Money Piece Highlights: The Face Frame

Published January 7, 2026

Two bright ribbons around the face — the low-commitment highlight that lights up your whole look.

What a Money Piece Is

A money piece is a pair of brighter, contrasting highlights placed on the front sections of hair that frame the face, usually starting at the part or hairline. Inspired by the chunky 2000s face-frame, the modern money piece can be subtle and blended or bold and high-contrast. The lighter pieces draw the eye to the face and brighten the complexion, acting almost like a built-in highlighter. It's the most face-flattering placement in all of hair colour.

Why It's So Flattering

Lighter colour around the face reflects light upward onto the skin, which softens and brightens the complexion and can make you look more awake and luminous. The contrast also frames and defines the features, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Because the brightness is concentrated where it flatters most, you get maximum impact from minimal colour. It's why the money piece earned its name — it's the highlight that gives the biggest visual return.

Choosing Your Contrast Level

The money piece spans from a soft, barely-there brightening that's a shade or two lighter than your base, to a bold platinum or contrasting panel against dark hair. Subtle versions suit professional settings and anyone easing into colour; bold versions make an editorial, statement look. Your skin tone guides the shade — warm honey or caramel money pieces flatter warm complexions, while cool icy pieces suit cool tones. Preview both subtle and bold money-piece options on your selfie in GlowMaxing to find the contrast that suits your face.

The Low-Commitment Advantage

The money piece is one of the easiest colour services to maintain because only the front sections are lightened, so regrowth is minimal and easy to refresh. It's a brilliant test-drive for anyone curious about going lighter without committing to a full head of highlights. If you decide you don't love it, it's quick and inexpensive to blend or grow out. This low-risk, high-reward quality makes it ideal for colour beginners.

Pairing It With Other Color Work

A money piece layers beautifully over balayage, all-over colour or a natural base, adding brightness exactly where it counts. Combined with a shadow root or root smudge, it reads soft and lived-in; combined with darker lengths, it creates striking contrast. It also revives grown-out highlights by re-brightening the face frame between full appointments. Think of it as the finishing touch that pulls a whole colour look together.

Caring for the Brightness

Because money-piece sections are lightened, they need the same colour-safe, hydrating care as any blonde or highlight. Use sulphate-free products, a gloss or toner to keep the pieces from going brassy, and a weekly mask to keep the lightened strands soft. A purple shampoo helps cool money pieces stay bright, while a warm gloss keeps honey or caramel ones glowing. Touch-ups are quick, so the look stays fresh with minimal salon time.