Finding the perfect balance between low maintenance and high impact is the ultimate hair goal for modern women. If you feel like your current cut lacks dimension or a certain “pop,” adding a face-framing element can change your entire aesthetic. These 27 Medium Length Hairstyles with Money Piece Highlights offer the perfect solution for brightening your complexion without the commitment of a full-head color. Whether you prefer bold contrast or subtle sun-kissed strands, this technique works beautifully on all textures. This guide will help you discover how to elevate your look and achieve that coveted glow effortlessly.
1. Soft Caramel Face-Framing on Brunette Base
Soft caramel tones create a gentle transition for those with dark brunette hair looking for a subtle change. This style uses the money piece technique to add a touch of warmth right where the light hits your face. It works exceptionally well because the contrast isn’t too jarring, making it perfect for professional settings. You will notice an immediate brightening effect on your complexion without needing a full-head highlight service. To style this, use a medium barrel curling iron to sweep the front sections away from the face. This movement showcases the color transition beautifully and adds a modern touch to your medium-length cut. It is an ideal choice for busy individuals who want a low-maintenance yet high-impact look. You can easily grow this out without any harsh lines of demarcation appearing quickly.
2. Cool Platinum Streaks on Dark Lob
For those who love a high-contrast aesthetic, cool platinum streaks against a dark chocolate base offer a stunning visual impact. This edgy look frames the face with icy tones that make light-colored eyes truly pop. The long bob, or “lob,” provides the perfect structured canvas for these bright highlights to shine. It is a fantastic option for someone with a cool skin undertone who wants to experiment with blonde. Maintaining the brightness requires a purple shampoo to ensure the platinum stays crisp and free of brassy tones. The straight, sleek finish emphasizes the precision of the color placement for a very polished appearance. This style is best for individuals who enjoy a bold, fashion-forward presence in their daily lives. It combines the sophistication of a bob with the rebellious spirit of high-contrast color.
3. Honey Blonde Money Piece with Beachy Waves
Nothing says effortless summer style quite like honey blonde highlights paired with relaxed, beachy waves. The warmth of the honey tones complements golden skin tones and adds a youthful radiance to the face. By focusing the brightest color at the front, you simulate the natural way the sun lightens hair during a vacation. This medium-length style is incredibly versatile and works well for both casual outings and more formal events. Using a sea salt spray will help define the waves and give the hair that lived-in texture. The money piece adds a focal point that keeps the hair from looking flat or one-dimensional. It is an excellent choice for natural blondes or light brunettes who want to enhance their natural base. This look remains a timeless favorite because it feels both approachable and incredibly glamorous.
4. Strawberry Blonde Highlights on Copper Hair
Redheads can also benefit from the face-framing trend by incorporating soft strawberry blonde highlights into their copper base. This combination creates a multi-tonal effect that looks incredibly expensive and well-blended. The lighter pieces in the front soften the intensity of the red, making the overall look more approachable. It works perfectly for those with fair skin and freckles, enhancing their natural coloring. To keep the copper and blonde looking fresh, use color-protecting products specifically designed for red hair. The medium length allows for enough weight to keep the hair healthy while still being short enough to style quickly. You will find that this color combination adds a unique glow that most traditional highlights cannot achieve. It is a sophisticated way to play with different shades within the warm color spectrum.
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If you are a fan of the 90s revival trends, a bold and chunky white blonde frame is the way to go. This look features thick sections of lightened hair at the front that stand out significantly from the rest of the mane. It is a statement-making style that communicates confidence and a keen sense of personal fashion. The chunky highlights provide a graphic element that works well with blunt cuts and straight hair. While it requires more frequent salon visits to maintain the root area, the visual payoff is immense. This style is best for those who aren’t afraid to be the center of attention and want a clear “framed” look. Using a flat iron will help accentuate the clean lines of the highlights for a sharp finish. It brings a retro energy into the modern era with a clean, high-fashion execution.
