Hairstyles, Blog
9 Old Money Hairstyles for Women That Exude Timeless Elegance
Scrolling through TikTok, you spot glossy waves, sleek buns, and effortless volume—those chic, sophisticated hairstyles that whisper, “I summer in the Hamptons”? Yep, you’ve stumbled into the world of old money hairstyles, my friend! 😃
These classically elegant styles have taken social media by storm, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it. Unlike those trendy cuts that look dated faster than milk spoils in summer, old money hairstyles have that timeless quality that just… works. They’re the hair equivalent of a well-tailored blazer or that perfectly classic tennis skirt that never goes out of style.
But what exactly makes a hairstyle “old money”? It’s that perfect blend of polished sophistication without looking like you spent three hours with your stylist (even if you totally did). It’s about embracing timeless elegance with just the right amount of modern edge. Think Grace Kelly meets Sophia Richie-Grainge, with a dash of Blair Waldorf thrown in for good measure.
So whether you’re looking to elevate your everyday look or wanting to channel your inner aristocrat for a special occasion, I’ve rounded up the 9 old money hairstyles that will instantly upgrade your vibe. And don’t worry—you don’t need a trust fund to pull these off!
Table of Contents
1. The Old Money Bob: Sophisticated Simplicity at Its Finest
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the power of a perfectly executed bob? The old money bob is basically the hair equivalent of the little black dress—utterly timeless and exuding quiet confidence.
What makes it distinctly “old money” is the precision cut with minimal layering and those perfectly tucked ends that create a cushioned, voluminous effect. Unlike its trendier cousins (I’m looking at you, choppy wolf cut), this bob is all about clean lines and polished movement.
The key characteristics of this aristocratic style include:
- Blunt cutting technique with minimal layering
- Length typically hitting between the jawline and collarbone
- Soft, cushioned volume rather than razor-sharp edges
- A glossy, healthy finish that screams “I use the good conditioner”
How to style it: For that perfect old money bounce, you’ll want to blow dry with a round brush, focusing on creating volume at the roots and turning the ends under slightly. A light spritz of flexible hairspray will hold the shape without making it look stiff. Product-wise, less is more—a dime-sized amount of smoothing serum will tame any flyaways without weighing the hair down.
2. Effortless Brushed-Out Waves: The Socialite Special
Remember those perfectly tousled waves that Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy used to rock? That’s the essence of old money waves—they look like you just happened to wake up with naturally perfect hair. (As if that’s ever actually happened to any of us, right?)
Unlike those tight, perfect influencer curls that scream “I spent two hours with a curling iron,” old money waves have that lived-in quality that suggests you might have just come back from a sailing trip in Newport.
The secret to nailing this look is in the brushing out process. After creating loose waves with a curling iron or hot rollers, you thoroughly brush them out to create that soft, unified wave pattern rather than defined curls.
Pro tip: Use a boar bristle brush for the smoothest finish, and don’t skip on heat protectant beforehand—nothing says “new money” faster than fried, damaged hair. IMO, this style works best on shoulder-length or longer hair, but shorter bobs can rock a more subtle version too.
3. The Low Sleek Bun: Understated Elegance
When I think about old money hairstyles that translate perfectly from day to night, the low sleek bun immediately comes to mind. This isn’t your messy topknot that you throw up to do dishes—this is the kind of bun you’d wear to a charity gala at the museum.
The positioning is crucial here—it should sit at the nape of the neck, not too high or too low. The finish should be sleek but not severely plastered to your head. Think polished, not prom queen.
What you’ll need:
- A good boar bristle brush
- Smoothing serum
- Strong hold hairspray
- Bobby pins that match your hair color
- Optional: small clear elastic bands
It’s the perfect style for those second-day hair situations or when you’re transitioning from a daytime event to evening. Plus, it works beautifully with statement earrings—another old money staple.
Style tip: Keep a small travel-sized hairspray in your bag for touch-ups. Nothing ruins the vibe faster than flyaways breaking free by mid-afternoon!
4. Headbands and Hair Accessories: The Blair Waldorf Effect
Headbands are back, baby! And not just any headbands—we’re talking about those plush, padded, often velvet pieces that instantly transport you to the steps of the Met or a preppy New England boarding school.
