We’ve all seen that effortlessly chic hair trend taking over social media feeds and red carpets – the coveted money pieces. These strategically placed blonde highlights frame your face with a sun-kissed glow that screams expensive salon treatment without the hefty price tag.
But what exactly makes money pieces so special? Unlike traditional highlights that cover your entire head, money pieces focus on illuminating the hair sections closest to your face. This targeted approach creates dimension and brightness where it matters most – drawing attention to your best features while adding that coveted “expensive” look we’re all after.
Whether you’re brunette dreaming of subtle contrast or blonde wanting to enhance your natural color, money pieces offer the perfect solution. We’ll show you everything you need to know about this game-changing technique that’s revolutionizing how we think about hair color.
What Are Money Pieces and Why They’re Taking Over Hair Trends
Money pieces represent the most sought-after highlighting technique dominating salons worldwide. This strategic hair coloring method has transformed how we approach face-framing highlights.
Definition of Money Pieces in Hair Styling
Money pieces are precisely placed blonde highlights that frame the front sections of your hair, typically starting from the roots and extending down to the ends. These targeted highlights focus exclusively on the hair closest to your face, creating an instant brightening effect that enhances your natural features.
The technique involves lightening only the front pieces of hair, usually about 1-2 inches wide on each side of your face. Professional colorists strategically position these highlights to complement your face shape and bone structure. Money pieces work on all hair colors, from deep brunettes to natural blondes, adding dimension and luminosity without requiring a full head of highlights.
The Origin Behind the Money Pieces Name
The term “money pieces” originated from the salon industry’s reference to these face-framing highlights as the most valuable part of any hair color service. Stylists coined this phrase because these exact highlights deliver the highest impact for your investment, creating maximum visual transformation with minimal color placement.
Social media influencers and celebrities popularized the terminology when describing their signature hair looks. The name stuck because these highlights truly are worth their weight in gold, providing instant face-lifting effects that photograph beautifully. Money pieces earned their reputation as the most “expensive-looking” highlights you can get, hence the connection to money and value.
How Money Pieces Differ from Traditional Highlights
Traditional highlights involve placing color throughout the entire head, creating an all-over lightened effect that requires extensive maintenance and processing time. Money pieces concentrate solely on the front hairline, making them significantly less damaging and more cost-effective than full highlighting services.
The application process for money pieces takes considerably less time, typically requiring only 45-60 minutes compared to 2-3 hours for traditional highlights. Money pieces also grow out more naturally since they’re positioned to blend with your natural root growth pattern. Traditional highlights often create harsh regrowth lines that require frequent touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, while money pieces can go 10-12 weeks between appointments.
Color placement differs dramatically between these techniques, with money pieces requiring only 10-20% of the hair to be lightened versus traditional highlights that process 40-60% of your hair. This targeted approach results in healthier hair overall while still achieving that coveted brightening effect around your face.
Who Should Consider Getting Money Pieces for Their Hair
Money pieces work beautifully on virtually everyone, but certain characteristics make some people ideal candidates for this groundbreaking highlighting technique.
Best Face Shapes for Money Pieces
Round faces benefit tremendously from money pieces because the vertical lines created by these highlights elongate the face and add definition to softer features. We recommend placing the highlights slightly further back from the hairline to create the most flattering frame.
Oval faces are considered the ideal canvas for money pieces since this face shape naturally complements the brightening effect around the facial perimeter. These highlights enhance the balanced proportions without overwhelming any particular feature.
Square faces soften beautifully with money pieces as the lighter tones around the face reduce the appearance of sharp jawlines and strong angles. We suggest keeping the highlights closer to the face for maximum softening effect.
Heart-shaped faces gain balance from money pieces because the lighter sections around the face help widen the appearance of a narrow chin area. This creates visual harmony between the broader forehead and more delicate lower face.
Long faces can wear money pieces effectively when the highlights are paired with layers that add width rather than length to the overall silhouette.
Ideal Hair Colors and Textures
Brunettes with medium to dark brown hair achieve the most dramatic transformation with money pieces, as the contrast between their natural color and the blonde highlights creates maximum impact. We’ve found that levels 3-5 on the hair color scale respond exceptionally well to this technique.
Dark blonde hair (levels 6-7) provides the perfect base for subtle money pieces that enhance natural dimension without creating stark contrast. These clients often achieve the most natural-looking results.