6. Subtle Sun-Kissed Face Frame on Light Brown
A subtle sun-kissed approach is ideal for the minimalist who wants just a hint of “something different” in her look. These thin, delicate highlights are only one or two shades lighter than the light brown base. The result is a soft, diffused glow that looks like you just spent a weekend outdoors. This technique is perfect for adding dimension to fine hair without causing excessive chemical damage. It is also the lowest maintenance option on this list, as the grow-out process is almost invisible. You can style this with a simple blow-dry and a round brush for a soft, feminine silhouette. This look is best for those who prefer a “no-makeup” equivalent for their hair styling routine. It provides just enough light to enhance your features without appearing like a deliberate dye job.
7. Ash Brown Shag with Cool Toned Highlights
The modern shag haircut is already full of movement, and adding cool-toned ash highlights only increases that dynamic feel. By placing the money piece highlights around the layers of the shag, you accentuate the choppy texture of the cut. This look is particularly flattering for those with olive or neutral skin tones who want to avoid warmth. The ash tones provide a sophisticated, moody vibe that feels very current and “cool girl” in nature. Texturizing paste is your best friend with this style to keep the layers looking defined and messy. It is a great choice for someone with natural waves who wants a wash-and-go style that still looks intentional. The highlights prevent the dark ash brown from looking too heavy or flat around the face. This combination offers a perfect blend of rock-and-roll edge and refined color placement.
8. Rose Gold Face Framing on Chocolate Hair
Rose gold is a stunning choice for brunettes who want to experiment with a pop of unconventional color. The pinkish-gold hue sits beautifully against a deep chocolate brown, creating a warm and romantic aesthetic. This money piece style is perfect for those who want to add a feminine touch to their medium-length hair. It works well because the rose gold acts as a bridge between natural tones and fashion colors. To maintain the delicate pink tint, you may need a color-depositing conditioner once a week. This look is best styled with soft curls to allow the light to catch the metallic shimmer of the rose gold. It is a creative way to update your look for the spring or summer months. Your hair will appear vibrant and full of life with this unique color combination.
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Layered cuts are designed to create volume, and a bright blonde face frame helps to draw attention to those layers. This style uses high-lift blonde to create a sharp contrast that directs all eyes toward your facial features. It is a classic “money piece” look that has remained popular because of how effectively it transforms a person’s appearance. The layers allow the blonde to blend slightly into the rest of the hair as you move, creating a flickering effect. This is a great option for someone who wants to transition into becoming a full blonde eventually. Use a volumizing mousse to keep the hair lifted, preventing the front pieces from falling flat against the face. It provides a cheerful and energetic vibe that suits an active, social lifestyle perfectly.
10. Mocha Base with Creamy Beige Highlights
For a look that exudes sophistication, consider a rich mocha base paired with creamy beige highlights at the front. The beige tones are neutral, meaning they won’t look too yellow or too ashy, making them universally flattering. This color palette is inspired by luxury and works wonderfully for professional women who want a polished look. The medium length ensures the hair looks thick and healthy while the highlights provide necessary light. Styling this with a sleek “C-curl” at the ends will give it a high-end salon finish. The creamy tones soften the face and can actually help hide redness in the skin. It is a timeless choice that doesn’t rely on fleeting trends to look beautiful and relevant. You will feel put-together and elegant every time you catch your reflection.
11. Vibrant Copper Money Piece on Dark Brown
Adding a vibrant copper money piece to a dark brown base creates a fiery and energetic look that is hard to ignore. This color combination is perfect for the autumn season but looks great all year round for the right personality. The copper adds a splash of warmth that can make brown or green eyes appear much more vivid. Because copper can fade quickly, it is important to use sulfate-free products to preserve the intensity. This style looks incredible when the hair is pulled back into a ponytail, leaving the bright front pieces to frame the face. It is a fantastic way to experiment with red tones without the hassle of a full-head color change. The contrast between the deep brown and the bright orange-red is both modern and visually striking. This look is perfect for anyone wanting to express their bold side through their hair.
