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The Ultimate Guide to the Money Piece Hair Trend for 2025

Everything you need to know about money piece highlights, from its history and why it’s trending, to latest ideas and expert tips for every hair type.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Everything you need to know about money piece highlights, from its history and why it’s trending, to latest ideas and expert tips for every hair type.

Money piece highlights have reclaimed the spotlight as one of the biggest hair trends of 2025, merging 90s nostalgia with modern, low-maintenance glamour. This face-framing coloring technique delivers instant brightness to your look, and with high-profile celebs like Jennifer Aniston bringing it back this fall, the money piece is seeing a major revival across salons and social media alike.

What Is the Money Piece Hair Trend?

The money piece refers to lighter, face-framing highlights focused on the hair strands directly around your face. Unlike all-over color or even traditional balayage, the money piece is about strategic placement, drawing attention to your features and illuminating your complexion.

Origin: A modern evolution of the 90s’ face-framing highlights made famous by icons like Cindy Crawford, Geri Halliwell, and Jennifer Aniston.
Can be subtle or bold, with the colorist typically lightening these front pieces one to several shades above your base color for contrast and drama.
Complements any hair color—blonde, brunette, redhead, or even vibrant fantasy shades.
Creates a dimensional, sun-kissed effect that feels fresh, youthful, and expensive.

Why Is It Called the Money Piece?

The term “money piece” has inspired plenty of playful speculation. Some stylists say it’s a look worn by celebrities to show off their glam, while others claim it gives hair a naturally pricey, high-end finish—hence, it looks like you just spent major money at the salon. Whatever the origin, the catchphrase stuck, and the style is now a staple in beauty vocabulary.

Why Is the Money Piece Trend Making a Comeback in 2025?

Celebrity Influence: Jennifer Aniston recently revived her iconic bronde hair with softly blended money pieces, sparking renewed buzz.
Low-Maintenance Luxury: The money piece offers brightness and pop without demanding frequent, full-head salon visits or touch-ups.
Budget-Friendly: Only the front sections are lightened, making it an affordable approach that delivers maximum impact.
Face-Framing: The highlights brighten your face and subtly sculpt your features, instantly updating your look.
Seasonal Flexibility: While particularly suited to warmer, richer autumn hues, money pieces work well year-round and adapt to summer or spring palettes just as easily.

How to Get the Money Piece Look in 2025

If you’re booked for a color transformation or a seasonal refresh, here’s how to talk to your colorist about getting the best money piece for you.

Target Thin, Face-Framing Sections: Ask for small, carefully selected pieces at the front—oversized, chunky streaks are out, but blended and precise placement is in.
Be Bold with Lightness: Unlike subtle balayage, the money piece is designed to be lighter and pop against your base color—aim for a shade or two brighter for contrast.
Match to Your Base: For a harmonious look, choose tones that complement your primary color (e.g., honey or caramel on brown, platinum on brunette, cool or warm blondes depending on your natural hue). Fantasy colors work too!
Personalize for Style: Money pieces work with all hairstyles—try them with layers, lobs, curtain bangs, long hair, or even paired with playful bobs and pixies.

Will the Money Piece Suit My Hair Type and Face Shape?

Almost anyone can rock the money piece, regardless of hair texture, length, or personal style. Here’s why:

Works beautifully with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Suitable for all hair lengths, from very short to extra long, and blends seamlessly with side parts, middle parts, and fringes.
Accentuates cheekbones and highlights your eyes, no matter your face shape, eye color, or skin tone.
Can be tailored—your stylist can suggest tones and section sizes most flattering for you.

Does the Money Piece Work on Dark Hair?

Yes! Money piece highlights are not just for blondes. In fact, dark hair (especially brown shades) offers the highest contrast and most dramatic effect. The most popular combo is brunette or dark brown with blonde money pieces, but caramel, honey, or even pastel highlights can all look stunning. The more contrast, the bolder the impact.

Money piece hair is perfect for brunettes wanting a trendy yet natural-looking update.
Blonde or fantasy money pieces on dark hair create a high-impact, edgy, “it girl” look.
Caramel or honey tones offer a softer approach for those wanting dimension without stark contrast.

Can Money Piece Highlights Be Done with Hair Extensions?

Absolutely. The money piece technique can be matched with hair extensions for added length or volume—just ensure your stylist colors your natural hair first, and then select extensions that blend seamlessly (or even opt for pre-highlighted extensions in money piece shades). Mixed, balayage, and ombre extensions all work perfectly for a unified result.

