What is a Hair Money Piece & Will it Suit You?

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed one trend that keeps popping up — the money piece hairstyle. It’s a bold, luminous colouring technique that instantly brightens your face, adds dimension, and gives your hair that effortlessly expensive look.

But what exactly is the money piece trend? How is it done, who does it suit, and how do you maintain it? As expert professional hair colourists in London, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this must-have style — from money piece highlights to money piece balayage, and how to make it your own.

What Is a Money Piece Hair?

A money piece is a highlighting technique that focuses on lightening the front sections of your hair — the strands that naturally frame your face. Think of it as a high-impact yet low-maintenance way to brighten your complexion and enhance your features.

This look was first popularised in the 1990s, but it made a major comeback in recent years thanks to celebrities like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Bella Hadid. The term “money piece” comes from the glossy, luxurious finish — it makes your hair look expensive.

In technical terms, what is the money piece hairstyle? It’s a face-framing highlight created using balayage or foil techniques to lighten specific front sections while keeping the rest of your colour natural or softly blended.

Whether you go for a subtle blend or a dramatic contrast, the effect is luminous, flattering, and easy to maintain.

The Different Types of Money Piece Hair

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this trend. Here are the most popular variations you can choose from:

1. Money Piece Highlights

This is the classic version — a pair of lighter strands framing your face, usually achieved with foils. Perfect for those who want to add a touch of brightness without a full colour overhaul.

2. Money Piece Balayage

A softer, blended version that uses freehand balayage painting. This look melts seamlessly into your natural shade for a sun-kissed finish — ideal if you prefer something more low-key.

3. Blonde Money Piece

If you love blonde tones, this style is for you. The blonde money piece can range from creamy beige to platinum and instantly gives brunettes or darker blondes a modern, high-contrast finish.

4. Money Piece Hair Brunette

For brunettes, a honey, caramel or copper money piece adds warmth and dimension. It’s the perfect way to brighten your face without losing your rich base colour.

5. Chunky Money Pieces

Inspired by the 90s revival, chunky highlights add bold definition and contrast — perfect for those who want to make a statement.

Why Choose a Money Piece Hairstyle?

If you want a noticeable yet manageable colour refresh, the money piece hairstyle is the answer. Here’s why it’s one of our most requested salon trends:

1. It Frames and Flatters Your Face

Because these lighter sections sit right at your hairline, they act as natural contouring for your face. They highlight your cheekbones, jawline, and eyes — a simple tweak that creates instant radiance.

2. It Adds Dimension

If your hair feels flat or lacks contrast, face framing highlights bring depth and texture. The result? Fuller-looking, multi-tonal hair that catches the light beautifully.

3. It Brightens Your Complexion

A money piece hairstyle enhances your skin tone without makeup — the lighter strands reflect light and make your complexion glow.

4. It’s Low-Maintenance

Unlike full colour transformations, the money piece grows out gracefully. You can go months between touch-ups depending on your base colour and how bold you go.

Will a Money Piece Suit You?

Absolutely — the beauty of this trend is its versatility. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, redhead or have black hair, there’s a version that suits every tone and texture.

• For blondes: Opt for buttery, champagne, or platinum tones for a glowing finish.

• For brunettes: Choose warm honey or caramel shades for natural contrast.

• For darker hair: Go bolder with copper or golden tones for an eye-catching transformation.

• For textured or curly hair: The money piece accentuates your curls and adds dimension through movement and light.

If you’re unsure, our team of professional hair colourists will help you choose a customised tone that enhances your features and complements your skin tone.

What Is the Process at the Salon?

When you visit Strand & Lock, your money piece hairstyle experience starts with a consultation. We’ll talk through your hair goals, colour history, and what shade best suits your base tone.

1. Consultation & colour match – Your stylist will assess your natural colour, skin tone, and maintenance preferences.

2. Lightening the hairline – We’ll lighten the strands framing your face using balayage or foils, depending on your desired finish.

3. Toning & blending – Once the lightener has developed, we’ll tone the strands to create your ideal shade — soft and golden, bright and platinum, or anything in between.

4. Styling & finish – We’ll blow-dry, style, and refine the look so your new money piece shines.

It’s a quick way to get the bright, salon-fresh look of money piece highlights without committing to a full head of colour.

How to Maintain Your Money Piece Hair at Home

Maintenance is easier than you think. To keep your colour vibrant and glossy between appointments, follow these tips:

1. Use a Purple Shampoo

To neutralise brassiness and maintain cool blonde tones, use the Keune Care Silver Savior Shampoo. Pair it with the Keune Care Silver Savior Conditioner to keep your blonde money piece fresh and bright.

2. Hydrate Regularly

Lightened hair needs moisture. Apply the Keune Care Vital Nutrition Mask weekly to restore softness and prevent dryness.

3. Limit Heat Styling

Keep your hair healthy by using heat tools sparingly. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or straightening.

4. Schedule Toner Top-Ups

For cooler tones, book a gloss or toner appointment every 6–8 weeks to refresh your colour.

For more maintenance tips, read our guide on how to keep highlighted hair from fading.

How Often Should You Refresh a Money Piece?

The answer depends on your style and how much contrast you like:

• Soft balayage money piece: Every 3–4 months.

• Bold or chunky highlights: Every 6–8 weeks.

Regular trims also help maintain shape and prevent split ends so your money piece hair looks fresh and polished between visits.

How the Money Piece Complements Other Colour Techniques

This versatile look pairs perfectly with other colour services:

• Combine it with balayage for a natural, sun-kissed glow.

• Add it to your highlights for extra brightness around the face.

• Try it with ombré for a seamless gradient from root to tip.

It’s the perfect add-on if you want to refresh your hair without a full transformation.

Why Choose Strand & Lock for Your Money Piece?

At Strand & Lock, our professional hair colourists specialise in bespoke colouring services that bring out the best in your natural tones. Whether you’re after a soft, blended money piece balayage or bold face framing highlights, we’ll create a style that’s personalised and flattering.

Our stylists only use high-performance Keune professional products to ensure your hair stays strong, shiny, and vibrant. And with locations in both Bermondsey and Borough, we’re perfectly placed if you’re searching for a hair salon in London that blends expertise with creativity.

If you’ve been thinking about trying a brunette money piece or want to brighten up your blonde, you can trust our team of experienced hairdressers in Bermondsey or Borough to create your perfect look.

Book Your Money Piece Appointment

Ready to frame your face with luminous, sun-kissed highlights? Whether you’re going for subtle shimmer or bold blonde contrast, our stylists will help you achieve your perfect money piece hairstyle.

✨ Book your appointment at Strand & Lock and let our colour experts create a look that enhances your features, brightens your complexion, and makes your hair look effortlessly expensive.