Beauty aesthetics come and go, but in the revolving door of trends, few have more reach than the luxury styles. We’ve all witnessed the rise of quiet luxury, stealth wealth, old money and rich girl aesthetics via social media. Whether tied to makeup (hello, demure makeup), nails or fashion, these luxe looks have become some of the internet’s most desirable. Now they’re coming for your hair. Rich girl hair, the latest trend on everyone’s lips, exudes grandeur and richness while remaining effortless and chic. You may have noticed these words creeping onto your feeds lately and probably wondered what it all means. Ahead, we tapped two expert stylists to break down the trend, including the dos and don’ts for achieving rich girl hair.
Featured experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon
- Clyde Haygood is a celebrity hairstylist and PURA D’OR partner
What is rich girl hair?
Like the old money aesthetic, rich girl hair is all about a feeling. “Think of the girls who spend their summers in places like the Hamptons or characters like Cher from Clueless, Blair from Gossip Girl or Layla from All American,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York. The look is characterized by full, healthy hair that isn’t overdone.
“In essence, rich girl hair refers to a luxurious hairstyle,” says Clyde Haygood, celebrity hairstylist. Basically, the hair always looks intact and subtly styled, whether that means bouncy waves or incredible shine. “It can have the retro feel of an old Hollywood starlet on their day off, always looking polished but never over-styled. Or it can be styled and coiffed in a carefree and unfussy way,” says Haygood.
What to ask for at the salon
The rich girl hair trend can apply to various hairstyles and lengths. The key to staying on trend is to keep the look effortless. “Less is more when it comes to these styles—think simple looks like ponytails, half-up half-downs and most commonly, flowing healthy hair,” says Cavalcante. The idea is to have a natural look even when it comes to the color and cut. He explains that having a rich girl hair color means the shade or highlights should have dimensions with a natural growth pattern.
As far as cuts go, Haygood says that the haircut should look fresh but also well-maintained. “Longer bobs and mid-length cuts work best for the rich girl hair aesthetic,” he says. To fully embrace the look, he notes that the hair should be cut in tiers of layers that will give you a sculpted feel or blunt layers that will add fullness and bounce. Your cut should also require little to no styling and even fewer products. “Rich girl hair thrives on its natural appearance, so you’ll want to let the hair fall naturally and never over-spray it with styling products that could cause it to look or feel stiff,” says Haygood. Instead, he recommends lightly brushing through the hair or using your fingers to tousle it to get the most natural look.
The dos and don’ts of rich girl hair
Start with clean hair
“Hair health and a clean scalp are essential for achieving lush and shiny hair,” says Haygood. For the best results, he suggests using naturally clarifying ingredients that cleanse without completely stripping the hair of its natural oils. “Apple cider vinegar is a clarifying agent that removes residue and buildup, helping to exfoliate the scalp while also locking in moisture for stronger hair with natural added fullness,” he says.
Maintain salon appointments
“Regular trims and maintenance appointments will keep your hair looking effortlessly fresh,” says Cavalcante. The pro notes that regular trims (scheduled every three to four months) and conditioning treatments are ideal for maintaining a healthy look. He also recommends opting for gloss treatments regularly to enhance the color and natural shine of the hair.
Avoid harsh hair colors
Remember, rich girl hair embodies the old money aesthetic. When coloring your hair, Cavalcante says it’s best to steer clear of high-contrast coloring techniques that take away from the natural, effortless feel. “Avoid striking contrasts like California-style balayage or bold money pieces and stick to a natural blend of colors,” he says.
Be mindful when using hot tools
The low-maintenance vibe of rich girl hair often comes with the use of hot tools like blow dryers and curling wands. That said, both stylists note that it’s important to have a protective routine in place. “Look for a heat protectant that’s infused with hydrating ingredients that will shield the hair and won’t weigh it down,” says Haygood. Cavalcante adds that it’s important to be realistic about the expectations for your routine. “If you have curly hair but prefer to wear it straight, consider straightening treatments as opposed to using flat irons daily,” he says.
