Back in Time Today
The 1990s were a transformative era for hair care, marked by innovative products that became household staples. From nature-inspired concoctions to practical 2-in-1 solutions, the ’90s offered a diverse array of shampoos and conditioners.
This list of 20 iconic brands will take you on a nostalgic journey through the decade’s most beloved hair care products, each with its unique charm and appeal.
1. Herbal Essences (Original Formula)
The vibrant green bottle of Herbal Essences was a bathroom classic, known for its unforgettable scent, reminiscent of a lush garden. Its original formula captured the essence of nature, blending floral and herbal aromas that left a lasting impression. Advertisements featured women experiencing a sensory adventure, emphasizing the shampoo’s connection to nature.
Consumers adored its ability to cleanse and invigorate hair, leaving a fresh, lingering fragrance. The product became synonymous with the ’90s, evoking memories of carefree, fragrant locks. Herbal Essences’ iconic status remains, celebrated for its blend of nostalgia and aromatic pleasure.
2. Pert Plus
Pert Plus emerged as the ultimate time-saver, combining shampoo and conditioner in one convenient bottle. With its catchy green packaging, it promised efficiency without compromising quality.
The product’s appeal lay in its simplicity, catering to busy individuals seeking quick solutions. It provided the cleansing and conditioning benefits in a single step, making it a staple in many households.
Pert Plus’ innovation set a trend, influencing future hair care products. Even today, it remains a symbol of practicality, cherished for its ability to streamline hair care routines effortlessly.
3. Aussie Mega Shampoo & Conditioner
Aussie Mega Shampoo & Conditioner stood out with its distinctive purple bottles adorned with a playful kangaroo logo. This brand captured the essence of Australian vitality, bringing a sense of adventure to hair care.
The formula was renowned for its ability to deliver volume and shine, transforming lackluster hair into vibrant locks. Advertisements embraced an energetic, free-spirited vibe, resonating with those seeking bold and bouncy hair.
Aussie’s appeal lay in its promise of carefree, stylish hair, making it a beloved choice among ’90s hair enthusiasts.
4. Prell
Prell, with its unmistakable emerald hue, became a household staple in the ’90s. Known for its deep-cleansing properties, it offered a refreshing escape from everyday grime.
The shampoo’s gel-like consistency and rich lather made it a favorite among those seeking a thorough cleanse. It was often associated with nostalgia, a product passed down through generations.
Prell’s legacy endures, cherished for its simplicity and reliability. The bright green bottle remains a symbol of timeless hair care, a testament to its long-standing popularity.
5. Finesse
“Sometimes you need a little Finesse”—this catchy jingle became synonymous with the brand. Finesse Shampoo captured the essence of elegance and sophistication, promising beautifully manageable hair.
Its formula, enriched with silk and soy proteins, offered smoothness and shine, catering to those seeking a polished look. The brand’s allure lay in its promise to transform ordinary hair into extraordinary locks.
Finesse’s legacy continues, celebrated for its classic charm and the delightful memories it evokes of ’90s hair care experiences.
6. Pantene Pro-V
Pantene Pro-V became a beacon of healthy hair, with its promise of “hair so healthy it shines.” The brand’s sleek packaging and nourishing formula attracted those seeking luxurious tresses.
Advertised with glamorous models, Pantene embodied elegance and sophistication. Its Pro-Vitamin formula was celebrated for strengthening hair from root to tip, enhancing natural shine.
Pantene’s allure lay in its ability to deliver salon-quality results at home, making it a staple in ’90s beauty routines. Its golden glow continues to captivate, symbolizing radiant, healthy hair.
7. VO5 Hot Oil Treatment / VO5 Shampoo
VO5 was synonymous with deep conditioning, offering a weekly indulgence for those seeking to rejuvenate tired tresses. The Hot Oil Treatment, with its nourishing formula, provided intense hydration and repair.
The brand’s shampoo complemented this treatment, offering a complete hair care regimen. Known for its affordability and effectiveness, VO5 became a household favorite.
The ritual of applying the hot oil and enjoying its transformative effects made VO5 a cherished part of ’90s hair care. Today, it remains a symbol of nourishing, restorative hair treatments.
8. Suave
Suave was a staple in ’90s households, known for its budget-friendly prices and diverse range of scents. From strawberry to coconut, each bottle offered a sensory escape.
The brand’s appeal lay in its ability to deliver quality hair care without breaking the bank. It catered to families, offering something for everyone—from kids to adults.
Suave’s legacy continues, celebrated for its affordability and delightful fragrances. Its presence in ’90s bathrooms remains a fond memory, a testament to its widespread popularity.
9. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, with its iconic “No More Tears” formula, was beloved by both children and adults. Its gentle, tear-free nature made it a go-to choice for families.
The product’s mild cleansing formula was perfect for delicate scalps, offering a soothing wash experience. Its soft, baby-fresh scent evoked a sense of comfort and safety.
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo’s legacy endures, celebrated for its simplicity and gentleness. It remains a timeless classic, a staple in nurturing hair care routines.
10. Clairol Daily Defense
Clairol Daily Defense offered a budget-friendly escape with its exotic, tropical scents. The brand’s colorful packaging and enticing fragrances transported users to sun-soaked beaches.
Its formula promised protection against daily damage, catering to those seeking vibrant, resilient hair. Advertisements highlighted its ability to shield hair from environmental stressors.
