There’s been a lot of talk about old money hair and new money hair lately. We want to help set the record straight on what’s what. Both trends look stunning in their own way and have their own sets of pros and cons. We asked experts to outline the key differences between new and old money hair ahead, to help you decode the current trends.
Featured experts
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist
- Paul Labrecque is creative director, master stylist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
What is the difference between old money hair and new money hair?
When it comes down to it, the biggest differentiating factor between old and new money hair is how “done” it looks, says celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance. “Old money hair has a very glamorous look to it, volume at the roots, color that is placed perfectly with lighter and darker tones and a sense that they just walked out of a salon or had a stylist visit them,” he explains. Creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque notes that old money hair tends to have more blunt lines and less layers. “It will be soft and voluminous in its finishing, more coiffed.”
On the other hand, new money hair tends to be more laid back and undone, says Ballance. “New money looks have a lot of layers and will be styled messier when blown out and dried,” adds Labrecque.
Old money hair
Color
Old money coloring plays into the quiet luxury trend. Hair color will look effortless and natural, although it’s likely taken hours in the salon and hundreds of dollars to achieve. It gives the appearance of freshly colored hair that was done professionally at a very high level, says Ballance.
"Old money hair is not rooted. Highlights and color will be done right to the scalp, in a more old Hollywood style,” explains Labrecque. Think Betty Draper of Mad Men, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn as your inspiration with modern day iterations including Elsa Hosk, Lily Collins, Anne Hathaway and Taylor Swift.
Cut
“Old money haircuts are shapes that have more fullness to them, with solid lines and styles that look more set. They look like they have been styled and cut to perfection. The styling of these cuts gives the appearance that you just walked out of a salon that morning,” says Ballance. The bob is perhaps the most popular old money haircut right now.
New money hair
Color
New money hair is more likely to follow trends like balayage, heavy highlights or money pieces. Color can still be subtle and blended but might not appear as freshly colored as an old money look, says Ballance. Khloe Kardashian, Ariana Grande and Kate Beckinsale.
Cut
New money haircuts are softer than their more blunt old money counterparts. “They look like they have not been cut recently. The layers and lengths are usually much wispier, and the shapes themselves are more diffused so you get the appearance of more effortless, cool girl hair,” says Ballance.
Why is this language trending? Is it useful for stylists?
Like many trends today, Ballance thinks the old and new money language has a lot to do with popular culture. “I think a lot of it has to do with TV shows and influential figures bringing back the look of old money men and women,” he says. “Right now, around the streets of New York, you can clearly see the extreme examples of both old money hair and new money hair depending on the area you are in, the stores you're shopping in and the restaurants you dine in.”
Ballance adds that it’s easier than ever to achieve these looks because “people have archives of old money celebrities and new money celebrities to base their style off.” The old money versus new money terminology can be helpful for stylists to get an idea of the look you’re going for. However, pictures are always the most useful reference point, says Labrecque. “This helps me guide them to realistic expectations for their hair and given their day-to-day lifestyle.”
