The Rachel haircut, made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character on the hit TV show Friends in the 90s, has remained a beloved and iconic hairstyle for decades. Despite being nearly 30 years old, the Rachel haircut continues to be popular and relevant in 2023. Its appeal lies in its versatile and flattering layers, which can be adapted to suit a variety of face shapes and hair types. Read on to explore the modern variations of the Rachel haircut that make it still thrive today!
What is The Rachel 2.0 Haircut?
The Rachel 2.0 haircut is a modern take on the original Rachel haircut Rachel haircut, featuring longer layers and a more relaxed, undone texture. “Framing around the face is the give away,” Lisa Amato, our consulting expert stylist adds. This updated version is perfect for those who want lots of bouncy layers and added volume.
How to Style the Rachel Hairstyle?
The overall look relies much on the styling, but it’s quite easy, Lisa says. “I tell clients to add a mouse or volume spray at the roots, on wet hair. One of my favorite products is Mousse Bouffant by Kerastase. It has a flexible hold and anti frizz.” Heat protection is also vital, thus follow up with Lisa’s favorite Thermique Blow Dry by Kerastase – or the one you prefer – spaying it on mid-ends.
Then, use a round brush to add volume at the roots and get the bouncy movement in the hair. When styling the face-framing layers, place the round brush under the strands and move it forward to give hair the iconic heart shape. “If clients have a hard time using round brushes at home, I suggest velcro roller or hot rollers on dry hair. And, of course, the Dyson air wrap is perfect for beautiful flippy movement on the ends,” Lisa notes.
After blow drying, add a little texture spray for volume and light hold to finish. The texture spray Lisa Amato would recommend is This is Dry Texturizer by Davines. “It is reworkable to go back and touch up, and has a natural look and feel,” explains the stylist.
The Rachel Green “Rachel” was styled with maximum volume and hairspray, which made the hair chunky and piecey. While fun, the modern look will have a softer finish. For example, you can just add a workable paste to define all the texture in your hair, Lisa recommends.
Looking to embrace Rachel’s signature hairstyle while adding a unique twist to it? Check out some great variations of the modern Rachel cut to find inspiration for your next hairstyle!
1. Modern Rachel with Curtain Bangs
See how choppy face framing layers add texture and volume to the style while the curtain bangs frame the face in a soft and flattering way. A good example of how Jennifer Aniston inspired hairstyle creates a trendy and modern look that would be suitable for many face shapes and hair textures.
Instagram / @ryennesnow.hair
2. Rounded Layers on Long Hair
Long layers add movement to the longer hair, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance yet trendy hairstyle. When paired with bright blonde highlights on naturally blonde hair, this haircut creates a fresh and modern look that is both stylish and flattering.
Instagram / @un.rooted
3. Chin Length Face Framing Flick
A medium-length hairstyle, styled with soft waves and a center part, can help to elongate the face and create a more balanced look for a round face shape. A brown balayage complements the skin tone perfectly. Natural-looking yet stylish!
Instagram / @hairbyamberjoy
4. Impressive Blowout
Can you take your eyes away from this professional blowout look? Rachel Green would go green with envy, indeed! Dimensional caramel highlights add depth and texture, and the deep side part creates volume and adds a touch of drama to the look.
Instagram / @mac_daddybeauty
5. Long Rachel Hair with Arched Bangs
Fuller arched bangs give this Rachel haircut distinct 90s vibes. And we love how soft and wispy the layers are! This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to add texture and movement to their hair without sacrificing the length.
Instagram / @ryennesnow.hair
6. Shoulder Length Rachel Hair
Have you got those flashbacks of Jennifer Anniston’s character now? The perfect length and styling of the feathered layers combined with the warm blonde hue create a gorgeous look worthy of the iconic series.
Instagram / @jules_c_hair
7. Rachel Layers Enhanced with Highlights and Lowlights
Money streaks are a great way to emphasize the round layers, framing the face. To make them even more distinct, stylists place lowlights right next to the brighter hue. Styling the shorter layers towards and longer – away from the face, make the haircut resemble a trendy octopus cut too.
Instagram / @un.rooted
8. Rachel Blowout on Long Sleek Hair
Long thick hair, a shiny brown hue, and a statement blowout – can there be a better combination? Avoid straightening your locks too often to prevent hair damage. Instead, invest in a good blow dryer or a a dryer brush.
Instagram / @hairbycarmelina
9. Long Layers and Thick Bangs
You don’t need to have multiple layers to rock the Rachel hair trend. Face framing flicks do the trick! The interesting red-brown color solution and eye-skimming thick bangs make this hairstyle really eye-catching.
Instagram / @sarabotsfordhair
10. Medium Length Shag Cut
This shag hairstyle hits several trends at once, featuring wispy bottleneck bangs and a messy wolf cut shape. If you style a sleeker look with uniform rounded layers, cute Rachel Green vibes will come through!
Instagram / @un.rooted
11. Rachel Cut on Short Hair
Rachel works on short bob length too, and here is the proof. Feathered layers and styling for volume make this hairstyle fun and rejuvenating. Don’t be afraid to tease the crown; this will complement the voluminous blowout nicely.
Instagram / @justhair4theparty
12. Rachel Cut with Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights from the 90s are experiencing a comeback, just like Rachel hair does. So why not combine the two in one look? These platinum blonde highlights on medium brown and caramel backdrop look nothing but cool.
Instagram / @hairbymadisoncarbrey
Whether you prefer a classic Janifer Aniston’s haircut or a more modern interpretation of it, the Rachel offers endless possibilities for customization and personalization. With its effortless smooth texture and flattering face-framing layers, it’s no wonder that the Rachel haircut continues to inspire and influence hair trends to this day.