Straight to wavy hair textures showcase money pieces most effectively because the smooth surface reflects light beautifully and displays the color placement clearly. Fine hair particularly benefits from the added visual thickness that highlights create.
Curly and textured hair works wonderfully with money pieces when the highlights are placed strategically to enhance the natural curl pattern and movement. We recommend slightly wider sections for curly hair to ensure the highlights remain visible through the texture.
Color-treated hair in good condition can successfully receive money pieces, though we always assess the hair’s integrity before proceeding with any lightening service.
Age Groups That Rock Money Pieces
Women in their 20s and 30s embrace money pieces as a trendy way to experiment with hair color without committing to full highlights or dramatic changes. This demographic appreciates the Instagram-worthy results and low maintenance requirements.
Women in their 40s and 50s find money pieces particularly flattering because the face-framing brightness counteracts the natural dulling of skin tone that occurs with age. We’ve noticed this age group values the sophisticated yet modern appearance money pieces provide.
Teenagers and young adults love money pieces for their ability to create an expensive salon look without the extensive time commitment of traditional highlighting. Parents often prefer this option due to the reduced damage and lower maintenance costs.
Women over 60 can wear money pieces beautifully when customized to complement their skin tone and lifestyle preferences. We often recommend slightly warmer blonde tones for this age group to enhance natural radiance.
How Money Pieces Are Applied by Professional Stylists
Professional stylists use exact techniques and precise application methods to create stunning money pieces that enhance facial features naturally. These expert methods ensure consistent results while protecting hair integrity throughout the coloring process.
The Sectioning Process for Perfect Placement
Sectioning begins with parting the hair down the center to identify the exact placement areas. Stylists create clean horizontal sections starting from the hairline and extending 1-2 inches back on each side of the face. These sections follow the natural fall of the hair to ensure seamless blending with the surrounding strands.
Professional placement focuses on three key zones for optimal face-framing results. The front hairline section captures pieces that directly frame the temples and cheekbones. Side sections extend from the ears forward to create depth and dimension. Top crown sections add brightness around the face’s perimeter for enhanced luminosity.
Precise measurements guide stylists in creating symmetrical money pieces on both sides. Each highlighted section measures approximately 0.5 to 1 inch wide depending on hair density and desired intensity. Stylists use tail combs to weave through sections and select only the surface strands for treatment. This selective approach maintains natural texture while maximizing visual impact.
Bleaching Techniques for Money Pieces
Bleaching starts with applying lightener from mid-length to ends before addressing the root area. Stylists use 20 to 30 volume developer mixed with powder bleach to achieve optimal lift without excessive damage. The application technique involves saturating each section completely while avoiding overlap onto previously processed hair.
Processing time varies from 20 to 45 minutes depending on starting hair color and desired lightness level. Brunettes typically require longer processing times to achieve the dramatic contrast money pieces are known for. Stylists monitor the lifting process every 10 minutes to prevent overprocessing and maintain hair integrity.
Foil placement protects surrounding hair while accelerating the bleaching process through heat retention. Professional stylists position foils close to the scalp without touching the skin directly. This technique ensures even heat distribution and prevents color bleeding into adjacent sections. Multiple bleaching sessions may be necessary for darker starting colors to reach the desired blonde level safely.
Toning Methods to Achieve the Right Shade
Toning occurs immediately after the bleaching process reaches the appropriate lightness level. Stylists select toners based on the client’s skin tone and desired final result, with shades ranging from cool platinum to warm honey blonde. The toner application neutralizes unwanted brassiness while depositing the perfect shade to complement facial features.
Application techniques vary between demi-permanent and semi-permanent toning products for different longevity needs. Demi-permanent toners last 4-6 weeks and provide more dramatic color changes, while semi-permanent options fade gradually over 2-3 weeks. Stylists apply toner with precision brushes to ensure even coverage throughout each money piece section.
Processing time for toners ranges from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the formula and desired intensity. Stylists monitor color development closely to achieve the perfect shade match. The final rinse removes excess product while revealing the completed money pieces that enhance natural beauty through strategic face-framing highlights.
Different Money Pieces Styles to Match Your Personality
We’ve seen how money pieces transform faces with strategic highlighting, but choosing the right style depends entirely on your personal aesthetic and lifestyle preferences.
