1. Introduction: What Is Money Piece Hair & Why Is It Trending?
The money piece hair trend has taken over social media, salons, and red carpets, and it’s easy to see why. This bold yet effortless highlight technique, where lighter face-framing pieces contrast with the rest of the hair, has roots in the early 2000s but has made a major comeback with a modern, sun-kissed twist. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, and Dua Lipa have all rocked this look, proving that it’s the ultimate statement-making yet low-maintenance hair trend.
So, why is the money piece perfect for summer? Simple—it brightens up the face, enhances natural texture, and adds instant dimension without the commitment of a full head of highlights. Whether you opt for soft caramel pieces on brunette hair, icy blonde streaks for a bold contrast, or warm honey tones on golden locks, this technique delivers maximum impact with minimal upkeep.
Wondering if this trend is for you? The great news is that money piece highlights flatter almost everyone. They’re especially great for oval, heart, and round face shapes, as they help accentuate cheekbones and jawlines. The key to making it work is choosing the right shade to complement your natural hair color and skin tone. Whether you wear your hair straight, wavy, or curly, the money piece technique instantly elevates any style—making it the perfect way to refresh your look this season!
2. The Best Money Piece Colors for Summer 2025
As summer 2025 approaches, the money piece trend continues to evolve, offering fresh and exciting ways to brighten up your look. Whether you prefer a classic, sun-kissed vibe or a bold, statement-making contrast, there’s a money piece color for everyone. Here are the top shades trending this season:
Classic Blonde Money Piece on Brunette Hair
The timeless blonde-on-brunette combination remains a go-to for summer. A cool icy blonde or warm golden blonde money piece instantly brightens dark hair, giving it that effortless beachy glow. This contrast works well with both deep espresso tones and medium chocolate shades, making it a versatile and universally flattering choice. To maintain the vibrancy, use a purple shampoo to prevent brassiness and keep the blonde looking fresh.
Honey Caramel for a Sun-Kissed Glow
For those who want a softer, more natural-looking money piece, honey caramel is the perfect shade. This warm golden hue blends beautifully with brunette, dark blonde, or auburn hair, creating a sunlit, dimensional effect. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their summer glow without going too bold. Plus, it complements warm skin tones and adds richness to cooler complexions.
Bold Colors—Pastels, Neon, or Even Two-Tone Contrasts
For those who love to stand out, summer 2025 is all about bold money pieces. Expect to see soft pastel pinks, purples, and blues for a dreamy, festival-ready vibe. Neon green, fiery red, and electric blue are also making waves for those who want a dramatic, eye-catching contrast. For a unique twist, the two-tone money piece trend is emerging, where one side features a bright color while the other stays neutral—a high-fashion statement that’s already gaining popularity on social media.
No matter which color you choose, the money piece technique is the easiest way to update your look for summer 2025. Whether you opt for classic blonde, warm caramel, or bold hues, this trend guarantees a fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly stylish appearance.
3. How to Get the Perfect Money Piece: Salon vs. DIY
The money piece trend is one of the easiest ways to transform your look with minimal effort and maximum impact. But should you visit a salon for professional results, or can you achieve the perfect face-framing highlights at home? Here’s what you need to know about salon techniques, DIY methods, and the magic of hair extensions.
Salon Balayage vs. Foil Techniques—What’s Best for a Soft Blend?
If you want a seamless, blended money piece that looks effortlessly natural, a salon visit is the way to go. Professional colorists use two main techniques:
Balayage: This hand-painted method creates a soft, sun-kissed effect that blends naturally with the rest of your hair. It’s perfect for those who want a subtle, lived-in money piece that grows out gracefully.
Foil Highlights: If you prefer a bold, high-contrast money piece, foils are the better option. They lift the hair to a brighter blonde or vivid color, creating a sharper, more defined look. This technique works well for platinum, neon, or pastel money pieces.
Your choice depends on whether you want a soft, blended effect (balayage) or a striking, high-contrast look (foils).
DIY Money Piece Highlights—How to Achieve the Look at Home
If you’re confident in your at-home coloring skills, you can create a money piece yourself with the right tools and techniques. Here’s how:
1. Choose the Right Lightener or Dye – For a blonde or caramel money piece, use a high-quality bleach and developer. If you want a bold color, apply semi-permanent dye over pre-lightened hair.
