The hair trends [1] set to dominate this year are retro styles with modern upgrades. Alongside styles like '70s-inspired curtain bangs [2] and chunky highlights [3] à la the '90s, we've also been seeing a resurgence of money piece highlights, and even the pros agree that this is one that'll be everywhere this season.
Money-piece hair has nothing to do with being rich, but it may help you look the part. It's similar to chunky highlights that were popularized decades ago, but the location is different. With chunky highlights, the color is dispersed throughout the entire head, but money pieces are characterized as face-framing highlights that add a little bit of light to your face. You can go for a high-contrast look and pick two very different colors or stick with complementary shades for a softer spotlight on the face.
Ahead, we asked two hairstylists to share more about the look.
What Are Money Piece Highlights?
"This look is bold yet subtle, with the face-framing pieces being a tone-on-tone blend all the way to a stark contrast of lightening around the face," Matrix artistic director Michelle O'Connor [4] tells POPSUGAR. "It's a great way to keep some depth at the roots, which makes for lower maintenance and upkeep. This is especially convenient during months where you're traditionally outside more and your hair has more natural sun exposure."
"I love the technique, because it frames the face and makes the complexion glow."
Money pieces are also looked at as a great way to lighten up your hair slightly if you don't want to commit to fully coloring your entire head, and they can even emphasize your bone structure. "I love the technique, because it frames the face and makes the complexion glow," colorist Rachel Bodt [5] told POPSUGAR in a previous article. "It's the hair color equivalent to highlighter or makeup contour."
A contour for your hair might just be something we can get behind. Take a look at some of our favorite takes on money piece highlights ahead.
Money Piece Highlights Inspiration
Keep scrolling to see examples of money piece highlights on different hair colors.
— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington