I still remember standing in front of my mother’s bathroom mirror as a little girl in Savannah, watching her clip her hair back with the most beautiful, shimmery accessories before heading out for a special evening. There was something so magical about the way those little clips caught the light and transformed an ordinary hairstyle into something that felt like pure confidence. Fast forward to today, and I find myself in my Los Angeles studio gushing about the very same accessories with my clients — because butterfly clips are absolutely back, and they are better than ever.
If you grew up in the 90s or even just watched any teen show from that era, you already know what I am talking about. Butterfly clips, those gorgeous little clamp-style hair accessories that come in every color and finish imaginable, were the ultimate styling tool of the decade. They were everywhere — in school hallways, on magazine covers, in music videos, and in every best friend group photo from that golden era. And right now, as a professional makeup artist and beauty educator who lives and breathes trends, I can tell you with full confidence that the butterfly clip revival is real, it is stunning, and you absolutely need to be a part of it.
In this article, I am sharing my absolute favorite fifteen 90s butterfly clip hairstyles that you can recreate right now. Whether you are a total beginner or someone who wants to elevate your styling game, these looks will inspire you, excite you, and most importantly, help you feel like the most confident version of yourself. Let us dive right in.
Half-Up Half-Down Butterfly Clip Delight
The Classic Look Explained
If there is one butterfly clip hairstyle that defined the entire 90s era, it is the half-up half-down style. This is the look I see most when I close my eyes and think about that decade — soft, flowing hair on the bottom with the top section elegantly swept up and secured with a beautiful butterfly clip right at the crown or slightly behind it. It is the kind of effortless style that looks like you spent thirty seconds doing it but somehow appears perfectly intentional and incredibly chic. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its simplicity. You are not trying to be too polished or too casual — you are landing right in that sweet spot in the middle where everything just feels right. The clip itself becomes the star of the show, so choosing one with a gorgeous finish, whether it is iridescent, jeweled, pastel, or metallic, makes all the difference in how the final look comes together.
Who This Style Is Perfect For
I recommend this look to almost every single one of my clients because it genuinely works across so many hair types, lengths, and face shapes. If you have medium to long hair, you are going to absolutely love how this style balances volume and flow. For those with fine hair, the half-up technique creates the illusion of fullness without weighing anything down. My clients with thick or curly hair often find this style to be a dream because it manages volume beautifully while still letting those gorgeous natural textures shine. This is also a wonderful style for someone who wants something low-effort for a casual day out but polished enough for a dinner date or a workplace setting where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
My Favorite Tips To Create This Look
Start by loosely parting your hair from ear to ear, separating the top half from the bottom. Take your top section and gather it gently — do not pull it tightly because that structured look works against the effortless vibe we are going for. Twist it lightly just once or twice before clamping your butterfly clip at the back of the crown. Let a few face-framing pieces fall forward naturally. If your hair is naturally straight and feels a little flat, I love spritzing a bit of texturizing spray before you start so the clip has something to grip and the overall style has a little more life and movement. Choose a clip that complements your outfit — my personal favorite for everyday wear is a pearl or iridescent finish because it adds just the right amount of elegance without being too much.
Butterfly Clip Crown Braid Beauty
Understanding The Crown Braid Clip Style
The crown braid with butterfly clip accents is one of those hairstyles that feels almost romantic in the most wonderful 90s way. Think of a loose, flowing braid that wraps around the head like a soft halo, dotted with small and medium butterfly clips along the way like little jewels catching the light. This style takes the classic braid and elevates it into something that feels almost editorial without requiring professional skills to pull off. I have used this look on clients before events and casual weekend outings alike, and every single time the reaction is pure joy. There is something about the combination of braided texture and those gorgeous little clip accents that feels simultaneously nostalgic and completely fresh.
Best Hair Types And Occasions For This
This style works beautifully for people with medium to long hair, and I find it particularly stunning on hair with natural waves or light texture because the braid has something to grip and the overall look feels more organic and lived-in. For occasions, I honestly think the crown braid with butterfly clips is one of the most versatile looks in this entire list. It is absolutely perfect for outdoor events, garden gatherings, casual brunches, or even creative workplaces where you want to express your personal style. For those with shorter hair, you can adapt this style by creating a partial crown effect along the sides rather than a full wrap, securing each section with clips to maintain that same romantic, whimsical energy.