12. Icy Silver Frame on Jet Black Hair
The combination of jet black hair and an icy silver frame is the ultimate choice for high-fashion drama. This stark contrast creates a “halo” effect that is incredibly striking and modern. It requires a high level of lifting to get the front pieces to a silver shade, so healthy hair is a must. This style is best for those with a cool or very fair complexion, as it leans into the “gothic chic” aesthetic. Regular toning is necessary to keep the silver from turning yellow over time. When styled straight, the transition between the black and silver looks sharp and intentional. It is a great way to embrace graying hair naturally by making the front sections a deliberate design choice. This look is sophisticated, bold, and perfect for making a lasting first impression.
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Toffee highlights offer a delicious middle ground between blonde and brown, providing a rich, warm glow. When applied to a wavy mid-length cut, the color seems to dance through the hair as you move. This look is all about texture and warmth, making it feel very inviting and friendly. The toffee shade is particularly flattering for those with warm or olive skin tones. It adds a “lit-from-within” quality to the hair that looks natural yet enhanced. Styling this with a wide-tooth comb after curling will keep the waves looking soft and modern. This is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance woman who still wants to feel glamorous. The money piece here is usually blended slightly more than other styles for a seamless appearance.
14. Pastel Pink Money Piece on Ash Blonde
If you have an ash blonde base, adding a pastel pink money piece can provide a playful and whimsical touch. The cool undertones of the ash blonde pair perfectly with the soft, candy-colored pink. This is a great way to try out fashion colors without a long-term commitment, as pastels fade gracefully. It is a popular choice for festivals, summer vacations, or anyone with a creative spirit. The medium length keeps the look balanced and prevents the pink from feeling overwhelming. You can use temporary hair makeup or semi-permanent dyes to achieve this look for a short period. This style works best on those who have already lightened their hair to a pale blonde level. It adds a touch of personality that is both trendy and incredibly cute.
15. Golden Hour Glow on Chestnut Hair
Chestnut hair is naturally beautiful, but adding a “golden hour” money piece takes it to the next level. This involves using golden-blonde tones that mimic the way the sun looks just before it sets. The result is a warm, radiant frame that makes the skin look healthy and glowing. This style is very popular because it feels expensive yet remains relatively easy to maintain. The golden pieces should be concentrated right at the hairline for the most impact. It works well with both straight and curly hair, making it a versatile choice for any hair type. This look is best for those who love traditional beauty standards with a modern twist. You will feel like you have a permanent filter on your face thanks to the light-reflecting properties of the gold.
16. Mushroom Brown with Pale Greige Highlights
Mushroom brown is the reigning king of cool-toned brunettes, and greige highlights are its perfect partner. “Greige” is a mix of gray and beige, creating a neutralized tone that looks very high-end. By adding these highlights to the front, you break up the coolness of the mushroom brown with a bit of brightness. This look is incredibly modern and suits those who prefer a muted, earth-toned wardrobe. It is a great way to transition into a more natural look while still maintaining some dimension. The medium length allows the “greige” pieces to flow naturally into the darker lengths. Use a shine spray to ensure the cool tones don’t look dull or flat. This is a sophisticated choice for someone who values a unique and understated hair color.
17. Deep Red Money Piece on Espresso Base
For a sultry and mysterious look, try a deep red money piece on an espresso-colored base. This combination uses rich burgundy or wine tones to create a subtle but effective frame. It is less “loud” than a bright copper but more adventurous than a simple brown. This style is particularly stunning on those with deeper skin tones, as the red brings out the warmth in the skin. The espresso base provides a solid, dark background that makes the red “glow” when the light hits it. It is a great way to add a bit of edge to a classic medium-length cut. Keeping the red vibrant will require color-safe shampoo and cold-water rinses. This look is perfect for the winter months when you want to feel cozy and glamorous.
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The vanilla blonde frame is all about creamy, bright tones that look clean and fresh. When paired with a perfectly straight lob, the result is a sharp, architectural hairstyle. This look is very popular among influencers for its ability to look great in photos and videos. The vanilla shade is bright but soft, avoiding the harshness that sometimes comes with platinum. It requires a steady hand during the coloring process to ensure the lines are perfectly symmetrical. This style is best for someone who is diligent about their hair care routine and loves a polished finish. Regular trims are necessary to keep the ends of the lob looking crisp. It provides a bright, open feel to the face that is very youthful.
