Money Piece

Highlightswarm undertone

Money piece highlights have taken over social media and salons for good reason. This strategic highlighting technique places bright, face-framing pieces directly around the hairline, creating an instant brightening effect that mimics the way natural sunlight hits the front sections of your hair. The name comes from the high-impact result you get for a relatively modest investment compared to full highlights or balayage. Money piece highlights work on virtually any base color, from jet black to medium brown to dark blonde, and they require minimal commitment since only the two front sections are lightened. The result is a polished, dimensional look that draws attention to your face, adds visual interest when hair is worn down or pulled back, and requires significantly less maintenance than all-over color.

About Money Piece

Money piece highlights are not a color but rather a placement technique that focuses on the two front sections of hair framing the face, typically one to two inches wide on either side of the part. These sections are lightened anywhere from two to eight levels above the base color, depending on the desired contrast. The lifted pieces can be toned to any shade—warm blonde, cool platinum, honey, or even caramel—but the most popular choice is a bright blonde that sits around level 8 to 10 for maximum face-framing impact. The technique originated as a modern evolution of classic chunky highlights but refined into a more strategic, low-maintenance option. Unlike traditional highlights scattered throughout the head, money pieces are concentrated entirely at the front hairline. This targeted approach creates the illusion of all-over dimension without the processing time, cost, or upkeep of a full highlight service. Money pieces became widely popular in 2020 through TikTok and Instagram beauty influencers, and the trend has only grown as more people realize how effectively it brightens the complexion and works across different hair lengths, textures, and base colors.

Color Card

Money Piece

#E8C78A

Undertonewarm

Level8 / 10

Difficultymedium

Who Does It Suit?

Fair with Warm UndertonesExcellent

Fair with Cool UndertonesExcellent

Medium with Warm UndertonesExcellent

Medium with Cool UndertonesExcellent

Olive SkinExcellent

Deep Skin TonesGood

How to Achieve Money Piece

1
Start with a consultation to choose your money piece tone. Your colorist will assess your base color, skin tone, and desired contrast level. If you want a subtle lift, they may recommend going two to four levels lighter. For maximum impact, six to eight levels lighter with a bright blonde or platinum tone is ideal.
2
Section and isolate the face-framing pieces. Your stylist will part your hair and isolate one to two inch-wide sections on either side of your face, starting at the hairline and extending back to the temple area. These sections are typically clipped or foiled separately from the rest of your hair.
3
Apply lightener to the isolated sections. A professional-grade lightener with 20- or 30-volume developer is painted onto the money piece sections, working from mid-lengths to ends first, then roots. Processing time ranges from 20 to 45 minutes depending on your starting level and target lightness. For darker bases, a bond-building treatment should be incorporated.
4
Tone the lifted pieces. Once the desired level of lift is achieved, the lightener is rinsed and a toner is applied to neutralize any brassiness and achieve the final shade. Warm golden tones, cool ash, or icy platinum are all popular toner choices. The toner processes for 10 to 20 minutes before being rinsed.
5
Style and finish. Your colorist will apply a conditioning treatment to restore moisture, then style your hair to show off the face-framing effect. The contrast is most visible when hair is worn down and parted in the center or swept to one side.

Estimated salon cost: $80-$180

Colors That Pair Well

Balayage

for added dimension throughout

Honey Blonde

as the money piece tone

Platinum Blonde

for high contrast

Caramel

for warm-toned pieces

Maintenance Guide

Touch-up Frequency

Money pieces are exceptionally low maintenance compared to full highlights. Touch-ups are typically needed every 8 to 12 weeks, and many people stretch them even longer to 14 weeks since the grow-out blends naturally with the darker base. Because only the front sections are colored, regrowth is less noticeable than with all-over lightening.

Fading Behavior

The lifted sections will gradually fade and lose toner over time, shifting toward warmer or brassier tones depending on the base color and toner used. Cool-toned money pieces may develop yellow warmth, while warm-toned pieces may lighten further with sun exposure. The fade is typically gradual and not jarring because the majority of your hair remains your natural base color.

Key Products

Purple or blue toning shampoo (use once per week on money pieces only)
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair
Bond repair treatment like Olaplex No. 3 or K18 (apply to lightened sections weekly)
Heat protectant spray rated to 450 degrees
Leave-in conditioner with UV protection for front sections

Common Mistakes

Placing the money pieces too far back from the hairline, which eliminates the face-framing brightening effect and makes them look like random highlights
Choosing a money piece tone with insufficient contrast against the base, resulting in highlights that blend in and defeat the purpose of the technique
Over-using purple shampoo on warm-toned money pieces, which can create an unwanted ashy or dull cast instead of maintaining golden warmth
Neglecting to protect the lightened sections with bond treatments and heat protectant, leading to dry, brittle ends that break off prematurely

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between money piece and face-framing highlights?

Money piece and face-framing highlights are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction. Traditional face-framing highlights typically involve multiple foils or painted sections around the entire perimeter of the face, extending from the hairline back toward the ears and sometimes incorporating baby lights or finer pieces. Money pieces, by contrast, are specifically the two bold sections on either side of the front hairline or part, usually one to two inches wide and extending back only to the temple area. Money pieces are more concentrated, higher-contrast, and require fewer foils, which is why they are faster and more affordable. Think of money pieces as the bold, statement version of face-framing highlights, designed for maximum impact with minimal processing.

Do money pieces work on short hair?

Money pieces work beautifully on short hair, including pixie cuts, bobs, and lobs. In fact, they can be even more striking on shorter styles because the lightened sections are more concentrated and visible. On a bob or lob, money pieces frame the face whether the hair is tucked behind the ears or worn loose. On a pixie cut, the front sections can be left slightly longer and highlighted to create a dimensional, edgy look. The key is working with a stylist who understands how to adapt the placement for your specific cut. Short hair also means faster processing time and less product needed, which can reduce the overall cost of the service.

Can I do money pieces on black hair?

Money pieces look stunning on black hair and create one of the most dramatic, high-contrast effects possible. The key is working with a colorist experienced in lifting very dark hair, as reaching a bright blonde from level 1 or 2 black requires careful sectioning, proper timing, and the use of bond-building treatments to protect hair integrity. Depending on your hair's condition and porosity, you may need two sessions spaced three to four weeks apart to safely lift the front sections to level 8 or higher. The payoff is incredible—bright blonde or platinum money pieces against jet black hair is a runway-ready look that photographs beautifully and requires surprisingly low maintenance since regrowth is expected to show.

How long does it take to get money pieces done?

A money piece appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the quickest color services available. The exact timing depends on your starting hair color and the desired level of lift. If you are starting with medium brown hair and want a warm blonde money piece, expect around 60 minutes. If you are starting with black hair and want platinum pieces, the appointment may extend to 90 minutes or require a second session. This is significantly faster than full highlights which can take two to three hours, or balayage which often requires three to four hours for a full head.