2. Section the Hair Properly – The key to a perfect money piece is sectioning. Part your hair in the middle and isolate the front sections on each side.
3. Apply the Lightener or Color – For a natural blend, avoid applying color too close to the roots. Use a brush to feather the bleach or dye downward, creating a soft transition.
4. Monitor Processing Time – Depending on your starting hair color, leave the bleach on for 20-45 minutes (checking every 10 minutes). For semi-permanent color, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Tone & Condition – If your blonde money piece turns too warm, use a toner or purple shampoo to neutralize brassiness. Always finish with deep conditioning to restore moisture.
While DIY coloring is possible, be cautious with bleach and color placement to avoid uneven results.
How to Use Hair Extensions for an Instant Money Piece Effect
Not ready to commit to bleach or dye? Hair extensions offer a damage-free way to try the money piece trend.
· Clip-in money piece extensions let you add blonde, caramel, or bold streaks instantly and remove them when desired.
· Halo extensions with face-framing highlights create a blended effect without permanent color.
· Tape-in or sew-in extensions provide a longer-lasting solution if you want a subtle, natural-looking money piece without the upkeep of frequent coloring.
Whether you visit a salon, DIY at home, or use extensions, the money piece is a game-changer for summer 2025. Choose the method that works best for your hair goals, budget, and styling routine!
4. Celebrity Inspiration: Who’s Rocking the Money Piece Look?
The money piece trend has taken over the celebrity world, with A-listers showcasing their own unique spin on the face-framing highlight. Whether it’s a bold, high-contrast streak or a soft, blended glow, these stars prove that the money piece is here to stay. Let’s take a look at how Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have rocked this trend and how you can recreate their iconic looks.
Beyoncé has always been a trendsetter in the world of beauty and fashion, and her take on the money piece is the ultimate sun-kissed glow. She often wears golden blonde face-framing highlights that complement her signature caramel-toned hair. The warm golden blonde blends seamlessly into her honey and caramel base, making the money piece look effortlessly natural. It adds dimension and brightness to her face without looking too harsh or high-maintenance, working beautifully with curly and voluminous hairstyles to enhance movement and shine. If you want to replicate this look, ask your stylist for a subtle golden balayage money piece if you have medium to dark brown hair. If you’re blonde, tone your front highlights with a golden or honey gloss for warmth and use a curl-enhancing cream to achieve Beyoncé’s signature voluminous waves.
Dua Lipa brought back the early 2000s chunky blonde streaks in the best way possible. Her high-contrast platinum money piece against dark brown hair became one of the boldest takes on the trend, perfect for those who love a dramatic, edgy look. The key to her style is the sharp contrast between the icy blonde highlights and her deep brunette base, giving off an effortlessly cool, rebellious vibe. This look works best on straight or sleek hairstyles that enhance the striking color difference. To get the look, a professional stylist will bleach the front strands to an ultra-light blonde, often using foils for a precise, high-impact effect. Use a purple shampoo to keep the blonde bright and pair it with a shine serum for that sleek, Dua Lipa-inspired finish.
Hailey Bieber takes a more soft and natural approach to the money piece trend, opting for subtle caramel face-framing highlights that enhance her bronde (brown-blonde) hair. Her version of the trend is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, sun-kissed glow rather than a stark contrast. The warmth of the caramel tones complements her neutral complexion, making her hair look effortlessly luminous and dimensional. To achieve this look, ask for a softly blended money piece using balayage rather than foils. Keep the tones warm and golden, and maintain the vibrancy with color-safe, hydrating shampoos to prevent fading.
Whether you prefer Beyoncé’s golden glow, Dua Lipa’s edgy contrast, or Hailey Bieber’s soft elegance, the money piece trend offers endless possibilities to enhance your look with minimal effort.
5. How to Blend Hair Extensions for a Perfect Money Piece
The money piece trend is all about bold, face-framing highlights that add dimension and brightness to your look. While traditional money pieces require bleaching and toning, hair extensions offer a no-dye, damage-free way to achieve the same effect instantly. Whether you want soft caramel, golden blonde, or a bold platinum streak, the right blending techniques will ensure your extensions look natural and seamless.
