Celebrity hairdresser Ashanti Lation cut Janet Jackson’s hair this week, and it's already making waves across the hair industry. Learn why it's trending and how to tailor the trend to different clients
With its bouncy shape and softly flicked-out ends, Janet's cut is drawing comparisons to Jennifer Aniston's famous 'Rachel' haircut, named after her character Rachel Green from the TV series Friends. But what exactly is the Janet Jackson haircut, and how can stylists recreate it behind the chair?
We asked hairdressing experts to share their thoughts on the look, why it's generating so much attention and how to tailor the trend to different clients.
What Is the Janet Jackson Haircut?
The Janet Jackson haircut is a ’90s-inspired, layered style characterised by a full silhouette, soft graduation, face-framing pieces and ends that flick outwards. Unlike heavily thinned, choppy layers, the cut retains density through the lengths while creating movement, volume and shape.
Daniel Rice, Owner of Daniels Chelsea highlights how the cut’s shape and colour work together:
“Janet’s haircut is full but textured, with just enough graduation to kick the ends back. The caramel, cognac and honey highlights follow that shape; they lift the lines of the cut, frame the eyes and finish in blonde flicks just below the jaw. The Janet Cut gives the colour a proper surface to show off, and it keeps the density in.
Clients will come away feeling they’ve actually got hair, not a thinned-out, over-layered version of it, Daniel continues. "Cut well, it suits most hair types and gives you plenty of texture and movement, especially when the colour works with the shape rather than fighting it.”
Is the Janet Jackson Haircut the New Rachel?
The comparisons with Jennifer Aniston's famous Rachel haircut are easy to understand. Both styles use strategically placed layers and face-framing sections to create volume and movement, but Janet's version looks softer and less structured, with fuller lengths, flicked ends and dimensional colour.
Chloe Houston of Houston Hair, Ballymena, Ireland, and Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 British Hairdressing Awards, sees the potential for the look to become a modern classic.
“I absolutely love this look on Janet," says Chloe. "The layers give it incredible movement and volume, and the face framing pieces really soften the overall shape. The colour is beautiful too, with those lighter tones adding dimension. It has that glamorous ’90s feel but with a modern, effortless finish.
“I’m 22, so I wasn’t around for the original craze, but I grew up watching Friends and know just how iconic the Rachel haircut became. I think this could be the Rachel of a new generation - it has that same flattering, layered shape, but feels softer and a little more undone, which is exactly what makes it so current.
What I love most is how versatile it is, Chloe continues. "You can wear it with a big, bouncy blow dry or keep it softer and more relaxed. We’re seeing a real return to hair with movement, volume and personality, and Janet’s look is a perfect example of how a classic style can be reworked to feel fresh again.”
How to Recreate the Janet Jackson Haircut
Consultation is key when recreating the look. Stylists should consider the client's hair texture, density, face shape and styling routine, adapting the length and placement of the layers to achieve a flattering, wearable finish.
Michelle Summers Davies of Davies Hair, Pembrokeshire, highlights the importance of the overall look.
“I love this look! The colour really enhances her skin tone, and that cut gives her that super-cool, chilled vibe with plenty of sex appeal. The whole look really suits her. For me, it’s the colour and cut working together that makes it. Janet wears it with confidence, and that’s what really brings the look to life.
“This has the potential to be the haircut of the year, but it’s about adapting the cut to suit your face, your hair texture and your personality. It’s super versatile which means everyone can have their own version of it.”
When cutting the Janet Jackson style, focus on:
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Full, soft layers: Retain density through the lengths while creating movement.
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Face-framing sections: Shape the front layers to complement the client's features.
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Flicked-out ends: Create the signature ’90s finish with a subtle outward bend.
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Dimensional colour: Use warm caramel, cognac and honey tones to emphasise the layers.
How to Style the Janet Jackson Haircut
A round-brush blow-dry helps build volume at the roots, smooth the lengths and encourage the face-framing pieces to sweep away from the face. Directing the ends outwards creates the signature flick, while lightweight volumising products can add body and definition without weighing down the hair.
For clients who prefer a softer finish, the layers can be styled with a gentle bend rather than a pronounced flick, making the cut adaptable to different textures and occasions.
What Colour Works Best with the Janet Jackson Haircut?
Warm, dimensional colour is central to Janet's look. Caramel, cognac and honey highlights catch the light through the layers, enhancing movement and drawing attention to the face-framing sections.
Mark Woolley, Founder and Creative Director of Electric London explains how the cut and colour work together to modernise the trend.
“Janet Jackson looks great and has been an icon for more than 20 years. We’ve seen this haircut on Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber and Zendaya, but the Janet Cut is taking 90s inspiration and giving it a fresh new look. Beautiful caramel colours enhance the texture and movement, making it an ageless look that is the perfect combination for AW26.
“Apply E-Colour rich caramel tones to enhance the moment and C-5 Volume Liquid Mist Black to add volume and definition.”
Ultimately, the Janet Jackson haircut brings together ’90s nostalgia and modern versatility. With its full layers, soft face-framing, flicked ends and dimensional colour, it offers stylists plenty of scope to personalise a trend that could become a new salon favourite.
