90s Butterfly Clips Hairstyle Trend: 8 Cute Retro Looks to Try

The 90s butterfly clips hairstyle trend has fluttered back into fashion, popping up everywhere from TikTok to your favourite salon. I still remember rummaging through my childhood drawer, amazed at how one colorful clip could transform my look. Now, a modern revival of these plastic butterflies has swept social feeds – even Coveteur declares “Your favorite 90s haircuts are hot again”. Social media is buzzing (Gen Z and millennials alike) with examples: ManeAddicts notes we’ve been seeing “a ton of butterfly clip hairstyles all over Instagram lately”.

From festival reposts to street style snaps, these clips are adding a playful, Y2K pop of colour to updos and loose waves. Hairstyle Verse (our very own retro-inspired brand) has jumped on board too, offering vibrant clip sets for every look. In this guide, we’ll walk through eight fun butterfly-clip hairstyles, share styling tips, and even compare some clip options – so you can add a bit of nostalgia to your 2026 hair game. Get all the information you need on the Haircuts & Styles. Check out our articles!

The 90s Butterfly Clip Trend

The butterfly clip is having a mega comeback on social media. As L’Oréal Beauty notes, this “mega 90s and Y2K style” is “making its way back onto our social media feeds”. TikTok and Instagram are flooded with 90s butterfly clips: Coveteur points out there’s “no shortage” of inspo on TikTok and Instagram for accenting pigtails, crowns, or even every strand. Influencers and celebs have embraced the look (Jennifer Aniston and Keke Palmer, both wore them on red carpets), helping it catch fire.

Data backs up this surge: the broader hair accessories market keeps growing (globally $21.01B in 2025, projecting to $39.80B by 2034), driven by trends like these. We were sceptical at first, but the revival is real. Trend-watcher Byrdie even highlights this as a staple of Y2K fashion loved by Gen Z and millennials. 90s Butterfly clips add instant charm and color, and they pair perfectly with other 90s vibes like frosted eyeshadow and crimped strands. Whether you grew up with the original trend or just love the retro vibe, now’s the time to give these nostalgic accessories a try.

Key Fact	Details
Peak Popularity	Mid-90s through early 2000s; iconic in shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Disney’s Lizzie McGuire.
Trend Revival	All over Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest in 2023–2025.
Style	Mini colorful clips (often plastic or resin) that “add a fun flair” and whimsy to any hairstyle.
Pop Culture Icons	Sabrina Spellman, Boy Meets World’s Topanga, early Disney Channel stars (remember Lizzie McGuire’s hair?).

8 Hairstyles with 90s Butterfly Clips

Here are 8 cute ways to style 90s butterfly clips in your hair. Each look is easy to recreate and shouts “Y2K meets now!”

1. Twisted Space Buns

Put a modern spin on classic 90s space buns. Split cleanly down the middle and twist each half into a bun on top of your head. Secure each bun with elastics, then clip one butterfly on each bun – or add multiple clips along the twists if you’re feeling bold. This style is playful and perfect for summer festivals.

Why it’s 90s: Space buns were a go-to of early 2000s celebrities like Gwen Stefani. Adding bright 90s butterfly clips makes it instantly nostalgic and fun – think high school dance flashbacks.

Steps:

1. Brush hair back and part down the center.
2. Twist or braid each side into a bun.
3. Secure each bun with an elastic.
4. Snap a clip on top of each bun (or a row along each twist).
5. Lightly tug sections for a fuller look and set with spray for hold.

2. Rainbow Rows

Line up colorful clips in rainbows or ombre shades along a half-up style. Gather the top half of your hair back in a loose ponytail or twist, then add a neat row of 90s butterfly clips from ear to ear. Pick rainbow-colored clips for an extra pop.

Why it’s 90s: Rows of mini clips (often matching your outfit) were huge in the 90s and early 2000s. Mane Addicts even suggests showing “your pride” with a rainbow lineup. You’re basically channeling a Y2K cheerleader vibe.

Steps:

1. Take the top section of hair and secure it at the back with an elastic.
2. Starting near one ear, snap clips in a straight line to the other side.
3. Use multiple colors to create a rainbow effect.
4. Optionally add glittery or iridescent clips for extra sparkle.

3. All-Over Clips

Scatter small 90s butterfly clips through loose waves or straight hair for an “all-over” clip look. After styling your hair normally, simply press clips randomly throughout the length of your hair and around the crown. You can focus them more heavily around your face or evenly disperse them.

