Why the Money Piece Hair Trend Is a Must-Try This Year

Sometimes the smallest tweak makes the biggest impact, and that’s exactly the case with money piece hair. This highlighting technique involves lightening the hair around your face, instantly brightening your features and adding dimension without the need for a dramatic transformation. It’s an easy way to experiment with color and refresh your look while keeping most of your natural base intact.

Because money piece highlights focus only on the front sections, they’re a low-maintenance option compared to a full head of highlights or an all-over color change. Whether you prefer a bold contrast or something more subtle, this technique can be customized to suit your style and seamlessly elevate your hair without requiring a major commitment. Keep reading to learn how to get a money piece and see some of our favorite ways to rock the flattering look.

What Is A Money Piece?

The term “money piece” refers to a highlighting technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto thin sections of hair around your face. Unlike balayage, which adds highlights throughout the head, the money piece focuses only on the strands that frame your face. These subtle highlights can help brighten your features and give your color a sun-kissed feel, without the commitment of a total hair overhaul. (Why is it called a money piece, you ask? That’s easy—it’s because these bright, standout pieces are the star of the show. The money-makers, if you will).

How To Get A Money Piece

If you’re a hair color newbie, the best way to nail a money piece hairstyle is to book an appointment with a professional colorist. They’ll know exactly how to place and blend your money piece highlights so they complement your cut and overall color.

However, if you prefer a DIY approach, you can get the look at home. Start by using a comb to portion out a roughly one-inch section of hair on either side of your part. Then, begin bleaching money piece highlights with the L'Oréal Paris Colorista At-Home Hair Bleach and Lightener. Once your hair has lightened to the appropriate level, wash out the bleach as instructed on the packaging and tone your hair to remove any unwanted brassiness. From there, you can apply your chosen money piece hair dye—be it blonde, red, brown, or even a vibrant fantasy hue.

The Benefits of Trying the Money Piece Hair

Adding money piece hair highlights does more than update your style. This trend has numerous benefits that make it worth a try, no matter your hair type, texture, or length.

Adds dimension and brightness

Traditionally, money piece highlights create contrast against your base color, making your hair look more dimensional. They draw light toward your face, instantly brightening your overall appearance without the need to commit to full highlights or all-over color.

Works on any hair color and texture

Money piece highlights are versatile—you can make them as subtle or dramatic as you’d like. Opt for light brown hair with blonde money pieces for a subtle, sun-kissed look, or turn up the drama by pairing blonde hair money pieces with deep chocolate brown or vibrant crimson strands.

Complements a wide range of hairstyles

Whether you want to rock short hair with money pieces for a chic, on-trend take on the classic bob or prefer long, flowing locks, these face-framing highlights can enhance nearly any haircut. They frame your face in a flattering way, making it easy to wear, whether your style is sleek, wavy, or natural. And the best part is it grows out gracefully, so you won’t need to commit to constant touch-ups.

5 Money Piece Highlight Ideas To Try

It’s time to gather inspiration before your next appointment or at-home coloring session. Here are five money piece hair color ideas that highlight the versatility of this technique and showcase how well it works across different shades and styles.

1. Caramel and coffee

If you have rich, coffee-brown hair, adding a caramel money piece creates the perfect amount of contrast. The warmth of caramel tones makes the overall look softer and more dimensional. After bleaching your face-framing strands, use a light brown hair dye, such as theL'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Golden Brown to give your money pieces a flattering, golden tint.

2. Platinum and cream

For creamy blonde hair, a platinum money piece blonde hair moment takes your brightness to the next level. This icy shade makes your base color pop with multidimensional shine. Achieve the bold look with theL'Oréal Paris Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach.

3. Navy and black

For a money piece on black hair, navy highlights are a bold yet wearable choice. The deep, inky blue pairs beautifully with dark strands, adding a unique edge without overwhelming your look. It’s a subtle way to experiment with color while staying chic.

4. Mahogany and espresso

Dark espresso strands pair well with face-framing mahogany highlights. These face-framing red money pieces add warmth and depth to your rich brown base, making it the perfect shade for seasonal transitions. Try theL'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown to achieve the look.

5. Platinum & Pink

For platinum blondes, pink money pieces make for a fun, trendy statement. Since your hair is already light, you can experiment with creative tones without additional bleaching. Try theL'Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Strawberry Blonde for a playful, modern finish.

How To Take Care Of Your Face-Framing Highlights

Keeping your new money piece hairstyle looking fresh might require you to adjust your routine. Here are the essential steps to follow for long-lasting, glossy, and vibrant money piece highlights.

1. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner

First, ditch your old shampoo and conditioner. Instead, switch to a color-protecting system that preserves shine, strengthens strands, and reduces fading over time. TheL’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo andL’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner are infused with UV filters that help maintain rich, luminous tones. Using this duo regularly can help keep your money piece hair vibrant and silky.

2. Tone your hair regularly

You don’t want brassy highlights when you were expecting an icy shade. To keep brassiness at bay, add theL'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Toning Shampoo to your weekly routine. This violet shampoo helps neutralize the unwanted yellow and orange tones that can appear when you lighten your hair. Incorporating it into your regular routine can help your face-framing highlights look salon-fresh long after your visit.

3. Boost shine with a glossing mask

Your face-framing highlights are the focal point of your look, and they deserve to look their best. If you find your hair starting to lose its luster, add a glossing treatmentto your routine. TheL'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask works in just five minutes to deliver mirror-like shine, leaving your hair smooth and glossy for up to five days.

Tip #4: Do Less Heat-Styling

Excessive use of flat irons, blow dryers, and curling wands can cause breakage, dryness, and color fading. Give your hair breaks between heat sessions and explore heatless styling options to protect your money piece highlights. On the days you do reach for hot tools, shield your strands with theL'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In to minimize damage and preserve color vibrancy.

Next Up: 20 Fun Hair Color Ideas To Shake Up Your Look

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris