#The Money Piece: Your Guide to Bright, Face-Framing Hair
The "money piece" is a popular hair coloring trend that’s all about brightening the face. It's designed to instantly elevate your look with strategically placed highlights around your hairline and through the front pieces of your hair. Here's everything you need to know:
#1. What Is A Money Piece & How Does it Work?
A money piece isn't a specific product or dye; it’s a placement technique. It involves lightening sections of hair, typically around the face (the "money" part!), and sometimes subtly throughout the rest of the style.
How it's done:
- Tools: Your stylist will use foils, balayage painting techniques, or a combination of both. Foils provide more precise lift; balayage offers a softer, blended look.
- Placement: The most prominent pieces are around the face—bangs (if you have them), and the sections framing your cheeks and forehead. Strategically placed pieces further back can add overall dimension.
- Timing: Processing time depends on your natural hair color, desired level of lift, and product used. Your stylist will monitor the process carefully to achieve the perfect result. It’s not a “one size fits all” timing situation!
#2. What Can A Money Piece Achieve?
The money piece is versatile; it can address several styling goals:
- Dimension: Adds brightness and contrast, making hair look fuller and more dynamic.
- Root Blur: Softens the line between your natural root color and the lighter pieces.
- Face-Framing: Highlights your best features by drawing attention to your face. It can brighten a complexion or soften harsh angles.
- Coverage (Limited): While not designed for full gray coverage, it can subtly blend grays around the face if strategically placed and lightened appropriately.
#3. Who Looks Good With A Money Piece?
The beauty of the money piece is its adaptability. However, some considerations will help your stylist tailor it to you:
- Natural Color Level: Works well on a wide range of starting colors—from dark brown to blonde. The lighter your natural color, the more subtle the contrast will be.
- Undertone: Consider your skin’s undertones (warm, cool, or neutral). Warmer tones often look great with warmer-toned highlights (golden or caramel); cooler tones suit ashy or beige shades. Your stylist can help determine this.
- Hair Type/Texture:
- Straight Hair: Shows off the brightness and contrast beautifully.
- Wavy Hair: Enhances natural waves and adds shine.
- Curly & Coily Hair: Can create pops of lightness within curls, but careful placement is crucial to avoid uneven lift or damage. Sectioning and product choice are key.
- Density: Works on both thick and thin hair; adjustments in the amount of lightening will be made based on density.
- Length: Looks great on all lengths – short bobs, long layers, everything in between!
- Lifestyle: Those who want a low-maintenance, brightening effect often love this technique.
#4. Money Piece vs. Other Techniques
It’s easy to get confused with hair coloring terminology. Here's how the money piece stacks up:
- Balayage vs. Foilyage vs. Highlights: Balayage is a freehand painting technique, creating soft, blended highlights. Foilyage combines balayage painting with foils for more precise lift and brightness. Traditional highlights involve weaving sections of hair and applying color to the strands using foil – often used in conjunction with money piece placement. A money piece can be achieved with any of these methods; it's about the strategic placement, not the coloring technique itself.
- Root Smudge vs. Shadow Root: Both techniques soften the line between colored hair and roots. A root smudge is a more blended look, while a shadow root creates a subtle, darker transition. A money piece can be combined with either of these for an even softer overall effect.
#5. Maintenance & Longevity
Keeping your money piece looking its best requires some planning:
- Salon Timing: Expect to refresh the color every 6-12 weeks, depending on how quickly your roots grow and how much fading occurs.
- Toner/Gloss Refresh: Toners or glosses help maintain the desired tone and shine between full coloring appointments (every 4-8 weeks).
- Grow-Out Behavior: The money piece grows out more subtly than a solid, all-over color because of its strategic placement. This makes it relatively low maintenance.
- Budget/Time Planning: A money piece typically costs less than a full head of highlights and takes less time in the salon (1.5 - 3 hours). Factor in toner refresh appointments too!
#6. At-Home Care Tips for Your Money Piece
Protecting your investment is key:
- Wash Cadence: Wash hair less frequently (2-3 times per week) to prevent color fading.
- Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
- Color-Safe Care: Use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair. Look for sulfate-free options. Consider purple shampoos/conditioners to combat brassiness (especially with cooler tones).
- Deep Conditioning: Incorporate a deep conditioning mask once a week to keep hair hydrated and healthy.
#7. Pros & Cons of the Money Piece
Pros:
- Instant brightness and face-framing effect.
- Relatively low maintenance compared to full highlights.
- Versatile; works with many hair colors and textures.
- Less time and cost commitment than a full color service.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for those wanting complete gray coverage.
- Can require frequent toner/gloss refreshes to maintain tone.
- Potential for damage if lightening process isn't handled carefully (always go to a professional!).
#8. Salon Consultation Script Prompts: What To Discuss With Your Stylist
To ensure you get the money piece of your dreams, be prepared to discuss these points with your stylist:
- What is my desired level of brightness? (Subtle pop or more dramatic contrast?)
- Do I prefer warm or cool tones?
- Can we incorporate this technique with any existing color or style changes?
- How will the placement complement my face shape and features?
- What at-home care products do you recommend for maintaining my money piece?
- What is the estimated cost and time commitment for this service, including touch-ups?
#9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I do a money piece myself at home? While DIY hair color can be tempting, lightening your hair involves chemicals that require expertise to avoid damage. It’s best left to professionals.
- How long will the color last? The vibrancy of the highlights will fade over time (4-8 weeks). Toners and glosses help extend their life.
- Will a money piece damage my hair? Lightening always involves some level of lift, which can cause dryness or breakage if not done correctly. A skilled stylist will use techniques to minimize damage and recommend appropriate aftercare.
- Can I get a money piece on dark brown/black hair? Yes! It requires more lifting but is definitely achievable with the right products and technique. Expect multiple sessions for optimal results, especially initially.
- What if my hair has been previously colored? Your stylist will need to assess your hair's condition and previous color history before proceeding. There may be limitations or adjustments needed.
- Is a money piece suitable for fine hair? Yes, but the stylist needs to use techniques that avoid weighing down the hair. Subtle placement is key.
- Can I get a money piece if I have very short hair (like a pixie cut)? Absolutely! The principle of brightening around the face still applies – it just requires strategic adaptation for shorter lengths.
- How do I know if a money piece is right for me? Consult with a stylist who can assess your hair type, color, and desired look to determine suitability.