Why it’s 90s: As L’Oréal notes, this idea is basically sprinkling clips “all over” your hair for fun, flowy vibes. It reminds us of childhood sleepovers where we’d clip everything within reach. It’s also hugely shareable on social media – perfect for a “cute styling hack” reel.

Steps:

1. Style hair as usual (curls, waves, or straight).
2. Pick out small clips in various colours.
3. Randomly clip them into hair (no pattern needed – the more the merrier!).
4. Lightly scrunch or shake hair so clips look naturally placed.
5. Use a touch of hairspray at the roots if the clips slip.

4. Braided Tendrils

Incorporate 90s butterfly clips into braids for a boho look. Try micro-braids or bubble braids down your head. As ManeAddicts suggests, braid tendrils of hair and then “attach a few butterfly clips” to each braid. For bubble braids, add a clip at the base of each bubble as a fun accent.

Why it’s 90s: Braids were everywhere in the 90s – from crimped waves to mini cornrows. This twist feels modern yet nostalgic, and the clips give it a whimsical edge. Think gingerbread-house braids with party flair.

Steps:

1. Section hair into small strands or ponytails.
2. Create bubble braid: Tie hair with elastics every few inches.
3. Or create micro-braids down your hair.
4. Snap a clip at the base of each braid or bubble.
5. Gently tug edges of the braid for volume, lock in with a bit of spray.

5. Pulled-Back Twist

Give a half-up twist a butterfly clip upgrade. Take two sections from the front (like a mini-French twist, but simpler) and twist them backward, pinning each twist with clips. Line up 2–4 clips along the twist for a pretty accent (ManeAddicts calls this a “Pulled Back Butterfly Clips” style.

Why it’s 90s: This is a grown-up version of the old “twist and clip” style some of us wore with tiny claw clips as kids. It’s flirty and practical (hair out of your face!), and the row of pretty clips amps up the nostalgia.

Steps:

1. Take a section from each side of your hair (above the ears).
2. Twist each section toward the back of your head.
3. Overlap the twists and secure with bobby pins.
4. Clip 2–4 butterflies along the outer twist line.
5. Add a matte spray so clips stay put during the day.

6. Crown of Clips

Create a mini “tiara” by clipping around your head. Choose 4–6 matching clips and attach them in a semi-circle like a headband, starting from ear to ear. ManeAddicts calls this the classic “Butterfly Clip Crown” – a look that “harks back to the 90s and ’00s”.

Why it’s 90s: Remember those flower or jeweled clip halos? This is the same playful concept with butterflies. It looks especially cute with half-up hair or fluffy natural curls. Every time you tuck hair behind an ear, the clip crown peeks out like magic.

Steps:

1. Decide where on your head to place clips (just above forehead or behind hairline).
2. Clip butterflies side-by-side around your head (use identical ones for a neat band).
3. If needed, backcomb the section slightly for grip.
4. Style the rest of your hair loosely so the clips really stand out.
5. Steal glimpses in the mirror for that Lizzie McGuire feeling!

7. Simple Side Clips

Sometimes less is more. Snap one or two butterfly clips on one side of your hair near the temple for a quick glam. You could simply sweep your hair to one side and secure it with a clip or two (think: “Single Strand of Butterfly Clips”). This minimal approach feels effortlessly cool.

Why it’s 90s: Back in the day, a few bright clips on one side were a go-to schoolgirl style. It’s an instant mood-lifter – adding just a bit of retro flair without overthinking your look. Even two clips can make any outfit feel that much more fun.

Steps:

1. Part hair where you like (deep side part works great).
2. Tuck one side behind your ear.
3. Clip one or two butterflies along the tucked side.
4. You can match the clip colors to your outfit for a polished vibe.
5. This works on short or long hair – any length, any day!

8. Bubble Ponytail Accent

Put a butterfly-clippy spin on the bubble braid trend. Start with a high or low ponytail, then create bubbles by tying sections every few inches. Now place a mini clip at each tie to highlight the bubbles. ManeAddicts’s “Butterfly Clip Bubble Braids” idea is basically this: your ponytail becomes a whimsical caterpillar of color.

Why it’s 90s: Bubble braids feel modern, but adding clips is pure childhood playfulness. This look also nods to upbeat 2000s pop stars in high energy music videos. It’s perfect when you want to stand out – clips all the way down feel like a sweet parade in your hair.

Steps:

1. Gather hair into a tight ponytail.
2. Add elastic every 3–4 inches down the ponytail to form bubbles.
3. Snap a clip at each elastic (on top of the ponytail hair).
4. Gently pull out the edges of each bubble to make them round and full.
5. Check from the back in the mirror – so cute!