How To Achieve This Stunning Look
Begin by loosely French braiding one section of hair starting from the front of your hairline and working toward the back and then around. As you braid, add small butterfly clips every few inches — alternate colors or stick to one cohesive palette depending on the vibe you want. Keep the tension loose and relaxed because a rigid braid will lose that effortless 90s charm we are aiming for. Once the braid wraps around, secure the end underneath with a small clip or a bobby pin. Gently tug at the sections of the braid to loosen them slightly for that full, romantic shape. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place without crunchiness.
Side-Swept Butterfly Clip Glamour
Breaking Down This Elegant Side Style
The side-swept butterfly clip look is pure 90s glamour and one of my personal all-time favorites. This hairstyle involves gathering all or most of the hair to one side — over the shoulder like a soft sweep — and securing it with one large, statement butterfly clip either at the nape of the neck or just behind the ear. What I love most about this look is how immediately it transforms the entire face frame. There is a sophistication to the asymmetry here that feels timeless even though it is deeply rooted in the 90s aesthetic. Whether the hair is left smooth and sleek or left with its natural wave and texture, this style always looks intentional, beautiful, and effortlessly cool.
Perfect For These Hair Textures And Moments
The side-swept clip style is one I reach for when a client has gorgeous thick hair that they sometimes feel overwhelmed by. Sweeping everything to one side and clipping it creates instant manageability without sacrificing any of that beautiful volume. Naturally wavy and curly hair types particularly shine with this look because the texture adds so much visual interest to the swept-over section. In terms of occasions, I find this style perfect for date nights, evening events, or any time you want to look effortlessly put-together. It also works beautifully as a solution for those moments when you want your hair out of your face but do not want the formality of a full updo.
Steps To Create The Side-Swept Magic
Gather your hair gently to whichever side feels most natural and flattering for your face. Run your fingers through it loosely rather than using a brush so you maintain any natural texture. Position your butterfly clip just behind your ear or at the nape of your neck depending on the look you prefer — at the ear feels more flirty and casual while at the nape feels more elegant and intentional. Open the clip fully, wrap it around the gathered section, and clamp firmly. Let a few soft pieces escape around the face for that romantic, undone quality. For a more polished version, apply a drop of hair serum before sweeping for a glossy, smooth finish that catches the light beautifully.
Messy Bun With Butterfly Clip Accents
What Makes This Effortless Style Special
The messy bun was iconic in the 90s for a reason — it captures that I-woke-up-like-this energy that is actually very intentional when done right. When you add butterfly clips into the equation, the whole thing takes on a new dimension of personality and style. This look involves creating a loose, imperfect bun at the back or crown of the head and then placing butterfly clips around its perimeter or within the loops of the bun itself. The result is playful, youthful, and completely charming. It is the kind of hairstyle that signals you have a great sense of style but also a great sense of humor about life, and I think that combination is one of the most attractive things a person can project.
Who Should Embrace This Laid-Back Look
This style was practically made for people who love easy, low-maintenance hair but still want to look like they put thought into their appearance. I recommend it especially to my clients who are students, creatives, or anyone with a more casual lifestyle who still wants to feel stylish and intentional. It is also an incredible option for those with thick or heavy hair because the bun tames the bulk while the clips add personality. Thinner hair can use the butterfly clips strategically to create the illusion of more volume and dimension within the bun. Any hair length from medium to extra long will work beautifully here.
Simple Steps To Get This Bun Right
Pull your hair up into a loose, high or medium ponytail without being too neat about it. Instead of pulling the hair all the way through on the final loop of your hair tie, leave a large loop sticking out to create the bun shape. Let some strands fall naturally and do not stress about perfection. Now take three to five butterfly clips and place them around the bun — some through the loops, some at the base, some pointing in different directions. The more spontaneous the placement looks, the more authentic the 90s vibe feels. Spray lightly with a flexible hold spray and let those escaped strands frame your face beautifully.
