Think ‘90s streaks—but make it 2025 and WAY more wearable
If frosted tips were the '90s boyband flex, money piece highlights are our revenge.
Think about it: Back in the day, every pop prince from NSYNC to BSB was rocking bold front streaks like it was part of the uniform. Flash forward to 2025, and we’re taking that same idea—but finessing it for modern, face-framing magic. Clean lines, tailored tones, and major glow-up energy. The difference? We’re doing it better. And our version actually flatters everyone.
Money piece highlights are those intentional pops of brightness right around your face—like a built-in ring light for your cheekbones. They’re strategic, statement-making, and (bonus!) a lot less effort than a full head of highlights. No matter if you’re working with natural hair, salon color, or rocking one of our Lauren Ashtyn toppers or extensions, this is the one update that instantly brings the drama—in the chicest way possible.
And no, you don’t have to commit to platinum blonde or start over with your part. This look is as customizable as your Starbucks order. From golden caramel ribbons to icy blonde strands, there’s a version for literally every hair color, length, and vibe.
So, if your hair’s been feeling a little too meh lately, this might be your sign. Ahead, we’re talking the what, the why, and the how—plus how to get the look with zero bleach required. Because boybands may have started it, but we’re owning the era now.
What are money piece highlights, exactly?
Spoiler: They’re not new. But they are having a major It-girl resurgence—and for good reason.
Money piece highlights are bold, face-framing strands of lighter color placed around the hairline. Usually a few shades brighter than the rest of your hair, they instantly draw attention to your face, accentuate your features, and give your entire look a pop of contrast and dimension. They’re high-impact with minimal effort—aka maximum slay with minimal salon time.
And while the name sounds expensive, the upkeep doesn’t have to be. You don’t need a full balayage or root-to-tip transformation. Just a few expertly-placed foils (or even a temporary extension, wink wink) and suddenly your hair looks like it lives under perfect lighting 24/7.
At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, we love the way money pieces let you experiment with brightness without overhauling your whole color. Not ready to commit to permanent dye? A lighter-toned topper or extension piece can mimic the effect with zero damage and zero drama.
And while the trend started in blonde territory (thank you, Hailey Bieber), don’t think it’s exclusive.
Money piece highlights on dark hair? Iconic. Rich brunettes with copper face-framers? Obsessed. The look works on curly, straight, short, long—literally any hair type. All it needs is confidence… and maybe a good Moroccan oil finishing spray to seal the deal.
Why the money piece is trending again (and why it won’t quit)
The year is 2001. Boybands are frosted-tipping their way through MTV, and front-streaked hair is the moment. Fast-forward two decades—and somehow, we're the ones reviving it. But this time? It's a whole new mood.
Back then, it was chunky, brassy, and very much… denim-on-denim coded. Today, money piece highlights are buttery soft, high-gloss, and made to elevate your face, not overpower it. The glow-up is real.
So why the sudden love for a retro hair moment?
Because we’re in our ✨face-framing era✨. From TikTok to the red carpet, beauty is leaning into high-impact, low-maintenance styling—and the money piece checks both boxes. It's the ultimate cheat code for tired hair days, mid-week selfies, and that immediate post-salon dopamine rush.
Celebrity colorists love it because it delivers dimension without needing a full highlight session. We love it because it gives “yes I slept 8 hours and drank water” energy—even if we didn’t. And stylists? They're calling it the gateway drug to bigger hair changes, since it lets you flirt with bold color while keeping the rest of your look chill.
Even better, money piece highlights work across hair textures, lengths, and colors. Pair them with waves, a messy bun, or even slick-straight strands—they’ll still pop.
Basically? This trend has main character energy without screaming for attention. And that’s the vibe we’re all trying to channel right now.
Who money piece highlights actually work for (spoiler: everyone)
Let’s bust the myth right now—money piece highlights aren’t just for center parts, blondes, or ultra-long hair. This trend is a total chameleon, and it plays well with every hair type, length, and texture.
If you have dark hair...
Bold contrast is your best friend. Think caramel, copper, or honey blonde tones painted right around your face for a luxe pop that warms up your whole look. This is where the “money” in money piece really *shines*—it gives dimension without needing a full lightening job.
If you’re blonde...
