1. Introduction
Money piece highlights are the ultimate bold yet effortless way to add brightness and dimension to your hair. This face-framing trend works on all hair colors and styles, instantly elevating your look with a chic, high-contrast effect.
Now, pair that with bangs, and you have a hairstyling power duo. Whether it’s curtain bangs, blunt cuts, or wispy fringes, money piece highlights can enhance their shape and create a striking, balanced frame for your face. The combination offers endless versatility, from soft, natural blends to bold, statement-making streaks.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to style money piece highlights with different types of bangs, plus expert tips on keeping them fresh and vibrant. Whether you prefer a subtle glow-up or a dramatic contrast, this trend is your key to effortless, face-framing perfection.
2. What Are Money Piece Highlights?
Definition & Origin
Money piece highlights are face-framing streaks of color, designed to add brightness and dimension to the hair. This trend originated from the ’90s chunky highlights, famously seen on pop stars and models of the era. However, today’s version is sleeker and more blended, offering a high-impact yet natural-looking effect. The technique involves lightening the front sections of hair to create a youthful, radiant glow that enhances facial features.
Why They Work So Well with Bangs
Pairing money piece highlights with bangs is a match made in hairstyling heaven. The contrast between the highlighted front strands and the rest of the hair adds depth and structure, making bangs stand out even more. Whether you have curtain bangs, wispy fringes, or a bold blunt cut, money piece highlights create an eye-catching focal point. Plus, they’re a low-maintenance way to add brightness without committing to a full head of highlights.
Popular Colors for Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights come in a variety of shades, allowing for endless customization:
Classic Blonde: Perfect for brunettes and darker blondes looking for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Caramel & Honey: Warm, golden tones that add soft contrast to brown or black hair.
Bold Fashion Shades: Think platinum, pastel pink, electric blue, or neon green for an edgier, more statement-making look.
Celebrity Inspiration: Dua Lipa’s Iconic Money Piece Highlights
Dua Lipa helped revive the money piece trend with her black hair and platinum blonde streaks, giving her a bold, high-contrast look. Her take on this trend proves that money piece highlights can be both edgy and effortlessly cool, making them a go-to choice for those looking to turn heads.
3. Best Bangs Styles for Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights pair beautifully with various bang styles, enhancing their shape and adding a fresh, face-brightening effect. Whether you love soft and effortless or bold and dramatic, there’s a perfect combo for you.
Curtain Bangs + Money Piece – Soft, Effortless, and Universally Flattering
Curtain bangs naturally frame the face, making them the perfect match for money piece highlights. This pairing creates a seamless, lived-in look with a soft, sun-kissed effect. Whether you opt for subtle blonde streaks or a bold pop of color, curtain bangs allow the highlights to blend effortlessly into the rest of the hair. This style is especially great for those who want a low-maintenance yet trendy look that grows out gracefully.
Blunt Bangs + Bold Highlights – A Striking Contrast for Edgy, Fashion-Forward Looks
If you’re after a more dramatic, high-fashion look, pair sharp, blunt bangs with contrasting money piece highlights. Think jet black hair with platinum streaks or chestnut brown with fiery copper accents. The strong, graphic shape of blunt bangs makes the highlights stand out even more, creating a bold, statement-making effect. This combination is ideal for those who love a sleek, polished aesthetic with an edge.
Wispy Bangs with Subtle Face-Framing – A More Natural, Blended Highlight Effect
For those who prefer a softer, more natural look, wispy bangs with delicate, blended money piece highlights are the way to go. This style works well with lighter caramel or honey tones for a subtle, sunlit effect. Wispy bangs are light and airy, making them a great choice for fine or wavy hair. The highlights add dimension without overpowering the look, keeping it effortless and chic.
FAQ: Can You Do Money Piece Highlights with Short Bangs?
Absolutely! Short bangs, like micro bangs or baby bangs, can still rock the money piece trend. While the face-framing effect might be less pronounced, you can still highlight the shorter sections for a modern, edgy vibe. Alternatively, placing the highlights just behind the bangs allows for a peek-a-boo effect that’s visible when hair is styled differently.
