33 Old Money Hairstyles for Women & Men

The aesthetic of old money style transcends fleeting trends, embodying timeless elegance, understated luxury, and refined sophistication. From the grand estates of New England to the polo fields of Europe, old money hairstyles represent a commitment to classic beauty that never seeks attention but always commands it. These hairstyles whisper wealth rather than shout it, prioritizing impeccable grooming and natural elegance over ostentatious styling.

Understanding the Old Money Hair Philosophy

Old money hairstyles are characterized by their effortless appearance, meticulous maintenance, and timeless appeal. The foundation of this aesthetic lies in healthy, well-maintained hair that looks naturally beautiful rather than overly styled. These looks favor quality over quantity, prioritizing expert cuts, premium products, and subtle styling techniques that enhance rather than transform your natural texture.

The key distinction between old money and new money hair lies in restraint. Where contemporary trends might embrace bold colors, dramatic cuts, or attention-grabbing styles, old money aesthetics celebrate refinement, natural movement, and styles that look just as appropriate at a country club luncheon as they do at an evening gala.

Classic Old Money Hairstyles for Women

1. The Grace Kelly Chignon

This sophisticated updo embodies elegance at its finest. The low chignon sits at the nape of the neck, smooth and polished without appearing stiff. To achieve this look, start with day-old hair for better grip. Gather hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a rope, and coil it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color, and finish with a light-hold hairspray. The key is making it look effortless—a few soft pieces framing the face add that coveted natural touch.

2. The Sleek Low Ponytail

Favored by European aristocracy, the sleek low ponytail is deceptively simple yet incredibly chic. Part hair down the middle or slightly to the side, smooth it back with a boar bristle brush and a small amount of smoothing serum, and secure at the nape with a covered elastic. For an extra luxurious touch, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it. This style works beautifully for both casual country weekends and formal evening events.

3. The Jackie Kennedy Bouffant

This iconic 1960s style features volume at the crown with smooth, curved ends. Blow-dry hair with a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots. Use large velcro rollers on the top sections while hair is still slightly warm, allowing them to cool completely. Remove rollers, gently tease the crown for volume, and smooth the top layer. Finish with hairspray and a headband for authentic Kennedy-era glamour.

4. Soft Pearl-Pinned Waves

Channel Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy with soft, loose waves adorned with delicate pearl pins. Create waves using a large-barrel curling iron, then brush through gently with a paddle brush to soften. Pin back one side with pearl or tortoiseshell barrettes for an understated, elegant touch. This style perfectly balances polished and relaxed.

5. The Ballerina Bun

This refined updo requires precision and practice. Gather hair into a high ponytail, twist tightly, and coil around the base. Secure with pins and smooth any flyaways with a small amount of gel on a fine-toothed comb. The ballerina bun should be neat and centered, sitting elegantly on top of the head. It’s perfect for equestrian events, tennis matches, or formal dinners.

6. The Blowout with Subtle Bend

The classic blowout is a staple of old money grooming. Using a paddle brush and blow dryer, smooth hair straight while directing the nozzle downward to seal the cuticle and create shine. At the ends, turn the brush slightly inward to create a subtle bend rather than a curl. This creates movement without looking overly styled. The result should be glossy, healthy-looking hair that moves naturally.

7. The French Twist

This timeless updo has graced elegant events for generations. Gather hair to one side at the nape, twist upward along the back of the head, and tuck the ends into the twist. Secure with bobby pins inserted vertically into the twist. The French twist should be smooth but not overly tight, maintaining a soft, romantic silhouette. A few wisps around the face add that perfect, undone element.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down with Ribbon

This youthful yet sophisticated style is ideal for garden parties and daytime events. Take sections from each side of the head, twist them back, and secure with a ribbon bow at the crown. The remaining hair can be left straight, wavy, or curled. Choose ribbons in classic colors like navy, black, or cream for authentic old money appeal.

9. The Long Bob (Lob) with Center Part

The lob is the quintessential old money haircut for modern times. Cut to collarbone length with subtle layers, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Style with a center part and slight wave for a polished, effortless look. Maintain regular trims every six to eight weeks to keep ends healthy and the shape precise.

10. Soft Side Part with Tucked Ear

This simple styling trick instantly elevates any look. Create a deep side part, smooth hair to one side with your fingers, and tuck it behind the ear. Secure with a discreet bobby pin if needed. This asymmetrical style is sophisticated without trying too hard, perfect for both casual and dressy occasions.

11. The Low Twisted Bun

Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape, divide it into two sections, and twist them around each other. Coil the twisted rope into a bun and secure with pins. This textured variation on the classic bun adds visual interest while maintaining sophistication.

12. Headband with Loose Waves

Embrace the preppy side of old money with a velvet or grosgrain headband positioned an inch back from the hairline. Pair with loose, natural waves for a look that’s both polished and relaxed. This style is particularly popular for sporting events and casual country club gatherings.

13. The Curtain Bangs with Shoulder-Length Cut

Curtain bangs that part in the middle and frame the face, adding softness to shoulder-length hair. This style requires minimal maintenance—simply blow-dry with a round brush, directing bangs away from the face. The key is keeping them long enough to blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair.

14. Slicked-Back Wet Look

For evening events, the slicked-back wet look exudes modern sophistication. Apply a generous amount of gel to damp hair and comb straight back from the face. Allow to air-dry or use a blow dryer on low heat. This bold yet refined style pairs beautifully with statement earrings and minimalist fashion.

