Old Money Hair Styles (Pinterest Collage Roundup): How to Look Like a Million Bucks Without Saying a Word
So, you’re scrolling through Pinterest at midnight, sipping herbal tea (or wine—no judgment), and suddenly you land on a mood board full of impossibly chic women with hair that whispers wealth. Not flashy. Not trendy. Just timeless, polished, and slightly smug in the best way. And you think, “Okay, how do I get that look?”
Well, friend, you’ve found your people. Welcome to the old money hair aesthetic—a world where strands fall perfectly in place, buns defy gravity, and the overall vibe screams, “I inherited my grandmother’s pearls and her oceanfront villa.”
Whether you’re building a quiet luxury vision board or you just want your hair to match your cashmere sweater energy, I’ve got you. I’ve been obsessing over this aesthetic since my Pinterest went rogue and decided to recommend me Kennedy-era updos and Sofia Richie’s wedding look on repeat.
Ready for some good ol’ money-worthy hair inspo? Let’s roll up those sleeves (preferably of a vintage Ralph Lauren blazer) and get into it.
The Old Money Hair Vibe: Let’s Decode It First
Before you screenshot 72 pictures of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and call it a night, let’s get clear on what exactly defines old money hair.
It’s All About:
Effortless polish (like you woke up perfect but we all know there was a round brush involved)
Classic silhouettes (think chignons, ponytails, soft waves—no TikTok wolf cuts here)
Low-maintenance vibes with high-maintenance execution
Neutrals, sleekness, and subtle texture
Basically: If you look like you could walk into a yacht club without getting kicked out, you’re on the right track.
1. The Classic Low Bun — Because Minimal Effort, Maximum Elegance
You know that sleek low bun that looks like it took 2 minutes but secretly took 20? Yeah, that’s the one.
Why It Works:
Keeps hair tidy and off your face.
Looks great with pearl earrings (which, let’s be real, is an old money staple).
Pairs perfectly with a button-up or a slip dress.
Pinterest Collage Ideas:
Center-part low buns with slightly undone edges for that lived-in elegance.
Silk-wrapped buns using a neutral scarf. It screams Côte d’Azur in the 70s.
Ballet-core buns that sit right at the nape—tight, chic, and secretly powerful.
Pro Tip: Use a boar bristle brush and pomade for that rich-girl shine. Trust me, frizz is not part of the inheritance.
2. Soft Blowout Waves — Old Money’s Favorite Hair Flex
If a hair flip could cash a check, this style would be it.
What It Is:
Medium-to-long layers softly curled under or flipped out.
Polished volume at the roots (we’re talking Dyson Airwrap or a good ol’ round brush blow-dry).
Zero crunch, zero hairspray helmet.
Pinterest Boards Are Loving:
Carolyn Bessette’s blown-out lob
Sofia Richie’s honeymoon waves
Ivanka Trump circa 2010 (but only the hair, let’s be clear 😅)
FYI: You want your ends to whisper bounce, not scream “curling wand tutorial.”
3. The French Twist — Très Chic, Très Expensive
A French twist is basically the hairstyle equivalent of arriving late to dinner in a black cocktail dress and not apologizing.
Why We Stan:
It’s classic, classy, and impossibly chic.
Works for formal events or, let’s be honest, grocery runs if you’re that girl.
It looks like you have a personal hair stylist—even if it’s just you, 14 bobby pins, and a prayer.
Pinterest Favorites:
Messy French twists with a few soft strands falling out (intentional, obviously)
Slick high twists paired with bold sunnies for brunch-in-Paris energy
Low twists for a softer, ladylike look
Reality Check: You might need to YouTube this one unless you’ve got serious bobby pin game. But once you get it? Chef’s kiss.
4. Middle-Part Straight Hair — Quiet Luxury's Signature Look
Some call it boring. I call it rich.
The Formula:
Perfectly straight (but not stiff) strands
A sharp middle part
Hair tucked behind the ears, naturally of course
Why It Works:
Minimalist = expensive
Shows off your cheekbones and earrings
Looks amazing with oversized sunglasses and a scowl 🙂
Top Pins:
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s off-duty look
Sofia Richie Grainge, again (yes, I’m obsessed, don’t @ me)
Grace Kelly on a good hair day (which was every day)
Bonus Tip: If your hair isn’t naturally sleek, use a straightening serum before blow drying. And maybe thank your ancestors if your hair doesn’t frizz in humidity.
5. The Half-Up, Half-Down — Because Commitment Is Overrated
This one’s for when you want to look put-together but also like you just left a tennis lesson at the country club.
Why It’s a Staple:
It flatters literally everyone.
You get the elegance of an updo with the softness of loose hair.
Can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion (or your mood).
Pinterest Highlights:
Velvet-ribbon tied half-ups—hello, old money coquette
Subtle volume at the crown (tease very gently—don’t go 2008 prom)
Pearl hair clips or barrette detail (just one! More than that and you veer into kitsch)
IMO: This style is the gateway drug to old money hair. Start here if you’re new to the game.
6. The Ponytail, But Make It $1,000
No, not a messy top knot. We’re talking sleek, mid-height, and possibly tied with a ribbon.
Why It’s Rich-Girl Approved:
It elongates the neck. (Yes, that’s a thing.)
Looks best with simple makeup and a sharp outfit.
Bonus points if the hair tie is hidden with a strand wrapped around it (that’s the real flex).
Most-Pinned Looks:
Clean center part with a low pony
Satin scrunchies in cream, navy, or dusty rose
Tail flipped out slightly, like you’re in a Ralph Lauren campaign circa 1999
Tip: This one’s secretly perfect for bad hair days. Just slick it all back and pretend it’s intentional.
7. Old Money Hair Accessories – The Subtle Bling
Now let’s talk details. Accessories can make or break your hair game. The old money rule? Understated or bust.
What to Look For:
Pearl pins or minimalist barrettes
Silk ribbons in neutral tones (tie them on a ponytail or bun)
Gold claw clips that don’t look like they came from a TikTok haul
Pinterest Boards Are Living For:
Low buns with velvet ribbon bows
French twists with a single gold hair pin
Half-up styles with antique clips
Hot take: If it sparkles too much, it’s probably not old money. (Unless it’s a literal heirloom.)
Final Thoughts: Pin Now, Flaunt Forever
If you’re still reading this, congratulations—you’re now mentally halfway into your trust fund 😂. But seriously, old money hair isn’t just a trend; it’s a timeless style philosophy. It’s about restraint, simplicity, and looking like you bathe in La Mer.
So go ahead—create that Pinterest collage. Pull inspo from Carolyn Bessette, Grace Kelly, Sofia Richie, and all the quiet-luxury queens. Screenshot the low buns, the sleek ponytails, the blowouts that whisper “I summer in Lake Como.”
And then? Try them out. Play around. You don’t need a family estate to carry yourself like you own one.
PS: Don’t forget to tag me in your old money hair looks if you recreate any of these—I need that inspo for my next collage board 😉
Stay chic,
Your Pinterest-obsessed hair confidante 💁♀️
TL;DR Recap (Because We Love a Summary):
Low buns = sleek elegance
Soft blowouts = old money flex
French twist = classic and glam
Straight middle-part = minimal and rich
Half-up = cute and versatile
Sleek pony = the silent power move
Accessories = only if they whisper, never scream
Now go forth and pin, queen 👑