The “money piece” trend has evolved from a nostalgic 90s throwback into a sophisticated staple of modern hair design. Technically known as face-framing highlights, the money piece involves coloring the front sections of the hair a lighter or contrasting shade than the rest of the mane. The result is an instant brightening effect that mimics the way the sun naturally hits the face, often providing the “expensive” look of a full-head color without the high maintenance.
Whether you are a seasoned blonde looking to pop or a brunette seeking a subtle lift, there is a money piece style tailored to your face shape and base color. Below, we explore 15 stylist-approved money piece ideas that are dominating salons this year.
Top 15 Money Piece Hair Care Color Ideas
1. The Classic Sun-Kissed Honey Blonde
This is the gold standard of money pieces. By using warm, honey-toned highlights against a light brown or dark blonde base, stylists create a look that feels effortless. It’s perfect for those who want to look like they’ve just returned from a Mediterranean vacation.
2. High-Contrast Platinum Pop
For those who love a bold statement, the platinum money piece against dark espresso hair offers a striking, edgy aesthetic. This look requires more maintenance to keep the blonde from turning brassy, but the visual impact is unmatched.
3. Soft Caramel Swirl
Ideal for deep brunettes, caramel tones offer a subtle lift without the harshness of bleach. It adds warmth to the complexion and blends beautifully with chocolate-toned balayage. This is a “safe” entry point for those new to face-framing color.
4. Icy Silver Framing
Cool-toned hair remains a major trend. A silver or ash-blonde money piece works exceptionally well on “mushroom brown” hair or natural charcoal bases. It’s a sophisticated choice that leans into the “expensive brunette” aesthetic.
5. The 90s Chunky Aesthetic
Nostalgia is powerful. The chunky money piece features wider sections of color that don’t necessarily blend into the rest of the hair. It’s a deliberate, graphic look that celebrates the bold styles of the late 90s and early 2000s.
6. Strawberry Blonde Glow
If you have a fair complexion with pink undertones, a strawberry blonde money piece can add a romantic, ethereal glow. This looks stunning on redheads or those with warm blonde bases.
7. Subtle “Babylight” Frame
Not all money pieces need to be thick. “Babylight” money pieces use ultra-thin sections of hair to create a shimmering, lit-from-within effect. This is the ultimate low-maintenance option for a natural look.
8. Vibrant Copper Accents
Copper is the color of the season. Adding bright copper or ginger pieces to the front of a mahogany or dark auburn base creates depth and movement, making the hair look vibrant and healthy.
9. Soft Beige Nude Blonde
Nude blonde is a neutral shade that balances both warm and cool tones. It is incredibly versatile and works on almost any skin tone, providing a clean, modern finish that looks professionally polished.
10. Pastel Pink Dream
For the adventurous, a pastel pink money piece offers a playful way to experiment with fashion colors. Since it’s only a small section of hair, it’s easier to manage and change than a full head of vivid color.
11. Golden Hour Bronze
Sitting somewhere between blonde and brown, bronze money pieces add a metallic sheen to the hair. This is particularly effective on olive skin tones, as the golden flecks bring out the warmth in the skin.
12. The “Ribbon” Technique
Instead of a solid block of color, the ribbon technique weaves the money piece through the front layers. This creates a more integrated look that transitions seamlessly into a full balayage or ombre.
13. Deep Burgundy Framing
Darker hair doesn’t always need to go lighter. A deep burgundy or cherry-cola money piece can add dimension to black or dark brown hair, offering a moody and sophisticated vibe.
14. Creamy Vanilla Blonde
Vanilla blonde is a bright, buttery shade that works wonders for illuminating the eyes. It’s often paired with a root smudge to ensure the grow-out period remains graceful and smudge-free.
15. Reverse Money Piece
In a twist on the trend, some stylists are opting for a “reverse” money piece, where the front sections are darker than the rest of the hair. This provides a unique frame for the face and works exceptionally well for high-fashion, editorial looks.
Pros and Cons of the Money Piece Trend
Before heading to the salon, it is helpful to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this specific coloring technique. While it is generally a “low-risk” change, there are factors to consider regarding hair health and maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effective: You only color a small portion of the hair, making it cheaper than a full highlight. | Frequent Touch-ups: Because the color is at the hairline, regrowth is more visible than with other styles. |
| Face Brightening: It acts like a built-in ring light, emphasizing your features and eyes. | Potential for Damage: The front strands are often the finest; over-processing can lead to breakage. |
| Versatility: Works on all hair lengths, from pixies to long layers. | Toning Requirements: Lightened front pieces can turn brassy quickly due to face washes and skin products. |
Maintaining Your Money Piece: Stylist Tips
To keep your face-framing highlights looking fresh, professional maintenance is key. Since these pieces are at the front, they are exposed to more friction, heat styling, and skin products than the rest of your hair.
- Use a Toning Shampoo: For blonde money pieces, a purple or blue shampoo once a week will neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones.
- Protect from Heat: Always apply a heat protectant to these front sections, as they are often the most styled parts of the hair.
- Mind Your Skincare: Ingredient Education like retinol or benzoyl peroxide in your skincare can actually bleach or shift the color of the hair strands touching your face. Pin your hair back during your routine.
- Gloss Advanced Treatments: Book a “gloss and tone” appointment between major color sessions to keep the shine high and the hue vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a money piece work on short hair?
Absolutely. A money piece can add incredible dimension to a bob or a pixie cut. On shorter hair, it often helps define the shape of the cut and adds a modern, edgy feel.
How long does a money piece appointment take?
If you are only getting the money piece without a full color, the service is quite fast. You can expect to be in the salon for 60 to 90 minutes, including the lifting process, toning, and a blowout.
Can I achieve a money piece at home?
While DIY kits exist, stylists generally advise against it. Because the money piece is so visible, any mistakes in placement or “bleeding” of the bleach can be very difficult to hide. Professional placement ensures the foils are angled to complement your specific face shape.
Is the money piece still in style for 2024?
Yes, but the trend has shifted toward “expensive” and “blended” looks. Rather than the harsh, high-contrast stripes of the past, current trends favor softer transitions and tones that complement the base color more naturally.
How often do I need to touch up a money piece?
Depending on how fast your hair grows and how much contrast you have, most clients return every 6 to 10 weeks. If you choose a “rooted” look where the highlight doesn’t go all the way to the scalp, you can often wait even longer.
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Topic: Money piece hair color trend ideas
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