Butterfly Clip Pigtails Revival
The Fun Story Behind Pigtail Clips
Pigtails and butterfly clips were practically soulmates in the 90s. There is something inherently fun and nostalgic about this pairing that immediately brings back memories of simpler, more carefree times. The pigtail clip style involves dividing the hair into two sections — either high, mid, or low — and securing each one with a butterfly clip instead of the traditional hair tie. The clips take center stage as the star accessory and the result is incredibly charming, youthful, and full of personality. I love this look because it is one of those styles where the accessories do all the talking and you barely have to do anything else to make it work.
Ideal For These Hair Lengths And Vibes
Pigtails with butterfly clips are best suited to medium length and longer hair, though shorter lengths can absolutely pull off a modified version by creating mini pigtails at the sides. This look is perfect for people who want to channel a playful, expressive energy — it works brilliantly for music festivals, casual hangouts, beach days, and any occasion where you want your hair to reflect a free-spirited, fun-loving personality. It also works exceptionally well on naturally curly and textured hair because the clips hold the sections beautifully without needing to fight the natural curl pattern.
Creating The Perfect Pigtail Clip Style
Part your hair down the center as evenly as possible. Take one side and gather it into a loose section — decide at this point whether you want your pigtails high, at the sides of your head, or low near the nape of your neck. Each placement gives a completely different vibe. High pigtails feel energetic and youthful, side pigtails feel balanced and sweet, and low pigtails feel relaxed and mature. Open your butterfly clip wide, wrap it around the gathered section, and clamp. Repeat on the other side. For extra 90s authenticity, choose two matching clips in a bold color like purple, teal, or hot pink, or go wild with mismatched colors for an even more playful finish.
Twisted Butterfly Clip Updo Elegance
Defining The Twisted Clip Updo
The twisted butterfly clip updo is the style I pull out when I want something that feels elevated but still carries that unmistakable 90s spirit. This look involves twisting sections of hair and securing them with butterfly clips in a way that creates a soft, textured updo without the rigidity of a formal style. Think of it as the middle ground between a casual look and a dressed-up style — it lives beautifully in that space and works for so many different situations. The twists add visual interest and dimension while the clips provide both structure and a decorative element that ties the whole look together. It is genuinely one of my favorite styles to create because the result always looks more complex than it actually is.
Best Occasions And Hair Types For Twists
This updo is a wonderful choice for events where you want to look polished without appearing overdressed. Outdoor celebrations, creative social gatherings, and even more relaxed professional settings are all perfect occasions for the twisted clip updo. In terms of hair types, I find this style works especially well for those with medium thickness hair because it has enough body to hold the twists without being too heavy. Finer hair benefits from a bit of texturizing spray beforehand to give the twists something to work with, while thicker hair may need a few extra clips to keep all the sections in place. Hair with natural waves creates particularly beautiful, organic-looking twists.
My Pro Secrets For A Flawless Twist
Section your hair into two or three horizontal layers starting from the bottom. Take the bottom section and twist it upward, securing it with a butterfly clip placed horizontally to hold the twist in place. Work your way up with each section, always twisting in the same direction for a cohesive look. Let the final top section cascade slightly over the others before clipping it, and allow a few soft pieces to frame the face. The secret to making this look truly special is not pulling the twists too tight — loose, relaxed twists look more luxurious and intentional than tight ones. Finish with a light-hold spray and gently pull at the twists to expand them slightly for maximum visual impact.
Butterfly Clip Bang Pinback Style
The Bang Pinback Look Decoded
If you have bangs or face-framing layers that sometimes feel like they are getting in the way, the butterfly clip bang pinback is about to become your new best friend. This style is exactly what it sounds like — you take your bangs or front sections of hair and pin them back with a butterfly clip, keeping them off your face while creating an adorable, retro look at the same time. What I love about this style is how it completely transforms the appearance of bangs. Instead of wearing them forward, pinning them back reveals more of the face and adds a charming, vintage quality to any hairstyle. It was everywhere in the 90s and I am so glad to see it making its return.