4. Styling Ideas for Straight Hair with Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights look especially striking on straight hair, as the sleek texture enhances the contrast and shine. Whether you prefer a polished, edgy look or something with more movement and volume, here are the best ways to style your straight hair while making your highlights pop.
Sleek & Polished Look – A Glossy, High-Fashion Finish
For a chic, runway-ready style, go for a sleek, straight look that highlights the sharp contrast of money piece streaks. Here’s how to achieve it:
1. Start with heat protection – Use a lightweight heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
2. Blow-dry with a paddle brush – This keeps hair smooth and straight before flat ironing.
3. Use a high-quality flat iron – Slowly glide the iron down small sections for an ultra-sleek finish.
4. Apply a shine serum – A drop of lightweight serum enhances gloss without weighing hair down.
5. Tame flyaways – Use a fine-tooth comb and a light mist of hairspray for a flawless look.
This style is perfect for formal events, work, or a bold night-out look, ensuring your money piece highlights take center stage.
Blowout Volume – Adding Bounce to Make the Highlights Pop
If you love a bit of glamorous volume, a bouncy blowout is the perfect way to add movement while making your highlights stand out. Try this technique:
1. Use a volumizing mousse – Apply to damp hair for extra lift.
2. Blow-dry with a round brush – Focus on lifting at the roots while rolling the ends inward or outward for body.
3. Use velcro rollers (optional) – For an added boost, set the crown sections in rollers and let them cool.
4. Finish with a lightweight hairspray – Keep the volume intact while maintaining natural movement.
This style makes your money piece highlights blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, creating a dimensional, salon-fresh look.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Bangs – A Playful, Casual Contrast
A half-up, half-down style is great for showcasing both your bangs and money piece highlights while keeping things fun and effortless. Here’s how to do it:
1. Section off the top half – Gather a small section of hair from the temples up.
2. Secure with a clip or hair tie – A scrunchie or claw clip can add a trendy touch.
3. Loosen some front strands – For a face-framing effect, pull a few strands free.
4. Optional: Add slight waves – Soft waves in the loose section can add extra texture.
This look is perfect for casual days, brunch dates, or an easy go-to style that highlights your color while keeping things relaxed.
5. Styling Money Piece Highlights with Wavy & Curly Hair
Money piece highlights look stunning on wavy and curly hair, adding dimension and drawing attention to the face. Whether you're aiming for a laid-back beachy look or a defined, high-contrast style, these ideas will help you show off your highlights in the best way possible.
Soft Beach Waves for a Sun-Kissed Look
If you love a relaxed, effortless vibe, soft beach waves are the way to go. They enhance the natural movement of your hair while making your money piece highlights blend seamlessly for a sun-kissed effect.
How to achieve beach waves:
1. Start with heat protectant – Always protect your strands before using heat.
2. Use a curling wand or flat iron – Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more relaxed wave.
3. Alternate curling directions – This creates a more natural, tousled effect.
4. Finish with a texturizing spray – A light mist of sea salt spray adds grit and hold without stiffness.
This look is perfect for casual days, vacations, or anytime you want a breezy, carefree aesthetic.
Defined Curls with Bright Face-Framing Pieces
If you have naturally curly hair, well-defined curls can make your money piece highlights stand out beautifully by creating a striking contrast.
How to get ultra-defined curls:
1. Apply a curl-enhancing cream – This keeps your curls hydrated and bouncy.
2. Use the "rake and scrunch" method – Apply products using your fingers and scrunch upwards for definition.
3. Diffuse for maximum volume – A diffuser attachment helps enhance curl shape and reduce frizz.
4. Apply a light oil for shine – This keeps the highlights looking healthy and vibrant.
This style is great for special occasions or when you want your curls to take center stage.
Pineapple Updo for Curly Hair
For those with curly or coily hair, the pineapple updo is a great way to keep your curls intact while putting your money piece highlights and bangs on display.