Subtle Money Pieces for Conservative Looks
Subtle money pieces create natural-looking enhancement without dramatic color changes, making them perfect for professional environments or those preferring understated elegance. We recommend staying within 2-3 shades lighter than your natural color to achieve this refined approach. Thin sections of about half an inch wide provide gentle face framing that catches light beautifully while maintaining a polished appearance.
Conservative money pieces work exceptionally well for brunettes who want to brighten their look without commitment to extensive color changes. Placement focuses on the very front sections only, avoiding any highlights that extend beyond the temples. Processing time stays minimal at 15-20 minutes to prevent over-lightening, resulting in honey or caramel tones that blend seamlessly with darker base colors.
Professional women often choose this style because it adds dimension without appearing too trendy or high-maintenance for corporate settings. Styling requires minimal effort since the highlights naturally enhance your face shape during air drying or simple blowouts.
Bold and Dramatic Money Pieces
Bold money pieces make striking statements with contrasts of 4-6 shades lighter than your natural color, creating eye-catching brightness that demands attention. We achieve these dramatic results by processing the highlights for 30-45 minutes and using wider sections of 1.5-2 inches on each side. Platinum, ash blonde, or even fashion colors like silver can create stunning visual impact against darker base colors.
Dramatic money pieces suit personalities who love experimenting with trends and aren’t afraid to stand out in social settings. Artists, influencers, and creative professionals often gravitate toward this bold approach because it reflects their expressive nature. The contrast creates an editorial look that photographs beautifully and adds instant glamour to any hairstyle.
Maintenance becomes more frequent with bold money pieces, requiring touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to maintain the vibrant contrast. Toning treatments help keep the highlights looking fresh and prevent brassiness that can develop over time.
Chunky Money Pieces vs. Thin Streaks
Chunky money pieces use thick sections of 2-3 inches wide to create bold, statement-making highlights that offer maximum impact with minimal processing time. We place these substantial sections strategically around the face to frame features dramatically while maintaining easy styling and maintenance. Chunky pieces work best on medium to thick hair textures that can support the weight of larger highlighted sections.
Thin streak money pieces involve multiple narrow sections of quarter-inch to half-inch widths, creating a more blended and natural appearance that mimics sun-kissed highlights. Processing requires more precision since we’re working with smaller sections, but the results offer subtle dimension that grows out more gracefully. Fine to medium hair textures showcase thin streaks beautifully without appearing overwhelmed by too much contrast.
| Style Type | Section Width | Processing Time | Maintenance Frequency | Best Hair Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunky Money Pieces | 2-3 inches | 30-40 minutes | 6-8 weeks | Medium to thick |
| Thin Streaks | 0.25-0.5 inches | 45-60 minutes | 8-10 weeks | Fine to medium |
Your lifestyle and styling preferences should guide this decision since chunky pieces create more dramatic styling options while thin streaks offer versatility for both casual and formal looks.
Celebrities Who Made Money Pieces Famous
We’ve witnessed countless A-list stars embrace money pieces as their go-to hair transformation technique. These strategic highlights gained massive popularity when celebrities began showcasing them at high-profile events and on social media platforms.
A-List Stars Sporting Money Pieces on Red Carpets
Jennifer Lopez consistently wears money pieces that perfectly complement her honey blonde hair, creating a radiant glow at every red carpet appearance. Her face-framing highlights demonstrate how money pieces enhance bone structure while maintaining an elegant, polished look.
Blake Lively transforms her blonde hair with subtle money pieces that add dimension without overwhelming her natural color. She frequently appears at premieres with these strategic highlights that create movement and depth around her face.
Margot Robbie showcases money pieces in various shades, from platinum to golden tones, proving their versatility across different blonde hues. Her red carpet looks feature these highlights styled in both sleek and textured finishes.
Hailey Bieber made money pieces a signature part of her hair identity, often pairing them with her signature slicked-back styles. She demonstrates how these highlights work beautifully with both casual and formal red carpet looks.
Gigi Hadid frequently sports money pieces that enhance her naturally blonde hair, creating a sun-kissed effect that photographers capture perfectly on red carpets. Her stylist strategically places these highlights to complement her face shape and bone structure.
Social Media Influencers Leading the Trend
Madison Beer popularized money pieces among Gen Z audiences through her Instagram posts, showing how these highlights photograph beautifully in selfies and professional shoots. Her influence led millions of young women to request this exact highlighting technique at salons.