Who Benefits Most From This Style
This is honestly a style I recommend to anyone who has bangs that they sometimes want to wear differently without committing to a full style change. It is also perfect for those who are growing out their bangs and need a stylish way to keep them off the face during that awkward in-between phase. People with heart-shaped or oval face shapes particularly love this look because pinning the bangs back draws the eye upward and creates a really flattering frame. Any hair texture can rock this style — from silky straight to tightly curled — because the clip does the work of holding everything in place regardless of texture.
Easy Steps To Pin Those Bangs Back
Take your bangs or the front-most sections of your hair and gently sweep them backward toward the crown of your head. Gather them into a loose, rounded shape rather than pulling them flat against the scalp. Position your butterfly clip perpendicular or at a slight angle across the gathered section and clamp it securely. The goal is to have the clip sit slightly elevated, almost like a little crown, rather than pressed flat to the head. Leave the rest of your hair however you please — down and flowing, in a ponytail, or even in a bun. The bang pinback clip adds personality to literally any other style you pair it with, and choosing a clip with a little sparkle or a bold color makes the whole look feel very intentional.
Double French Twist With Butterfly Clips
What Is The Double French Twist
The double French twist with butterfly clips is a style that sounds complex but is actually beautifully approachable once you understand the technique. Rather than creating one central French twist, this look involves creating two parallel twists — one on each side of the head — and securing each with butterfly clips along the length of the twist. The result is a symmetrical, elegant style with a strong 90s editorial energy. I have always been drawn to this look for its unique balance between structure and softness. The clips add visual rhythm down each twist and the overall silhouette is incredibly flattering from every angle. When done with metallic or jeweled clips, it looks like something straight out of a 90s fashion editorial.
When And Who This Style Suits Best
The double French twist is a wonderful choice for someone who wants to make a stronger style statement without going into full formal territory. It suits people with medium to long hair best, and it is particularly gorgeous on hair with a bit of natural texture because the twists hold more securely and look more voluminous. I find this style wonderful for creative events, evening outings, and any occasion where you want your hair to genuinely be part of the statement you are making. People who love a structured, architectural look in their styling will feel especially drawn to this one because of its intentional symmetry and visual interest.
Crafting The Double French Twist Look
Part your hair down the center so you have two equal sections. Take one section and begin rolling it upward and inward toward the back of the head, just as you would a traditional French twist. Secure the roll at the bottom with a butterfly clip, then continue placing clips every inch or so up the length of the twist to hold it in place. Repeat exactly on the other side, making sure the two twists are parallel and at the same height. The clips become functional and decorative simultaneously, which is one of the things I love most about this look. If any strands escape at the top, wrap them back in and secure with a final clip or leave them loose for a softer finish.
Waterfall Butterfly Clip Cascade
Discovering The Waterfall Clip Effect
The waterfall butterfly clip cascade is a style that feels almost dreamy to me — it is one of those looks that makes you feel like you belong in a 90s coming-of-age film in the very best way. This hairstyle involves placing butterfly clips in a descending pattern through the hair, starting near the top of the head and working downward so that the clips create a cascading, waterfall-like visual effect down the back or side of the head. The hair flows freely between each clip, giving the look a layered, dimensional quality that is both whimsical and sophisticated. It is the kind of style that people genuinely stop to compliment because it is so visually interesting without looking try-hard.
Hair Types That Shine With This Look
The waterfall cascade style truly shines on long, flowing hair because the length gives the cascading clip pattern room to breathe and create the full visual effect. Wavy and lightly curly hair textures add an extra dimension to this look because the natural movement of the hair between the clips creates an organic, fluid quality that straight hair can also achieve with the right preparation. I recommend using a curling wand to add soft, loose waves to straight hair before attempting this style, as the waves help each clip section look more intentional and full. This style is perfect for romantic occasions, outdoor events, or any day when you want your hair to feel like its own work of art.
Building Your Waterfall Butterfly Clip Style
Start at the crown of your head and gather a small section of hair, clipping it with your first butterfly clip. Let the remaining hair flow freely below it. Move about two to three inches down and gather another small section — including some of the previously released hair — and clip again. Continue this pattern downward, either straight down the back or at a gentle diagonal toward one side. The key is keeping each gathered section loose and relaxed so the clips look like they are floating within the hair rather than gripping tightly. Use anywhere from four to eight clips depending on your hair length, and choose clips in a gradient of colors or a single cohesive shade for maximum visual impact.
