The Who What Wear Podcast

Episode Title: Celebrity Hairstylist Chris McMillan on Creating “The Rachel,” Going Viral Before Social Media, and Launching His Haircare Line
Date: August 20, 2025
Host: Jamie Schneider (Senior Beauty Editor, Who What Wear)
Guest: Chris McMillan (Celebrity Hairstylist)

Overview

In this episode, Jamie Schneider interviews the legendary hairstylist Chris McMillan, the creative force behind iconic celebrity looks—including "The Rachel" haircut made famous by Jennifer Aniston in Friends. The conversation touches on Chris’s early inspirations, his career journey, his approach to hair trends and viral styles, and the launch of his new haircare line with Sephora ("no rules, just hair"), offering both nostalgic anecdotes and practical tips for hair enthusiasts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Chris McMillan’s Early Roots in Hairdressing

• Formative Experiences

  • Chris recalls being fascinated with hair from as early as age four, particularly by watching his mom style her hair in the 1970s.

    “Here I am, like, 4 years old, having an opinion on how my mom should wear her hair.” (03:19, Chris)

  • His first “client” was his mother, whose bleach-blonde Farrah Fawcett look Chris styled better than the family’s hairdresser.

    “I did the perfect Farrah Fawcett curls... It had that perfect feathered hair.” (04:03, Chris)

• Training & Early Aspirations

  • Beauty school was offered as a high school elective. Chris devoted summers and afternoons to learning, finishing 1600 hours by senior year and earning his license at 18.

    “Literally November 10th, I went to the State Board of Cosmetology in Hollywood, and I took the test, and I passed.” (05:15, Chris)

Pop Culture’s Influence on Chris’s Style

• Passion for iconic hairstyles and transformation
  • Inspiration from figures such as Farrah Fawcett, Jacqueline Smith, Dorothy Hamill, and witnessing the impact hair transformations had on classmates.

    “I saw the power of hair... watching people get dramatic changes and dramatic haircuts, but having it be just as beautiful, and I've always been drawn towards that.” (06:25, Chris)

  • Views hair as an accessory as important as shoes.

The Creation of “The Rachel”

• Spontaneity and pop-culture serendipity

  • No creative brief—Chris was inspired by Amber Valletta’s Tom Ford-era Gucci campaign, giving Jennifer Aniston a clavicle-length cut with grown-out bangs for a “flip.”

    “There was no briefing... I was obsessed with Amber Valletta’s hair... and that inspired me to cut Jennifer’s hair.” (07:46, Chris)

  • The cut felt “so easy” and was simply about “going with the flow.”

    “I was stoned out of my mind... I just went with the flow, and it was fun to do.” (07:24 & 09:09, Chris)

• Styling & Maintenance

  • Jennifer Aniston couldn’t style the Rachel herself; Chris says minimal effort is key for good haircuts. (09:20-09:33)

    "Jennifer will be the first one to tell you she couldn't style it herself." (09:20, Chris)

• Current Blowout Trends

  • Chris is revisiting big, ‘90s blowouts: “Cindy Crawford meets Stephanie Seymour meets Claudia Schiffer.”

    “We are going full ‘90s blowout... I'm loving velcro rollers again.” (09:46, Chris)

Viral Moments and Breaking Out of “Haircut Boxes”

• The “Cunty Little Bob” for Leslie Bibb in White Lotus

  • Chris enjoys seeing cuts go viral but tries not to take it too seriously.

    “The cunty little bob has had quite a run. It’s definitely like a fun trend for the summer.” (10:40, Chris)

• On being pigeonholed

  • Chris values diversity in his work, favoring a wide variety of styles and referencing icons from Mia Farrow to Cher.

    “I just think that it's just really important as hairdressers these days to really show diversity when it comes to hair.” (11:22, Chris)

Hair Trends Now and Next

• Emphasis on individuality and playing with hair
  • Trend forecasting is less important than self-expression.

    “The trend is playing with your hair. People expressing their individuality... is going to be the trend.” (12:50, Chris)

• Layers and new versions of classics (like the Rachel) are on the rise.

Launching the Chris McMillan Haircare Line

Brand Genesis and Inspiration

• Drawing on years of working with Living Proof and Drunk Elephant, Chris decided to create his own “authentic” line.
• Support and encouragement from his husband and industry peers pushed him forward.
• Key takeaway: authenticity and DNA—products must be an extension of the creator’s persona.
  > “The day you picked up a pair of scissors, Chris, is the day you started your brand.” (18:20, advice relayed by Chris)

Product Line Details (launched at Sephora, August 12th)

• The Classic Styling Kit (20:01 onward)

  • Seven core products reflecting what Chris uses daily.
    • Blow Dry Spray: Cuts blow-dry time, fights frizz, adds shine (like “if Kerastase Oleorelax and Dream Coat had a baby”). (20:17–21:00)
    • Texture Spray: Merges dry shampoo and Oribe’s dry texture spray without powdery residue—creates “day-old hair” texture. (21:00–21:40)
    • Balm: For use before, during, or after styling—nourishes, defines, great for slick backs.

