A money piece is a hair coloring technique where lighter highlights are applied to the front sections of the hair to brighten the face and create visual contrast. This trend blends style with practicality—offering a low-maintenance, customizable color update that enhances your facial features without a dramatic full-head change. Popular across social platforms and salon chairs alike, money pieces are a favorite for both first-timers and seasoned color lovers. Whether you prefer bold or subtle tones, this face-framing highlight technique can transform your look quickly and affordably.
Money pieces are a hair coloring technique that involves strategically lightening the front strands of hair that frame the face. These face-framing highlights are typically lighter than the rest of the hair and are designed to draw attention to the facial features, creating a brightening, contouring effect. The technique has been embraced for its ability to refresh a hairstyle without committing to a full-head color change. Money pieces can be subtle or bold, depending on the contrast and color choice, making them a customizable option for many hair types and styles.
The money piece trend gained widespread popularity in the early 2020s, largely fueled by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where influencers and celebrities showcased the transformative power of face-framing highlights. However, the concept is not entirely new — it draws inspiration from the chunky highlights of the 1990s and early 2000s, which featured bold streaks of color near the face. The modern money piece, however, is more refined and intentionally placed to enhance natural beauty rather than create stark contrast.
While traditional highlights are typically woven throughout the entire head to add dimension and brightness, money pieces focus solely on the front sections of the hair. This makes them more targeted and often more dramatic, depending on the chosen color. Traditional highlights require more time and maintenance, whereas money pieces can be applied quickly and may require less upkeep. Additionally, the placement of money pieces is specifically designed to highlight and complement facial features, acting almost like a contouring technique for hair.
One of the most appealing aspects of money pieces is their versatility. They can be adapted to suit virtually any hair color, length, or texture, from straight to curly and from dark brunettes to platinum blondes. Here are some key benefits:
Money pieces are not just a passing trend—they are a practical and stylish choice for anyone seeking to add depth, brightness, and dimension to their hair with minimal effort.
One of the most celebrated benefits of money piece coloring is its ability to accentuate and brighten facial features. By applying lighter strands of color around the front hairline, this technique draws attention to the face, creating a natural frame that highlights the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. Whether you choose a bold contrast or a subtle enhancement, the money piece can be tailored to suit your individual facial structure, offering a flattering and customized look.
Money pieces add instant depth and contrast to your hair. The strategic placement of lighter tones against a darker base creates a multi-dimensional effect, giving the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. This is particularly beneficial for those with fine or flat hair, as the light-catching front strands can make the entire hairstyle appear more dynamic and textured.
The money piece technique is highly adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of hair colors, lengths, and textures. From platinum blondes to rich brunettes, the coloring can be customized to complement your existing hue. It also works well with various hairstyles—including bobs, layers, curls, and straight cuts—making it a flexible option for those who like to switch up their look frequently.
Compared to full-head highlights or complete color transformations, money piece coloring is a low-commitment way to experiment with color. Since only the front sections of the hair are dyed, it requires less time and fewer products, while still delivering a noticeable change. This makes it ideal for those who want to try something new without the upkeep of a full-color service.
Another notable advantage is its affordability. Because the money piece only involves coloring a small portion of the hair, the process is typically less expensive than a full balayage or highlight treatment. This makes it a budget-friendly way to update your style, especially when done in a salon setting.
Maintenance for money piece coloring is generally simpler than for full-head highlights. Since the colored sections are limited to the front, they’re easier to monitor and touch up. Additionally, regrowth is less noticeable, allowing for longer intervals between salon visits. With proper care—such as using sulfate-free shampoos and color-protecting treatments—the vibrancy of the money piece can last several weeks without significant fading.
Whether you’re going for sun-kissed brightness in the summer or rich, warm tones in the fall, the money piece adapts easily to seasonal color palettes. It can be refreshed or modified with each season, allowing for a continuous evolution of your look without a full overhaul. Its alignment with current beauty trends also ensures that your hairstyle stays on point year-round.
For those who are new to hair coloring, the money piece provides a gentle introduction. It allows you to experiment with color placement and tone without committing to a full transformation. Many first-time clients find the subtle yet effective results of money pieces confidence-boosting, making it easier to decide on future coloring choices.