Using Clip-In Highlights for a No-Dye Money Piece Look
Clip-in hair extensions are the easiest and most flexible way to get a money piece without committing to permanent color. These pre-colored extensions come in various shades and lengths, allowing you to switch up your look whenever you want. The best part? No bleach, no damage, and no salon visits!
To achieve a flawless money piece effect with clip-ins, choose an extension that is one to three shades lighter than your base hair color for a natural sun-kissed effect. If you prefer a high-contrast, Dua Lipa-style money piece, go for a platinum or icy blonde shade against dark brown or black hair. For a warmer, soft glam look, opt for honey or caramel highlights that blend effortlessly with brunette tones.
Best Placement Tricks for a Natural, Face-Framing Effect
To create a realistic money piece effect, placement is key. Follow these pro stylist tips for seamless blending:
1. Section Your Hair Properly – Part your hair down the middle or slightly off-center, depending on how you typically style it. Clip away the rest of your hair, leaving only the front sections where you’ll place the extensions.
2. Attach the Clip-Ins Close to the Hairline – To mimic the look of naturally highlighted strands, position the clip-in extension as close to your part as possible without making it visible. Secure it in place and blend it with your natural hair.
3. Layer for a Dimensional Effect – If your hair has multiple tones, you can mix two shades of extensions (e.g., golden blonde and honey caramel) for a more natural, multi-tonal effect.
4. Style for a Seamless Blend – Once clipped in, curl or straighten your natural hair along with the extensions to create a flawless, blended look. A curling wand or straightener will help merge the textures and make the extension appear as if it’s growing from your scalp.
5. Tease & Set – Lightly tease the root area where the extension is clipped to add volume and prevent any visible separation between your hair and the extension. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
How to Match Your Money Piece Extensions to Your Natural Hair
Choosing the right shade is crucial for a natural and blended money piece look. Here’s how to ensure a perfect match:
For Warm Brunettes: Go for golden blonde or honey caramel extensions.
For Cool-Toned Brunettes or Black Hair: Try ashy blonde or platinum money piece extensions.
For Blondes: Use a slightly lighter or brighter blonde extension to create contrast without looking unnatural.
If you can’t find an exact match, you can always tone your extensions with a deposit-only gloss to fine-tune the shade.
With these techniques, you can achieve a trendy money piece look in minutes—without any long-term commitment!
6. How to Maintain a Vibrant Money Piece All Summer
A money piece highlight is the ultimate way to add brightness and dimension to your hair, but keeping it fresh and vibrant all summer requires proper care. The combination of sun exposure, salt water, and chlorine can quickly turn a gorgeous blonde or caramel streak brassy, dry, or faded. With the right products and techniques, you can maintain a glowing, salon-fresh money piece all season long.
Preventing Brassiness with Purple Shampoos & Toners
One of the biggest challenges with money piece highlights is brassiness—when your blonde or caramel strands turn yellow or orange over time. To prevent this:
Use a purple shampoo (for blonde or platinum money pieces) once a week to neutralize unwanted warm tones. Apply it only to the highlighted sections and leave it on for 1–3 minutes before rinsing.
If your money piece is golden, honey, or caramel, a blue shampoo can help maintain its richness without over-toning.
For extra toning, apply a color-depositing mask or a gloss treatment every few weeks to refresh the vibrancy of your highlight.
Protecting Your Color from Sun, Salt Water & Chlorine
The summer elements can be harsh on color-treated hair, so UV protection is a must to keep your money piece looking fresh.
Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier against salt and chlorine.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or apply a UV-protectant hair spray when spending long hours in the sun.
After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water to wash out salt or chlorine before it can strip your color.
Deep Conditioning Tips to Keep Your Hair Soft & Healthy
Lightened hair is more prone to dryness and damage, especially in the summer heat. To keep your money piece shiny, smooth, and frizz-free:
Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to restore moisture.
Apply a lightweight hair oil (such as argan or coconut oil) to your money piece daily to prevent dryness and split ends.
Avoid excessive heat styling, and when using hot tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to keep your strands healthy.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a radiant, vibrant money piece all summer long, keeping it fresh, soft, and full of life!
7. The Best Hairstyles to Show Off Your Money Piece
A money piece highlight is a stunning way to frame your face and add dimension to your hair. The key to making the most of this bold, face-framing streak is choosing hairstyles that enhance the contrast while keeping your overall look balanced. Whether you prefer an effortless, casual vibe or a sleek, polished finish, the right style can make your money piece pop.
