What The Creator Of “The Rachel” Cut Wishes Everyone Knew About Styling Their Hair

Few looks epitomize the ’90s (besides chokers and chunky shoes) quite like “The Rachel.” Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green debuted the shoulder-length, layered haircut during Friends‘ first season—and legions of copycats soon marched into their home salons with clipped photos of the star in order to follow suit. Chances are even your hip aunt rocked the bouncy chop.

But while Friends lovers were embracing their new ‘dos, Aniston herself was less than thrilled with the look. Michael Canalé, Aniston’s longtime colorist who created the iconic look along with stylist Chris McMillan, tells me it was Aniston’s least favorite style. (And Aniston herself has said that once she was left alone with a blow dryer and a round brush, she had no idea how to recreate it.)

Aniston herself has said that once she was left alone with a blow dryer and a round brush, she had no idea how to recreate.

“In actuality, it’s not until it started getting longer that we got more of a drag in the front section” and it became easier for Aniston to style, Canalé says. “Then three years into it, she had one length and a center part that was no maintenance.” (Now, nearly two decades later, a center part is the model-approved solution for no-fuss hair.)

Seemingly always one step ahead (there’s a reason A-list clients like Penelope Cruz, Hedi Klum and Shakira entrust their locks to him), Canalé shares what he thinks will be the next big trends in hair care.

Keep reading on Well + Good to find the best hairstyle for you.