The Rachel Haircut is Back for 2024

Jennifer Aniston took the Golden Globes red carpet by storm this week when she debuted her new hairstyle – dubbed the Rachel haircut 2.0.  

Jake Unger from HOB Salons say it fits perfectly into the current 90s trend. “The Rachel haircut was one of the most popular styles we have ever seen, now it’s the time for the reinvention. With an undone, fuller fringe, just glancing the eyelashes, with choppy shorter layers to add texture and movement Kaia Gerber’s shaggy style, with Jenna Ortega and Billie Eilish following suit, and now Jennifer Aniston, it’s going to be the style of the season.”  

Matrix Artist Ambassador Simon Townley said it’s rare a celebrity can create a stir about their hairstyle twice in their life, especially with decades in between. “This hairstyle is the perfect balance between the layers and wolf cuts, it’s ideal for people who aren’t brave enough for a wolf or mullet cut, this is so much more salon friendly.” 

Josh Goldsworthy from Goldsworthy’s, Swindon, says its popularity is about honouring the past while slaying in the present. “The Rachel cut is back in action, and it’s like a blast from the 1990s with a modern edge. What hooked me was the perfect combo of old-school cool and today’s chic vibes, it’s just got that magic touch. The 'today' vibe makes it a total style game-changer – versatile and on point for those who want to keep it real.”

Matrix Artist Ambassador Carol Ritchie is excited to start offering the look to her clients. “The original Rachel was a versatile hairstyle that could be customised to suit different face shapes and hair textures. The layers and face-framing pieces added movement and dimension, creating a flattering look for many. As for the new hairstyle, I love how it combines the classic elements of the Rachel cut with a modern twist. The updated version features softer, more blended layers and a more effortless, lived-in vibe. It's a fresh take on a beloved style that feels current and chic. I believe this revival will definitely attract more clients. The Rachel cut has a nostalgic charm that resonates with people who grew up watching Friends. Additionally, its adaptability makes it appealing to a wide range of individuals."

Josh says its wide appeal is due to it suiting everyone whatever their hair type. “It’s the perfect style for anyone wanting that effortlessly cool look. It's a style chameleon; it fits all kinds of faces and vibes. Whether you're into waves or sleek, it's the go-to for versatility!”

Roman Sys from Brooks & Brooks describes how to achieve the look for clients: “The layers in the hair are longer, removing weight from the outline giving a much softer edge to the look. It’s a practical and stylish cut that doesn’t require much effort to make it look good. It’s also elevated by the barely-there, golden tone colour in the hair, the more natural multi-tonal blonde adds texture and dimension to the shape. Less is more when it comes to styling – if this was over-styled and too flicky it wouldn’t feel as modern.” 

Simon agrees: “It brings the face out from behind the one-length cuts that have been popular, and this is about shape and style, it would look as good on a 20-something as a 50-year-old client.”

For styling, Laura Elliott, Head Stylist and Educator at Neäl & Wølf says: “You can either let the hair air dry or blow dry it out. To create more volume I suggest blow drying, lifting the hair up and finishing with a texturising spray. If you want to accentuate the layers, I would recommend styling with a volumising mousse, topping it off with a nourishing hair oil for a glossy and velvet finish.”