Selecting the right money piece style is essential to achieving a flattering, modern look that complements your unique features, personal style, and hair type. Here’s how to navigate the key choices involved when deciding on your perfect money piece look.
One of the biggest advantages of the money piece technique is its ability to frame and enhance the face. To maximize this effect:
Tailoring the placement and thickness of the streaks to your face shape ensures the coloring flatters your natural structure.
Money pieces can be bold or subtle, depending on how much contrast you want against your base color. Popular combinations include:
If your hair is already colored or highlighted, your stylist can blend the money pieces for a seamless integration or make them stand out as a bold statement.
Money pieces can be customized in terms of thickness and brightness:
Talk to your stylist about how much of a statement you want your money pieces to make. They'll adjust the width, placement, and tone accordingly.
Hair texture plays a role in how the money piece appears and behaves:
No matter your hair length or texture, a professional stylist can tailor the technique to maintain balance and enhance your overall look.
Skin tone is crucial when choosing the right money piece color:
Selecting a tone that complements your complexion ensures that the money piece enhances your natural glow rather than clashing with it.
Money pieces are highly adaptable to both seasonal trends and timeless looks:
Whether you're going for Instagram-worthy flair or a polished, professional finish, your money piece can reflect your personality and lifestyle.
Before your appointment, gather inspiration by browsing:
Bringing reference photos to your stylist can help communicate your vision clearly and ensure the final look aligns with your expectations.
The first step in getting money pieces professionally applied is a thorough consultation with a hairstylist. This is essential to ensure the color complements your skin tone, natural hair color, and overall hairstyle. During the consultation, you’ll discuss:
The stylist may also assess the health and condition of your hair to determine if any pre-treatment is needed, especially if your hair has been chemically processed before.
Selecting the appropriate shade for your money piece is crucial. Most stylists recommend going 2–3 shades lighter than your base color for a natural contrast. However, fashion colors (like pastel pinks, blues, or even platinum) are also popular for a more dramatic effect.
Placement is generally focused on the front strands — often around the hairline and parting — to create a face-framing effect. Depending on the look you're going for, your stylist might suggest a more blended balayage approach or a high-contrast foil technique.
A professional money piece application typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your hair’s length, thickness, and the complexity of the desired look. You’ll likely be shampooed and styled at the end of the session so you can see the full effect of your new look.
The price for money pieces can vary widely based on location, salon reputation, and stylist experience. On average:
Money pieces are relatively low-maintenance compared to full-head highlights. Depending on your hair growth and the contrast of the color:
Regular toning and at-home care can help preserve the vibrancy of your money pieces and extend the time between appointments.
Proper daily maintenance is essential to keep your money piece vibrant and your hair healthy. Since the money piece typically involves lightened strands around the face, these areas can be more susceptible to dryness and damage. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair to prevent fading and maintain moisture. Limit washing to 2–3 times per week to prolong the vibrancy of the color.
When brushing, start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage, especially if your money piece includes heavily bleached sections. Additionally, use a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt to gently blot your hair dry, reducing frizz and mechanical damage.
To extend the life of your money piece and keep it looking fresh, invest in high-quality hair care products tailored for colored or highlighted hair. Look for the following:
The frequency of touch-ups depends on your natural hair color, the contrast of the money piece, and your desired look. Generally, money pieces need to be refreshed every 6 to 10 weeks. Blonde or vivid color money pieces may require more frequent toning or recoloring, especially if your roots grow in darker or cool tones are desired.
If you're going for a more lived-in or low-maintenance look, balayage-style money pieces can go longer without touch-ups, as their softer regrowth line blends more seamlessly with natural hair.
To extend the life of your money piece color, follow these best practices:
Some typical aftercare issues with money pieces include:
By staying consistent with aftercare and using the right products, you can keep your money piece looking salon-fresh for weeks while maintaining the health and strength of your hair.
Money pieces are more than just a trending hair color—they’re a smart, stylish way to enhance your look with minimal effort. This face-framing technique is low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you want a bold statement piece or a subtle glow-up, the money piece delivers impact without requiring a full transformation. Ready to try it? Bring your favorite inspo pics to your next salon visit and discover how the right highlight can frame your beauty in a whole new light.
