What Are Money Pieces for Hair?

Money pieces are face-framing highlights that are significantly brighter and bolder than the rest of your hair color. Think of them as strategically placed spotlights that illuminate your features and add dimension around your face. They are essentially chunky highlights, usually two shades lighter or more, applied to the strands closest to your face, creating a pop of color that immediately draws attention. A perfectly executed money piece can brighten your complexion, accentuate your best features, and even make you look younger. It’s a relatively low-commitment way to experiment with color and add a touch of high-impact style to any hairstyle.

Understanding the Money Piece Trend

The money piece has surged in popularity for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. It works on all hair types and textures, and can be customized to suit any skin tone. Second, it offers a relatively low-maintenance color option. Because the highlights are concentrated around the face, root regrowth is less noticeable compared to a full head of highlights. Finally, it’s a quick and relatively inexpensive way to update your look without a drastic, all-over color change. It’s the ultimate “bang for your buck” when it comes to hair color.

Choosing the Right Money Piece for You

The key to a successful money piece lies in customization. You need to consider your skin tone, hair color, cut, and personal style to determine the best placement, size, and color for your face-framing highlights. A consultation with a skilled colorist is crucial. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the right products, and tailor the money piece to complement your unique features.

Money Piece FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you further understand the nuances of the money piece trend:

1. Will a Money Piece Work with My Hair Color?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this technique. Whether you have blonde, brunette, red, or even black hair, a money piece can be adapted to create a stunning contrast. The key is to choose a shade that complements your base color. For example, brunettes can opt for caramel or honey blonde money pieces, while blondes can go for platinum or even pastel hues.

2. How Wide Should My Money Piece Be?

The width of your money piece depends on the desired level of impact. A narrower, more subtle money piece involves highlighting just a few strands around the hairline. A wider, bolder money piece can extend further back from the hairline, encompassing more hair. Consider your face shape and personal style when deciding on the width.

3. What Hair Length Works Best for Money Pieces?

Money pieces are incredibly versatile and look fantastic on short, medium, and long hair. On shorter styles like bobs or lobs, a well-placed money piece can add dimension and movement. On longer hair, it can create a striking contrast and highlight your face.

4. How Do I Maintain My Money Piece?

Maintaining a money piece is relatively easy. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to protect the color and prevent fading. Regular toning treatments can also help keep your blonde money piece bright and prevent brassiness. Consider using a leave-in conditioner to keep your highlights hydrated and healthy.

5. Can I Do a Money Piece at Home?

While it’s technically possible to do a money piece at home, it’s generally not recommended, especially if you’re aiming for a dramatic color change. Achieving seamless blending and avoiding damage requires skill and experience. It’s best to leave this technique to the professionals. If you attempt it yourself, proceed with extreme caution and use high-quality hair color specifically designed for highlighting.

6. How Much Does a Money Piece Cost?

The cost of a money piece varies depending on several factors, including your location, the salon’s reputation, and the stylist’s experience. Generally, it’s less expensive than a full head of highlights because it involves less product and time. Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200, but it’s best to get a quote from your salon beforehand.

7. What’s the Difference Between a Money Piece and Face-Framing Highlights?

While both money pieces and face-framing highlights brighten the area around your face, the main difference lies in the intensity and placement. A money piece is bolder, chunkier, and more concentrated around the front hairline. Face-framing highlights tend to be more subtle and blended, often extending further back from the face. A money piece makes a bolder statement.

8. How Often Should I Touch Up My Money Piece?

The frequency of touch-ups depends on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable your roots are. Generally, you’ll need a touch-up every 6-8 weeks to maintain the brightness and vibrancy of your money piece. If you have darker hair, you may need to touch it up more frequently to prevent the roots from becoming too obvious.

9. What Kind of Toner Should I Use on My Money Piece?

The right toner depends on the desired tone of your blonde. For a cool, ashy blonde, use a toner with violet or blue undertones. For a warmer, golden blonde, use a toner with gold or beige undertones. Consult with your colorist to determine the best toner for your hair and desired result.

10. Can a Money Piece Fix a Bad Hair Color?

In some cases, a strategically placed money piece can help to correct or camouflage a bad hair color. For example, if your overall color is too dark or dull, a bright money piece can add dimension and brightness. However, it’s not a universal fix and may not be effective for all hair color mishaps.

11. Will a Money Piece Damage My Hair?

Any chemical process, including highlighting, can potentially cause damage to your hair. However, a skilled colorist will take precautions to minimize damage, such as using high-quality products, applying the lightener carefully, and using a bond-building treatment like Olaplex. Proper aftercare, including regular conditioning and avoiding heat styling, is also crucial to prevent damage.

12. Are There Any Alternatives to Bleach for a Money Piece?

While bleach is the most common method for achieving a bright money piece, there are alternatives, especially for those with darker hair. High-lift dyes can lighten the hair several shades without the harshness of bleach. Another option is to opt for a money piece that’s a few shades lighter than your base color, rather than a drastic blonde. This creates a more subtle contrast and minimizes the need for strong chemicals.

In conclusion, the money piece is a versatile and impactful hair color technique that can enhance your features and add a touch of style to any hairstyle. By understanding the nuances of this trend and consulting with a skilled colorist, you can achieve a money piece that perfectly complements your unique beauty.