Butterfly Clip Sleek Low Ponytail
The Polished Ponytail Clip Breakdown
The sleek low ponytail with butterfly clip is the 90s answer to the question of how to look effortlessly polished without spending much time at all. This style takes what is already one of the most classic hairstyles — the low ponytail — and elevates it with the addition of a large, statement butterfly clip placed at the base where the ponytail begins. Instead of using a regular hair tie that stays hidden, the clip becomes a deliberate, beautiful focal point that instantly transforms a simple ponytail into something that feels curated and stylish. I love this look for its elegant simplicity and the way it immediately draws the eye to one well-chosen accessory.
Who Rocks The Sleek Ponytail Best
This style is a dream for people who prefer a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic but still want to incorporate the butterfly clip trend. It suits straight and naturally smooth hair particularly well because the sleekness of the style is part of its charm, though wavy and textured hair can absolutely achieve this look with a bit of smoothing serum. The low ponytail clip style is ideal for professional environments, smart-casual events, or any occasion where you want to look polished without appearing overdressed. It also works beautifully for anyone with a longer face shape because the low placement balances the proportions in a really flattering way.
Getting That Perfectly Polished Ponytail
Apply a small amount of smoothing serum or hair oil through your hair before starting. Brush everything back gently and gather at the nape of your neck at a low, centered position. Instead of securing with a hair tie, take your largest, most statement butterfly clip and clamp it directly at the base of the gathered section. Make sure the clip is positioned so it faces outward and is fully visible rather than tucked underneath. For an extra polished finish, take a tiny section of hair from the ponytail and loosely wrap it around the base of the clip before tucking the end underneath — this technique creates a wrapped effect that conceals any untidiness right at the clip site and looks absolutely refined.
Bohemian Butterfly Clip Wave Wonder
The Boho Wave Clip Style Explained
The bohemian butterfly clip wave style is pure, carefree joy in hairstyle form. This look celebrates natural waves and movement by scattering butterfly clips throughout loose, flowing hair in an almost random but artfully intentional arrangement. There is no strict structure to this style — instead, you are letting the hair do most of the talking while the clips serve as little bursts of personality and color throughout. I personally adore this style because it celebrates individuality so completely. No two people will create this look exactly the same way, and that is exactly the point. It is a style built on self-expression and freedom, and those are two values I hold very close to my heart as an artist.
Best For Free-Spirited Hair Personalities
If you are someone who gravitates toward a more bohemian, artistic, or free-spirited personal style, this look was made for you. It works best on naturally wavy or lightly curly hair because the texture provides the movement and dimension that makes the scattered clips look so beautiful. That said, anyone can achieve this look by adding beach waves with a texturizing spray or a wide-barrel curling wand. This style is absolutely perfect for music events, outdoor gatherings, beach trips, and any occasion that calls for self-expression over formality. It also works beautifully at shorter lengths — even shoulder-length hair can carry a few scattered clips with great effect.
Creating Boho Wave Magic With Clips
If your hair is naturally straight, start by spraying on a texturizing or salt spray and scrunching to create some wave and movement. For those with natural waves or curls, just let your hair dry naturally or diffuse it for volume. Once you have that beautiful wavy base, start placing butterfly clips wherever they feel right — near the root area, mid-shaft, or even at the ends. Mix different sizes of clips and do not be afraid to use a variety of colors. Point some clips upward, some sideways, some downward. The organic, spontaneous quality of the placement is what makes this look so authentic and special. Trust your instincts here because there are genuinely no rules.
Butterfly Clip Space Buns Dream
Space Buns And Clips The Ultimate Combo
Space buns were a major statement in 90s hair culture and combining them with butterfly clips takes the whole concept to an entirely new level of fun. This look involves creating two high buns on either side of the top of the head and then adorning each bun with butterfly clips — either around the base of each bun, through the loops, or scattered across the surface. The result is playful, energetic, and absolutely brimming with personality. As someone who believes that hair is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression, I see the space bun clip style as one of the most unapologetically joyful hairstyles you can choose, and I am completely here for that energy.
