Jennifer Aniston is back in the spotlight during Super Bowl LX with Dunkin's 2026 commercial, starring alongside Ben Affleck and other '90s TV icons. The ad cleverly nods to classic sitcoms, but what immediately caught fans' attention was Aniston's hairstyle.
For the Dunkin' ad, the award-winning actress wore a revival of legendary 'The Rachel' haircut that first made waves in the 1990s. The glossy, layered cut has been associated with her iconic role on Friends (1994-2004), and it seems to be making a bold comeback this year.
What Exactly Is 'The Rachel' Haircut?
'The Rachel' haircut is defined by its shoulder length, face-framing layers, soft volume, and slightly flipped ends. It was created by hairstylist Chris McMillan in 1995 for Aniston's character Rachel Green on Friends. It became one of the most famous haircuts of the decade, sparking a global trend where women queued in salons asking for 'The Rachel'.
Its fame was inseparable from the cultural impact of Friends. As one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s, Friends reached millions of viewers weekly and made Rachel Green's hairstyle instantly recognisable. The character's style, charm, and relatable personality turned the haircut into more than just a look. It became a defining aspect of the show's influence on fashion and beauty trends.
The popularity of 'The Rachel' haircut was not just fleeting. Magazines, pop culture references, and countless celebrity adaptations cemented the haircut's status as an enduring symbol of '90s glamour. Even today, hairstylists recognise it instantly, and it continues to influence modern layered cuts.
“The Rachel was high maintenance. I'd curse Chris every time I had to blowdry. It took three brushes—it was like doing surgery!” Jennifer Aniston pic.twitter.com/W7CgMWyoR0
— jennifer.aniston.quotes (@JeniAniQuotes) May 25, 2024
Get the Look: What to Ask Your Stylist?
Recreate 'The Rachel' haircut by asking your stylist to give you long layers that frame your face with slightly feathered ends and volume at the crown. Typically, the length falls just below the shoulders or collarbones. Its mid-length cut definitely works for modern wearers, balancing the original style with today's smoother, sleeker hair trends.
For colour, Aniston's hair often features honey blonde highlights blended with a warm light brown base. Ask your colourist for soft, sun-kissed highlights that naturally accentuate the layers, giving dimension and movement. Subtle balayage or foiling techniques can replicate the effortless glow seen in the Dunkin' ad.
Styling at home is equally important. Use a round brush while blow-drying to curl the ends outward slightly and maintain the volume at the crown. A light texturising spray adds body without stiffness, keeping the cut soft and versatile.
The Iconic Hairstyle Through The Years
Aniston has revisited 'The Rachel' haircut many times since her Friends days, showing its enduring appeal and versatility. Over the years, she has sported layered looks symbolic of the original cut on numerous red carpets, movie premieres, and magazine covers. This only demonstrates how the style can evolve while remaining instantly recognisable.
From award shows to premieres like Marley & Me in 2008, and countless editorial appearances in publications such as InStyle and People, Aniston's layered hairstyles often echo the influence of the iconic Rachel Green look.
One of the most recent moments came in 2019 at the Murder Mystery Los Angeles premiere. She sported a slightly longer version of the haircut with subtle platinum highlights and the signature feathered ends, giving the classic style a fresh, modern twist.
Each of her appearance reinforces why the haircut became a defining symbol of '90s beauty, continuing to inspire modern layered cuts and red-carpet-ready styles today.
Why 'The Rachel' Cut Is Back
The resurgence of 'The Rachel' haircut in a high-profile commercial is more than just nostalgia. It's a reminder of enduring beauty trends that blend classic structure with modern flair. Stylists note that contemporary audiences appreciate the cut's practicality alongside its chic appeal, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish update.
In Aniston's Dunkin' commercial, 'The Rachel' haircut is not only a nod to the past, but a statement that timeless style can still be fashionable in 2026. As fans rush to salons, it's clear the cut's cultural significance has only grown.
