+ styling tips for rich-girl hair energy
Quiet luxury isn’t just a fashion moment; it’s a whole mood, and yes, your hair got the memo.
From Succession-level grooming to Sofia Richie’s impossibly polished wedding looks, “old money hairstyles” are dominating feeds and red carpets alike.
On TikTok, stealth-wealth hair is trending not because it screams luxury, but because it whispers it. Think clean lines, healthy ends, and zero drama.
In a world of high-shine wigs and over-layered styles, quiet luxury hair stands out by staying understated. Below, we break down the cuts, styling tips, and celebrity inspo behind the trend that’s all polish, no flash.
Wait, what do we mean by ‘quiet luxury hairstyles’?
Quiet luxury hairstyles are all about subtlety. They don’t rely on trends, tricks, or ten-step styling routines to make a statement. Instead, they’re rooted in precision: clean cuts, minimal layers, and healthy ends that speak volumes without saying much at all. This is hair that looks expensive because it is—in technique, not in flash.
The texture? Soft, controlled, and intentionally natural. The parting? Unfussy and effortless, whether that’s a centre part, deep side part, or even no part at all. The shine? It’s not from a glossing serum overload—it’s from well-cared-for hair that’s been trimmed regularly and heat-styled just enough.
We’re talking about timeless silhouettes: the luxe bob, the sleek low pony, the softly blown-out long layer. Each one says “put together” without looking overdone.
In contrast, loud hair has dominated much of the past decade—take yourself back to the thought of chunky highlights, extreme layering, glassy waves, slicked baby hairs, and hair clips the size of actual dinner plates. Quiet luxury rejects allll of that. And it doesn’t beg for compliments.
Quiet luxury hair doesn’t need extras. It’s defined by what you don’t see: no fussy styling, no overdone layers—just great shape, healthy texture, and effortless polish.
And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with them?
It’s not your imagination, quiet luxury is everywhere. From Sofia Richie Grainge’s now-iconic wedding looks to the entire vibe of Succession, the beauty world is taking a collective breath and stepping away from high-maintenance glam. In its place? Hair that feels expensive, calm, and calculated.
We’re seeing a return to the 90s runway mindset: minimalism, restraint, and an emphasis on bone structure over blowouts. Post-pandemic, beauty has pivoted hard toward a more “real but refined” energy—quiet confidence, soft edges, and the kind of hair that moves like it belongs to someone with a standing facial appointment and a good silk pillowcase.
“Old money hair” isn’t necessarily about wealth—it’s about attitude. It says you care, but not too much. You know your angles. You have a signature scent. You probably don’t post your entire morning routine on TikTok. There’s an elegance to it, but also a self-assuredness that feels grounded.
It also taps into a bigger cultural shift; one that values intentionality over attention. You don’t need XXL curls or flashy extensions to feel your best. You just need a great haircut, the right parting, and hair that moves like it knows it’s not trying too hard.
Basically: less “look at me,” more “I know who I am.”
The haircuts that define quiet luxury
Quiet luxury hair starts at the salon chair with a cut that looks refined, lasts longer between appointments, and enhances your natural shape without relying on trends. Here are the signature styles leading the charge:
The one-length luxe bob
Blunt and satisfyingly neat. This chin- or collarbone-length bob is all about precision. The ends are even, the parting is clean, and there’s not a layering trick in sight.
Why it works: The sharp line creates instant structure and gloss—great for showcasing hair health. It says: “I have a signature look.”
Who it suits: Oval, heart, and square faces. Works best on straight to softly wavy textures.
How to maintain it: Regular trims every 6–8 weeks to keep the line crisp. Blow-dry with a round brush for subtle bend and shine.
The long, blunt cut with center part
This is long hair, but elevated. No choppy layers, no face-framing flicks—just a single length that falls past the collarbone with a clean middle part.
Why it works: The blunt length adds weight and polish, making hair look thicker and healthier.
Who it suits: Ideal for thick or medium hair and longer face shapes.
How to maintain it: Keep split ends at bay with trims every 10 weeks. Use a flat iron on a low setting for glassy, straight styles.
The rounded mid-length cut
Softer than a blunt bob, but still structured. This style hits just above the shoulders and features very subtle shaping at the ends for movement without obvious layers.
Why it works: It adds natural volume and curve to the hair without looking “styled.”
Who it suits: Most face shapes, particularly round and oval. Great for fine to medium hair.
How to maintain it: A smoothing cream and a big round brush go a long way. Dry it under for that signature quiet curve.
The low-layered glossy blowout
Quiet luxury’s answer to volume: barely-there long layers that give bounce and body without the drama.
Why it works: It adds movement while maintaining a soft, elegant silhouette.
Who it suits: Long hair types wanting shape without sacrificing length.
How to maintain it: Use a heat protectant and blow-dry with a boar bristle brush. Finish with a cold shot for shine and lock in with medium-hold hairspray.
