THE RACHEL IS BACK

The grand spectacle of the 81st annual Golden Globes unfolded this past Sunday, casting a shimmering spotlight on celebrities who paraded down the illustrious red carpet adorned in nothing short of breathtaking designer ensembles. Amidst the array of show-stopping fashion statements, one icon stood out in timeless elegance – none other than Jennifer Aniston. With an effortless presence that required no embellishments, she graced the event in a bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown, radiating sheer magnificence.

However, the pièce de résistance of her ensemble was undeniably her daring departure from the ordinary, showcased through a chic and shorter hairstyle paired with a flirtatious side part.

Brace yourselves, for the resurgence of “The Rachel” is upon us! The iconic choppy bob, once sported by Aniston’s character in Friends, is making a triumphant return to the forefront of style. Get ready for a wave of ’90s nostalgia to sweep over 2024, as your clients clamour for this revived and irresistibly trendy look.

In this short cutting guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to recreate this classic ‘Rachel’ hairstyle.

But before we dive into the haircut steps I always feel a need to remind ourselves the importance of the consultation. As always, talk about their hair type, texture, and daily routine to make sure the ‘Rachel’ cut works with their facial structure, hair structure as well as their lifestyle. The key to any successful cut, keep it real about expectations and handle any worries they’ve got.

THE RACHEL IS BACK

However, the pièce de résistance of her ensemble was undeniably her daring departure from the ordinary, showcased through a chic and shorter hairstyle paired with a flirtatious side part.

In this short cutting guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to recreate this classic ‘Rachel’ hairstyle.

STEP 1. PREP AND SECTIONING

Begin with a clean, damp canvas by washing and conditioning the hair using products suitable for your client’s hair type. Towel-dry the hair, removing excess moisture without over-drying. You might even want to introduce your client to a monthly deep cleansing routine, using a clarifying shampoo like the ‘Build up Be Gone’ by The Hair Movement.

Then divide the hair into manageable sections.

STEP 2. ESTABLISH THE LENGTH

The Rachel cut is characterised by its medium length, falling around the shoulders. Begin by establishing the base length, keeping in mind that the layers will add movement and dimension to the overall look. Use a razor or shears, depending on your client’s hair texture and desired finish.

STEP 3. LAYERING TECHNIQUE

The signature element of the Rachel haircut is its layers, giving the hair more body surrounding the face in a heart shape, framing it perfectly. Opt for long, textured layers that frame the face and create a soft, flattering effect. Begin layering around the face, gradually working towards the back. Be mindful of maintaining balance and avoiding excessive thinning, especially for clients with finer hair.

STEP 4. FACE-FRAMING

To achieve the Rachel’s face-framing layers, angle your cuts diagonally, starting around the chin level. This technique adds a subtle, elegant shape that enhances the features and captures the essence of the iconic haircut.

Diagonal cuts are the key to that iconic Rachel vibe. These layers are not just layers; they’re a work of art that captures the essence of chic.

STEP 5. TEXTURIZING FOR MOVEMENT

Texture is our secret weapon – we want that effortlessly chic allure.

Now, pay attention to the tools of the trade. Grab those 38 teeth texturizing scissors or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, the design razors by Kasho. It’s like giving your haircut a magic wand! Or use the classic technique of point-cutting, adding movement and kicking bulk to the curb, all while keeping that killer overall shape intact.

Why does it matter, you ask? Well, we’re steering clear of the dreaded “too heavy, too blunt” trap. ‘The Rachel’ cut needs to flow. So, my hair virtuosos, get ready to sprinkle some texture magic and let those scissors dance.

STEP 6. FINISHING TOUCHES

After you’ve nailed down the iconic cut, let’s bring the glam to life with a blow-dry finish. We’re talking about flaunting those layers like they’re on a runway, giving the hair that sleek, polished look. And hey, if you’re feeling a bit extra, bring out the straightening or curling irons and show your client how to finish it off themselves at home.

To keep the magic going, I’ve got some must-haves for your client. The ‘Plump Up Fine’ by The Hair Movement – it’s the superhero volumizing shampoo that your clients hair has been waiting for. I’d also recommend finishing of with the ‘Boost it Up’ spray, giving that added volume. Trust me, it’s the secret sauce to keeping that fresh-from-the-salon look. So, get ready to roll out the Rachel.

Tania Betsy

Tania has been 30 years in the industry, for 10 of those running her own successful Aveda salon. Tania is now working as Creative Salon Director at The Hair Movement Salon in South East London, as well as a content contributor to Kasho. Her passion for precision cutting and colour pushes the creative boundaries, but her belief that everyday is a school day, continues to push her knowledge boundaries and her love for the industry.