If you’ve noticed a wave of face-framing highlights popping up on your feed, you’re not imagining things—the money piece highlight trend is officially back for Fall 2025. Recently, Jennifer Aniston revived her signature bronde highlights with a soft money piece, signaling that this low-maintenance, high-impact color trend is the season’s must-try look.
It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving a touch of lightness without going fully blonde. Even better? As a recession-proof hair trend, money pieces deliver maximum impact with minimal upkeep—ideal if you want to refresh your style without the price tag of a full head of foils.
Here’s why the money piece is trending again, how to get the look, and the best ways to maintain your color.
What Is the Money Piece Highlight Trend?
The money piece (sometimes called face-framing highlights) is a coloring technique that brightens the strands directly around your face. Think of it as the glow-up filter for your hair: a few lighter pieces that pop against your base color, whether you’re brunette, blonde, or even rocking bold tones like crimson or violet.
Originally a natural extension of balayage, the money piece is less about all-over lightness and more about strategic placement. The result? A sun-kissed, youthful effect that draws attention to your features and adds instant dimension.
Why the Money Piece Is Trending in Fall 2025
- Jennifer Aniston’s revival – The “Rachel” herself brought back bronde highlights with a softly blended money piece, instantly sparking buzz.
- Low-maintenance luxury – Perfect for those who want brightness without constant salon visits. Touch-ups are optional and far less frequent than traditional highlights.
- Budget-friendly beauty – With only the front section lightened, it’s an affordable option during a season where clients are prioritizing style without overspending.
- Face-framing impact – Unlike all-over color, the money piece highlights your features instantly, brightening the complexion and adding contrast.
- Seasonal versatility – Fall often calls for richer, warmer tones; the money piece lets you keep depth in your base while still enjoying lighter pops of color.
How to Get the Money Piece Highlight Look in 2025
1. Work in Thin, Face-Framing Sections
Small sections ensure an even lift and prevent brassiness. Chunky, early-2000s-style streaks feel outdated—today’s money piece is blended and precise.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Lighter
While balayage leans subtle, the money piece is designed to stand out. A slightly brighter shade than your base color adds just the right amount of drama.
3. Follow the Natural Part
Placement is everything. Make sure the highlights match your natural part so they frame your face seamlessly instead of getting lost in your layers.
4. Play With Color
While blonde money pieces are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. Bronde, caramel, copper, or even vibrant shades can work—especially on darker bases.
5. Enhance Your Natural Color
For brunettes especially, a money piece is the easiest way to refresh your look without going full balayage. It adds dimension and warmth with minimal commitment.
Who Does the Money Piece Suit?
The beauty of the money piece is that it flatters nearly everyone. It works across:
- Brunettes who want subtle brightness without committing to highlights everywhere.
- Blondes looking for extra dimension and contrast.
- Redheads or vibrant shades who want a pop of contrast within the same color family.
- All textures—straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair benefits from a face-framing glow.
Caring for Your Money Piece Highlights
Anytime bleach is involved, especially around the fragile hairline, protection is key. Incorporate strengthening products to prevent breakage and keep color vibrant.
Editor’s Picks: To keep your newly highlighted strands healthy, shiny, and damage-free, these hair masks are both effective and affordable. They're perfect for fall and tailored to nourish chemically treated sections without heavy lifting.
K18 Leave‑In Molecular Repair Mask
A salon-grade peptide mask that repairs color, bleach, and heat damage in just four minutes. Leave-in, lightweight, and perfect for keeping highlighted sections strong and frizz-free while preserving shine.
Color WowXChris Appleton Money Masque
Specifically designed for face-framing highlights, this mask enhances contrast and gloss. It delivers polished shine and helps maintain the vibrancy of your money piece—absolutely on-point for this trend.
Fall 2025 Hair Trend Takeaway
The return of money piece highlights proves that not all trends require a total transformation. Whether you’re inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s fresh bronde update or simply want to brighten your look without going all-in on color, this face-framing highlight is the season’s most wearable, versatile, and cost-friendly trend.
Think of it as the ultimate low-maintenance luxury for Fall 2025: a small detail with a big payoff.
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