After several seasons dominated by ultra-blended highlights and nearly invisible color, a bolder hair trend is poised to make waves this fall. Its name? The "money piece," a technique that focuses on two luminous strands framing the face. Before booking an appointment with your hairdresser, however, remember one thing: following a trend is a choice, and your natural hair is just as beautiful.
What exactly is the "money piece"?
The principle is quite simple: instead of lightening the entire head of hair, the color is concentrated on the strands located on either side of the face. These sections are treated from the part to the ends to create a luminous and contrasting effect. Where classic balayage often seeks to blend in, the money piece technique, on the contrary, embraces the idea of standing out.
The result can be subtle or much bolder depending on the color chosen and the intensity of the contrast. Golden blonde, caramel, copper, platinum, or simply a few shades lighter than your base: the idea is to draw light around the face without necessarily changing your entire head of hair.
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A trend that has made its way onto the stage
The technique gained significant visibility after being seen on stage and at major music events. Daniela Avanzini, a member of the international pop group Katseye, for example, sported two platinum highlights that contrasted with her dark hair. This choice allowed her to add a touch of blonde without completely abandoning her dark color—a way to change her style without feeling like she was starting from scratch.
Other variations also exist, such as more graphic lines of light distributed throughout the hair. The current trend seems to be moving away from the idea of uniform coloring: now, a few well-placed details can be enough to add character.
Why is this hair color so appealing?
The first advantage: the money piece technique doesn't necessarily require coloring the entire head of hair. The coloring is concentrated on a small section, allowing you to change your look without a complete transformation.
Another advantage: the highlights are placed precisely around the face, where they can create a luminous effect and accentuate your features. The goal is not to conceal, correct, or transform your face, but simply to play with light and color, just as you would with clothing or accessories.
Finally, this technique can evolve over time. As the hair grows back, the line becomes part of the look and can be embraced as such, depending on the desired result.
A trend that can be adapted to all hair types.
The advantage of the money piece technique is that it's not limited to just one hair type. Straight, wavy, curly, or frizzy hair: the technique can be adapted to the texture and natural movement of your hair.
On a very dark base, it's possible to create contrast with a shade only a few tones lighter, without necessarily aiming for ultra-platinum blonde. Chocolate, caramel, or copper highlights can also offer a luminous result while remaining close to your natural color. On curly hair, the placement of the highlights requires particular attention. The color must take into account the natural bounce of the curl to remain visible once the hair is dry and in motion.
And if your hair is already light, the trend can even be revisited differently: rather than lightening the front, it is possible to play with deeper shades around the rest of the hair in order to create contrast.
And if you prefer not to change anything? That's perfectly fine too.
The arrival of a new season is often accompanied by a flurry of beauty trends, new haircuts, and a desire for transformation. However, there is absolutely no obligation to change your look just because autumn is approaching or because a new hair color is trending on social media.
You can try a new color if you feel like it, but you can also keep your natural color, your roots, your white or gray hair, your curls, and your texture just as it is. A trend is there to inspire, not to impose a new standard.
The money piece can therefore be an option for those who want to add a touch of brightness to their hair without a complete transformation. Ultimately, your most beautiful hair signature remains the one that reflects your true self, whether that comes from a vibrant color or the pleasure of letting your hair live its natural life.