Clairol’s appeal lay in its ability to deliver a sensory vacation with every wash, making it a beloved choice in ’90s hair care. Its legacy as an affordable, fragrant escape continues.
11. Flex Shampoo & Conditioner by Revlon
Flex Shampoo & Conditioner by Revlon stood out with its strong, captivating scent and golden packaging. The brand promised salon-quality results, appealing to those seeking luxurious hair care.
Its formula was enriched with silk and collagen, offering smoothness and volume. Flex became synonymous with glamorous, full-bodied hair, a staple in ’90s beauty routines.
Revlon’s Flex remains a cherished memory for many, celebrated for its transformative effects and the confidence it inspired. Its legacy as a symbol of opulent hair care continues.
12. White Rain
White Rain was celebrated for its affordability and wide range of aromatic options. The brand’s appeal lay in its ability to offer quality hair care without breaking the bank.
With scents like rain-kissed flowers and ocean breeze, White Rain provided a refreshing wash experience. Its formula promised cleanliness and freshness, making it a household staple.
White Rain’s legacy endures, cherished for its budget-friendly prices and delightful scents. It remains a symbol of accessible, fragrant hair care from the ’90s.
13. TRESemmé
TRESemmé gained popularity in the late ’90s, offering “salon-quality” hair care at a fraction of the cost. Its sleek black packaging and sophisticated branding resonated with style-conscious consumers.
The brand’s formula promised professional results, catering to those seeking polished, manageable hair. TRESemmé quickly became a household name, celebrated for its ability to deliver salon-worthy locks.
Its allure lay in its promise of luxury and affordability, making it a beloved choice for modern hair care. TRESemmé’s legacy as a symbol of accessible elegance continues.
14. Salon Selectives
Salon Selectives became a ’90s sensation with its pink bottles and customizable formulas. The brand’s unique numbering system allowed users to choose the perfect match for their hair type.
Its formula promised tailored care, catering to those seeking personalized solutions. Salon Selectives became a staple in ’90s beauty routines, celebrated for its innovation and style.
The brand’s legacy endures, cherished for its customizable approach and the playful memories it evokes. It remains a symbol of personalized, chic hair care from the ’90s.
15. Thermasilk
Thermasilk revolutionized hair care with its heat-activated formula, designed to work in harmony with styling tools. The brand’s sleek packaging and innovative approach appealed to those seeking smooth, manageable hair.
Its formula was enriched with proteins, promising protection and nourishment during heat styling. Thermasilk became a favorite among those who loved to experiment with their hair.
Thermasilk’s legacy endures, celebrated for its innovative approach and the freedom it offered to style-savvy individuals. It remains a symbol of cutting-edge hair care from the ’90s.
16. Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific
Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific, though launched earlier, retained its cult following into the ’90s. Known for its distinctive, long-lasting fragrance, it became a favorite among scent enthusiasts.
The brand’s formula promised a lingering aroma, leaving hair fresh and fragrant throughout the day. Its quirky name and memorable scent ensured its place in hair care history.
Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific remains a nostalgic favorite, celebrated for its unique charm and the delightful memories it evokes of ’90s hair care experiences.
17. Head & Shoulders
Head & Shoulders was the go-to solution for dandruff concerns, known for its effective and reliable formula. The brand’s clean, blue packaging and promise of flake-free hair resonated with many.
Its formula was enriched with pyrithione zinc, offering a soothing cleanse for irritated scalps. Head & Shoulders became a household staple, celebrated for its ability to deliver healthy, dandruff-free hair.
The brand’s legacy endures, cherished for its effectiveness and the confidence it inspired. It remains a symbol of trustworthy, restorative hair care from the ’90s.
18. Alberto VO5 Strawberries & Cream
Alberto VO5 Strawberries & Cream became a fruity fan favorite, known for its luscious scent and nourishing formula. The product’s vibrant packaging and indulgent aroma offered a sensory escape.
Its formula promised softness and shine, catering to those seeking vibrant, healthy hair. Alberto VO5’s appeal lay in its ability to deliver a sweet, fragrant wash experience.
The brand’s legacy endures, celebrated for its delightful scent and the joyful memories it evokes of ’90s hair care. It remains a symbol of indulgent, fruity hair care from the decade.
19. Infusium 23
Infusium 23 was celebrated as a miracle leave-in conditioner, known for its transformative effects on damaged hair. The product’s sleek packaging and restorative formula offered a healing embrace.
Its formula was enriched with proteins and vitamins, promising to revive tired tresses. Infusium 23 became a staple in ’90s hair care routines, offering a lifeline for those seeking healthier hair.
The brand’s legacy endures, cherished for its nourishing properties and the confidence it inspired. It remains a symbol of restorative, nurturing hair care from the ’90s.
20. Nexxus Humectress & Therappe
Nexxus Humectress & Therappe represented the pinnacle of luxury in ’90s hair care, known for their salon-level results. The brand’s sleek, silver packaging and nourishing formulas promised a transformative experience.
Humectress offered intense hydration, while Therappe provided gentle cleansing. Together, they catered to those seeking lush, manageable hair.
Nexxus’ legacy endures, celebrated for its opulent feel and the indulgent memories it evokes. It remains a symbol of luxurious, high-end hair care from the ’90s.