An old money haircut is neat but not stiff. It looks like you had it cut two weeks ago, not this morning. There are no sharp lines, no bleached colours and no heavy products. Here are seven classic cuts, what to ask your barber for and how to style each one at home.
What makes a haircut look old money
- Natural shape. The cut follows your hair type instead of fighting it.
- Soft edges. A tapered neckline instead of a hard, shaved line.
- Little product. A bit of cream or light pomade, never a wet, shiny look.
- Regular trims. Every four to six weeks keeps it tidy.
1. The old money flow
The flow is medium-length hair, long enough to reach past the ears and touch the collar, swept back from the forehead so it falls naturally behind the ears. It is the relaxed, sailing-club version of old money hair and works best with thick, straight or wavy hair.
Ask your barber for: keep the length, about 10 to 15 cm on top, and only clean up the ends and the neckline. No clippers on the sides. Style: towel dry, push it back with your fingers and add a little sea salt spray or light cream. Growing it out takes three to six months, so ask for small trims only.
2. The Italian old money cut
Think of a well-dressed man at a lakeside cafe in northern Italy. Thick hair, medium length on top, combed back and slightly to the side, with sides cut by scissors, not clippers. Often paired with short stubble. It looks grown-up and easy at the same time.
Ask for: 6 to 9 cm on top, scissor-cut sides blended into the top, and a natural neckline. Style: blow dry back with a brush for a little volume, then a small amount of matte pomade.
3. The classic side part
The most timeless option and the one most people picture. Short, neat sides and enough length on top to comb across. It suits almost every face shape and works from the office to a wedding.
Ask your barber for: a scissor cut on top, about 5 to 7 cm, tapered sides with a number 3 or 4 and a natural parting. Style: blow dry to the side and add a pea-sized amount of matte cream.
4. The slicked-back look
Medium-length hair combed straight back. It looks relaxed and confident, especially with a beard. Keep it soft. The old money version is loose and has a little movement, not glued in place.
Ask for: 8 to 12 cm on top, longer sides blended into the top and a soft finish at the neck. Style: comb back with your fingers and a light pomade or grooming cream.
Classic pieces to go with a classic cut
5. The Ivy League cut
A short, clean cut from American college style. Short sides and a little length on top, pushed to the side. It is easy to keep and looks sharp with a shirt and a sweater over the shoulders.
Ask for: 3 to 5 cm on top, tapered sides and a light side part. Style: towel dry and push to the side with your fingers.
6. The tapered cut
Short at the neck and around the ears, slightly longer and natural on top. It works very well with wavy or curly hair and needs almost no styling. A good summer haircut.
Ask for: a natural taper at the back and sides and 5 to 8 cm left on top, cut with scissors. Style: a little sea salt spray or nothing at all.
7. The textured crop
A shorter, more modern option with a light fringe. It still looks classic when the sides are not too short and the top is not too spiky. Good for younger men and fine hair.
Ask for: a soft fade or taper on the sides and a short, textured top with the fringe falling forward. Style: a small amount of matte clay.
How to choose
- Thick, straight or wavy hair: the flow, the Italian cut or slicked back.
- Straight hair: side part or Ivy League.
- Curly hair: tapered cut with more length on top.
- Fine or thinning hair: Ivy League or textured crop. Shorter looks fuller.
Finish the look
Keep reading
FAQ
What is the old money flow haircut?
Medium-length hair that reaches past the ears, swept back from the forehead so it falls naturally behind the ears. It is kept long on top and on the sides, with only the ends and neckline trimmed.
What is the most classic old money haircut for men?
The side part, followed by the flow, the Italian cut and the slicked-back look.
How long does it take to grow an old money flow?
Usually three to six months from a short cut. Ask your barber for small trims so it grows evenly.
Does the old money haircut work with curly hair?
Yes. Ask for a natural taper and keep more length on top so the curls can sit naturally.
What product should I use?
A light matte cream, sea salt spray or a little pomade. Avoid wet-look gels.