Perfect Hair And Moments For Space Buns
Space buns work best with medium to long hair that has enough length to create a decent-sized bun on each side. This look is absolutely perfect for festivals, themed events, casual days out, and any situation where you want your hair to be a conversation starter and a true expression of your personality. People who love maximalist fashion and bold self-expression will feel completely in their element with this look. For those with finer hair, backcombing the sections slightly before twisting into buns creates more volume and helps the clips have more to grip. For thicker hair, the buns will naturally be more substantial and can support even more clips.
Step-By-Step Space Bun Clip Creation
Part your hair down the center from forehead to nape. Take one side and gather it into a high ponytail near the top of the head. Twist the ponytail and wind it around its base, tucking the end underneath and securing with a hair tie to form the bun. Add butterfly clips around the base of the bun and through any visible loops. Repeat exactly on the other side. Choose clips that match in color or go for a fun contrasting combination — my personal favorite is mixing pastel clips on one side with metallics on the other for a look that feels both coordinated and completely individual. Finish by pulling a few small face-framing strands loose for a relaxed, effortless finish.
Curtain Bang Butterfly Clip Frame
Understanding The Curtain Bang Clip Style
Curtain bangs are having their own massive moment right now, and when you add butterfly clips into the equation, you get a look that perfectly bridges the gap between current trends and pure 90s nostalgia. This style involves parting the bangs down the center so they fall in two soft curtains on either side of the face, then securing each section just at the point where the bang meets the rest of the hair using small butterfly clips. The clips frame the face in the most flattering way and create a soft, romantic effect that looks intentional and polished without requiring much effort at all. I have been recommending this technique to clients with curtain bangs constantly lately and the reaction is always the same — pure delight.
Who This Framed Look Flatters Most
The curtain bang clip style is incredibly flattering for a wide range of face shapes because the framing effect is universally softening and beautiful. People with round faces find that the center part and gentle framing create length and proportion. Those with more angular or square face shapes love how the soft curtain softens the jawline and temples. Heart and oval face shapes are already beautifully suited to curtain bangs and the addition of clips only enhances that natural harmony. In terms of hair texture, this look is easiest to achieve on slightly wavy or naturally falling hair — truly straight hair may need a bit of curl training while very curly hair will benefit from a little smoothing product at the bang area.
Styling Curtain Bangs With Butterfly Clips
Make sure your curtain bangs are falling naturally with their center part established. Take one curtain section and sweep it slightly back and away from the face — just barely, so it creates a gentle curve rather than being swept fully back. At the point where the bang transitions into the rest of your hair, clip a small butterfly clip horizontally or at a slight angle to hold that gentle sweep in place. Repeat on the other side, making sure both clips are positioned at approximately the same height for symmetry. Choose delicate, smaller clips for this style rather than large statement ones, as the refinement of smaller clips keeps the look elegant and appropriately subtle. The rest of your hair can be worn completely down, in a ponytail, or in any other style you love.
Crisscross Butterfly Clip Pattern
The Art Of The Crisscross Clip Design
The crisscross butterfly clip pattern is one of the more graphic, design-forward styles on this list and it is genuinely one of the most visually striking looks you can create with butterfly clips. This style involves placing multiple butterfly clips in an overlapping, crisscross pattern across the back or side of the head, creating a geometric, lattice-like design that is bold, intentional, and completely unforgettable. I remember seeing this look in editorials and styling inspiration images throughout the 90s and being completely captivated by how creative and architectural it appeared. It is the kind of hairstyle that immediately communicates that you have a strong, confident sense of personal style.
Best Hair Textures For This Bold Pattern
The crisscross pattern works most beautifully on smooth, sleek hair that allows the geometric design of the clips to be the undisputed focal point without competing texture getting in the way. Straight or lightly wavy hair that has been smoothed with a serum or oil is ideal for this style. Medium to thick hair gives the clips enough surface area to create a satisfying visual pattern while thinner hair can still work beautifully if you focus the crisscross design on a smaller, more concentrated area. This style is perfect for someone who wants to make a bold hair statement for a creative event, a night out, or any occasion where you want people to genuinely pause and appreciate the artistry of what you have created.
