Even Jennifer Aniston Hated “The Rachel” So How on Earth Is It Back?

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by Ruby Feneley
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While the “Friends” reunion has come and gone, one character from the series is still having a comeback.

It’s Jennifer Aniston‘s “The Rachel,” haircut. The controversial cut has taken many by surprise, but, with 7.2 million views and counting on TikTok, there’s no denying its return.

You may have seen your mum rock The Rachel the first time round. It’s a look was created by hairstylist Chris McMillan and was one of the most requested styles of the nineties. Like all good trends, its popularity waned and The Rachel became a byword for daggy nineties hair. It turns out a burgundy, mullet style pixie cut with chunky gold layers isn’t a universally flattering style.

Indeed, Aniston has been one of the biggest haters of the style. In a 2011 interview with Allure, she referred to i as “the bane of [her] existence” and “the ugliest haircut I have ever seen.” Strong words for a woman whose now put the cut back on the map.

Jennifer Aniston is rocking the Rachel cut in 2023.
Aniston bringing it back in 2023. Image Credit: Mark Piaseki Getty

Why We’re Loving “The Rachel” in 2023

Despite Aniston’s damning words, The Rachel has recently made a comeback, spearheaded by the actress herself. 

Over the last few decades, like your mum’s bookclub, Aniston has tried to distance herself and her hair from The Rachel. Over the years, Aniston has alternated tousled surfer girl locks with poker-straight shoulder-skimming razor cuts. Indeed, her hairstyles have been about as far from The Rachel as you can get without a restraining order. 

In 2023 though, Aniston debuted an updated version of her heavily layered nineties hairstyle at the Murder Mystery 2 premiere in Paris. Sur, it’s markedly different from the original “Rachel”. Her hairstyle featured soft, collarbone skimming tapered ends, and perfectly blended buttery balayage. While there was no burgundy mullet to be seen, the influence of The Rachel was unmistakable. It can be seen in the flattering face-framing layers, the highlights and the distinctive volume at the crown.

Aniston’s updated look is uber-flattering, and has plenty of celebrities sold. Priyanka Chopra and Chrissy Teigen have since been spotted wearing the look. 

Want The Rachel?

@jessicacjimenez Replying to @qu33n_sagittarius here is my full hair routine! Everyone said it looked like the rachel green hairstyle so we’re running with it 🏃🏼‍♀️#hairstyle #hairtok #hairtutorial #therachelcut #blowout #volumehair #healthyhairtiktok ♬ original sound – XOXO, JJ

If you’re confused, frightened and perplexed by the return of The Rachel (you may have witnessed your mum rocking it the first time around), don’t be.

The 2023 Rachel cut is a modified, wearable interpretation of the original trend. It actually has a lot in common with the viral octopus haircut when you break down the face framing layers, turbo volume and tapered ends. If you’ve been considering dipping your toes in that particular TikTok ocean, consider The Rachel your first step.

We’d recommend requesting face framing layers and soft highlights next time you’re at the salon. Then, make like TikTok-er @jessicacjimenez and stock up on volumising spray.

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