Hair • 03/14/2025
Why the Rachel Haircut Is Still So Popular
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We’ve all rewatched “Friends” or seen Jennifer Aniston’s classic 90s look and thought, “Wow, that hair still slaps.” Of course, we’re talking about the Rachel haircut — that bouncy, layered, face-framing masterpiece that got salons fully booked back in the day and today. In a world of ever-changing trends, why is this still making waves?
What Is the Rachel Haircut?
The classic “Rachel haircut” was made famous by Jennifer Aniston on the TV show, “Friends.” it’s characterized by layers that surround the face. If you’ve spent your teenage years in the 90s, chances are you or a friend rocked this hairstyle. It’s arguably one of the most copied hairstyles back in the day. Anyone who was sporting this haircut is automatically cool.
While we love Monica’s frizzy humidity hair (IYKYK), there’s something about Rachel Green’s phenomenal hair that makes it an undying hair trend.
Why Is the Rachel Haircut Trendy Again?
Y2k, digicams, baggy jeans and colorful outfits — there’s no doubt that society is circling back to the 90s. With many old trends reemerging, there’s also an increasing TikTok search for “the Rachel haircut. According to hair health expert Tom Smith, the Rachel haircut is the most asked-for haircut in salons. He also mentioned that the cut can increase the look of thickness around the front of your hair, making it ideal if you have shorter or broken hair around your face.
According to hairstylist Luke Hersheson, this hairstyle is so iconic because it came out of the grunge period, when people were getting bored of minimalist beauty practices.
“When Rachel Green appeared she was the opposite to all of that. She had a full-on haircut – the kitchen sink of haircuts! – and it was very layered and obviously cut,” he shared via Vogue.
Who Shouldn’t Try This Haircut
The cut is ideal for those with fine, straight hair, as the layering approach is the one that will add major volume. With the Rachel hairstyle’s resurgence, influencers and beauty content creators are replicating the classic style, pinning strands with rollers and steaming their crowning glory with an iron.
If this sounds like a lot of work, this haircut isn’t for you. Trust us when we say you’ll need time to ace this look. If you prefer low-maintenance hair but still want that Rachel Green look, you may consider getting inspiration from the following celebrities.
Celebs Who Had “The Rachel”
See who among your favorite celebrities jumped into the Rachel bandwagon!
1997: Tyra Banks
The famous model sported The Rachel back in the late 90s. Her copper hair in this amazing “Got Milk?” ad is such a sight to behold.
2005: Cameron Diaz
It has been 20 years since Cameron Diaz had this gorgeous Rachel. This iconic black dress is just a cherry on top! Her layers are more refined and subtle. It’s even made better with the side-swept bangs. It’s one of our favorite takes on the classic Rachel haircut.
2005: Rachel McAdams
We absolutely love how Rachel McAdams breathed new life into The Rachel! It doesn’t have lots of volume to it, but it’s a sign that low-maintenance girlies can rock the famous cut, too. The dirty blonde hair color and soft, sultry makeup make her all the more stunning.
2006: Rihanna
The pop star looks sexy and sultry in this medium-length of Rachel. At this point, we’re convinced that brown copper hair with subtle golden brown highlights looks glorious for The Rachel.
2011: Jennifer Lopez
This JLo cut is a classic one, it deserves its own name. But we can’t ignore The Rachel elements in it — extreme layers and volume that frame the face.
2016: Hailey Bieber
2016 Hailey was something else. She has tried countless hairstyles, but this Rachel cut is one of our favorites. She looks like a 90s model, proving she’s a fashion icon to be reckoned with.
2024: Jennifer Aniston
Rachel Green herself sported her classic cut — this time, with a modern twist. Despite everyone’s obsession with hairstyles, Jennifer admitted it was a struggle to style her hair.
“‘The Rachel’ was one of the hardest hairstyles to maintain. Me and the blow dryer and the hairbrush weren’t meant for each other. When Chris would style it, my hair would be great, it would look gorgeous. But then when I was left to my own devices, it wouldn’t look the same!,” she said in an ABC News interview.
5 Modern Rachel Haircuts
Ready to get this cut? Explore fun ways to rock it in the modern era.
1. Rachel 2.0
Remember how the original Rachel cut was styled to flick outward? Today, the modern version lessens the framing properties of the cut. Today, the Rachel 2.0 is slightly longer, less clumpy and a bit softer. The new version of this cut ditches the big, old-school blowout and embraces a more natural, smooth movement.
2. Butterfly Cut
A butterfly cut is characterized by cascading layers that give your hair gorgeous movement, reminiscent of a butterfly fluttering its wings. It works for any length but stands out the most in shorter hair for a more dramatic look.
3. Shag
The shag is casual, mussy and edgy. Think of Miley Cyrus’s shaggy mullet or shullet. It’s an excellent cut if you want short hair. To get this cut, ask for shorter layers on the sides and front and keep the back longer — just below the neck.
4. Soft Wolf Cut
The soft wolf cut is a more feminine version of the classic wolf cut. It features beautiful layers that frame the face. This cut is ideal if you have oval or oblong hair. Add some bangs and highlights for extra oomph.
5. Lob (Longer Bob)
The long bob haircut — aptly named lob — is a type of bob that falls between the collarbones and mid-neck. As its name suggests, it’s longer than the classic bob, allowing you to style it in various ways — wavy, curled or straightened.
How to Maintain and Style the Rachel
Aside from using a volumizing shampoo and the usual blow dry, here’s a tutorial to help you get that Rachel hairstyle anytime, anywhere.
Try This Timeless Haircut
The Rachel haircut proves that a good hair never goes out of style. If you’re thinking about giving it a while, this is your sign.
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