The side part is back. The bouncy blowout is back. Big, voluminous, '90s-inspired hair is having its moment in spring 2026, and Australian women are leading the charge. After years of lived-in, undone textures and tight buns, the pendulum has swung back to hair with genuine body, movement, and that full-at-the-root, bouncy-at-the-ends finish that defined some of the most iconic looks of the decade.
The good news: you do not need a salon to get this look. You need the right technique and the right tool.
What makes the '90s volume look different
The defining feature of this trend is lift at the root combined with movement through the lengths. It is not big in a stiff, hairsprayed way. The 2026 version is softer and more natural, but it has genuine body. The side part adds asymmetry and face-framing volume that a centre part does not create, and the ends have a slight bend or wave rather than being pin-straight.
Think: Jennifer Aniston's blowout era, but updated. Polished but not rigid. Voluminous but not overdone. The 2026 version has movement and softness that the original lacked.
The tool that makes it possible at home
A blowout brush is the key. Not a round brush paired with a regular dryer, which requires two hands, serious coordination, and years of practice to get right. A dedicated blowout brush combines the airflow and heat of a dryer with the lifting action of a round brush in one device you can use with one hand.
THE TOOL FOR THIS LOOK
G&C Blowout Brush 1200W
Built for volume at the root, smooth through the lengths, a slight bend at the ends. Turns a 45-minute salon blowout into a 10-minute at-home routine. 1-year warranty. Free shipping over $99.
Shop Blowout BrushHow to get the '90s volume blowout at home
Start with damp hair and the right products
Towel dry to about 70% damp. Apply a lightweight volumising mousse from root to mid-length, then your heat protectant over the top. Comb through to distribute evenly. Avoid heavy products on the ends.
Rough dry for root volume
Before reaching for the blowout brush, rough dry with a regular dryer for 2-3 minutes. Flip your head upside down and direct all the airflow at the roots. This builds the foundation of volume the blowout brush then amplifies.
Section and work from the back
Clip the top layers up and start at the back in horizontal sections roughly the width of the brush barrel. Thicker sections build more body for this look.
Lift at the root — this is the key step
Position the brush at the root and point it upward toward the ceiling. Hold for 3-5 seconds with gentle upward tension before pulling through the length. That root lift is where the volume comes from. Most people skip this by immediately pulling the brush downward.
Bend the ends
As you reach the last few centimetres of each section, rotate the brush slightly inward or outward and hold for 2-3 seconds. The heat sets that slight curve. Let the section cool before releasing.
Do the face-framing sections last
These sections are what frame the face and create the side part effect. Work them last when you have the technique warmed up. For the side part, direct volume away from the part on both sides.
Pin and cool — the step most people skip
Roll each finished section back toward the scalp and secure with a clip. Leave while you do makeup or get dressed. When you release, the volume has set and will last significantly longer than if you had touched the hair immediately.
Heat protectant: non-negotiable for this look
High-volume styling means more time under heat. Always apply a lightweight heat protectant before you start. The G&C Heat Protectant Spray applies to damp hair and creates a barrier that keeps the cuticle smooth while you style.
Shop Heat ProtectantFor shorter hair: the Mini Blowout Brush
For hair above the shoulders or a bob, the G&C Mini Dual Voltage Blowout Brush is a better fit. The smaller barrel is easier to manoeuvre around the face and nape and wraps more cleanly around shorter sections. It is also dual voltage (110-240V), so it travels with you.
FOR SHORT HAIR AND TRAVEL
G&C Mini Dual Voltage Blowout Brush
Compact barrel, dual voltage 110-240V, perfect for bobs and shorter styles. Australia's first dual voltage blowout brush. 1-year warranty.
Shop Mini Blowout BrushSHOP THE FULL RANGE
Free shipping on orders over $99. 30-day money-back guarantee. Afterpay available.
See All G&C ProductsRelated reading: best blowout brush in Australia and best heat protectant spray.