The soft curtain fringe
Curtain bangs get a quiet luxury makeover when paired with minimal layering and softly styled lengths. No flicky ends or texturising overload—just a gentle face frame.
Why it works: It brings subtle shape to your look and elevates even a simple ponytail.
Who it suits: Perfect for longer faces or high foreheads. Works on all textures when styled softly.
How to maintain it: Trim every 4–6 weeks and blow-dry with a small round brush for that barely-there bend.
Let’s talk color
When it comes to quiet luxury, hair color follows the same rules as the cuts: subtle, neat, and never screaming for attention. You won’t find platinum blondes or bold balayage here—instead, consider soft dimension, rich undertones, and tones that grow out gracefully.
Old money blondes tend to favour buttery, neutral shades with depth at the root—like Sofia Richie’s signature blend. Brunettes lean into glossy espresso, chestnut, or warm mocha, avoiding harsh contrast or chunky highlights. Even redheads keep it low-key with coppery glazes or soft strawberry tones that catch the light, not the spotlight.
The key is finish. Color should look expensive, not experimental. That means choosing tones that complement your complexion, avoiding obvious regrowth lines, and asking your colourist for tonal glosses or “invisible highlights” that move with your hair.
Quiet luxury color isn’t about standing out—it’s about looking inconspicuously flawless from root to tip.
Styling tips for rich-girl hair energy
Quiet luxury hair isn’t about elaborate styling—it’s about refinement. Body over bounce, smooth over sculpted, and shine over everything. Here’s how to style your hair for that “old money, off-duty” vibe, whether you’re working with a bob or waist-length waves.
✧ For short hair
Short cuts like the luxe bob thrive on precision and polish. The key is to create movement without making it too piecey or playful.
– Blow-dry with a large round brush, focusing on soft curves—not curls.
– Use a blow brush with a cold air setting to set shape and boost shine.
– Swap sea salt for a moisture spray to maintain that clean, cashmere-like texture.
– Finish with a low side part and a touch of smoothing cream behind the ears for a minimalist, editorial look.
Bonus move: A sleek tucked bob with a deep part screams “Upper East Side, but make it 2025.”
✧ For mid-length hair
Mid-length hair is all about structure that still feels soft. You want subtle bends, not full waves.
– Rough-dry the roots, then use a boar bristle round brush to shape the lengths with just a hint of curve.
– Tuck hair behind the ears and let it fall naturally—this gives it that effortless "I just have great hair" vibe.
– Try a low bun or sleek pony with a middle part for easy sophistication.
– Skip texture sprays—opt for a satin-finish serum that keeps everything smooth, not sticky.
Mid-length styles also pair perfectly with a soft curtain fringe, especially when the rest of the hair stays understated.
✧ For long hair
Long hair can lean flashy fast, so the goal is to keep things glossy, clean, and calm.
– Use a paddle brush and blow-dryer to smooth the roots while maintaining volume through the ends.
– Create soft movement with a large-barrel tong, but always brush it out for a loose, expensive finish.
– For everyday polish, pull hair into a low, centre-parted ponytail and wrap a section around the base.
– Shine spray > texture spray. Always.
Top tip: Always finish with cold air to seal the cuticle and keep flyaways in check.
Celebrity (and character) looks that nail quiet luxury style
If you’re still wondering what quiet luxury looks like in hair form, these women have mastered the brief—without ever looking like they’re trying to.
Sofia Richie Grainge
Source: Vogue
The undisputed poster girl for quiet luxury beauty. From her wedding soft-waves to her centre-parted blowouts, Sofia’s hair is always smooth, glossy, and impossibly refined. Not a rogue strand in sight—and yet, it never looks stiff.
Gwyneth Paltrow in The Politician
Source: PureWow
Gwyneth’s character practically invented type-A elegance. Her hair is a lesson in discipline: sleek, blonde, side-parted perfection that says “I own at least one cashmere set and a Dyson.” Every look oozes privilege.
Shiv Roy (Succession)
Source: The Cut
Shiv’s blunt bob is cold, calculated, and quietly commanding—much like the character herself. It’s tailored, balanced, and never out of place. A masterclass in using a cut to project power.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (throwback queen)
Source: Byrdie
Long before TikTok declared it a trend, CBK was the blueprint. Her undone updos, effortless blowouts, and centre parts still set the standard for “rich girl hair” decades later. Always clean, never try-hard.
The luxe look is in the details
With the right cut, a little care, and intentional styling, your hair can say everything without shouting. Think shape over statement, health over hype. No matter if you’re going for a sleek low bun or a softly structured blowout, the goal is the same: effortless poise.
Want to keep your look smooth, glossy, and low-maintenance? Head over to the LifeTYME blog for expert styling tips and hair tool guides that help you nail the rich-girl look (without the full-time glam squad).