19. Sandy Blonde Highlights for Messy Texture
Sandy blonde is a neutral, grainy shade that looks incredibly natural on those with lighter hair bases. It is the perfect choice for a “messy” medium-length cut that relies on texture and volume. The money piece here is not meant to be perfect; it should blend into the “undone” style of the hair. This look is fantastic for someone with a busy lifestyle who doesn’t want to spend an hour styling their hair every morning. A bit of dry shampoo at the roots can help maintain the volume and show off the color. The sandy tones are very forgiving and grow out beautifully without a harsh line. It creates a relaxed, California-cool vibe that works all year round. This style is all about effortless beauty and a carefree attitude.
20. Lavender Tinted Face Frame on Dark Lob
Adding a lavender tint to your face-framing pieces is a subtle way to play with the purple hair trend. On a dark lob, the lavender provides a soft, smoky contrast that feels very artistic. It is a sophisticated way to wear fashion colors without feeling like you are wearing a costume. Lavender is a very calming color that can actually help neutralize yellow tones in the skin. This style is best maintained with a purple toning conditioner to keep the lavender from fading to a muddy blonde. It looks especially beautiful when styled in soft, romantic waves. This is a great choice for someone in a creative field who wants to express their personality. The medium length makes the color feel intentional and well-balanced.
21. Bronde Balayage with Brightened Front
“Bronde” is the perfect marriage of blonde and brown, and it is one of the most requested colors in salons today. By adding a specific “money piece” brightening to a standard balayage, you get the best of both worlds. The back of the hair remains a low-maintenance blend, while the front provides a high-impact frame. This look is universally flattering and works for almost any age or profession. It adds a sun-kissed dimension that makes the hair look thicker and more voluminous. Styling with a large round brush will give it that “expensive” salon blowout look. It is an excellent choice for someone who wants to look stylish without spending too much time in the salon chair. The transition from the dark roots to the bright front is smooth and natural.
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Sunset orange is a vibrant, saturated shade that brings an incredible amount of warmth to auburn hair. This money piece style is for the bold woman who wants to celebrate her red hair. The orange pieces act as a spotlight for the face, creating a warm and energetic aura. This look is particularly effective during the summer and autumn when the natural light is golden. Because orange is a warm tone, it makes the skin look tanned and healthy. You will want to use a heat protectant to prevent the bright orange from fading under the sun or styling tools. This look is full of fire and personality, making it a true standout on this list. It is a celebration of warmth and color that feels very modern.
23. Pearl Blonde Accents on Light Ash Brown
Pearl blonde has a slightly iridescent, cool quality that looks incredibly high-end. When used as accents on a light ash brown base, it creates a “scandi-blonde” vibe that is very trendy. This style is perfect for those who want a very clean and bright look without the maintenance of a full bleach. The pearl tones reflect light beautifully, making the hair look healthy and shiny. This look works best on those with cool skin undertones and light-colored eyes. The medium length provides enough canvas for the pearl tones to really show their dimension. It is a very sophisticated and “quiet luxury” approach to the money piece trend. You will feel polished and refined with this cool-toned color palette.
24. Butterscotch Highlights on Warm Brunette
Butterscotch is a rich, golden-brown shade that adds a lot of depth to a warm brunette base. This look is all about “glow” and “warmth,” making it a favorite for those with golden or olive skin. The highlights are usually applied with a slightly thicker hand to ensure they stand out against the dark hair. This style feels very cozy and classic, yet the face-framing placement keeps it current. It is an excellent way to transition from a summer look to a fall look. Styling with soft curls will help the different shades of brown and gold blend together beautifully. The butterscotch tones are very flattering and can help soften a strong jawline. It is a reliable and beautiful choice for anyone who loves warm colors.