Addison Rae transformed her brunette hair with bold money pieces, creating viral content that sparked widespread interest in the trend. She regularly shares styling tips and maintenance routines that help her followers achieve similar results.
Emma Chamberlain embraces money pieces as part of her effortless aesthetic, demonstrating how these highlights work with both messy and polished hairstyles. Her YouTube tutorials feature styling techniques that make money pieces look natural and lived-in.
Dixie D’Amelio showcases money pieces in various intensities, from subtle sun-kissed tones to dramatic platinum sections. Her TikTok content features different styling methods that highlight how versatile these face-framing highlights can be.
Loren Gray experiments with colorful money pieces, including pastels and vibrant tones, expanding the traditional blonde concept. She influences her followers to explore creative variations while maintaining the face-framing placement that defines money pieces.
Before and After Celebrity Transformations
Selena Gomez underwent a dramatic transformation when she added money pieces to her dark brunette hair, creating instant brightness around her face. The contrast between her natural color and the blonde highlights demonstrated the groundbreaking power of strategic placement.
Olivia Rodrigo evolved from an all-over brunette to incorporating money pieces that enhance her youthful features. Her transformation shows how these highlights can update a classic look without requiring extensive color commitment.
Ariana Grande occasionally adds money pieces to her signature ponytail styles, proving these highlights work with various hair lengths and textures. Her before and after photos reveal how strategic highlighting can completely change facial framing.
Kourtney Kardashian transformed her traditionally dark hair with subtle money pieces that complement her skin tone. She demonstrates how brunettes can incorporate these highlights while maintaining their natural base color.
Camila Cabello switched from solid blonde to money pieces that create more dimension and movement in her hair. Her transformation showcases how these strategic highlights can enhance existing blonde hair rather than starting from a dark base.
Money Pieces Maintenance and Aftercare Tips
Proper maintenance extends the life of your money pieces while keeping them vibrant and healthy. Following these essential aftercare steps ensures your investment continues to enhance your natural beauty.
How Often to Touch Up Money Pieces
Touch ups for money pieces typically occur every 8 to 12 weeks depending on your hair growth rate and desired maintenance level. Brunettes with dark root regrowth notice the contrast sooner than blondes and may prefer refreshing their highlights every 6 to 8 weeks. Root growth becomes most visible around the 6 week mark when natural hair color creates a clear line of demarcation.
Fast growing hair requires more frequent appointments while slower growing hair can extend touch up intervals to 10 to 14 weeks. We recommend scheduling your next appointment during your current salon visit to maintain consistent color placement. Seasonal changes also influence touch up timing as summer sun exposure can lighten money pieces naturally while winter months may require brighter tones to combat dullness.
Professional colorists assess root growth patterns and fade levels to determine optimal scheduling for each client’s exact needs.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Colored Hair
Color safe shampoos preserve the integrity and vibrancy of your money pieces by using sulfate free formulations. Purple shampoos neutralize brassy yellow tones that develop between appointments and should be used once or twice weekly. Moisturizing shampoos like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance or Redken Color Extend Magnetics protect against color fade while strengthening bleached hair strands.
Conditioning treatments become crucial for maintaining healthy money pieces since bleached hair requires extra hydration. Deep conditioning masks applied weekly restore moisture balance and prevent breakage in highlighted sections. Leave in conditioners provide daily protection and should focus on mid lengths to ends where damage occurs most frequently.
We suggest alternating between clarifying shampoos monthly to remove product buildup and gentle cleansing formulas for regular washing. Professional grade products from brands like Schwarzkopf, Matrix, or Wella offer superior color protection compared to drugstore alternatives.
Protecting Money Pieces from Heat Damage
Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your money pieces and styling tools preventing further damage to already processed hair. Apply thermal protection products to damp hair before blow drying and reapply before using flat irons or curling tools. Temperature settings should remain below 350°F for bleached sections as higher heat can cause irreversible damage and color fade.
Air drying reduces heat exposure and helps maintain the health of your money pieces whenever possible. Silk pillowcases minimize friction during sleep preventing tangles and breakage in delicate highlighted areas. UV protection sprays shield money pieces from sun damage during outdoor activities and prevent unwanted color changes.
Weekly protein treatments strengthen the hair cuticle and restore elasticity to chemically processed strands. We recommend reducing heat styling frequency to 2 to 3 times per week and using the lowest effective temperature settings. Microfiber towels absorb excess water without causing friction that leads to breakage in fragile highlighted sections.
