Rich girl hair and how to fake it
It’s a real thing, and it’s not as hard to achieve as you might think, writes
If Anna Delvey’s hair had been better, she might not be on Rikers Island right now. The young grifter got away with bouncing cheques and running up huge tabs at Manhattan’s fanciest hotels for months before it caught up with her, and now, via stories in
Vanity Fair and The Cut, everyone’s just as obsessed with her as I am.
She’s also on trial for grand larceny, but hey, whatever gets your name out there.
Shonda Rhimes is making a series for Netflix about the high society scammer, and Delvey herself has said she wants Margot Robbie to play her. Jennifer Lawrence would also do.
The thing is, she’s got enough attention that it’s not completely out of the question. But whether Lawrence, Robbie, or my pick, Lindsay Lohan (she’s ripe for a comeback) end up taking on the role, they’re going to need a wig.
In every picture I’ve ever seen of Delvey, her faded strawberry blonde hair looks like it needs a trim. Even at exclusive fashion week parties, the woman is a frizzy, splitended mess. This isn’t the hair of the German heiress she claimed to be. As Amanda Mull pointed out on The
Outline, Delvey’s decidedly average hair was a tell. Rich women get their roots done every month and weekly blowouts in between – when you’ve got that level of disposable income and you know you’re likely to be photographed at any given moment, it’s sensible. While the rest of us might not be hiding some seriously suspicious banking activity, perfect hair daily is still a very appealing concept. The question is: how to do it? Realistically, getting the smooth finish and bounce of a salon-quality blowout at home is a big ask. You need to start with hair that’s in good health – if you’ve been putting off getting a trim, make an appointment now – then use quality products and tools. Speaking of which, I’ve got to recommend the truly excellent Parlux 3200 hairdryer ($240). It’s one of the most powerful on the market, meaning you’ll be able to dry your hair quickly rather than frying it, and it’ll last you for years. What’s key here is getting some tension on your brush, and practising. Shampoo and conditioner wise, Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil range ($49 for the shampoo, $54 for the conditioner) is a safe bet. Maybe it’s that I first saw this brand in Vogue when I was 13, but it has always seemed very sophisticated to me. In addition, these sulfate-free formulas will soften and calm your hair, providing
the ideal base for that smooth, moneyed look.
Another element of rich girl hair? It seems impervious to weather. Two things to try here: prayer, Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing styling cream ($44) and Michael Van Clarke 3More Inches Lifesaver
Leave-In styling treatment ($43). You don’t necessarily need the latter, but the first is essential. These products each work to add shine and definition as well as heat protection while you’re styling, but they’re more likely to help with a bit of drizzle or humidity than in an actual downpour.
If there’s one thing we can learn from Delvey – other than don’t get caught – it’s that sometimes in life you’ve got to roll the dice. When you’re learning to blowdry your hair, you won’t get a perfect result every time.
I certainly don’t. But you won’t get anything if you don’t go in with a bit of confidence.