Love Jennifer Aniston’s new haircut? Celebrity hairdresser Michael Van Clarke tells you how to get the ‘New Rachel’

For those of us who won’t see our 40s – or even 50s – again, it’s quite a tonic that the woman who set the Golden Globes on fire in the beauty field wasn’t some young whippersnapper, but Jennifer Aniston, who will hit her halfway. -50 next month.

Jennifer is the ‘if it ain’t broke’ type. . .’ school, with a shorter, softly layered, choppy, straight, yet ‘pieced’ cut that commentators immediately deemed the new Rachel.

For many women in their fifties, there is a real romance in the idea of ​​returning to the ‘do’ of their youth, when they were fashionable and carefree, with spring-like luscious hair. It’s a show of confidence that speaks of mojo at its peak.

This, not least, when we are constantly being told what to do with our locks, whether that is to chop them all off, go grey/blonde or whatever. A new Rachel on an older, therefore even more fantastic Aniston, feels such a joyful rejection of these edicts.

But can mere mortals indulge in the throwback hair trend without a permanent glam squad on hand? I asked stylist Michael Van Clarke, who recently gave me an infinitely smarter and more attractive version of the layered look I got at 17…

UPDATE, DO NOT REPLICATE

First, remember that this is not an exercise in retro revival, but rather a high five to a younger you. The key is updating, not replicating, what Aniston has done and what Michael has done with me.

As he notes, “There were actually a lot of Rachels – just like Jennifer needed a new one for the day.” Not only have times changed, but so have your hair and, indeed, your face. By now you know your hair type and texture – work with what you have.

BE SPECIFIC IN THE SALON

If you were to ask your hairdresser, Michael describes the style as ‘an A-line bob where the front is longer than the back and a few layers are cut in’.

However, he advises against being too copycat in the approach.

‘The cut must be refined to suit your hair type. Otherwise, unless you have robotically perfect hair, a basic bob will only disappoint.”

STYLE COUNCIL

The right styling products are crucial. Michael Van Clarke Eureka Blowdry Balm (19.50, vanclarke.com) does the impossible: deflates and gives body. And Philip Kingsley protectors work great on hair during menopause.

Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Lipid Shield Oil (now £21.41, sephora.co.uk) adds shine, while his Daily Damage Defense Spray (£22.90) is both a heat shield and a conditioner.

However, if fineness (and therefore looseness) is the problem, then you should really look for Michael’s bouncy Thicker Quicker Volumising Blowdry Spray (€21.50) and (extremely crispy) Volumising Mousse (€16.50).

A flat-haired friend swears by Percy & Reed’s Volumizing Mousse (£9, Waitrose) and a spritz of my beloved Batiste Dry Shampoo (£3.25, boots.com) to boost the roots of clean hair.

RIGHT LIGHTS READY

For DIY styling, many women will be tempted to dig out the GHDs, the ceramic-coated straighteners that made the Rachel at-home viable after 2001, which smooth the cuticle and give that feathered signature kick-under layers are created. the face.

Today, GHD has numerous models, with protective technology that reduces heat damage even further (from £109, ghdhair.com).

Michael says, “GHDs are great, but take your time; you don’t want to overdo it with clunky sections. Guide with a comb so that the ends pass through smoothly.’

If you’re still struggling, the new Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Infrared & Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler (£249.99, nickyclarke.com) has two tongue-like attachments to smooth and gently wave.

Or simply style your locks around your fingers, put them in clips and leave them for half an hour.

Then fix it with Elnett (£3, again Boots) because – like Jen – we think it’s worth it.

RACE YOU TO IT!

MY ICON OF THE WEEK

Rosamund Snoek

The star, 44, looked great at the Globes despite damaging her face while skiing. Make-up artist Melanie Inglessis used Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme (£105, imageskincare.co.uk), then Diorshow 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Pearl (£55, dior.com) and Backstage Rosy Glow in 001 Pink (£34) .

COLD SWEETS

COSMETIC DESIRE