The Rachel Haircut: 10 Modern Ideas for the Iconic ’90s Style

As an avid reader of our blogs you will know that we like to keep you up to date on hair trends! Given her iconic status in the world of haircuts and color, we couldn’t resist dedicating an entire article to Jennifer Aniston. Let’s explore some of her most popular looks, including the highly sought-after “Rachel” cut!

History and Popularity of the Rachel Haircut

The “Rachel” haircut owes its name and fame to the character Rachel Green, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston on “Friends.” This hairstyle became a sensation in the ’90s and was designed by hair guru Chris McMillan. ‘The Rachel’ is arguably one of the most famous hairstyles in history and is still requested today. 

Modern Interpretations of the Rachel Haircut

Aniston’s diverse array of styles has ensured she has remained current and effortlessly on trend throughout the years. We have added a few tweaks to the looks to ensure that you can offer a  modern interpretation of the various styles that Jennifer Aniston embraced over the years.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston.r)

• The dark side: Here’s where it started! When Aniston first came on the screen her hair was thick with disconnected layers. The brunette look was striking on her skin tone and gave off a goth vibe that we actually love. However the color lacked dimension and this look is a far cry from the “Rachel” haircut.
• Long and sleek: Aniston grew her hair out, went for a lighter color, and embraced a sleek and straight style. To replicate this version of ‘The Rachel’ haircut no matter your client’s natural texture, we recommend using the Style Masters™ Smooth Iron Guard™ – Revlon Professional to provide a temporary straightening treatment for curly hair. It tames rebellious styles and leaves hair silky and full of natural shine and movement. For the cut, keep the hair long and add minimal layers. For the color, we recommend a golden toner such as Color Excel Gloss – 10 Minute hair gloss treatment  9.3 Golden Honey.

 

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• Feathered bob: Aniston made a transition from her longer hair to this super flattering and fun bob. The slightly feathered ends that start under the chin draw the eye to her collar bone area and the length  complements her diamond face shape. For a modern and edgy update to the look, skip the layered ends and recommend a blunt and straight base that suits all face shapes.

 

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• Straight and Bronde: Jennifer Aniston adopted a signature style in the 2000s, that combined a mixture of blonde and brunette hues for a bronde effect. Her hair was kept long and styled straight with a few well-placed face-framing layers and a blunter base. This style is truly timeless, but to make it more personalized, consider adding Balayage or highlights at strategic points to emphasize your client’s features. Experiment with various color techniques and tones that enhance the layering.

 

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• Voluminous waves: When Aniston clinched the Emmy Award in 2002 she also changed up her style and embraced voluminous waves, adding a new dimension to her style. These laid back waves take on a beachy vibe thanks to the sun-kissed blonde tone that brightens up through the mids and ends. To recreate this look, diffuse naturally wavy hair or sleep in a braid, then untangle it and apply Style Masters™ shine spray GLAMOURAMA™ to add shine and hold without weighing the hair down.

 

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• Side-swept bangs: Aniston revisited the idea of bangs but with a modern twist. Her side-swept bangs really highlighted her eyes, and the complementary golden tone brightened her skin. For similar color, we recommend a half head of fine natural highlights for your client paired with slightly darker base shade. You can then style the hair into a sleek pony. 

 

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• Tapered lob: Much like she did with bronde, Aniston made a fashion statement by introducing her lob in 2011. This haircut is about ½ inch shorter in the back and then gradually tapers into face-framing layers. It’s a versatile style that doesn’t have to be kept sleek; it looks fantastic with waves and texture. Encourage your clients to embrace their hair’s natural movement and add a curly twist to this look.

 

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• Dip dye/ombre: As this color technique rose in popularity, Aniston embraced the dip dye look, adding a touch of drama to her darker base with bright cool toned blonde mids and ends. To replicate this look, create contrast by utilizing your client’s natural color or by adding a base color that’s a level 6 or under and then adding some pre-lightened pieces. We recommend using Magnet™ Blondes Ultimate Powder 9. Once a yellow or pale yellow undertone is achieved, add a neutralizing toner such as Color Excel in tone 10.03 Honey Cream. Keep the look flawless in between services by recommending your client use a semi-permanent color mask by Nutri Color™ Filters Toning Filters such as 1003 Pale Gold.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferanistonhotie)

• Face-framing highlights: Aniston’s style evolution continued into 2023  when she transitioned from honey highlights in a slightly darker shade to a brighter blonde. This look featured strategic layers and a money-piece, all perfectly designed to frame her face. This look is where her color has stayed but adds variations in color tones and lengths. To keep the look up to date, make sure your clients are open to making slight changes to their appearance. Don’t forget to suggest proper care and styling products to help them maintain a fresh and vibrant look until their next appointment.

 

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Mastering the Rachel Haircut: Cutting and Styling Tips

Let’s conclude with one of the best looks, even though it was reported to be Aniston’s least favorite! To recreate ‘The Rachel’ haircut, keep the base around the collarbone and add plenty of layers. This voluminous and feathered haircut was famously worn by Aniston in the 90s during the first episode of Friends, and it’s still a popular request today.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Rachel Green / Fan page (@rachelgreenxofriends)

The ‘Rachel’ haircut typically falls to about shoulder length, making it versatile and suitable for various face shapes and hair types. It features texture and lots of layers that frame the face. This draws attention to the lip and chin area and creates volume at the crown, which gives the look lots of movement and body.

For more inspiring looks, head to our 24/7 educational platform #RevlonProAlwaysOn (for clients only). You can also order all your pro products to recreate your favorite ‘Rachel’ haircuts on our online Revlon ProShop.