Beachy Waves for a Carefree Summer Vibe
Soft, tousled beach waves are the perfect way to showcase a money piece, especially in the summer. The textured waves help blend the highlighted front sections with the rest of your hair while adding movement and dimension. To achieve this look, use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose, natural-looking waves, then run your fingers through them for a soft, undone effect. Finish with a texturizing spray or sea salt mist to enhance the effortless vibe. This style works beautifully on both long and short hair and highlights the contrast between the money piece and your base color.
Sleek Ponytail to Highlight the Bold Contrast
For a more polished, high-fashion look, a sleek ponytail is the way to go. Whether you opt for a high pony for a fierce statement or a low pony for a sophisticated finish, this style makes your money piece the star of the show. To get the look, apply a smoothing serum or gel to eliminate flyaways, then brush your hair back into a tight ponytail. Wrapping a small section of hair around the hair tie adds an extra chic touch. The sharp contrast between the sleek dark base and the bold money piece creates a striking, modern effect.
Braided Styles to Blend the Money Piece with Natural Tones
Braids are another great way to highlight your money piece while creating an interesting, dimensional effect. A face-framing braid or a side braid subtly incorporates the lighter streaks, making them blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair. A Dutch braid or fishtail braid is perfect for an intricate, boho-chic style that allows the money piece to weave in and out of the braid, creating a natural gradient effect. If you want a more playful approach, try two high braided pigtails or a half-up braided crown to show off the contrast in different sections of your hair.
No matter which style you choose, the key is to let the money piece take center stage while complementing your overall hair color and texture. Whether you’re going for a chill beachy look, sleek elegance, or intricate braids, these styles will ensure your money piece always looks bold, trendy, and effortlessly stylish.
8. FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Money Piece Hair
Can I get a money piece on short hair?
Absolutely! A money piece highlight works on all hair lengths, including short styles like bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts. On shorter hair, the money piece creates a bold, high-impact look since the contrast is more concentrated around the face. If you have a pixie or very short bob, consider a subtle balayage effect instead of a thick, dramatic streak to keep the look blended and flattering.
What’s the difference between a money piece and face-framing highlights?
While both techniques involve lighter pieces around the face, a money piece is bolder and more defined. It typically features a high-contrast, chunky highlight that stands out against the rest of your hair, whereas face-framing highlights are softer, more blended, and usually involve multiple strands of lighter tones to create a natural glow. The money piece trend is all about making a statement, whereas face-framing highlights provide a more subtle, sun-kissed effect.
How often do I need to touch up my money piece?
The maintenance of your money piece depends on the color contrast and your natural hair growth. If you have a high-contrast blonde money piece on dark hair, you may need a touch-up every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the look fresh. If your money piece is closer to your base color, such as caramel on brown hair, you can extend touch-ups to 10 to 12 weeks. Using a purple shampoo or toner can help maintain the vibrancy of blonde or cool-toned money pieces, while color-depositing masks work well for copper, red, or caramel hues.
No matter your hair length or color choice, a money piece is a versatile and stylish way to brighten your look with minimal effort!
9. Conclusion: Why Money Piece Hair Is the Ultimate Summer Glow-Up
The money piece trend is the perfect way to add brightness, contrast, and personality to your hair without a full-color transformation. Whether you choose a classic blonde highlight, a warm honey caramel glow, or a bold pastel streak, this look is effortless yet high-impact, making it a must-try for summer. With minimal upkeep and endless customization options, it’s no wonder celebrities and influencers continue to embrace this trend year after year.
For the best results, choose a shade that complements your skin tone and natural hair color. A well-placed money piece can enhance your features, create dimension, and instantly give you that sun-kissed glow. Maintaining vibrancy is key—using color-protecting products, toners, and hydrating treatments will keep your money piece looking fresh and radiant all season long.
The most important takeaway? Confidence is everything! Whether you opt for a subtle face-framing highlight or a bold, high-contrast streak, the money piece trend is all about self-expression and having fun with your look. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades, textures, and styles to find the perfect version of this trend for you.
This summer, embrace the effortless glow-up that a money piece can bring. It’s low-maintenance, trendy, and guaranteed to turn heads—so why not make it your signature style?