15. The Top Knot

Unlike casual messy buns, the old money top knot is smooth and deliberately placed. Brush hair into a high ponytail, twist into a tight coil, and wrap around the base. Secure with pins and smooth any bumps with a fine-toothed comb and hairspray. This style is perfect for active pursuits while maintaining an elegant appearance.

16. Low Loose Braid

A single, loosely woven braid falling over one shoulder embodies casual elegance. Don’t braid too tightly—the goal is soft, romantic texture. Gently pull apart sections of the braid to create width and dimension. Secure with a clear elastic or ribbon, and pull out a few face-framing pieces.

17. The Bardot Half-Updo

Inspired by Brigitte Bardot, this style features volume at the crown with the top section pinned back. Tease the crown gently for height, smooth the top layer, and pin back loosely. The remaining hair flows freely with soft waves. It’s effortlessly chic and works for both day and evening.

Classic Old Money Hairstyles for Men

18. The Side Part

The quintessential old money hairstyle for men, the side part never goes out of style. Hair is cut short on the sides and slightly longer on top, then combed to one side with a clean, defined part. Use a small amount of pomade or wax for hold without shine. This style requires regular trims every three to four weeks to maintain its sharp appearance.

19. The Slicked-Back Undercut

This modern take on a classic combines short, faded sides with longer hair on top that’s slicked straight back. Apply a medium-hold pomade to damp hair and comb back from the hairline. The look should be polished but not overly stiff, with enough product to hold the shape while allowing some movement.

20. The Ivy League Cut

Named after the prestigious universities, this short, tapered cut is longer on top than a crew cut, allowing for styling versatility. The top can be styled with a slight side part or brushed forward. It’s low-maintenance yet always looks groomed and intentional.

21. The Classic Taper

This timeless cut features gradually shorter hair from the top down to the neckline, creating a clean, professional silhouette. The top is long enough to comb or style, typically two to three inches. It’s versatile, sophisticated, and appropriate for any setting from boardrooms to country clubs.

22. The Gentleman’s Crew Cut

Slightly longer than a military crew cut, this version maintains about an inch of length on top, tapering shorter on the sides. It’s incredibly low-maintenance while still looking intentionally styled. A small amount of matte paste adds texture without shine.

23. The Brushed-Up Quiff

This style adds volume and height at the front while maintaining clean sides. Blow-dry hair upward and back at the front, using your fingers or a brush to create lift. Finish with a light-hold product that provides structure without making hair look stiff or overly styled.

24. The Classic Comb-Over

Not to be confused with concealing hair loss, this style features hair neatly combed from a side part across the head. It’s clean, professional, and timeless. Use a fine-toothed comb and light pomade for a polished finish that lasts all day.

25. The Textured Crop

This modern classic features short hair all over with slightly more length on top, styled forward with texture. It’s casual yet refined, requiring minimal styling—simply run your fingers through with a small amount of matte clay. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape.

26. The Medium Length Side Sweep

For those who prefer slightly longer hair, this style allows for a casual yet polished look. Hair is cut to about three to four inches on top, then blow-dried to one side with volume at the roots. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, perfect for creative professionals in old money circles.

27. The Distinguished Silver

Rather than a specific cut, this celebrates natural gray and silver hair, which embodies old money authenticity. Keep hair impeccably groomed with regular trims, use purple-toning shampoo to prevent yellowing, and maintain healthy shine with quality hair products. Silver hair, worn confidently, is the ultimate status symbol.

28. The Businessman’s Special

This versatile cut is short on the sides, slightly longer on top, and can be styled neat or casual depending on the occasion. It’s the go-to for executives and professionals who need to look polished in any situation. Style with a side part for formal occasions or brush forward for a relaxed weekend look.

29. The Soft Pompadour

Less dramatic than rockabilly versions, the soft pompadour features height at the front that gradually tapers back. Blow-dry the front section upward and back, using a round brush for volume. Apply a medium-hold pomade, and style with your hands for a natural, lived-in finish.

30. The Continental Cut

Popular in European old money circles, this refined style features precisely cut hair with a strong side part and smooth finish. It’s similar to the traditional side part but with slightly more length and a softer, more modern edge. The key is immaculate grooming and regular maintenance.

31. The Natural Wave

For men with naturally wavy hair, embrace your texture with a cut that allows waves to fall naturally while maintaining clean lines around the ears and neck. Use a salt spray to enhance waves and a light cream to control frizz. This effortless look celebrates natural texture within a refined framework.

32. The Short Back and Sides

This British classic keeps hair very short on the sides and back with more length on top for styling. It’s clean, masculine, and universally flattering. The contrast between short sides and longer top creates definition and structure that looks intentional and polished.

33. The Executive Buzz Cut

For those who prefer ultra-short hair, the executive buzz cut uses a longer guard (typically #4 or #5) for a refined rather than military appearance. It’s incredibly low-maintenance while projecting confidence and no-nonsense sophistication. This style requires a well-shaped head and suits men comfortable with minimal hair styling.

Maintaining Your Old Money Hairstyle

Regardless of which style you choose, maintenance is crucial to achieving authentic old money elegance. Invest in regular haircuts from a skilled stylist who understands classic techniques. Use high-quality hair products—old money aesthetics favor subtle, expensive ingredients over heavily fragranced drugstore options. Prioritize hair health with regular conditioning treatments, minimal heat styling, and protection from environmental damage.

The true secret to old money hair is that it should never look like you’re trying too hard. These styles are meant to appear effortless, as though you simply woke up with perfectly coiffed hair. This illusion requires consistent care, quality products, and regular professional maintenance, but the result is worth the investment—a timeless, elegant appearance that transcends trends and embodies lasting sophistication.