      “It’s a before, during, and after product... not too greasy so you're not stuck with like a greasy head of hair. That was actually the first product that I developed.” (22:35, Chris)

    • Hairspray: Brushable, layerable, and heat-protecting with high shine—never matte. (23:11–24:00)
    • Mousse: Lightweight, foamy, great for defining and conditioning waves or curls. (24:23–25:00)
    • Gel: Provides shine, not helmet hair—no flaking, easily brushable. (25:14)
    • Flyaway Mascara Wand: Specifically targets rogue hairs—strong yet not hard or crusty.

      “You can pinpoint the one hair and get it, smack it right into place... it’s kind of like hairspray and gel mixed together.” (25:32, Chris)

    • The mascara was perfected first on his own brows! (25:55–26:29)

• Professional Meets Consumer

  • All products are designed to be intuitive and forgiving—can't make mistakes.

Testing and Response

• Samples have been used for years on celebrity and regular clients alike. > “The second I get a sample from the lab, it’s being used immediately on everybody in the salon.” (26:57, Chris)

Chris’s Approach: Styling Tips & Product Matchmaking

Jamie gives Chris hair scenarios; he delivers advice with product recommendations and signature wit.

• Short, Straight Pixie Cut (27:46)

  • Use balm for nourishment and texture spray for a punky, piecey look.

  “Boy haircuts on girls are so chic, so chic… The balm adds nourishment and moisture, texture spray adds a little punk rock.” (27:46–28:48, Chris)

• Mid-Length, Wavy Hair (28:52)

  • Apply mousse, scrunch, then a touch of gel to the top/ends, let air dry, break up with balm for final shine and definition.

  “It’s going to have a ribbony texture and no frizz…” (29:55, Chris)

• Curly Texture with Curly Bangs (30:05)

  • Towel dry, apply balm plus gel, flip hair, squeeze with towel for definition—handle curls with intention (“slightly manhandle your hair”).

  “You want to slightly manhandle your hair, especially with curls. Pull them, yank them, squeeze them.” (30:54, Chris)

• Lush, Coily Hair (30:58)

  • Layer gel and mousse, diffuse dry, smooth with balm for shine and weight; trial and error to find personal preference.

  “It is a combination of layering all three of them and finding your happy place with those.” (31:54, Chris)

Memorable Quotes & “Aha” Moments

• “Hair is an accessory, just like clothing is. Your hair is just as important as the shoes.” (06:49, Chris)
• “I think hair is supposed to be fun. It’s just hair, that’s the whole point.” (Implied throughout)
• (On the Rachel) “She couldn't style it herself. She was just like, he suckered me into this haircut, and now I need him to do my hair.” (09:20, Chris)
• (On handling viral trends) “I don’t take it all too serious. I just go with the flow of everything.” (10:58, Chris)
• (On product development) “The day you picked up a pair of scissors, Chris, is the day you started your brand.” (18:20, recounted advice)
• (Styling tip for big blowouts) “Take a cashmere beanie cap and pull like, a stretched out one over your head... You'll be like, oh my gosh, what a duh moment.” (33:10, Chris)
• “All hairdressers love hairspray.” (33:30, Chris)

What’s Next for Chris McMillan’s Brand? (32:05)

• Plans for two years ahead with Sephora: expanding accessories (chic ponytail holders, headbands, beanie caps for post-blowout “size management”).
• Drawing inspiration from Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and the chicness of ‘90s minimalism.

  “I want to have, like, chic ponytail holders, chic hair clips, headbands... I always put a beanie cap on my clients after I blow dry their hair.” (32:12–33:05, Chris)

For Listeners:

Chris’s story blends humble beginnings, pop culture savvy, and approachable expertise—a must-listen for beauty devotees, stylists, and anyone who loves a good origin story. The episode is filled with both nostalgic references and actionable tips, capturing the “no rules, just hair” ethos behind his brand.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:09] Chris’s early inspiration and first “clients”
• [05:18] Beauty school and licensing
• [07:24] The origin of “The Rachel” haircut
• [09:20] How to style (or not style) “The Rachel”
• [10:40] Going viral: “Cunty Little Bob” and handling trends
• [16:57] Journey toward launching the new haircare line
• [20:17] Detailed product breakdown
• [27:46] Customized styling tips for different hair types
• [32:05] Brand’s future—accessories and more

For a dose of hair history, practical advice, and an inside look at launching an iconic new brand, start here with Chris McMillan’s candid and charismatic conversation on The Who What Wear Podcast.