Old Money Waves: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving the Classic, Polished Hairstyle

Full Width Featured Image with Sidebar

Written by Taylor Augustin

Updated: June 13, 2024

Old Money Waves 600 x 450
image via @matildadjerf

If you’ve seen the term “old money” pop up on your social media feed and found yourself immediately intrigued, welcome, you’re in good company.

We, too, have fallen prey to the trend and have gone down the rabbit hole of stalking influencers with the old money aesthetic. From their quiet luxury wardrobes to their sunkissed makeup, what’s not to love?

But if we had to choose a favorite aspect of the old money aesthetic, it would have to be the hair. 

Old money waves are full of volume and look like a fresh blowout. Think Matilda Djerf!

If you, too, are a fan of this stunning hairstyle and want to learn all about it, continue below to find out how to get the look for yourself, along with some expert insight from Elba Rodriguez, veteran John Frieda stylist. 

ELBA scaled

Meet The Expert

Elba Rodriguez is a hairstyle expert and veteran stylist for John Frieda.

All About Old Money Waves

Old Money Waves 1 450 x 560
image via @matildadjerf

When we think of old money waves, our minds immediately go to actresses and models from the ‘90s. From their voluminous locks to layers, it’s a haircut that’s both timeless and unique.

“Old money waves are a layered haircut with lots of body and volume,” Rodriguez tells us. “They are a free-flowing cut and style. You can be playful with it and let the hair fall without too much structure.”

How Do You Know If You Should Try Out Old Money Waves?

Not sure if old money waves will be for you? While we think anyone can try this out, it will definitely work best for those with naturally wavy hair.

If your hair is coarse or curly, you might not be able to get the blowout you’re looking for. And if your hair falls into the fine category, you might notice it falls flat, which is where clip-in extensions and volumizing spray can help!

Rodriguez agrees, stating, “This is a flattering look on most face shapes including heart, long or round.”

As far as cut goes, she says, “Due to its volume & bounce, old money waves work best with wavy, thick hair. In order to obtain this look, the hair needs to be layered. The face frame layers should start near or around the lower eye level and flow seamlessly through to the ends, following that shape all the way around to maximize the fullness and bounce.”

How to Style Old Money Waves

There are a few ways you can go about styling old money waves. But our favorite methods are by using velcro rollers or the Dyson Airwrap.

Velcro Roller Method

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, wrap your hair into a micro-fiber towel for about 15 minutes. Then, take it out and apply some leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant.

Go in with a round brush and blow-dryer, taking each piece section by section. Any time you complete a section, place it into a velcro roller, like Drybar’s High Tops Self-Grip Rollers ($12).

We suggest placing the rollers in different directions, both toward and away from your face, to allow for more movement. Stick with larger roller sizes, too! Leave in the rollers for at least 30 minutes (although longer is better!) and finish off with a flexible hold hairspray.

Dyson Airwrap Method

Old Money Waves 3 450 x 560
image via @ivy_corleone

If you happen to have a Dyson Airwrap ($599) or a product similar to it, this is our favorite method because it’s relatively quick and easy.

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, we again suggest using a micro-fiber towel for 15 minutes. Again, prep hair with a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. Attach the drying attachment and roughly airdry your hair, until it’s about 80% dry.

Next, attach the rod attachments, and wrap your hair around it in sections, making sure to blast it with the cold shot setting at the end.

Finish off by flipping your hair upside down and spritz in some flexible hold hairspray!

More Styling Tips Based on Hair Type

Curly/Coily Hair

Old Money Waves 4 450 x 560
image via @hairvirginity

If you have curly or coily hair and want to give old money waves a go, Rodriguez shares some great advice, stating:

“Product is key for styling. Start with the John Frieda Frizz Ease Shampoo ($8) and Conditioner ($12), followed by the John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner ($9) and Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum ($22) on wet hair comb through. Begin blow drying the hair with a large round natural bristle brush section by section.”

Straight Hair

Old Money Waves 5 450 x 560
image via @emiliekiser

For those with straight hair, you’re going to need to give your locks a bit of extra TLC to get the volume old money waves require.

“Prep the hair by choosing the John Frieda Volume Lift Shampoo and Conditioner ($23),” says Rodriguez.

“On damp hair, apply John Frieda’s Volume Lift Blow-Out Spray ($14) to the roots to boost them. Add John Frieda Volume Air-Whipped Mousse ($27) to the mid-lengths and ends then blow dry the hair with a medium ionic metal brush. Set in Velcro Rollers to cool and finish with John Frieda’s Volume Lift Hairspray ($12). Let down and shake out hair.”

Natural/Wavy Hair

Old Money Waves 6 450 x 560
image via @karinacabiling

Wavy hair is going to work amazing for the old money wave hairstyle, and if you follow Rodriguez’s steps, you’ll nail the look in no time!

“​​Prep hair with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Shampoo ($8) and Conditioner ($12),” she says.

“On Damp hair, apply John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum ($22). Blow dry with a large metal Ionic brush and pin curl as you go. To set, spray on John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray ($9). Allow to cool down and shake it out.”

3 Old Money Wave Hairstyles to Try Out

#1. Long Layers With Round Brush Styling

Old Money Waves 7 450 x 560
image via @autumn_beast

If you have long layers and want to try out the old money waves hairstyle, this is a great video to use as inspo! Use a round brush to get this exact look.

#2. Long Layers With Roller Set Styling

Old Money Waves 8 450 x 560
image via @ellizabethh

Long layers go hand in hand with velcro rollers, and we’re obsessed with how this look turned out! Refer to this video the next time you want to try it out.

#3. Medium Layers With Brush and Roller Blowout Styling

Old Money Waves 9 450 x 560
image via @blushgirlsalon

Have layers on more medium-length hair? Why not combine the brush and roller method together? We think the end result of this vid is absolutely fab.


Related Hair Ideas

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}