Money Pieces: Face-Framing Highlights That Light You Up
The high-impact, low-effort color trend that instantly brightens your face—see it on you now.
Every 10 weeks
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Color Palette
Why It Works
Money pieces are the two thick, face-framing highlight sections that start at the hairline and frame your face like curtains of light. They draw attention directly to your features—eyes, cheekbones, jawline—without requiring a full head of color. The technique works on any base color and any hair length, from a cropped bob to waist-length waves. It's also the lowest-commitment way to experiment with a contrasting color: you can go blonde on brunette, caramel on black, or even pastel pink on blonde without touching the rest of your hair.
Best for
- Anyone testing money pieces on their own photo before booking color
- Comparing bright face-framing lighter pieces before a salon commitment
- People who want a realistic read of maintenance: front tone and line softness
Skip this if
- You need a zero-maintenance color and money pieces is high upkeep on your base
- You will not budget for medium; grow-out is visible at the front
- You are matching a filtered photo with different lighting and hair history
Common mistakes
The money pieces trap is underestimating aftercare: front tone and line softness. The chair result fades into harsh chunks that age poorly as they grow if you skip it. Commitment level: medium; grow-out is visible at the front.
What to ask your barber
“I want money pieces — talk to me about undertone (bright face-framing lighter pieces), how much lift or deposit I need, and the real maintenance. Show me a softer and a bolder version. I can preview on my photo first.”
How to Style
- 01
Decide on the width: thin pieces (1 cm) for subtle framing or thick pieces (2–3 cm) for a bold statement.
- 02
Colorist isolates the two front sections at the hairline and applies lightener in foils.
- 03
Process until the desired lift is reached, then remove foils and rinse.
- 04
Apply toner to the lightened pieces only—blonde, caramel, or any contrasting tone.
- 05
Style with a center part to showcase both pieces evenly, or a side part for asymmetric drama.
Styling notes
Your colorist will isolate two chunky sections at your front hairline and lighten or color them to create contrast against your base. The width of the pieces and the degree of contrast are fully customizable—subtle for a natural look or bold for maximum impact. Since only two small sections are treated, the process is fast (often under an hour) and causes minimal overall damage. Style them with a center or side part to control how the pieces frame your face, and use the same maintenance products you would for any highlighted hair.
Keep your money pieces one shade lighter than you think you want—they darken slightly as they settle and blend, so starting lighter gives you the true target tone.
Money piece placement is everything—the width, tone, and contrast level completely change how the look reads on your face. AI try-on lets you test whether narrow, subtle pieces or wide, high-contrast frames work better for your face shape and base color.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Do money pieces work on dark hair?
They look incredible on dark hair—the contrast between a dark base and bright face-framing pieces is exactly what makes the technique so striking. Caramel, honey, copper, or blonde money pieces on dark brown or black hair all create a gorgeous brightening effect. Your colorist may need two sessions for maximum contrast on very dark hair.
02. How long do money pieces take at the salon?
Typically forty-five minutes to an hour, making them one of the fastest color services available. Since only two sections are being treated, the lightening and toning process is quick. It's an ideal first appointment if you're color-curious but don't want to commit hours to a full highlight session.
03. Will money pieces grow out awkwardly?
They grow out more gracefully than most highlight techniques because the placement is intentional and separate from the rest of your hair. As roots come in, the transition reads as a natural shadow root rather than obvious regrowth. Most clients find they can wait ten to twelve weeks before a touch-up feels necessary.
Want to see it on your own face?
Open the free hairstyle previewer, upload a selfie, and compare looks before you book.