For Women:
* The "Rachel" Haircut (Still Popular): Jennifer Aniston's iconic "Friends" hairstyle remained a huge influence. Variations abounded, but the choppy layers, often with highlights, were a mainstay.
* Straightened Hair (Gaining Popularity): While natural textures were still around, the desire for sleek, straight hair was increasing. Flat irons were becoming more accessible and commonly used.
* Long Hair with Layers: Long hair was definitely "in", and layers were often added to give it movement and shape.
* Highlights and Lowlights: Adding dimension with highlights and lowlights was very common. Chunky highlights were also becoming more popular.
* Crimped Hair: Crimped hair was still around, a holdover from the early and mid-90s.
* Updos with Face-Framing Pieces: Buns, ponytails, and other updos were often styled with loose strands pulled out around the face.
* Baby Braids: Small braids incorporated into the hair, often near the face, were a trendy touch.
* Hair Accessories: Butterfly clips, headbands (especially those with teeth), and scrunchies were used to accessorize hairstyles.
* Slicked-Back Looks: Slicked-back ponytails and buns, often with a lot of gel or hairspray, were a trend, especially for evenings out.
For Men:
* Curtained Hair (Still Strong): The longer, parted-in-the-middle style popularized by Leonardo DiCaprio in the mid-90s was still very common, though it was starting to fade.
* Shorter, Spikier Styles: As the curtained look waned, shorter, spikier styles started to become more prevalent. Think gelled and textured looks.
* Buzz Cuts: Buzz cuts were a simple and low-maintenance option.
* Longer Hair with Messy Texture: Some men still sported longer hair, but the emphasis was often on a more deliberately "messy" or unkempt look.
* Facial Hair: Goatees and scruff were popular choices.
General Trends:
* Texture: Texture was important, whether it was achieved through layers, crimping, or styling products.
* Slightly Messy: While straightened looks were gaining traction, a perfectly polished style wasn't necessarily the goal. A bit of "undone" quality was often desirable.
* Transitioning Styles: 1999 was a year of transition. You'll see remnants of the grunge and alternative styles of the early and mid-90s mixed with the emerging trends of the early 2000s.
To get a good visual, search for images of celebrities popular in 1999, like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, the Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. You'll get a great feel for the hairstyles of the time.