How to Style Shoulder Length Layers For an Old Money Look
The key to achieving that “old money” look if you have shoulder length hair with layers is body, softness, and natural shine. The old money aesthetic is all about effortless elegance—think polished, healthy hair that looks timelessly chic without appearing over-styled. It’s about showcasing understated luxury, where every strand of hair radiates health and sophistication.
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If you’ve ever admired the soft waves or glossy locks of classic style icons, you’ll know that this look is less about elaborate styling and more about care and maintenance. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend hours in a salon or use expensive tools to achieve this vibe. Instead, the secret lies in nurturing your hair’s natural beauty with the right care routine and products. Healthy hair truly is the foundation of this timeless style.
Healthy Hair Starts with a Healthy Scalp
I recently completed a 30-day hair detox to reset my scalp and boost hair growth. It was a gamechanger for me! The detox restored my natural oils, eliminated dandruff, and gave my hair a healthier shine.
Want to try it too? I compiled all my tips and recipes into a free eBook. You can grab it here.
Even after the detox, my hair wasn’t as soft or shiny as it was with commercial shampoo. That changed when I started using NUME’s Shampoo and Conditioner. NUME is a company I recently discovered and am super thrilled to be collaborating with.
Founded with beauty, health and innovation in mind, NUME believes in creating professional-quality styling tools and hair care products that are accessible to everyone. For over 10 years, NUME has designed and manufactured styling tools and hair care, using only the highest quality ingredients and materials that are cruelty-free and eco- friendly.
Why I Love NUME’s Products
The NUME Shampoo and Conditioner, quite simply, revolutionized my hair. After just one wash, my hair felt clean, soft, and bouncy. The shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential oils, and the conditioner delivers intense hydration, leaving my hair silky smooth.
The shine these products provide is unparalleled—a natural, healthy sheen that’s evocative of the understated elegance we associate with old money style. What’s more, they are made with amazing ingredients like peach extract, vitamins C and A, amino acids and gentle cleansing agents.
These ingredients work together to remove dirt and buildup, while antioxidants keep your scalp healthy and free from irritation. The light, fruity scent transforms your shower into a rejuvenating experience, leaving your hair soft, manageable, and full of life.
That said, my husband loves how my hair smells after using NUME’s products. The subtle, luxurious fragrance lingers, making my hair smell amazing all day. He’s also commented on how silky and soft my hair feels, and I couldn’t agree more.
How I Use NUME Shampoo and Conditioner
To get the best results, I use the shampoo and conditioner once a week. Here’s my routine:
- Wet my hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of shampoo. I focus on my scalp and massage it gently for about two minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.
- Apply the conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of my hair, avoiding the scalp. I leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
This routine ensures my hair stays clean, hydrated, and manageable throughout the week. Washing only once a week helps maintain the natural oils that keep my hair shiny and healthy.
Why NUME Shampoo and Conditioner Stand Out
Over the years, I’ve tried countless hair products, but NUME’s Shampoo and Conditioner are by far my favorites. Here’s why they’re so effective:
Gentle Yet Effective Cleansing: The shampoo removes buildup without over-drying, making it ideal for sensitive scalps.
Intense Hydration: The conditioner delivers deep moisture without weighing down my hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
Boosts Natural Shine: Both products work together to enhance my hair’s natural shine, giving it a radiant, healthy look.
High-Quality Ingredients: The Avocado and coconut oils in the peach conditioner help repair and strengthen, reducing breakage. With a peach fragrance, it adds shine and soothes scalp irritation.
If you’re looking to elevate your hair care routine, I can’t recommend NUME’s products enough. They’ve transformed my shoulder-length hair into a picture of health and sophistication.
Scalp Treatments to Boost Hair Health
A healthy scalp is the foundation of strong, shiny hair. Here are some quick and easy DIY treatments you can try:
Coconut Oil Scalp Massage: Warm a tablespoon of coconut oil and massage it into your scalp using circular motions. Leave it on for an hour before shampooing. This nourishes the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
Green Tea Rinse: Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool. After shampooing, pour the tea over your scalp and hair. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that strengthen hair and reduce dandruff.
Exfoliating Scalp Scrub: Mix two tablespoons of brown sugar with one tablespoon of olive oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your scalp in small circles, then rinse thoroughly. This removes buildup and stimulates blood flow.
Aloe Vera Scalp Mask: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse. Aloe vera soothes irritation and hydrates the scalp.
Another option is the NUME Scalp Serum, which is infused with botanical ingredients. It stimulates scalp health and forms a protective barrier from root to tip. You’ll experience thicker, shinier hair and improved scalp vitality with every use.
The “Old Money” Styling Routine
Healthy hair is the foundation, but styling is the finishing touch. For a classic old-money blow wave effect, I avoid using heat as much as possible. Here’s my step-by-step method:
Air-Drying: After washing, I let my hair air-dry completely. While I love using hair straighteners and curling tongs every so often, I avoid using a hair dryer to dry my hair as it really turns my hair into a frizzly mess!
Combing While Wet: While my hair is damp, I gently comb through it to keep it smooth and free of tangles. I used NUME’s detangling comb, which I had no idea I needed! Its wide-tooth design is designed for all hair types and glides through wet or dry hair, reducing breakage and leaving your strands soft, manageable, and tangle-free. The soft finish on the comb made my hair feel amazing – compared to my old plastic comb, it made SUCH a difference!
Distributing Oils: Once my hair is dry, I run my fingers through it to distribute the natural oils from my scalp to the ends. This step helps avoid dryness and adds a subtle shine.
Twisting and Clipping: I twist my hair into a loose bun and secure it with a claw clip. I avoid wearing hair ties during the day, as they can drag along the hair strand, causing breakage and reducing shine.
Overnight Volume: Sleeping with my hair clipped up creates smooth, bouncy waves and gives my hair a natural, voluminous look.
This simple routine is perfect for achieving that polished, old-money aesthetic. The softness, bounce, and shine of my hair make it look effortlessly elegant.
Old Money Haircare Habits to Adopt
Adopting timeless haircare habits can help maintain your hair’s health and elegance. Here are some “old money” practices to consider:
- Regular Trims: Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
- Scalp Massages: Incorporate daily scalp massages to stimulate blood flow, which nourishes hair follicles and encourages growth.
- Use a Silk Pillowcase: Silk pillowcases reduce friction, preventing hair breakage and preserving your hairstyle overnight.
- Use Heat Protectant Spray: When using heat, ALWAYS use a heat protectant spray to preserve the life and health in your hair.
- Protective Hairstyles: Opt for loose buns, braids, or clips to minimize strain on your hair. Avoid tight ponytails that can cause tension and breakage.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration is key to maintaining softness and shine.
By integrating these habits into your routine, you’ll enhance your hair’s natural beauty and effortlessly embody the old money aesthetic.
