Despite first making it onto our screens almost 30 years ago, Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ haircut is still one of the most lusted after hairstyles in the world, with hashtag #therachelcut earning 14.7 million views on TikTok.
Google further reveals that search terms related to ‘the Rachel’ still pull in a whopping 12.5K searches per month from the UK alone, with the US reaching over 40K searches a month, making the cut an enduring hit with everyone (apart from Aniston herself.)
The hair experts at All Things Hair have celebrated our current nostalgic hair trends by spotlighting the other timeless celebrity ‘dos and crunching the data to predict if there’ll ever be another Rachel…and how to spot it if there is.
In the realm of hairstyling, trends are as dynamic as they are diverse. While some may seek to replicate classic looks like ‘the Rachel,’ others may be drawn to more unconventional styles, such as dreadlocks.
For those curious about embracing a bold and distinctive look, learning how to start dreads can be an exciting journey of self-expression and cultural appreciation. Whether through natural methods or professional assistance, embarking on the process of creating dreadlocks offers individuals the opportunity to cultivate a unique aesthetic that reflects their personality and individuality.
As hairstyles continue to evolve and inspire, the beauty of self-expression remains at the forefront, inviting individuals to explore new horizons and embrace the transformative power of hair.
Top 10 Enduring Celebrity Hair Trends
While Hailey Bieber may dominate the current trends, her looks (which often draw inspiration from historic styles) have yet to last the test of time.
The below iconic looks, however, are still gaining widespread attention after ten years or more:
| Style | Celebrity | Date debuted | TikTok views | Google searches |
| Feathered shag | Princess Diana | 1980 | 3.4B | 4.5K |
| Beehive | Amy Winehouse | 2006 | 2.6B | 1.1K |
| Rachel | Jennifer Aniston | 1995 | 1.4B | 4.1K |
| Platinum blonde | Marilyn Monroe | 1948 | 1.2B | 4.2K |
| Teased mullet | Tina Turner | 1989 | 1.1B | 1.3K |
| Blunt bob | Anna Wintour | 1999 | 885.3M | 170 |
| Long bob | Victoria Beckham | 2006 | 715.9M | 4.2K |
| Pixie cut | Audrey Hepburn | 1953 | 679.6M | 2K |
| Hi-top fade | Grace Jones | 1980 | 85.5M | 90 |
| 70s flip | Farrah Fawcett | 1976 | 14.2M | 2.7K |
Princess Diana’s feathered shag takes the crown for the most celebrated celebrity hair today, with related videos garnering 3.4 billion views on TikTok, and seeing a monthly average of 4,500 related Google searches. After dipping in popularity over the past few years, 2022’s The Crown (featuring Elizabeth Debicki as Diana) saw a surge in popularity for feathered crops which has continued in 2023.
Meanwhile Amy Winehouse’s beehive snags second place, staying in the globe’s top hair trends since Winehouse released her iconic 2006 album Back to Black. It’s also a global smash, with 2.6 billion views for related hashtags (including tutorials on how to get the look) and counting. A fitting tribute to a talent taken well before her time, the beehive also suits all hair types.
In third place, the Rachel is never far from the top of searches across the globe. Since its 1995 debut, Aniston may have outgrown her look but more modern versions are now sported by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez, ensuring this is one trend that will never go out of style.
What Makes An Enduring Celebrity Look?
While all of these looks are very different, there’s one thing that they all have in common: reach. Even the most recent ‘do, Amy Winehouse’s beehive, was on the cover of an album which sold over 16 million copies worldwide.
Other, more historic, hairstyles were debuted before the rise of the internet and social media platforms, ensuring a captive audience. The Rachel, for example, saw 30M viewers tune in to its first episode in 1995.
Styles are also often part of a cultural moment: Monroe’s platinum blonde locks, chimed with the post-war swing towards luxury and sex appeal, while Jones’ famous fade celebrated the arrival of hip-hop on the global music scene.
Finally, these looks echoed a rebirth or emergence of a star. Tina Turner launched her voluminous spikes after she broke with Ike Turner, reclaiming her independence, while Victoria Beckham cut her previously flowing locks to begin entering the fashion world. An iconic hairstyle has to be from the heart.
What’s The Next Iconic Hair Trend?
Francesca Spirito, New Talent Stylist at the Neil Moodie Studio, thinks the Barbie movie and the Barbiecore trend could mean flicked ponytails in golden tones could become the next iconic ‘do.
“Flicked ponytails are practical for work and summer as the hair is out of the face, plus it still looks great with a dress for the evening,” she says. “The golden tone of the Barbie blonde shade also suits more skin tones than platinum – it gives your hair more of a natural, sun-kissed tone, which people love. People choose this tone over platinum because it looks great with the latest hair trends, like layered haircuts and butterfly cuts.
“I think Barbie Blonde is here to stay. The last decade has been about that grunge chic look with colour but over the last few years, we’ve seen big, glamorous, bouncy honey hair make a comeback.”
Could Barbie be the new Rachel? Only time will tell but, if you’re inspired to find out more about how to wear historic hair trends, there’s more information at All Things Hair.
