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When Jennifer Aniston debuted a hot new haircut on Friends in 1995, it forever became known as “The Rachel.” Even though it’s been three decades since the hairstyle first debuted, it’s still one of the most well-known haircuts in history.
Chris McMillan, the mane man behind the iconic haircut, is still sought after as a celebrity hairstylist after creating a hairstyle that caused a cultural frenzy. But this time around, celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos is in the spotlight after putting his own spin on “The Rachel.”
Giannetos recently took to Instagram to share several photos of a haircut he gave Gigi Hadid. The supermodel’s haircut is a modern, softer version of “The Rachel,” but it’s quite reminiscent of the Chris McMillan Rachel cut and is one of those face framing layered haircuts that are universally flattering.
Parade was eager to find out what’s behind the Jennifer Aniston Friends haircut comeback, so we consulted celebrity hairstylist Jewell Faranso Hingorani. We asked her to weigh in on the Gigi Hadid Rachel haircut and share why it’s a modern update on ’90s haircut trends.
Wondering how to ask for “the Rachel” haircut during your next trip to the salon? Here’s everything Faranso Hingorani had to say.
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What Is ‘The Rachel’ and Why Did It Become So Iconic in Pop Culture History?
Even if you’ve never watched an episode of Friends, you’ve likely heard of “The Rachel.” But what made the haircut so special?
“’The Rachel’ is the layered haircut Jennifer Aniston wore as Rachel Green on Friends. It had lots of volume, shorter layers around the face and ends that flipped out,” Faranso Hingorani tells Parade.
The hairstylist says the haircut hit icon status simply because “Friends was huge” and “everyone loved Jennifer Aniston’s hair.”
“Women everywhere were bringing her picture into salons and asking for the same cut. It became one of those rare hairstyles that everyone knew by name,” she says.
Related: The ‘Safe’ Short Haircut That Is Actually Aging You (And What To Ask Your Stylist for Instead)
Gigi Hadid’s Soft Modern Version vs. the 1990s Original Cut
View this post on InstagramIn his Instagram post, Giannetos described Hadid’s haircut as an “updated version of the C-cut” and said he gave the model some “Love Layers (aka heart shape layers).”
“A bit more lift on the roots and the first layers start hitting a little below the chin till the tips of the hair! It creates basically an illusion of heart shape layers!” he captioned the post.
Faranso Hingorani says Hadid’s new look is like a modern Rachel haircut for 2026.
“Gigi’s version is longer, softer and more blended. The original Rachel had shorter, choppier layers and a much bigger flip at the ends,” she says.
The model’s layers start around or below her chin then blend into the rest of her hair.
“She also has more fullness left at the bottom. It gives her the same volume and movement as the original, but it feels softer and more modern,” the stylist explains.
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Why Is ‘The Rachel’ Having a Major Comeback 30 Years Later?
In fashion, trends have a tendency of coming back again long after they go out of style. Similarly, haircut trends can also cycle in and out of fashion. Faranso Hingorani says Hadid’s modern version of “The Rachel” is the perfect example of how people’s hair priorities change over time.
“People want volume and movement again. We have seen so much long, one-length hair over the last few years, and now women want more shape,” she says.
And besides, the ’90s have been having a major moment for quite some time, so the revival of “The Rachel” is yet another example that people are feeling nostalgic for the decade.
“I think this haircut is a classic. It may be making a comeback, but beautiful layers and bouncy hair will never really go out of style,” Faranso Hingorani says.
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Who Does the Modern ‘Rachel’ Haircut Work Best On?
Just because a haircut looks fabulous on a celebrity doesn’t mean it’ll be flattering on everyone else. After all, haircuts are deeply personal and the best haircut for you is always the one that works best with your unique features.
In the case of Hadid’s take on “The Rachel,” however, Faranso Hingorani says the hairstyle is generally universally flattering.
“I honestly think this haircut can work on almost anyone because the layers can be changed to fit the person,” she says.
When it comes to hair textures, straight, wavy and curly hair can rock the look equally well.
“The stylist just needs to adjust the cut based on the person’s texture, face shape and hair density,” Faranso Hingorani says.
How To Ask Your Stylist for the Soft Layered ‘Rachel’ at the Salon
Considering Hadid’s version of “The Rachel” for yourself? Faranso Hingorani suggests starting by sharing a visual with your hairstylist.
“I would bring pictures of the modern version because if you only say ‘The Rachel,’ your stylist might picture the shorter 1990s cut,” she says.
As for what to ask for, the stylist recommends requesting “long, soft layers with face framing pieces that start around your cheekbones, jaw or chin.”
“Tell your stylist you want movement and volume, but you still want the ends to look full,” Faranso Hingorani says.
If you have fine hair, make sure your stylist doesn’t add too many layers because that can make the ends look thin.
Lastly, ask your stylist for a “soft, rounded bend” instead of “a dramatic flip.”
Related: Should You Get Balayage or Highlights in 2026? A Pro Hairstylist Weighs In
4 Best Volumizing Products To Style ‘The Rachel’ at Home
Once you walk out of the salon with your sassy new style, it’s smart to stock up on a few styling products and accessories to help maintain that salon feel. Faranso Hingorani recommends picking up the following products to help you style the modern version of “The Rachel” at home.
1. Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, $42
Oribe
Shop It at OribeFaranso Hingorani swears by this thickening spray to give hair body and help it hold the shape of a blowout.
“It is especially helpful for fine hair that has trouble keeping volume,” she says.
2. Color Wow Raise the Root, $26
Sephora
Shop It at SephoraFaranso Hingorani appreciates how this spray creates lift at the roots “without making the hair feel stiff or sticky.”
“‘The Rachel’ needs volume at the crown, but the hair should still feel soft and move naturally,” she says.
Related: The #1 Hair Length a Celebrity Stylist Says Can Make You Look 10 Years Younger
3. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse, $38
Bumble and Bumble
Shop It at Bumble and bumble“This mousse gives the hair fullness without making it hard or crunchy. It helps create that soft and bouncy look,” Faranso Hingorani says.
4. Jewell Clip Round Brush, $25
Jewell Clip
Shop It at Jewell ClipFaranso Hingorani suggests using this round brush to get the volume that “The Rachel” is known for.
“It has a ceramic barrel with nylon and boar bristles. That combination gives you the perfect amount of pull and tension while smoothing the hair. I call it a roller set in a brush because it creates that beautiful bend, bounce and movement while helping lock in the heat,” she says.
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Jewell Faranso Hingorani, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Victoria Beckham, is the founder of Jewell Clip a collection of hair accessories and extensions.Hence then, the article about gigi hadid just brought back jennifer aniston s iconic friends haircut 30 years later was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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