The Resurrection Of 'The Meg': 7 Iconic Meg Ryan Hairstyles That Define 90s Nostalgia And Are Trending In 2025

The hair of Meg Ryan is arguably as iconic as her status as the undisputed queen of 90s romantic comedies, and as of December 18, 2025, her signature textured bob is experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity. Unlike many fleeting celebrity trends, Ryan's hairstyles—particularly the piece-y, tousled shag—have demonstrated remarkable staying power, influencing stylists and fashion trends across multiple generations, proving she is a legendary figure in both film and beauty evolution.

The recent return of the '90s aesthetic, combined with the release of her latest directorial effort, *What Happens Later*, has put her hair back under the spotlight, prompting a fresh wave of interest in her voluminous, low-maintenance looks. From the long curls of *When Harry Met Sally...* to the famous "Sally Shag," we delve into the history, the technique, and the modern interpretation of the haircuts that defined an era and continue to trend today.

Meg Ryan: Biography & Profile Snapshot

Meg Ryan, born Margaret Mary Emily Hyra, is an American actress, producer, and director whose career has spanned over four decades, solidifying her place as a Hollywood icon, particularly in the romantic comedy genre.

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• Full Name: Margaret Mary Emily Hyra
• Born: November 19, 1961 (Currently 64 years old as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director
• Breakthrough Role: Sally Albright in *When Harry Met Sally...* (1989)
• Iconic Filmography: *When Harry Met Sally...*, *Sleepless in Seattle*, *You've Got Mail*, *French Kiss*, *City of Angels*.
• Signature Hairstyle: The "Sally Shag" or "The Meg"
• Recent Work: Director and star of *What Happens Later* (2023)
• Hairstylist Association: Sally Hershberger (creator of "The Meg")

The Reign of 'The Meg': Why the 90s Shag is Back in 2025

No discussion of Meg Ryan's hair is complete without dedicating significant attention to the style that became her namesake: "The Meg" or, more formally, the "Sally Shag." This iconic haircut was not just a trend; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined the aesthetic of the mid-to-late 1990s.

The Birth of the Sally Shag (1995)

The original, most famous version of the Meg Ryan shag was created by celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger for the 1995 film *French Kiss*. Hershberger’s technique involved a heavily razored, piece-y, and choppy texture that gave the hair an unkempt, yet perfectly styled, voluminous look. It was a deliberate move away from the sleek, polished styles of the previous decade, embodying a new sense of effortless, rebellious individuality.

The shag’s popularity soared, making it one of the most requested haircuts in salons across the world, second only to Jennifer Aniston's "The Rachel." It was the ultimate "anti-haircut" haircut—a style that looked like you had just rolled out of bed with perfect, tousled volume. This signature "megawatt tousle" became synonymous with Ryan's charming, girl-next-door persona.

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The 2025 Revival: The Bixie and the Textured Bob

Today, the spirit of the Sally Shag lives on through modern, layered cuts. The current trend for 2025 features the "Bixie" (a blend of a bob and a pixie) and the textured bob, both of which owe a clear debt to Ryan’s original look. These modern shags are characterized by choppy layers and a focus on natural volume, making them a perfect choice for those with fine hair looking for a boost.

In late 2024, during the press tour for *What Happens Later*, Meg Ryan herself embraced a new haircut that was a clear callback to her '90s glory days. Her hairstylist, Sally Hershberger, confirmed the new look was a textured bob, bringing major '90s nostalgia back to the red carpet. This recent appearance cemented the shag's status as a timeless cut that transcends decades.

The Evolution: Tracing Meg Ryan's Most Iconic Movie Hair Moments

While "The Meg" is her most famous look, Ryan's career is marked by several distinct and influential hairstyles that showcase her versatility and the power of a great cut in character development. Her ability to effortlessly transition between these looks is a testament to her great "hair karma."

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1. The Long, Loose Curls of *When Harry Met Sally...* (1989)

Before the shag, there were the long, wild, and voluminous curls of Sally Albright. This look, often featuring a side part and a slightly unkempt, natural texture, set the stage for her future tousled looks. It was the quintessential late-80s/early-90s look that emphasized movement and a relaxed, approachable femininity.

2. The Mid-Length Shag of *You've Got Mail* (1998)

In this beloved rom-com, Ryan sported a slightly longer, softer version of the shag. The length sat just past her chin, maintaining the choppy, layered texture but with a less aggressive razor cut than the *French Kiss* version. It was the perfect, softer evolution of "The Meg," fitting for her character, Kathleen Kelly.

3. The Modern Waves of *What Happens Later* (2023)

For her return to the big screen in *What Happens Later*, Ryan sported a mid-length style that featured loose, unkempt waves. This look is a mature, modern take on her signature texture, offering a more grown-up, yet still effortless, aesthetic. The style maintains the volume at the crown and the natural movement that her fans have always loved, proving that the tousled look works at any age and length.

How to Get the Meg Ryan Tousle: Styling & Product Secrets

Achieving Meg Ryan's signature hair isn't just about the cut; it's about the styling technique and the right products. The goal is to maximize volume and texture while minimizing the appearance of trying too hard.

Ask Your Stylist for the Right Cut

To get the base for "The Meg," ask your hairstylist for a "shaggy bob" or a "textured shag" with heavy, choppy layers throughout the crown and sides. Crucially, ask for the ends to be razored or point-cut, not blunt. This is the key to creating the piece-y, separated texture that defines the look. The cut should be slightly shorter in the back, graduating subtly to the front.

The Styling Technique for Maximum Volume

The Meg Ryan tousle thrives on volume and natural-looking waves. This style works best for people with natural waves or fine to medium hair, as the layers add significant lift.

• Start Wet: Apply a volume-boosting mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair, focusing on the roots.
• Rough Dry: Flip your head upside down and rough-dry your hair with a blow dryer until it is about 80% dry. This is essential for building volume at the crown.
• Use a Round Brush (Optional): For extra polish, use a small to medium round brush on the top layers, lifting them away from the scalp to add bounce.
• Texturize and Finish: Once dry, the secret is a matte pomade, texture spray, or styling paste. Rub a small amount between your fingertips and piece out the ends of the layers. This gives the hair that famous separated, "just-out-of-bed" finish.

Meg Ryan’s enduring influence on hair trends is a powerful reminder that the best styles are often the ones that look effortless. Whether you opt for the full-on '90s Sally Shag or the softer, modern textured bob, embracing her iconic look is a guaranteed way to tap into the current wave of 90s nostalgia and achieve that perfect, megawatt tousle in 2025.