“With straighter hair, it’s probably best to ask your stylist to keep the length at the cheekbones, as this will frame the face,” says Gibson. You can leave it long and layered at the back, or take the lengths to just above the ears and keep it tight at the sides for a classic look.

How To Style It

For anyone currently shuddering at the memory of frizzy thatch-like curtains, take heart from the fact that today’s hair products are about million times better than they were back then, when salt sprays, matte wax, hair oils and straightening irons didn’t exist. In fact, in the nineties there wasn’t much apart from wet look gel, crunchy mousse and hair spray on the go.

Men with curly hair especially had it rough, says Gibson, who recommends “leaving curly and wavy hair to dry naturally and using a generous amount of Illuminating Oil by Sassoon Professional, or Sassoon Curl Form to get that grungy lived-in look.” We’ve talked about co-washing before (forgoing the shampoo every other day to wash with conditioner instead), and it can help dial down the frizz and give curls definition.

For straight hair, it’s easiest to take it polished: “Use less product and dry downwards and forwards using a vent brush to keep the follicles flat and to stop flyaway hairs,” says Gibson. Visit your barber as often as you normally would, even if you’re growing it out. And never, ever use gel, or risk looking like Peter Andre.

The Best Celebrity Curtains Hairstyles

Take some inspiration from these celebrities, who rock curtain hairstyles in a variety of ways. You can see this nineties favorite in action and have a reference point for your own cut.

Alex James

It’s hard to believe, but before he discovered cheese, the Cotswolds and the Conservative Party, Alex James from Blur was cool. Damon Albarn might have had more stage presence, but as bassist for one of the biggest bands of the nineties and with enviably pliable hair that drew attention to his good looks it’s not surprising he had as many fans.