The timing of Friends’ 10-season run was marked by Monica Geller’s hairstyle, with subtle changes that visually reflected the character’s (so-so) attention to detail. Monica, played by actress Courteney Cox, was a friend who preferred things to be the way they were, with an approach that extended to her gorgeous apartment, menu, and near-black brunette. But despite her love of control, this character’s propensity for short cuts hasn’t stopped her from experimenting with styles, shapes, updos, and (usually) showing off her timeless takes. .
Sharp layers, smooth tiebacks, and an all-over polished finish are among Monica’s go-to hair look elements. Think about it all together, unless it’s humid and all your styling efforts go to waste. Monica’s best mane moment fits well into a modern hair narrative that revolves around short cuts, tons of layering, and incredibly sophisticated styling. From wispy rounded bangs to midi-length updos, Monica’s hairstyles are always sophisticated and fun.
Here are 10 memorable hair moments that will make you pull out your moniker.
flouncey bob
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Monica kicked off Season 1 of Friends with a clean, classic chop accompanied by a bombshell. The aesthetic introduction, with long layers that bring the long bob closer to a shag, conveys Monica’s signature visual signature: clean, chic, and shockingly cool.
rounded bob
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Monica’s rounded bob is secretly combed for height and drama. A slanted chin-length cut serves as the foundation, brushing the back of the hair forward to create the illusion of layers and va-va-voom volume. If you want to recreate this sculptural style, we recommend a very durable hairspray.
fixed bob
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Add a barrette and your round bob becomes a sweet ’90s time capsule. Partial pins are a staple accessory (so cute and so understated) that they’ve transformed a short bob or pixie into a playful yet sophisticated look. Add thin eyebrows, brick-red lips, and peachy cheeks, and you’ve got a beauty moment unique to the era.
baby bangs
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Monica’s baby bangs were a mainstay of the ’90s and have made their way into the present tense. Current variations range from the blunt to the romantically subtle, but Monica prefers the one blown into a round, high-shine barrel that stops above the forehead.
half pony
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Who can resist a playful half-pony, especially a riot of romantic splatter secured with a scrunchie and bangs? Certainly not Monica. While it may seem like an unusual style at first glance, further analysis reveals a new classic: a parted updo that straddles the line between twee and quiet luxury.
flashy up style
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Monica’s sophisticated updo has some 2000s fun. The two-part pinup comes with a tousled spray of hair commonly found on nail clips. As usual, Monica leaves her hair free, parting it in the front and tucking a large section (leaving a little bang) behind each ear.
separated pony
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The midi ponytail is a timeless choice that Monica created herself by raking her fingers through the center part and all over. The look is uncharacteristically easygoing, with the length and overall styling channeling the character’s relaxed era.
hairy layers
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Layers may be back in a big way, but Monica is here to prove that this trend’s true roots lie in the 2000s. With countless steps that start at the cheekbones and continue around the face and shoulders, the choppy style could almost pass for a wolf cut. If you’re a fan of this look, you’ll definitely admire Monica, complete with an impressive amount of striped highlights.
vacation frizz
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There’s volume and then there’s volume. In “The One in Barbados Part 1,” the typical Caribbean humidity causes his normally straight mane to explode into a cloud of extremely curly curls. But to be honest, it’s mostly frizzy. Was Monica’s subsequent beaded braid braided to tame her texture? That problematic style may remain in the past.
NEETROB
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An easy, tapered lob provides all-around moment for Monica’s Raven lengths. While the cut itself is simple and understated, Monica spices it up by pinning a neatly combed front part behind her ears and underneath the rest of her hair. This is a tactic also favored by Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston (see photo).
