Jennifer Aniston smiling in a strapless black dress at the Golden Globes © Getty

Jennifer Aniston has revived 'The Rachel' for 2024 - and it suits her perfectly

The Friends alumna's new hairstyle is giving major 90s nostalgia...

Content Writer
Updated: February 28, 2024

When Jennifer Aniston switches things up in the beauty department, we sit up and pay attention.

The Hollywood actress practically set the internet alight recently when she stepped out at the Golden Globes, showing off her latest hair update. 

Looking svelte in a strapless Dolce & Gabbana number, the 55-year-old sported a cut that felt richly reminiscent of the style worn by Friends' Rachel Green, the role that catapulted Jennifer to stardom in the mid-1990s. 

© Getty

The actress showed off her new look at the 81st annual Golden Globes ceremony

There was less body in her roots this time around, creating a smoother, less rounded shape, but rest assured, the choppiness delivered a serious pang of 90s nostalgia.

Moments from the smash-hit series are comfortably embedded in our collective vernacular, but 'The Rachel' is arguably of equal cultural significance to the classic "We were on a break" moot point. 

© Getty

The iconic cut first appeared on our screens in 1995

What is 'The Rachel'?

Created by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, 'The Rachel' is a voluminous, feathered cut that finishes just shy of the collarbone. The look features choppy, face-framing layers, flicky ends and works well with a side-parted fringe. 

Tasked with transforming Jennifer's locks into something shorter and smoother, Chris was actually recommended to the actress by her co-star Courteney Cox.

© Getty

'The Rachel' will go down in hairstory

The inspirations behind the cut come from far and wide, according to Vogue. Manhattan beach surfer dudes played a part, as did model Beri Smithers' chin-skimming lengths and the soft curvature that hairdressing legend Garren was creating for Amber Valletta at around the same time.

 Jennifer debuted the look onscreen in 1995 during a season one episode titled 'The One With the Evil Orthodontist' and the style became her character's signature hairdo.

MORE: The best sulphate-free shampoos: Tried, tested & reviewed

READ: How to nail the messy hair trend

During the height of the programme's popularity, stylists were inundated with requests for the cut, despite its 'takes-no-prisoners' approach. ('The Rachel' is notoriously difficult to style – even a whiff of a straightener will kill the volume and leave it looking limp.)

© Getty

The star has a complicated relationship with the legendary hairstyle

Even Jennifer struggled to keep the style looking picture perfect, revealing a few years ago at the InStyle Awards that initially she was in awe of the cut, and then she was left with a "frizzy mop" when her own styling abilities fell short.   

But 'The Rachel' just won't quit, especially in this chic new iteration. The cut is still going strong, nearly three decades since it first swished onto our screens. 

Is it Gen-Z's obsession with the 90s that has prompted a resurgence? Certainly that seems to be the case on TikTok, or is it simply its ultra-wearable, blissfully unradical length? 'The Rachel' is really the gift that keeps on giving. 

Transform your routine with expert advice from our beauty and wellness team

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Hello! Fashion

See more