Keep it tonal. Go for a champagne, pearl, or baby blonde that’s just a touch brighter than your base. The result? Expensive-looking dimension that reads “glowy, not stripey.” Hailey Bieber does this best—subtle, seamless, and insanely flattering.
If you’ve got curly or textured hair...
Girl, yes. This is your cue to let your curls glow. A few lightened coils right at the front can frame your face beautifully and highlight your texture in the best way. Bonus: curls soften the placement, so the look always feels effortless.
If you wear extensions or hair toppers...
You’re not excluded—money piece hair can be color-matched and blended into toppers and extensions with a professional’s help. Or, if you’re already rocking a Lauren Ashtyn Collection piece? You can shop a color that has that brightened front section baked in. No bleach, no stress, just instant face-framing magic.
Basically, the only requirement for this trend is wanting your hair to do something... a little extra. And that’s all of us, right?
How to actually ask for money piece highlights at the salon
Okay, girl—so you’ve made the decision. You want to brighten things up, frame your face, and join the money piece highlights club. But now comes the part that can feel trickier than it should: describing what you want without sounding like you’re quoting TikTok.
Here’s how to get exactly what you’re dreaming of in the chair:
Bring inspo pics. Always. Don’t just say “money piece”—show it. Pull your fave celeb shots (Hailey, Beyoncé, Zendaya... there are no wrong answers) and screenshots from Instagram or Pinterest so your stylist knows the drill.
Be clear on contrast. Want it bold and dramatic? Ask for a high-contrast streak that pops against your natural color. Prefer something soft and sun-kissed? Go for a tonal baby-light that blends into your base. Either way, make sure your stylist knows how bright you want to go.
Know your part. Where you part your hair matters. If you rock a deep side part, your money piece should be tailored to that for the color to hit right. Tell your stylist how you wear your hair most often—they can adjust placement to suit your look.
Talk maintenance. If you’re not trying to be in the salon every four weeks, let them know. A softer blend and rooty finish will keep it low-key and low-maintenance.
Not sure what will suit your skin tone? Ask for a color that complements your undertones. Cool blondes, warm honey, or coppery streaks can all work—the right shade can instantly brighten your face like a ring light.
Top tip: If you're using extensions or a Lauren Ashtyn Collection topper, you can also get a custom-colored piece made to match the exact money piece vibe you're after. No bleach necessary.
Can you DIY a money piece highlight at home?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Only if you really trust yourself with bleach—or have a backup plan (hi, colorist).
We get the appeal. You’ve seen a dozen tutorials, you’re armed with a highlighting brush and a dream, and it seems easy enough. But here’s the real tea: the money piece may be small in size, but it packs a huge punch—and one uneven or overly processed streak can take it from “effortless glow” to “middle school throwback” real fast.
Here’s our honest guide to pulling it off at home or knowing when to tag in the pros.
When to go for it
– You’ve dabbled in hair color before and know your way around developer.
– You’re working with a lighter base and just want a subtle brightness boost.
– You’re not looking for anything too high-contrast or risky.
When to book the salon
– You’ve never colored your hair before and aren’t sure what to expect.
– You want a bold, high-contrast streak (platinum on brunette? Call your colorist).
– You need it to blend perfectly with an existing balayage or highlights.
– You wear extensions or a hair topper and want a seamless match.
Not feeling the commitment? That’s why we are here.
At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, our custom-colored toppers and extensions can give you that money-piece glow without the bleach. Play with the look, switch it up, and save your strands in the process. Hallelujah!
So... are money piece highlights worth it?
1000x yes.
They’re proof that the smallest tweaks can make the biggest impact. A pop of brightness around your face? Instant glow-up. Minimal effort, maximum payoff. It's giving main character energy without the upkeep (or the drama).
And the best part? You don’t need to hit the salon every time you want that pop. With our custom-colored toppers and extensions, you can try on the look, switch it up, and protect your real hair in the process. Easy, damage-free, and endlessly re-styleable—just how we like it.
So if your hair’s been feeling a little meh lately, this might be your sign to try the trend that’s got TikTok in a chokehold and salon chairs fully booked.
We’ll just say it: 2025 is the year of the money piece. And your hair deserves to be in on it.