How to do a pineapple updo:
1. Gather your curls into a loose ponytail – Position it high on the crown of your head.
2. Secure with a satin scrunchie – This prevents breakage and frizz.
3. Let some curls fall forward – If you have bangs, let them frame your face naturally.
4. Smooth edges if desired – Use a soft brush and gel for a polished look.
This style is perfect for second-day curls, summer days, or an effortlessly cool aesthetic.
Celebrity Inspiration: Beyoncé’s Honey-Blonde Money Piece Curls
Beyoncé has rocked honey-blonde money piece highlights with her signature curls, proving how this trend can add warmth and brightness to textured hair. Whether she’s wearing her curls loose or styled in a voluminous updo, her highlights always make a statement!
6. Updo Hairstyles to Show Off Money Piece Highlights
Updos are the perfect way to highlight the contrast and dimension of money piece highlights while keeping your hair stylish and practical. Whether you're going for a sleek, polished look or a relaxed, effortless vibe, these updo styles will make your face-framing highlights pop.
Sleek High Ponytail – A Chic & Polished Look
A high ponytail is a timeless, sophisticated style that puts your money piece highlights on full display. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or just want an elevated everyday look, this style is effortlessly glamorous.
How to achieve a sleek high ponytail:
1. Brush your hair back and secure it into a high ponytail using a strong elastic.
2. Apply a lightweight gel or hairspray to smooth flyaways and get that sleek finish.
3. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie.
4. Use a straightener (optional) to smooth out the ponytail for extra sleekness.
This style works especially well for those with long, straight, or wavy hair, making the money piece highlights stand out against the darker base color.
Messy Bun with Peek-a-Boo Highlights – Casual Yet Trendy
If you’re aiming for a more relaxed and playful look, a messy bun is a go-to option. The way your hair is twisted into a bun allows your money piece highlights to peek through, adding a natural pop of brightness.
How to achieve a messy bun:
1. Gather your hair into a high or mid-level ponytail and loosely twist it into a bun.
2. Secure with a scrunchie or bobby pins, leaving a few face-framing strands out.
3. Gently pull at the bun to loosen it and create a soft, effortless texture.
4. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and hold.
This effortless, chic style is great for casual days, brunches, or quick glam moments.
Braided Looks – French, Dutch, and Fishtail Braids
Braids are perfect for showcasing money piece highlights because they naturally weave the lighter strands into the darker base, creating a beautiful contrast.
Three braided styles to try:
French Braid: A classic, elegant style that evenly distributes your highlights.
Dutch Braid: Similar to a French braid but raised, making the highlights stand out even more.
Fishtail Braid: A boho-chic style that enhances the contrast in money piece highlights.
For extra flair, try a double-braid style or add small decorative hair clips to highlight your face-framing strands.
FAQ: How Do I Style Money Piece Highlights Without Heat?
Use braids or buns to add texture naturally.
Apply leave-in conditioner and scrunch hair for soft waves.
Sleep in a loose braid or twist for heatless waves.
Try foam rollers or flexi rods for gentle curls.
Whether you prefer a sleek ponytail, an effortless bun, or intricate braids, these updos will ensure your money piece highlights steal the show!
7. Bold & Trendy Ways to Customize Your Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights are already a statement look, but if you want to take them to the next level, there are plenty of ways to customize them for a more bold and trendy vibe. From neon shades to two-tone contrasts, here’s how to make your face-framing highlights truly stand out.
Neon & Pastel Money Piece Highlights – Playing with Unconventional Shades
For those who love vibrant, high-fashion colors, neon and pastel money piece highlights are the ultimate way to make a statement.
Popular neon shades:
· Electric blue – Edgy and futuristic.
· Neon green – A punk-inspired bold choice.
· Fiery red or orange – Striking and dramatic.
Pastel shades for a softer vibe:
· Lavender or lilac – Dreamy and ethereal.
· Baby pink – Soft but still eye-catching.
· Mint green – A fresh, unexpected twist.
Neon colors work well for those who want a high-impact, rebellious look, while pastels offer a whimsical, soft take on the trend.
Two-Tone Money Piece for Extra Contrast
Why settle for one color when you can have two complementary or contrasting shades? A two-tone money piece creates a striking, artistic effect.