Tips & Tricks

Making butterfly clip hairdos stay put can be a little tricky, but these tips help. Since the clips are small, lightly tease or mist your hair before clipping to give extra grip. A light hairspray or texturizing spray at the roots will help them hold better all day. Always match clip colors or themes to your outfit for cohesion – e.g. pastel clips with a floral dress. And quality matters: cheap clips can be brittle or snag fine hair.

Hairstyle Verse focuses on sturdy resin clips that won’t warp or pull hair, for instance, so you won’t keep losing clips by mid-day. Also remember to remove the clips gently (don’t rip them out), and store them in a pouch so they stay clean and bent-free. With good clips and a bit of prep, you’ll be surprised how a few butterflies can transform an everyday hairstyle into something whimsical.

How Hairstyle Verse Compares to Other Clips

When it comes to butterfly clips, not all options are created equal. Here’s how Hairstyle Verse stacks up against two common alternatives:

Feature	Hairstyle Verse	Wild Fable Clips (Target)	Generic Plastic Clips
Material	Premium resin; smooth finish, no sharp edges	Basic plastic (bright but less durable)	Cheaper plastic; prone to breakage
Designs	Unique patterns & colours inspired by retro trends	Fun seasonal prints; moderately trendy	Simple solid colours; very basic
Grip Strength	Strong, holds fine or thick hair securely	Decent grip but may loosen on heavy hair	Grip varies; often slides out easily
Price	Mid-high (reflects quality and durability)	Moderate (affordable, fashionable)	Very low (budget packs available)
Best For	Enthusiasts seeking quality, statement looks	Trend-savvy teens on a budget	Kids or one-time-use looks

Hairstyle Verse clips are designed for style and comfort – they don’t tug or fade easily. In contrast, generic clips are fine if you just want a quick fun accessory or something super cheap. Wild Fable clips bridge the gap: they’re trendy and kid-friendly but not as sturdy. A limitation? Hairstyle Verse’s higher price means it might not fit every budget, so it’s best for those who truly want a premium, long-lasting clip set. If you just want one-time trendy looks, cheaper packs can suffice, but for repeat styling, a quality clip set pays off.

FAQ

Q1: Are butterfly clip hairstyles still in style in 2026?

Yes! Butterfly clips have proven “forever style” status. In 2026 they’re as fashionable as ever on TikTok hair trends and street style. You’ll spot them at concerts, parties, and in everyday looks – just maybe paired now with sleek silky dresses or laid-back denim for a modern twist.

Q2: How do I keep butterfly clips from sliding out?

Prep your hair with a bit of hairspray or texturizing powder where you’ll clip them. Teasing the roots slightly under the clip can give extra grip. Also choose clips with a good spring – that’s where Hairstyle Verse’s strong-grip design helps. Finally, avoid clipping too-smooth, freshly washed hair; a little texture helps the butterfly hold.

Q3: Can I use butterfly clips on short or fine hair?

Definitely. Choose smaller clips for short hair (like mini butterfly clips) and put them near the roots or edges. For very fine hair, clip them onto thicker sections or braids to anchor them. Even if your hair doesn’t go past your shoulders, a single butterfly clip on the side or a few in a bob can look cute and nostalgic.

Q4: Who popularized butterfly clips originally?

They were everywhere in the 90s – kids, teens, and celebrities loved them. TV show characters like Sabrina Spellman and Lizzie McGuire sported them. Pop stars like Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne also rocked colored clips in the early 2000s. It was the “it” accessory for any girl (or kid at heart), which is exactly why we’re thrilled to see them return.

Q5: Where can I find quality butterfly clips?

You’ll see packs of butterfly clips in department stores and online. Brands like Hairstyle Verse offer well-made sets designed not to slip or break. Retailers like Urban Outfitters and Claire’s carry trendy ones (Urban Renewal or Wild Fable brands). Etsy shops sometimes sell artisan versions. For daily use, invest in a sturdy set; for a one-off outfit, an inexpensive packet will do.

Conclusion

Whether you grew up in the 90s or you’re new to this trend, butterfly clips are an easy and joyful way to spice up your hair today. Try out one of the styles above this week, and take a selfie (or two!) to share. Explore different clips from Hairstyle Verse or local accessories and see which color combos speak to you. With these tips and styles, you’ll likely discover that a few simple clips can make your hair look magically nostalgic, sparkly, and fun – all at once.

Stay informed with the latest trends, visit Hairstyle Verse for more!