How To Master The Crisscross Pattern
Smooth your hair and gather a section at the back of your head or on one side, depending on where you want the pattern to appear. Take your first clip and place it diagonally in one direction. Take the next clip and place it crossing over the first in the opposite diagonal direction. Continue building this pattern with additional clips, keeping each one evenly spaced from the last. The key to a beautiful crisscross pattern is consistency in both the spacing and the angle of each clip — use your eye to keep everything balanced. Choose clips all in the same color or finish for maximum graphic impact, and do not be afraid to use four, six, or even eight clips to build out the full pattern. The more clips you use, the more dramatic and editorial the final result.
Full Head Butterfly Clip Statement
Defining The All-Over Clip Statement Look
And finally, we arrive at the most maximalist, most exhilarating look on this entire list — the full head butterfly clip statement. This is exactly what it sounds like: butterfly clips placed throughout the entire head of hair from root to end, scattered generously and gloriously across every section. This look was seen on some of the most style-forward people throughout the 90s and it has returned with even more energy and enthusiasm than before. There is absolutely nothing subtle about this style and that is precisely what makes it so powerful. It is a declaration of joy, of self-expression, of the absolute refusal to be anything less than completely yourself. As an artist and someone who deeply believes that beauty is about amplifying who you already are, this look represents everything I stand for.
Who Should Try This Bold Full Look
The full head butterfly clip look is for anyone who has ever wanted to make a truly unforgettable entrance. It is for the bold, the expressive, the joyful, and the unapologetically individual. In terms of hair type, this look is genuinely accessible to everyone — from fine and straight to thick and curly — because the clips can be adapted in size and placement to suit any texture and density. Long hair gives you the most canvas to work with, but medium lengths can absolutely pull off a beautiful full-head clip moment too. This look is made for festivals, themed events, costume parties, creative gatherings, or honestly any day when you decide that life is too short to be anything less than spectacular.
Tips For Pulling Off The Full Clip Statement
The most important thing to keep in mind when going for the full head clip look is that the beauty lies in what appears to be joyful chaos while actually being thoughtfully considered. Gather a variety of clip sizes — large ones for thick sections, medium and small ones for detail work — and work through your hair in sections starting from the front and moving back. Place clips at different heights and angles throughout each section rather than lining them up in straight rows. Mix colors, finishes, and sizes freely, letting your own taste be the guide. The more personality you pour into the placement, the more authentically the look reflects who you are. Finish by doing a full spin in front of the mirror and appreciating yourself in your full, glittering, magnificent butterfly clip glory.
Conclusion
Looking back at all fifteen of these incredible 90s butterfly clip hairstyles, what strikes me most is not just how beautiful they all are, but what they represent. Growing up watching my mother use accessories to transform herself before stepping out into the world, I learned early on that the things we put in our hair, on our faces, and on our bodies are not superficial — they are expressions of who we are, how we feel, and how we choose to show up for ourselves and the world around us.
Butterfly clips in all their shimmery, colorful, joyful variety embody everything I believe beauty should be. They are playful without being childish. They are bold without being intimidating. They are accessible to everyone regardless of budget, skill level, or hair type. And they are, most importantly, incredibly fun to wear. In my years as a professional makeup artist and beauty educator, I have watched the beauty industry cycle through trends in every direction, but the trends that always come back with the most joy are the ones rooted in authentic self-expression — and butterfly clips are the very definition of that.
So whether you try the elegant double French twist, the whimsical waterfall cascade, the maximalist full head statement look, or the effortlessly charming half-up half-down style, I want you to approach it with full confidence and zero apology. Your hair is your canvas. Your clips are your brushstrokes. And the result, whatever it looks like, is a true reflection of your beautiful, unique, one-of-a-kind self.
As I always say, beauty is not about perfection. It is about confidence, creativity, and feeling empowered to express yourself however you choose. So go ahead — open that butterfly clip, clamp it into your gorgeous hair, and step into the world knowing that you are absolutely radiant. I am rooting for you every single step of the way.