For those of us who won’t see 40 — or indeed 50 — again, it is rather a tonic that the woman who set the Golden Globes alight beauty-wise wasn’t some young whippersnapper, but Jennifer Aniston, who will hit her mid-50s next month.
Jennifer is of the ‘if it ain’t broke . . .’ school, rocking a shorter, softly-layered, choppily straight, yet ‘piecey’ cut that commentators immediately deemed the New Rachel.
For many fiftysomething women, there’s a real romance in the idea of revisiting the ‘do’ of their youth when they were fashion-forward and carefree, hair spring-chickenishly luxuriant. It’s a show of self-confidence that speaks of mojo at its peak.
This, not least, when we’re constantly told what to do with our locks, whether that be to chop them all off, go grey/blonde or whatever. A New Rachel on an older, thus even more fabulous Aniston, feels such a joyous rejection of these edicts.
But can mere mortals indulge in the trend for throwback hair without a permanent glam squad at hand? I asked stylist Michael Van Clarke, who recently supplied me with an infinitely cleverer and more becoming version of the layered look I acquired aged 17…
Jennifer Aniston set the Golden Globes alight with her shorter, softly-layered, choppily straight, yet ‘piecey’ hairstyle that commentators immediately deemed the 'New Rachel'
UPDATE, DON’T REPLICATE
First off, remember that this is not an exercise in retro revival, more a high five to younger you. The key is to update, not replicate, which is what Aniston has done and what Michael did with me.
As he notes: ‘There were actually lots of Rachels — just as Jennifer required a new one for today.’ Not only have times changed, but so has your hair, and, indeed, your face. By now, you’ll know your hair type and texture — work with what you have.
BE SPECIFIC IN THE SALON
Were you to ask your hairdresser for it, Michael describes the style as ‘an A-line bob where the front is longer than the back and a few step-layers have been cut in’.
However, he advises against being too copycat in approach.
‘The cut must be refined to match your hair type. Otherwise, unless you have robotically perfect hair, a bog-standard bob will only disappoint.’
STYLE COUNSEL
The right styling products are crucial. Michael Van Clarke Eureka Blowdry Balm (19.50, vanclarke.com) does the impossible, depuffing while imparting body. And Philip Kingsley’s protectors work brilliantly on menopausal hair.
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Lipid Shield Oil (now £21.41, sephora.co.uk) lends shine, while his Daily Damage Defence Spray (£22.90) is a heatshield as well as a conditioner.
However, if fineness — and thus limpness — is the issue, then you really should seek out Michael’s bounce-bestowing Thicker Quicker Volumising Blowdry Spray (£21.50) and (supremely uncrunchy) Volumising Mousse (£16.50).
One flat-haired friend swears by Percy & Reed’s volumising mousse (£9, Waitrose) and a squirt of my beloved Batiste Dry Shampoo (£3.25, boots.com) to add oomph at clean hair’s roots.
Jennifer Aniston sporting the original 'Rachel' cut from her Friends days
STRAIGHTENERS AT THE READY
For do-it-yourself styling, many women will be tempted to dig out the GHDs, the ceramic-plated straighteners that made the Rachel achievable at-home after 2001, smoothing the cuticle and creating the signature kick-under of those feathered layers about the face.
Today, GHD boasts countless models, with protective tech that reduces heat-damage still further (from £109, ghdhair.com).
Michael says: ‘GHDs are great, but take your time — you don’t want to overdo it with clumsy sections. Lead with a comb so the ends go through smoothly.’
If you still struggle, the new Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Infrared & Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler (£249.99, nickyclarke.com) has two tong-like attachments to smooth and softly wave.
Or just style your locks around your fingers, set in clips, and leave for half an hour.
Then fix with Elnett (£3, Boots again) because we — like Jen — are worth it.
