Spotted in March 2023 on the Debilly footbridge, in Paris, for the preview of Murder Mystery 2Jennifer Aniston displayed a smooth, golden blow-dry, which immediately reminded us of Rachel Green in Friends. Tanned complexion, soft lengths, shorter locks around the face: the actress revived the cult cut of the 90s without saying it.
Since then, this now legendary base has been reinvented into a very specific trend: the contour cut, or contour cut, which is invading salons for spring 2026. Its idea is simple to summarize, but not so simple to achieve at the hairdresser. It promises to sculpt features like contouring, only with scissors.
Contour cut: Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” sculpted face version
For Cos Sakkas, hairstylist and global creative director at Toni et Guy, the contour cut accompanies a movement towards more lightness and bounce. He describes it as a gradient designed around the strong points of the face. “This haircut is designed to highlight the facial frame and shape the features, with cheekbone-focused details that flatter from every angle,” explains Cos Sakkas to Cosmopolitan magazine.
The difference with a simple gradient is this precise placement: strands which brush against the eyebrows to open the eyes, which caress the cheekbones to give a lifting effect, tapering gently around the jaw. “Regardless of hair type, it always delivers a finish with effortless movement.” The contour cut can be worn smooth for a clean look or wavy for that very Parisian, falsely neglected look.
Eight contour cut styles inspired by Jennifer Aniston
The basis of all this, the “Rachel haircut” made famous by Rachel Green: smooth lengths, very pronounced gradient, shorter locks which frame the face. In Paris, Jennifer Aniston brought it up to date with a golden complexion and hair contouring with lighter highlights on the front. Version 2026, four options speak to lengths: the long Jennifer Aniston-style contour cut, a layered lob at the collarbones, a fuzzy contour square just under the jaw and a soft shag on curly hair.
The contour cut with curtain bangs creates a light veil that extends in strands at the cheekbones, ideal for broad foreheads or heart-shaped faces. On very long and thick hair, the XXL version lightens the contours without sacrificing length. More rock, the modern shag-style contour cut gives volume at the top and refines the jawline. A mid-length contour lift cut works well after 40, with the highlights starting just above the cheekbones.
Choosing and maintaining your contour cut wisely every day
In a hair salon it is better to describe the result rather than name it in English. Talk about layers that frame the face, highlights at the cheekbones and show a photo of Jennifer Aniston.
To maintain the sculpting effect, hairdressers recommend refreshing the locks around the face every four to six weeks, with a simple cut of scissors, then playing at home with smooth blow-drying or natural waves.