What’s so genius about this old money styling trick is how it can transform even the simplest hairstyle into something that looks deliberately polished. Having a bad hair day? Slip on a padded headband in a neutral tone, and suddenly you’re channeling Jackie O on vacation.
The key to keeping this look firmly in “old money” territory rather than veering into “grade school” territory is to:
- Choose quality materials like silk, velvet, or fine leather
- Stick to classic colors (navy, black, burgundy, cream)
- Keep the rest of your hair relatively sleek
- Pair with minimal makeup and simple gold jewelry
Other old money-approved hair accessories include:
- Silk scarves tied at the nape of the neck
- Simple pearl or tortoiseshell clips
- Thin ribbons wrapped around a low ponytail
Just remember: one statement accessory at a time. You’re going for “tennis club chic,” not “accessories counter explosion.”
5. The Feminine Pompadour: Subtle Volume at the Crown
When we talk about old money hairstyles for women, we can’t overlook the subtle pompadour effect—that gentle height at the crown that adds such grace to a woman’s profile. Unlike men’s dramatic versions, the feminine pompadour is all about creating subtle lift and elegance.
This sophisticated style was a favorite of Grace Kelly and continues to influence modern old money looks. The volume is concentrated at the crown, creating a graceful silhouette that elongates the neck and elevates your entire look.
What makes this style distinctly “old money” is the restraint—it’s not about dramatic height or obvious teasing, but rather a gentle lift that creates an elegant line from forehead to crown.
Styling secrets:
- Start with clean, dry hair
- Use a volumizing product at the roots
- Create lift with a round brush while blow-drying
- Backcomb gently (emphasis on gently) at the crown
- Smooth the outer layer to conceal any teasing
- Set with a light-hold hairspray for natural movement
“A subtle lift at the crown creates an instantly aristocratic silhouette that frames the face beautifully,” explains celebrity hairstylist Senada. “It’s a technique passed down through generations of society women.” YouTube
6. The Loose French Twist: Effortless Sophistication
When I need to look put-together for an event but don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard, the loose French twist is my go-to. It’s that perfect blend of structured and undone that old money hairstyles are known for.
Unlike the tight, shellacked French twists of the 1980s corporate world, the old money version is softer and more relaxed. Some face-framing pieces are left out to soften the look, and the twist itself isn’t pulled too tight.
This style works best on shoulder-length to long hair and pairs beautifully with both casual daytime looks and evening wear. It’s especially perfect for showcasing statement earrings or a beautiful neckline.
How to achieve it:
- Start with day-old hair for better grip
- Create texture with a light spritz of texturizing spray
- Gather hair as if creating a low ponytail
- Twist the hair upward, tucking the ends in
- Secure with bobby pins, leaving some pieces loose around the face
- Gently tug at sections to create softness and volume
Remember, the beauty of old money hairstyles is that they should look effortless, even if they took effort to create. If your French twist looks too perfect, rough it up a bit!
7. Curtain Bangs: The Modern Old Money Update
Historically, blunt-cut bangs weren’t a huge part of the traditional old money aesthetic, but curtain bangs? That’s a different story. This face-framing style has been embraced as the perfect modern addition to the old money hairstyle arsenal.
Why do they work so well? Curtain bangs soften the face while still maintaining that polished, put-together look that old money styles are known for. They’re versatile enough to pair with bobs, long layers, or updos, making them an incredibly adaptable choice.
The key is to keep them long enough to be swept to the sides, creating that “curtain” effect that frames your features. Too short, and they become a different style altogether.
Who they flatter:
- Heart-shaped faces (they soften a wider forehead)
- Square faces (they add softness to angular features)
- Oval faces (they add dimension)
- Long faces (they create the illusion of width)
“Curtain bangs are the gateway to old money hairstyling because they instantly elevate any cut with minimal commitment,” says celebrity hairstylist Annie Knowles. “They’re reminiscent of the effortless style of women like Jane Birkin, who embodied that natural aristocratic ease.” The Timeless Charm Of The ‘Old Money Bob’
8. The Bouncy “Old Money” Blowout
Remember when your grandmother used to get her hair “set” weekly at the salon? There’s a reason that tradition has stood the test of time. The bouncy blowout is the cornerstone of old money hair—it’s polished without trying too hard.
The key here is volume and shine. This isn’t just any blowout; it’s about creating that cushioned, soft-but-structured finish that looks like you have a standing weekly appointment with the most exclusive salon in town.
