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Jennifer Aniston: From hair icon of the '90s to hair tycoon today

She launched one of the most iconic hairstyles of our time, so it's only natural that Jennifer Aniston would branch out into haircare.The “Friends” actress — she of the infamous “The Rachel” haircut — has served as a spokeswoman for several brands, but her latest seems the most fitting: Living Proof hair products.“I'd been approached before by hair companies,” Aniston told TODAY’

She launched one of the most iconic hairstyles of our time, so it's only natural that Jennifer Aniston would branch out into haircare.

The “Friends” actress — she of the infamous “The Rachel” haircut — has served as a spokeswoman for several brands, but her latest seems the most fitting: Living Proof hair products.

“I'd been approached before by hair companies,” Aniston told TODAY’s Carson Daly. “I thought, this is really exciting and [Living Proof] is a brand new company, so to be asked to be a part of something ... and have to build and become something fabulous. It was just so rewarding."

'The Rachel': Aniston's famous haircut during \"Friends\" was copied by women everywhere.
'The Rachel': Aniston's famous haircut during \"Friends\" was copied by women everywhere.Today

The star, 45, isn’t just posing for the advertising campaign: as a co-owner and investor since 2012, she’s also pitching ideas, learning about beauty technology, and testing products with scientists in the labs. She even wears a lab coat.

“I would like to actually be a part of bringing something to women and consumers in general that is, you know, useful," Aniston said of extending her role within Living Proof. “I don't wanna be an actor for hire."

1992: Before \"Friends,\" Aniston sported a fuller, fluffier hair look while starring in the TV show \"The Edge.\"
1992: Before \"Friends,\" Aniston sported a fuller, fluffier hair look while starring in the TV show \"The Edge.\"Today

While it might look like an obvious choice to fans who have envied every stage of her hair— from sleek and short to long and wavy — Aniston admits that, like most of us, she had an “awkward” phase — specifically her look in the '90s. She's famously admitted that she never quite loved her mane, wishing her curly strands stood a bit more straight. 

“The '80s were even worse," she recalls.

Today, however, Aniston is constantly name-dropped on best-dressed lists and lauded for her chic minimalist style and effortlessly coiffed California ‘do (and that's just naming two). Time has only served America’s sweetheart well.

Slideshow: The most memorable hair icons

“My 40s are awesome — I love my 40s,” said Aniston. “I have a gaggle of amazing women that I know in their late 40s and 50s and even in their 60s and 80s now who always say 'it just gets better' and I know it's sort of cliché but it really does.”

Take a look back at some of Aniston's most famous hairstyles:

Sleek and long

P363007 01: (NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA SALES ONLY) FILE PHOTO: Jennifer Aniston attends the 2nd Annual Martini Shot Mentor Awards December 1, 1999 in Un...
Sleek and chic: Aniston had just a touch of gold when she wore her hair long and super-straight in 1999.Today
HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 05:  Actress Jennifer Aniston arrives to the 78th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre on March 5, 2006 in Hollywood, Californ...
Golden girl: The \"Friends\" alum went full-on gold in 2006.Frazer Harrison / Today
Jennifer Aniston at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca., 1/19/03. Aniston won \"Best Performance by an ...
Aniston worked in a few lowlights (and a sophisticated ponytail) at the Golden Globe Awards in 2003.Today
397391 16: Actress Jennifer Aniston attends the premiere of the film \"Spy Game\" November 19, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Imag...
Aniston embodied remnants of \"The Rachel\", but with a sleeker style, in 2001.Today

Wavy

FILE PHOTO: Jennifer Aniston during the \"Meet Joe Black\" premiere at the Zeigfeld Theatre in New York City November 2, 1999. (Photo by Diane Freed)
Aniston helped usher in an era of toussled beach waves in 1999.Today
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 22:  Actress Jennifer Aniston arrives to Universal Pictures world premiere of the film \"The Break-Up\" at the Mann Village Theatr...
Like stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Aniston purposely showed just a wee bit of hair root color in 2006.Today

Short

Most memorable hair icons

Slideshow  21 photos

Most memorable hair icons

From super long ‘dos and barely-there hair, take a look at the women who’ve inspired us with their trademark tresses.
epa04393040 US actress and cast member Jennifer Aniston attends the press conference for 'Cake' during the 39th annual Toronto International Film Fest...
Just right: Today, Aniston has mastered the art of effortlessly golden highlights.WARREN TODA / Today