dpJennifer Aniston may just be hair’s ultimate cultural icon. Her Friends character Rachel Green inspired one of the most coveted hairstyles of the ’90s: “The Rachel,” a voluminous, layered cut that sent countless women to salons in search of hair that looks as effortlessly chic as Aniston’s did on-screen. The irony? She remembers the style as anything but effortless. “I remember how much work that original haircut was!” Aniston tells ELLE exclusively.
Today, hair trends have shifted toward styles that feel more relaxed, lived-in, and less polished—including the modern version of “The Rachel” that features longer and softer layers. There’s also a greater emphasis on hair that looks and feels healthy, with movement and texture taking precedence over a stiffly styled finish. Even Aniston prefers the “undone” approach. “I don’t love anything that makes your hair stiff or crunchy,” she says. That philosophy is at the heart of the latest addition to her hair-care brand, LolaVie: the Weightless Medium Hold Hairspray. “We wanted to create a product that gives you hold without sacrificing the feel of your hair,” she adds.
Powered by adaptive peptides and a trio of tropical fruit-derived actives, the superfine spray sets your style in place while leaving behind touchable softness and a healthy-looking shine. The formula even makes second-day styling a breeze, with 450°F heat protection and 72-hour frizz protection.
In an interview with ELLE ahead of the product’s launch today, Aniston reveals her hair-care routine, her bob era, why she envies Sandra Bullock, and her favorite rom-coms. Read the full conversation below.
Could you walk us through your hair-care routine?
I try to keep it pretty simple. I always start with a good shampoo and conditioner, and then choose products depending on what my hair needs that day. If I’m blow-drying, I go for heat protection and a little smoothing. If I’m going for a more natural style, it’s all about hydration and movement.
How is LolaVie’s hairspray formula different from others?
We wanted to create something that gives you hold without sacrificing the feel of your hair. The Weightless Medium Hold Hairspray helps keep your style in place while still allowing your hair to move and feel soft and touchable.
You were quick to try fish egg facials and peptide injections early on, which have both become huge trends. How do you decide what is worth trying when it comes to wellness?
I’ve always been curious about advances in science and medicine, especially when it comes to taking care of yourself, but I’ve learned it’s important to be discerning about where you get your information. I always do my research and have trusted sources and experts that I turn to. Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you—or anybody, for that matter.
There’s so much information and so many new treatments available, which is wonderful, but it can also feel overwhelming. I hope the future is about getting back to the basics: sleep, movement, nutrition, managing stress, and taking care of yourself consistently. Technology can be amazing, but it’s not a replacement for the fundamentals.
How do you feel about the return of the modern “Rachel” haircut?
I love that people are still inspired by it. The modern versions feel a little more relaxed and lived-in, which I love.
Have you ever considered making a major hair change?
Many times throughout the years. Hair is such a fun way to experiment with how you look and feel, and sometimes you just want a change. I remember a couple of times thinking, A bob would be fun, so I took the leap…and then immediately started to let it grow back out. What can I say? I’ve found what works for me.
You recently complimented Sandra Bullock by saying, “You’re one of the only women in my life with a head of hair that makes no sense.” What did you mean by that?
Sandy has the thickest head of hair on a woman over 40 that I’ve ever seen in my entire life! I have such hair envy! She is also one of my biggest LolaVie supporters. She’s ordered every product available from day one and continues to do so. I know she loves me, but God knows she doesn’t have to do that.
In the same interview, you said, “We crave those ’90s rom-coms.” What’s your favorite rom-com of all time, and why?
There are so many good ones! When Harry Met Sally, of course, is the quintessential rom-com. Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron—nobody did it better. The Philadelphia Story is also a classic.
The Morning Show recently wrapped. How do you feel about the show’s conclusion? Do you like the way Alex Levy’s character arc is ending?
It’s bittersweet. I’m proud of the journey we’ve taken Alex on and very grateful to have been part of telling these stories with such an extraordinary cast and crew. Our writers did an incredible job wrapping up not only Alex’s journey but the other characters we’ve come to love. You’ll just have to wait and see!
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
