Anyone who knows Jennifer Aniston knows about “The Rachel” haircut. The style became a defining look of the ’90s, thanks to her role as Rachel Green on Friends. However, long before she made that hairstyle famous, she had another look that fans had never seen until now.
To celebrate her 56th birthday, Aniston shared a rare childhood photo on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her much younger self with a hairstyle that hinted at the future. Though the image was grainy, her signature bangs and face-framing layers were already there.
What is the Rachel haircut?
The Rachel was the must-have haircut of the ’90s, as the shoulder-length style featured choppy layers in the front that framed the face beautifully, while creating a voluminous yet effortless look. It also featured flipped-in ends and a bouncy texture that appeared both polished and playful, perfect for Aniston’s character in Friends.
Aniston debuted the haircut as early as season one, during the 1995 episode titled “The One With the Evil Orthodontist.” Almost immediately, the public became obsessed and was flooded with requests for the style. For years, The Rachel remained one of the most sought-after cuts, and while many other styles have come and gone, it still gives Friends fans a nostalgic appeal.
Different times Jennifer Aniston has worn ‘The Rachel’ haircut
Even after Friends ended, Aniston has revisited The Rachel on several occasions. One of the most recent times was in January 2024, when she celebrated the birthday of her longtime hairstylist, Chris McMillan, who originally created the iconic cut.
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She also surprised fans with a modern take on the style at the 2024 Golden Globes, stepping out in a sleek lob — or long bob — that perfectly framed her face. Aniston has experimented with various hairstyles over the years, but The Rachel remains one of her most famous looks.