hair color · trends
Money Piece Hair: What It Is, Who It Suits,and Upkeep
A money piece is a brighter section of color around the face. See who it suits, how chunky or soft to go, upkeep, and what to tell your colorist.
Hairover Team
A money piece is a section of lighter color on each side of the face, right at the hairline. It brightens your face and gives the effect of highlights while coloring only a small part of your hair. You can keep it soft and blended or make it chunky and bold. It suits almost any base color, is quicker than full highlights, and is an easy way to try lighter hair.
Soft vs. chunky
| Soft money piece | Chunky money piece | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Blended, sun-kissed | Bold, high contrast |
| Width | Thin sections, babylights | Thick, solid strips |
| Grow-out | Gentle | Visible root line |
| Trend in 2027 | More popular | Less popular |
Softer, blended color is replacing high-contrast stripes in 2027. See hair trends that are out in 2027.
Choosing a shade
- Black or dark brown hair: caramel, honey, or toffee. Soft and natural, and needs less lightening.
- Medium brown: golden beige or light caramel.
- Light brown or dark blonde: buttery or creamy blonde.
- Blonde: a bright, almost platinum money piece adds dimension.
- Red or copper: strawberry blonde or golden copper.
- Gray: a bright, cool money piece can blend gray at the temples.
As a starting point, pick a shade two to three levels lighter than your base for a natural look. More ideas are in brown hair for 2027 and blonde hair for 2027.
Who it suits
A money piece works for nearly everyone. It’s especially useful if:
- You want to look brighter without full highlights.
- You’re growing out gray and want to soften the temples.
- You wear your hair up a lot, since the color still shows at the front.
- You have curtain bangs or face-framing layers, which show it off.
What to tell your colorist
“I’d like a soft money piece: two face-framing sections, about two levels lighter than my base, blended at the root so it grows out softly. I want it to look sun-kissed, not striped.”
Bring a photo and tell them how often you can come back.
Upkeep
- Refresh: every eight to twelve weeks as roots grow.
- Toner or gloss: in between, to fight brassiness. See hair gloss vs. toner.
- Purple shampoo: once a week for blonde money pieces.
- Heat protection: lightened hair is more delicate. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends low or medium heat and a heat protectant.
Money piece vs. other techniques
- Highlights: lighter strands throughout. See highlights vs. lowlights.
- Balayage: hand-painted color through the lengths. See balayage vs. highlights.
- Money piece: only the front sections. It’s often added on top of balayage.
Related guides
- Hair Color Trends for 2027
- Balayage vs. Ombre
- How to Fix Brassy Hair: Purple vs. Blue Shampoo and Toner
Try the color on your own photo
Color is hard to picture on your own skin tone. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hair colors and hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can compare shades before your appointment.
FAQ
What is a money piece in hair?
Two face-framing sections colored lighter than the rest of your hair. It brightens the face and gives the effect of highlights with much less color.
Does a money piece work on dark hair?
Yes. On dark hair, a caramel or honey money piece looks soft and natural. Going very blonde on dark hair needs more lightening and more toning to avoid brassiness.
How long does a money piece last?
Most people refresh it every eight to twelve weeks, as the roots grow in. A gloss or toner in between keeps the color from turning brassy.
Is a money piece cheaper than full highlights?
It usually takes less time and less product than full highlights, so it often costs less. Prices vary a lot by salon and city, so ask for a quote.