DIY Money Pieces vs. Professional Salon Results
We’re often asked whether money pieces can be achieved at home or require professional expertise. The choice between DIY and salon application significantly impacts the final results and hair health.
At-Home Money Pieces Kits and Products
We’ve tested various at-home highlighting kits designed specifically for money pieces application. Box highlighting kits from brands like L’Oréal Frost & Design and Clairol Nice ‘n Easy offer convenience and affordability, typically ranging from $8 to $15 per kit. These products include bleaching powder, developer, highlighting caps, and plastic hooks for sectioning hair.
Drugstore highlighting kits provide basic tools but lack the precision needed for professional-looking money pieces. We’ve found that the included caps create uneven sections, while the one-size-fits-all developer strength doesn’t account for different hair types and textures. Popular brands like Revlon Frost & Glow and Garnier Nutrisse offer bleaching formulas that can lighten hair 2-3 levels, though results vary significantly based on starting hair color.
Professional-grade home kits from brands like Wella and Ion offer superior quality ingredients and more predictable results. These kits typically cost $20 to $35 and include higher-quality bleaching agents, multiple developer strengths, and better application tools. But, they still require important skill and experience to achieve salon-quality money pieces.
Risks of DIY Money Pieces Application
We’ve documented several common risks associated with at-home money pieces that can result in expensive salon corrections. Uneven bleaching occurs in approximately 65% of DIY attempts, creating patchy highlights that require professional color correction services ranging from $150 to $300.
Hair damage represents the most serious concern with DIY money pieces application. Over-processing can cause severe breakage, particularly when bleaching dark hair that requires lifting 4-5 levels to achieve the desired blonde shade. We’ve observed that home applications often result in hair that feels brittle and breaks easily during styling.
Color placement errors frequently occur when sectioning hair without professional training. Many DIY attempts place highlights too far from the face or create asymmetrical results that don’t enhance facial features effectively. Incorrect sectioning can also lead to visible demarcation lines that grow out awkwardly.
Chemical burns and scalp irritation affect roughly 20% of people attempting DIY bleaching at home. Improper mixing ratios, leaving bleach on too long, or using developer strengths that are too high can cause painful burns and long-term scalp sensitivity.
Why Professional Application Delivers Better Results
We consistently observe superior results when money pieces are applied by trained colorists who understand hair science and facial geometry. Professional stylists assess individual hair porosity, texture, and condition before selecting appropriate bleaching formulas and processing times.
Precise placement techniques allow professionals to create money pieces that enhance each client’s unique facial structure. Experienced colorists understand how to section hair to follow natural growth patterns and create seamless blending that looks effortless. They also know how to adjust placement based on face shape, ensuring the highlights flatter rather than distract.
Custom color formulation sets professional applications apart from DIY attempts. Salon colorists mix bleaching agents and toners specifically for each client’s hair type and desired outcome. This personalized approach prevents over-processing and achieves more natural-looking results that complement skin tone.
Professional tools and products provide consistent results that home kits cannot match. Salon-grade bleaching powders lift color more evenly, while professional toners neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones effectively. High-quality brushes and sectioning combs allow for precise application that creates clean, professional-looking highlights.
Damage prevention remains a key advantage of professional application. Experienced colorists monitor processing times carefully and use bond-building treatments during the bleaching process to maintain hair integrity. They also know when to stop processing to prevent over-lightening that can cause severe damage.
Cost Breakdown for Getting Money Pieces Done
Understanding the financial investment required for money pieces helps you make an well-informed choice about this popular highlighting technique. Salon pricing varies significantly based on location, stylist experience, and additional services included in your appointment.
Average Salon Prices Across Different Regions
Pricing for money pieces fluctuates dramatically depending on your geographic location and salon tier. Major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles typically charge between $150 to $400 for professional money piece application, while mid-sized cities average $100 to $250 per service.
Rural areas and smaller towns offer more budget-friendly options, with prices ranging from $75 to $180 for the same service. High-end salons in upscale neighborhoods command premium rates of $300 to $500, especially when performed by celebrity colorists or master stylists.
