-do if my hair is shoulder length?
Yes. Many of the most current buns and knots are built from medium-length hair. Your stylist may leave a few pieces out or use clever pinning to tuck shorter layers away. You can also try a half-up, half-down knot to mimic the look on shorter cuts.

Will a slicked-back bun damage my hair or scalp?
Dermatologists often suggest avoiding very tight, frequently repeated styles that pull at the hairline. For party season, many stylists recommend a comfortable level of tension – firm enough to hold, but not painful – and alternating with looser looks if you’re wearing up-dos several nights in a row.

What products do professionals use to get that glossy ’90s finish?
Behind the scenes, stylists typically combine a smoothing cream or serum with a styling gel or pomade, then lock everything in with a fine mist of flexible hairspray. At home, you can achieve a similar effect by working a small amount of smoothing product through lengths before gathering the hair, then refining the top surface with a brush and a touch of gel.

How can I make my messy bun look intentional rather than lazy?
Focus on symmetry and framing. Secure the foundation with plenty of grips, then gently pull at sections to create volume. Decide which strands you want to fall around your face and shape them with a tong if necessary. A subtle accessory – such as a slim clip or pin – instantly signals that the look is styled, not accidental.

What’s the easiest ’90s-style up-do for beginners?
A mid-height bun with a clean centre part is a reliable entry point. Tie hair into a ponytail, twist into a bun, secure with pins, then refine the surface with a brush and a light mist of hairspray. Practise once or twice before your main event so it takes under ten minutes on the day.