We were on a break with the iconic Rachel cut, made famous by Jennifer Aniston in ‘Friends,’ but what can we say? Some styles keep coming back for a reason.
Featured Experts
- Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist
- Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist and Moroccanoil global ambassador
- Gabriel Samra is a celebrity stylist and TRUSS ambassador
What Is the Rachel Cut?
“Made popular by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green on ‘Friends,’ the Rachel Cut is famous for its voluminous layers and face-framing highlights,” explains celebrity hair stylist and TRUSS ambassador, Gabriel Samra. “This iconic hairstyle boasts a bouncy, feathered look, adding movement and dimension to the hair.”
It’s this volume that makes the Rachel such a popular cut, and what makes it different from a traditional bob.
“The Rachel Cut is unique due to its many layers, which makes the bob look full and bouncy,” says celebrity stylist and Moroccanoil ambassador Dimitris Giannetos. “This is also a very common hairstyle from the ’90s and it’s slowly coming back into style.”
According to celebrity stylist Danielle Priano, a key factor in the Rachel cut is how it retains a romantic air. “It’s rare to see short hair with so many layers and movement but yet being romantic and not giving rock and roll vibes,” Priano says.
The Year of Bobs and Lobs
It’s no surprise that the Rachel Cut is gaining traction now, as it’s the year of the bob/lob, after all. It’s clear from the popularity of super trendy looks like the old money bob and the bell bottom bob, short cuts are where it’s at. Every flavor of short hair is seeing a moment in the sun, and we’d guess the persistent heat might have something to do with it.
Without a doubt, sacrificing length to beat the heat has brought out the best in bobs and lobs for a much needed refresh. Even Jennifer Aniston has gotten involved in the trend, revisiting the Rachel Cut earlier this year, giving the look a fresh, modern update.
How to Get the Rachel Cut
If, for some reason, your stylist has never seen ‘Friends,’ it’s a simple formula to achieve the Rachel cut.
“Request a shoulder length butterfly cut,” advises Priano. “If you want your haircut to look just like queen Rachel in ‘Friends’, ask for a longer length bob with ’90s styled layers,” adds Giannetos. “And don’t forget to ask to blow dry the ends inwards so that they frame your face.”
Those with straight or slighty wavy hair will find that styling is a simple task focused on volume.
“It’s best suited for those with medium to long hair and complements naturally straight or slightly wavy textures beautifully,” explains Samra. “Styling Tip: Use TRUSS Professional Infusion shampoo ($33) and conditioner ($32) to enhance volume. Use a heat protector before blow-drying with a round brush. Finish with TRUSS Professional Day By Day ($39) for a lightweight hold.”
