There was a time when I genuinely believed Rachel Green had life figured out. She worked in fashion, had a friendship group that met up every day without consulting six different calendars and somehow afforded a New York that suggested she never once rooted around the bottom of her handbag for enough loose change to justify a Pret lunch. So, naturally, like millions of women before me, I was convinced that if I simply got 'The Rachel' haircut, everything else would fall into place. A questionable theory, admittedly, but one that has somehow survived into adulthood.
Now, two decades on from its debut, Rachel's signature haircut is having another starring role. Only this time, she's traded sitcom bounce for supermodel polish.
The biggest endorsement has come courtesy of Gigi Hadid, who recently shared her own modern take on the iconic cut. Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos has dubbed the look "Love Layers" – his updated version of the C-cut.
Designed to create lift through the roots, with the first layers beginning just below the chin before flowing through the lengths, the shape creates the illusion of a heart silhouette. I'm talking: fuller through the crown and narrower towards the ends with glossy movement, perfect for limp, lacklustre fine hair. AKA, it's Rachel Green's signature 'do, reimagined for 2026.
According to Izzy Warren, hairstylist at Hershesons, it's already one of the season's biggest salon requests. "The 'Rachel Green' super sleek ’90s cut will be a must-have this summer and is already being requested by my clients," she says. "Think sleek, long, flowy layers with maximum movement."
To recreate the style at home, Izzy recommends using a straightener, like the Hershesons Great Iron. (Which, yes, also signals the renaissance of the humble hair straightener.)
"Add a slight outward bend through the front sections for a classic ’90s flick to really enhance this cut," she says.
And with that, I think we can collectively agree that 90s beauty reigns supreme. Up next, the resurrection of skinny brows and frosted lips...
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