Ideas for two-tone money piece highlights:
· Black & white – A cruelty-free Cruella de Vil moment.
· Pink & purple – A fun, cotton candy-inspired blend.
· Blue & silver – Icy and futuristic.
· Red & orange – A fiery ombré effect.
The placement of the two shades can be side-by-side, stacked, or blended for a unique gradient look.
Blending Money Piece Highlights with Balayage or Ombre
For those who love a seamless, natural blend, mixing money piece highlights with balayage or ombré creates a dimensional, sunkissed effect.
Balayage + Money Piece – A natural sunlit effect where the face-framing highlights softly blend into the rest of the hair.
Ombre + Money Piece – A dramatic fade from dark roots to bright ends with a pop of color at the front.
Reverse Ombre – A darker money piece on lighter hair for a unique, unexpected contrast.
No matter how you style it, customizing your money piece highlights lets you embrace your personal flair while staying ahead of hair color trends!
8. Maintaining Money Piece Highlights & Bangs
Money piece highlights and bangs create a bold, face-framing effect, but keeping them looking fresh requires proper care. From preventing brassiness to choosing the right products and trimming your bangs, here’s how to maintain your color and style effortlessly.
Preventing Brassiness & Fading
One of the biggest challenges with money piece highlights is keeping them from turning brassy or dull over time. Since these highlights are right at the front, any fading or discoloration becomes instantly noticeable.
Tips to prevent brassiness and fading:
· Use a purple shampoo (for blonde or cool-toned highlights) once a week to neutralize yellow tones.
· Try a blue shampoo for brunette or caramel highlights to keep them vibrant.
· Avoid excessive heat styling, which can strip color and cause dryness.
· Protect hair from UV exposure—wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when in the sun.
· Wash hair with cool or lukewarm water to prevent color loss.
Best Shampoos & Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair
Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners is key to maintaining vibrant money piece highlights while keeping your bangs from getting too greasy.
Recommended products:
· Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos – Preserve color without stripping moisture.
· Deep conditioning masks – Keep highlights soft and shiny without weighing down bangs.
· Leave-in treatments with UV protection – Prevent sun damage that can fade color.
· Dry shampoo for bangs – Helps absorb oil so your bangs don’t get greasy between washes.
Look for hydrating formulas if you have bleached highlights, as these can dry out more quickly than natural hair.
Trimming Bangs & Keeping Highlights Fresh
Bangs grow fast, and without regular trims, they can lose their shape—or worse, cover up your money piece highlights!
How to maintain bangs & highlights:
· Trim your bangs every 3-4 weeks to keep them at the perfect length.
· If your highlights start to fade or grow out, ask your stylist for a gloss treatment to refresh the tone.
· Consider a toner touch-up every 6-8 weeks to maintain brightness.
· If you prefer a DIY approach, use a root touch-up spray to blend new growth between salon visits.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your money piece highlights and bangs looking fresh, vibrant, and stylish with minimal effort!
9. Conclusion
Money piece highlights paired with bangs are the ultimate face-framing trend, offering a stylish, customizable way to add brightness and contrast to your hair. Whether you prefer bold neon streaks, soft caramel tones, or classic blonde highlights, this look can be tailored to suit any vibe, face shape, and personal style. Plus, the combination of bangs and statement highlights makes for an effortlessly chic aesthetic that works for any occasion—from casual days to glam nights out.
The beauty of this trend is its versatility. You can go for sleek and polished styles, tousled waves, high ponytails, or braided looks—all of which showcase your highlights in unique ways. Experimenting with different shades, placements, and styling techniques allows you to make this look your own, whether you’re channeling rockstar edge, soft romance, or a modern, trendy aesthetic.
To keep your money piece highlights and bangs looking flawless, proper maintenance is key. Color-safe shampoos, regular trims, and minimal heat damage will ensure that your highlights stay vibrant and your bangs remain perfectly styled.
Ultimately, this hair trend is all about self-expression. So don’t be afraid to play with colors, try new styling techniques, and embrace what makes you feel confident and unique. With the right care and creativity, your money piece highlights and bangs will always look fresh, fashionable, and effortlessly cool!