Money pieces have become one of the most talked-about and requested hair coloring techniques in recent years. If you have seen someone with a striking, bright frame of color around their face that seems to catch the light and draw attention to their features, you have likely seen money pieces in action. This guide explains what money pieces are, how they are done, how they differ from other highlighting techniques, and how to decide if the look is right for you.
What Are Money Pieces?
Money pieces are large, bold highlights or lightened sections of hair placed strategically at the front of the head on either side of the face, specifically framing the face from the temples to the chin. Unlike traditional highlights that are distributed throughout the hair in fine sections, money pieces are deliberately chunky and concentrated — designed to be highly visible and to draw the eye to the face. The name references the idea that these face-framing highlights are so flattering and impactful that they are worth every penny spent.
Origins and Popularity
While face-framing highlights have existed as a coloring technique for decades, the money piece terminology and its contemporary interpretation gained widespread popularity through social media, particularly on platforms where hair transformation content thrives. The look draws inspiration from 1990s and early 2000s chunky highlight aesthetics, reinterpreted with modern coloring techniques and a wide range of color options — from subtle sandy blonde pieces to dramatic platinum, rose gold, or even vivid colors like blue or pink.
How Money Pieces Are Applied
Money pieces are applied by isolating specific sections of hair at the front hairline on both sides of the face and lightening or coloring them separately from the rest of the hair. The size of the sections can vary — some money pieces are very precise and narrow, while others are broader and more dramatic. The color used can range from a shade or two lighter than the base color for a subtle effect, to a drastically different color for high-contrast impact. A colorist may apply bleach to lift the section to a light base before toning to the desired color, or may apply a direct color or toner directly depending on the starting hair color and the desired result.
Money Pieces vs. Balayage vs. Highlights
Money pieces are often confused with balayage or traditional highlights, but they are distinct techniques. Traditional highlights involve applying lightener to thin, even sections throughout the entire head for a uniform brightening effect. Balayage is a freehand painting technique applied throughout the hair to create a natural, sun-kissed gradient. Money pieces, by contrast, are confined exclusively to the face-framing sections at the front of the head and are deliberately bold and concentrated rather than blended throughout. Money pieces can be combined with any of these other techniques to create a comprehensive color result.
Is the Look High Maintenance?
The maintenance level of money pieces depends largely on the color contrast between the pieces and the base hair color. Very dramatic money pieces — such as platinum blonde on dark brown hair — will show roots quickly and require touch-ups every six to eight weeks. More subtle money pieces that are only a few shades lighter than the base color grow out more gracefully and require less frequent maintenance. Using a purple or blue toning shampoo between appointments helps maintain the brightness and tone of blonde or lightened money pieces.
Final Thoughts
Money pieces are a bold, flattering, and highly customizable hair color technique that can be adapted to suit virtually any base color, hair type, or personal style. Whether you opt for subtle, natural-looking face-framing pieces or a dramatic, high-contrast look, the result is a hairstyle that draws attention to the face in the most intentional and beautiful way. A skilled colorist can tailor the placement, size, and color of your money pieces to complement your specific facial features and overall hair color.