Want to know what makes this style truly scream “old money”? It’s the way the ends are gently turned under or outward, creating that perfect frame for your face. No beach waves here—we’re talking smooth, sophisticated volume that moves when you do.
How do I achieve this at home? I’ve found that using a round brush with a blow dryer (or one of those all-in-one styling tools if you’re coordination-challenged like me) is your best bet. Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, and don’t forget a heat protectant—because damaged hair is definitely not giving old money vibes!
Pro tip: When you think you’ve finished your blowout, flip your head upside down, spritz a bit of lightweight hairspray at the roots, and give your scalp a gentle massage. When you flip back up, you’ll have that extra lift that separates “nice hair” from “old money hair.”
9. The “Old Money” Pixie
Who says old money style requires long, flowing locks? Some of the most iconic society women have rocked sophisticated, elegant pixie cuts—think Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow, and more recently, Sofia Richie Grainge.
The old money pixie differs from trendy short cuts in its softness and versatility. Rather than severe undercuts or asymmetrical elements, this pixie features gentle layers that can be styled sleek or textured depending on the occasion. The finished look is polished but never rigid.
What really distinguishes this cut is the way it frames the face—slightly longer around the ears and nape, with soft pieces that can be styled forward to create face-framing effects. This isn’t a buzz cut; it’s a carefully crafted short style that requires regular maintenance to keep its shape.
The styling is where you can really make this pixie scream “old money.” Use products that add shine rather than matte texturizers. A tiny dab of pomade or styling cream applied with fingertips creates definition without looking spiky or trendy.
How to Achieve the Old Money Hair Vibe: Essential Tips for Women
Now that we’ve explored the most iconic old money hairstyles for women, let’s talk about some universal principles that apply regardless of which specific style you choose.
Prioritize hair health above all else. Nothing undermines an attempt at old money elegance faster than damaged, over-processed hair. Regular trims, quality products, and deep conditioning treatments aren’t just good hair care—they’re essential for achieving that subtle signifier of privilege: healthy, vibrant hair.
Invest in quality tools. Yes, that Mason Pearson brush is expensive, but there’s a reason it’s been the gold standard for generations of elite women. Quality tools make styling easier and are gentler on your hair in the long run. Other worthwhile investments include:
- A professional-grade blow dryer with multiple heat settings
- Natural bristle brushes
- Silk pillowcases to prevent overnight frizz
- Titanium or ceramic heat styling tools
Master the art of subtle volume. Old money hair is never flat, but it’s also not aggressively volumized. It has movement, body, and dimension in all the right places. For fine-haired women, consider:
- Root-lifting sprays applied before blow-drying
- The right cutting technique (ask your stylist about invisible layers)
- Velcro rollers at the crown for height without teasing
Choose the right shade for your coloring. Whether you’re a natural blonde, brunette, or somewhere in between, old money hair color is characteristically natural-looking with subtle dimension. Think:
- Honey and wheat tones for blondes
- Rich chestnuts and chocolates for brunettes
- Subtle highlights that look like you’ve spent a summer in the Mediterranean
Remember—the most critical element of any old money hairstyle is that it should never look like you’re trying too hard. The goal is effortless elegance, not obvious effort!
The Bottom Line: Timelessness Trumps Trends
What I love most about old money hairstyles is their staying power. While beauty trends come and go faster than I can keep track of (remember the crimped hair resurgence of 2019? Yeah, me neither), these classic styles have stood the test of time for good reason.
They’re flattering, versatile, and communicate a certain polish that works across various settings—from boardrooms to brunch to black-tie events.
The beauty of embracing old money hairstyling isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. Rather, it’s about incorporating elements of timeless elegance into your personal style in a way that feels authentic to you. Maybe that means adding a velvet headband to your everyday ponytail, or perhaps it’s taking the plunge with a classic bob that frames your face perfectly.
Whatever style speaks to you, remember that true old money elegance was never about following trends—it was about creating a signature look that transcends them. And in today’s world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, isn’t there something refreshingly revolutionary about that?
So, which old money hairstyle will you be trying first? I don’t know about you, but I’ve got an appointment booked for that perfect bob next week. Sometimes you just need to channel your inner aristocrat, even if your bank account is decidedly more “new money” (or let’s be honest, no money). 😃
