Jennifer Aniston has always been a trendsetter—who didn’t immediately run out and buy a plaid mini skirt when Rachel Green wore one on Friends? But nowhere is her influence stronger than the arena of hairstyles.
It’s difficult to measure the cultural impact of “The Rachel.” New variations on the classic ’90s chop buzz around the internet every season, including the butterfly haircut—the of-the-moment take. In fact, her style is so iconic that #RachelGreen has over one billion views on TikTok, an app known for its Gen-Z user base, over two decades after Friends first premiered. The Rachel is forever.
That said, The Rachel’s popularity tends to overshadow Jennifer Aniston’s essential contribution to messy beach wave culture, and that’s something which I can no longer allow. Because back in 2002, when Aniston was up for the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series, the intentionally tousled look wasn’t considered red-carpet friendly. In fact, the new millennium had prompted a surge in over-styled—and colored—looks. Aniston’s contemporaries sported stick-straightened hair, over-the-top blowouts, and black-on-blonde balayage. But that didn’t stop the Friends star from rocking effortless waves to the Emmys that year, looking amazing—and taking home the Emmy for her performance as Rachel Green—in the process.
Steve Granitz
While Aniston’s fellow attendees sported more “done” styles for the red carpet (mostly sleek blowouts and updos, TBH), the Friends star opted for the epitome of effortless glam, wearing a look that resembled air-dried beach waves in the best way.
Steve Granitz