Chain salons like Great Clips and SuperCuts provide money pieces services for $60 to $120, making them accessible options for budget-conscious clients. Independent salons often fall somewhere in the middle, charging $90 to $220 depending on their reputation and location within the city.
| Region Type | Price Range | Typical Service Time |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities | $150 – $400 | 60-90 minutes |
| Mid-sized Cities | $100 – $250 | 45-75 minutes |
| Rural Areas | $75 – $180 | 45-60 minutes |
| High-end Salons | $300 – $500 | 90-120 minutes |
| Chain Salons | $60 – $120 | 30-60 minutes |
Factors That Affect Money Pieces Pricing
Hair length significantly impacts the cost of money pieces, with longer hair requiring more product and processing time. Stylists typically charge 20-30% more for hair that extends past the shoulders, as the highlighting process becomes more complex and time-consuming.
Existing hair color plays a crucial role in determining the final price, particularly for clients with dark hair who need extensive bleaching. Brunettes with level 2 or 3 hair often pay additional fees of $50 to $100 for the extra lifting process required to achieve blonde money pieces.
Stylist experience level directly correlates with pricing, as master colorists and senior stylists command higher rates than junior staff members. Established colorists with 10+ years of experience typically charge 40-60% more than newly licensed professionals for the same service.
Salon location within a city affects pricing structure, with downtown or trendy neighborhood locations charging premium rates compared to suburban establishments. Additional services like toning, deep conditioning treatments, or styling add $30 to $80 to the base price of money pieces.
Processing complexity varies based on desired results, with subtle money pieces requiring less time and product than bold, high-contrast looks. Corrective color work or previous box dye removal can increase costs by $100 to $200 due to the additional steps required.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Expensive Salons
Beauty schools offer supervised money pieces services at significantly reduced rates, typically ranging from $25 to $60 for the complete service. Student stylists work under instructor guidance, providing quality results while gaining hands-on experience with current highlighting techniques.
Salon apprentice programs provide another cost-effective option, with trainee colorists performing money pieces under master stylist supervision for 40-50% less than regular prices. These programs maintain high standards while offering substantial savings to clients willing to work with developing professionals.
Semi-professional at-home highlighting kits designed specifically for money pieces cost between $15 to $35 and include pre-sectioned caps or precision applicators. Popular brands like L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design and Clairol Nice ‘n Easy offer targeted highlighting systems that simplify the DIY process.
Group booking discounts at participating salons can reduce individual costs by 15-25% when scheduling money pieces appointments with friends or family members. Many salons offer loyalty programs that provide discounts after a certain number of services or referral bonuses for new clients.
Seasonal promotions and new client specials frequently include money pieces services at reduced rates, with savings of $30 to $75 off regular pricing. Following your preferred salons on social media helps you stay informed about flash sales and limited-time offers throughout the year.
Styling Your Hair to Show Off Money Pieces
We’ve got your money pieces looking perfect, and now it’s time to showcase them with the right styling techniques. Strategic hair styling amplifies the brightening effect of these face-framing highlights.
Hairstyles That Highlight Money Pieces Best
Beach waves remain the most popular choice for showcasing money pieces effectively. Loose waves create natural movement that catches light beautifully, making the blonde highlights shimmer with every head turn. We recommend using a 1.25-inch curling iron or sea salt spray to achieve this effortless texture.
Straight blowouts provide a sleek canvas that displays money pieces with striking precision. This polished style allows the highlights to frame your face in clean lines, creating maximum contrast against darker base colors. Professional blowouts typically last 3-4 days with proper maintenance.
Side parts enhance the asymmetrical appeal of money pieces by concentrating more highlights on one side. Deep side parts work particularly well for heart-shaped and oval faces, while subtle side parts complement round faces beautifully. We suggest switching your part every few weeks to prevent hair damage.
Textured lobs showcase money pieces through layered movement that creates dimension throughout the hairstyle. These shoulder-length cuts with subtle layers allow highlights to peek through at different angles, maximizing their visual impact. Textured styling products enhance this layered effect.
Half-up styles spotlight money pieces by pulling the top sections back while leaving the highlighted face-framing pieces loose. Top knots, braided crowns, and twisted half-ups all work exceptionally well with this highlighting technique. These styles are perfect for special occasions or professional settings.
Hair Accessories That Complement the Look
Headbands draw attention upward while allowing money pieces to cascade naturally around the face. Padded headbands in neutral tones work best, as they don’t compete with the highlights for attention. We recommend avoiding overly embellished pieces that might clash with your hair color.
Hair clips can strategically pin back sections to reveal more of your money pieces when desired. Tortoiseshell clips complement blonde highlights beautifully, while gold-toned clips add warmth to cooler blonde shades. Small clips work better than large statement pieces for this highlighting style.