25. Teal Blue Money Piece on Raven Hair
For a truly unique and edgy look, a teal blue money piece on raven-black hair is a showstopper. Teal is a deep, jewel-toned color that looks incredibly expensive against a dark background. It provides a cool, mysterious vibe that is perfect for someone with a strong personal style. Because the hair needs to be lightened significantly before the teal is applied, it’s important to use deep conditioning treatments. This color combination is very popular in alternative fashion circles but is becoming more mainstream. The blue tones can make dark eyes look deeper and more intense. When the hair is straight, the teal pieces look like a bold artistic stroke. It is a fun and creative way to experiment with color in a controlled manner.
26. Champagne Highlights with Voluminous Curls
Champagne highlights offer a bubbly, light blonde tone that is slightly warmer than silver but cooler than gold. When paired with voluminous curls, these highlights create a red-carpet-ready look. The curls help to disperse the light, making the champagne tones shimmer throughout the hair. This style is perfect for weddings, parties, or any event where you want to feel your best. The money piece is usually blended softly to create a romantic and ethereal frame for the face. You will need a good hairspray to keep the volume in your curls throughout the day. This look is timelessly beautiful and exudes a sense of luxury and celebration. It is a fantastic choice for those who love a high-glamour aesthetic.
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Sometimes, the best look is the one that looks the most natural. A soft blonde frame that is only slightly lighter than your natural color provides a subtle enhancement. This is the “girl-next-door” version of the money piece trend, focusing on light and health. It works for every face shape, skin tone, and hair texture because it is so customizable. This look is about looking like the best version of yourself without anyone being able to pinpoint exactly what changed. It requires very little maintenance and can be grown out for months without looking messy. This is the perfect entry point for someone who has never colored their hair before. You will enjoy a brightened face and a fresh look with minimal effort.
What is a money piece highlight?
A money piece is a hair coloring technique where the front sections of the hair are lightened to frame the face. This method creates a bright, high-contrast look that draws attention to your facial features. It is a cost-effective way to change your appearance without coloring your entire head. The name comes from the fact that it gives a “rich” and glamorous look for a relatively small investment at the salon.
How often do I need to retouch my money piece?
Because the highlights are located right at the hairline, the roots will become visible faster than with other techniques. Generally, most people choose to retouch their money piece every 6 to 10 weeks to keep the color looking fresh. If you choose a subtle or blended look, you can often go longer between appointments. High-contrast colors like platinum or fashion shades will require more frequent visits to maintain their vibrancy.
Can I achieve money piece highlights on dark hair?
Absolutely, money piece highlights look stunning on dark hair because they create a dramatic contrast. However, lifting dark hair to a light blonde shade usually requires a stronger bleach and possibly multiple sessions to maintain hair health. It is important to work with a professional stylist to ensure the transition is smooth and that your hair doesn’t turn orange. Using the right toner after bleaching is key to getting the perfect shade of caramel, gold, or silver.
Does the money piece technique damage the hair?
Like any lightening process, some damage can occur, but because it only involves a small section of hair, the overall health of your mane is preserved. To minimize damage, stylists often use lower volume developers or bond-building treatments during the process. You can maintain the strength of your face-framing pieces by using protein-rich masks and avoiding excessive heat styling. Always use a heat protectant when using flat irons or curling wands on your lightened sections.
Does a money piece work for all face shapes?
Yes, the money piece is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any face shape. For round faces, thinner highlights can help elongate the appearance, while wider pieces can add balance to a long or heart-shaped face. Your stylist can adjust the thickness and the starting point of the highlights to highlight your best features, such as your cheekbones or eyes. It is one of the most universally flattering color trends available today.
How do I prevent my blonde money piece from turning brassy?
Brassiness occurs when the cool pigments in the hair dye wear off, leaving behind unwanted yellow or orange tones. To prevent this, you should incorporate a purple or blue toning shampoo into your routine once a week. These products deposit cool pigments that neutralize the warmth and keep your highlights looking crisp. Additionally, rinsing your hair with cool water and minimizing sun exposure can help extend the life of your color. Professional glazes or toners at the salon can also refresh the shade between full appointments.