Best Money Piece Hair Ideas for Inspiration

If you’re ready to try the money piece trend but aren’t sure which style you want, here are nine on-trend ideas to discuss with your stylist:

Chunky Platinum Money Piece: High-contrast, bright platinum streaks paired with a dark base—evoking bold 90s energy.
Ash Blonde with Balayage: Cool-toned, ash blonde face-framing highlights blending into soft balayage for dimension.
Ginger Spice Money Piece: Cinnamon, red, or copper money pieces paired with vibrant base colors for a “Spice Girl” update.
Sun-Kissed Blonde Money Piece: Natural-looking, bright highlights over golden or brunette hair for that endless-summer glow.
Honey Blonde Face Frame: Warm honey tones on brown or brunette bases, a timeless and flattering option.
Muted Caramel: Subtle caramel streaks for a gentle transition on those seeking understated drama.
Pastel / Fantasy Colors: Lavender, rose gold, or pastel blue money pieces for a modern, playful edge.
Reverse Money Piece: Instead of lightening the front, opt for deeper or contrasting bold shades at the face frame for an unexpected twist.
Curtain Bangs with Money Piece: Combine curtain bangs with lighter highlights to double down on this year’s two signature trends.

How to Maintain Money Piece Highlights

While money piece hair is generally low-maintenance, a few key steps will help keep your color vibrant and your highlights shiny between touch-ups:

Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading and brassiness.
Apply a purple or blue toning shampoo weekly if your money piece is blonde or light-colored—this keeps the highlights from turning yellow or orange.
Masks and oils: Invest in nourishing hair masks and lightweight oils to maintain shine and hydration, especially if your hair has been lightened.
Limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant to protect delicate colored strands from dryness and damage.
Regular trims: Have your stylist tidy up your ends every 6–8 weeks to keep your face-framing pieces looking crisp.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Money Piece

Consult with your colorist: Bring pictures of your goal shade and style. Your colorist can guide placement and tone for maximum impact.
Blend for softness: Ask for blended, feathered edges on your highlights to avoid harsh lines and ensure a modern, grown-out effect.
Strategic placement: The most flattering money pieces typically start at the root and follow the shape of your face. Avoid overly wide or chunky sections to keep the look chic, not streaky.
Layer with other trends: Combine with balayage, ombre, or vivid shades for a custom look.

Table: Money Piece Trends at a Glance

Style	Best For	Main Features
Chunky Platinum	Dark base, bold statement lovers	High-contrast, instantly eye-catching
Ash Blonde Balayage	Brunettes or dark blondes	Cool, seamless blend, dimensional
Ginger Spice/Copper	Reds, warm undertones	Spicy, vibrant, playful
Sun-Kissed Blonde	Natural blondes, soft brunettes	Subtle, natural, glowy
Reverse Money Piece	Adventurous color fans	Darker or fantasy shades at face
Pastel/Fantasy	Creative, playful personalities	Pinks, blues, lavenders, or vivid tones

Is the Money Piece Right for You?

If you’re seeking a vibrant, customized update without the intense maintenance or full-commitment of all-over color, the money piece hair trend is an ideal solution. Its flexibility means everyone—from naturalistas to maximalists—can find a version tailored to their personal vibe and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between money piece and balayage?

The money piece specifically refers to face-framing highlights around the front hairline, while balayage is a freehand painting technique for adding dimension throughout the hair. They can be combined, but money pieces prioritize the front for maximum facial illumination.

How often do money piece highlights need to be touched up?

This trend is lower maintenance than full highlights—most people refresh the money piece every 8–12 weeks, or whenever your hairline grows out or you want a brightness boost.

Can I get money piece highlights if my hair is very dark?

Absolutely. The money piece often looks even more striking on dark hair due to the high contrast. Ask your colorist to tone the highlights for warmth or coolness that suits you best.

Will money piece highlights damage my hair?

Any lightening process involves some damage, but with proper aftercare (color-safe products, limited heat styling), you can keep your hair healthy and strong. Discuss bond-building treatments with your stylist if you’re concerned.

Can I do money piece highlights at home?

While possible, professional stylists recommend in-salon service for the most flattering, blended placement and to avoid uneven results or breakage. If you try at home, use a highlighting kit strictly as instructed and strand test first.

Ready to Try the Money Piece?

This trend’s resurgence offers endless ways to make your mane your own, from the subtlest shimmer to bold, vivid framing. Consult a trusted colorist, show your inspiration pics, and prepare for a huge payoff with minimal effort—the money piece is back, and it’s here to frame your best features in 2025 and beyond!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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