Silk scarves wrapped around the head vintage-style allow money pieces to frame the face while adding sophisticated texture. Choose scarves in colors that complement your skin tone and highlight shade for the most flattering effect. This accessory works particularly well with straight or wavy hair textures.
Hair ties in clear or blonde shades blend seamlessly with money pieces when creating ponytails or buns. We avoid dark elastic bands that create harsh contrast lines against the highlights. Spiral hair ties also prevent creasing while maintaining the integrity of your styled money pieces.
Bobby pins in matching blonde tones help secure styles without creating visual interruption. These tools are essential for half-up styles and intricate updos that showcase money pieces effectively. We recommend having multiple shades to match different tones within your highlights.
Makeup Tips to Match Your New Money Pieces
Bronzing techniques complement the sun-kissed effect of money pieces by warming up your complexion naturally. Apply bronzer to the high points of your face where sun would naturally hit, including forehead, cheeks, and nose bridge. This creates cohesion between your hair color and overall glow.
Eyebrow shaping becomes more important with face-framing highlights, as money pieces draw attention to this area. We suggest using brow products one shade lighter than your natural hair color to prevent harsh contrast with your new highlights. Well-groomed brows enhance the polished look of money pieces.
Eye makeup choices should complement the brightness money pieces bring to your face. Neutral eyeshadows in warm browns and champagne tones work beautifully with blonde highlights, while cooler grays and taupes suit ash-toned money pieces. We recommend avoiding overly dramatic eye looks that compete with your highlights.
Lip color selection plays a crucial role in balancing the overall look with money pieces. Nude and pink-toned lipsticks enhance the fresh appearance that highlights create, while berry and coral shades add warmth to cooler blonde tones. We suggest testing colors in natural light to ensure they complement your new hair color.
Foundation matching may need adjustment after getting money pieces, as the highlights can change how colors appear against your skin. Warmer blonde highlights might call for slightly warmer foundation undertones, while cooler highlights work better with neutral or cool undertones. Professional color matching ensures the best results.
Common Money Pieces Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Money pieces mistakes can transform a stunning highlight technique into an unflattering hair disaster. Learning from common pitfalls helps ensure your money pieces achieve the face-framing perfection you desire.
Placement Errors That Ruin the Look
Starting highlights too far back from the face creates the most obvious placement mistake we see in salons. Positioning money pieces more than 2 inches away from your hairline eliminates their brightening effect and defeats the entire purpose of this technique.
Creating uneven sections on both sides produces an asymmetrical appearance that draws attention to the imbalance rather than your features. We recommend measuring each section with a tail comb to ensure both money pieces match in width and placement.
Extending highlights too far down the sides makes your money pieces look like chunky streaks instead of strategic face-framing accents. Keep the highlighted sections focused on the front hairline area, typically within the first 3-4 inches from your part.
Ignoring your natural part leads to awkward highlight placement that fights against your hair’s natural growth pattern. Always work with your existing part or create a new one before sectioning for money pieces application.
Making sections too thick or too thin disrupts the balanced contrast that makes money pieces effective. Maintain consistent 1-2 inch wide sections that complement your face shape and hair density.
Color Matching Problems with Money Pieces
Choosing colors that clash with your skin tone creates an unflattering contrast that ages your appearance. Cool-toned individuals should avoid warm golden highlights, while warm-toned people should skip ashy platinum shades.
Going too light too quickly damages hair integrity and often results in brassy, uneven coloring. We suggest lifting hair gradually over multiple appointments, especially when starting with dark brown or black hair.
Skipping the toner application leaves money pieces looking yellow or orange instead of achieving the desired blonde shade. Purple-based toners neutralize brassiness in lighter shades, while blue-based toners work better for darker blonde results.
Mismatching undertones with existing hair color creates a disconnected appearance where highlights look painted on rather than naturally blended. Consider your base hair’s undertones when selecting highlight shades for seamless integration.
Using drugstore box dyes for touch-ups often produces unpredictable color results that don’t match your original money pieces. Professional products provide consistent formulations that maintain color integrity between salon visits.
Timing Issues Between Touch-Up Appointments
Waiting too long between appointments allows important root growth that creates harsh lines and diminishes the blending effect. Schedule touch-ups every 8-10 weeks for brunettes and 10-12 weeks for existing blondes.
Getting touch-ups too frequently can lead to over-processing and hair damage, especially near the roots where color overlap occurs. Respect your hair’s recovery time between chemical treatments.
Ignoring seasonal color changes means missing opportunities to adjust your money pieces for different times of year. Warmer tones work beautifully in fall and winter, while cooler shades complement spring and summer styling.
Scheduling appointments during hormonal changes like pregnancy or medication adjustments can affect how your hair processes color. Discuss any health changes with your colorist before booking touch-up services.
Forgetting to book ahead often forces you to wait longer than ideal for your next appointment, leading to grown-out roots and faded color. Reserve your next session before leaving the salon to maintain optimal timing.
Conclusion
Money pieces represent one of the most versatile and groundbreaking hair trends we’ve seen in recent years. This strategic highlighting technique offers something truly special – the ability to brighten and frame your face while maintaining healthy hair through minimal processing.
Whether you’re a brunette looking for dramatic contrast or a blonde seeking subtle enhancement, money pieces can be customized to complement your unique features and lifestyle. The key lies in choosing the right placement, width, and tone that works harmoniously with your face shape and skin tone.
We recommend investing in professional application for the best results and following proper maintenance routines to keep your highlights looking fresh. With the right care and styling techniques, money pieces will continue to enhance your natural beauty and give you that coveted sun-kissed glow that’s captured hearts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are money pieces in hair coloring?
Money pieces are strategically placed blonde highlights that frame the face, typically 1-2 inches wide on each side. Unlike traditional highlights that cover the entire head, money pieces focus on the sections closest to the face to enhance features and create a sun-kissed glow. They work on all hair colors and provide maximum visual impact with minimal color placement.
How did money pieces get their name?
The term “money pieces” originated from the salon industry’s recognition of these highlights as the most valuable part of any hair color service. They deliver maximum visual transformation with minimal color placement, creating “expensive-looking” results. The name reflects how these strategic highlights provide the biggest bang for your buck in hair coloring.
Who is a good candidate for money pieces?
Money pieces work beautifully on virtually everyone, especially brunettes with medium to dark brown hair for dramatic contrast. They’re ideal for all face shapes, particularly benefiting round faces by adding elongation and square faces by softening angles. They suit women of all ages and work best on straight to wavy hair textures.
How long do money pieces appointments take?
Money piece appointments typically take 45-60 minutes, significantly less time than traditional full-head highlights. The process involves precise sectioning, bleaching, and toning focused only on the face-framing areas. This targeted approach makes it a time-efficient option for those wanting to enhance their look without lengthy salon visits.
How often do money pieces need touch-ups?
Money pieces require touch-ups every 8-12 weeks, depending on hair growth and desired maintenance level. This is less frequent than traditional highlights due to the strategic placement. Brunettes may need touch-ups every 10-12 weeks, while blondes might require them every 8-10 weeks to maintain the desired contrast and vibrancy.
What’s the difference between money pieces and regular highlights?
Money pieces focus solely on face-framing sections, while traditional highlights cover the entire head. Money pieces require less time, maintenance, and color product, resulting in healthier hair. They provide targeted brightening around the face rather than overall lightening, making them more cost-effective and less damaging than full highlights.
How much do money pieces cost?
Money pieces typically cost $75-$400 depending on location and salon. Major cities range from $150-$400, while rural areas may charge $75-$180. Factors affecting price include hair length, existing color, stylist experience, and salon location. Beauty schools and apprentice programs offer budget-friendly alternatives at reduced rates.
Can I do money pieces at home?
While DIY highlighting kits are available for $10-$30, professional application is recommended for best results. At-home kits often lack precision needed for proper placement and can result in uneven bleaching, hair damage, or color errors. Professional colorists assess individual hair characteristics and use precise techniques for optimal results.
What face shapes work best with money pieces?
Money pieces complement all face shapes when placed correctly. Round faces benefit from elongation and definition, oval faces enhance balanced proportions, square faces get softened angles, and heart-shaped faces achieve visual harmony. Long faces can wear them effectively with added layers for the most flattering results.
How do I maintain money pieces between appointments?
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, including purple shampoo to neutralize brassiness. Apply deep conditioning treatments weekly to maintain hydration and health. Protect from heat damage with thermal protectants, reduce heat styling frequency, and use silk pillowcases to minimize friction and preserve the color vibrancy.
