How much do face framing highlights cost?

Face framing highlights typically cost $80 to $200, significantly less than full head highlights. Since only a small amount of hair is colored, the process is faster and uses less product. Touch-ups every three to four months keep them fresh.

Do face framing highlights work on dark hair?

Face framing highlights look stunning on dark hair, creating a beautiful contrast. Caramel, honey, and warm chestnut tones frame the face without the commitment of full color. The lightening may require two sessions for very dark hair.

How do I maintain face framing highlights?

Maintain face framing highlights with sulfate-free shampoo, purple toning treatments for blonde shades, and monthly deep conditioning. They grow out gracefully since the placement blends naturally as hair grows.

Can I do face framing highlights at home?

Simple face framing highlights can be done at home using a highlighting kit. Section off two to three pieces on each side of your part, apply lightener, and process according to directions. Start conservatively — you can always add more.

What face shapes look best with face framing highlights?

Face framing highlights flatter all face shapes. They soften square jawlines, add width to long faces, brighten round faces, and balance heart shapes. The key is customizing the placement width and tone to your specific features.

How are face framing highlights different from balayage?

Face framing highlights focus color only around the face — the front hairline and parting. Balayage distributes hand-painted color throughout all the hair. Face framing is more targeted, lower maintenance, and less expensive.

What shade of face framing highlights suits my skin tone?

Warm skin tones suit golden, caramel, and honey highlights. Cool skin tones look best with ash, platinum, or champagne. Neutral tones can wear both. Your color season determines the most flattering shade for face framing highlights.

Face Framing Highlights: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Q: What are face framing highlights?

Face framing highlights, also called money pieces, are lighter sections of hair placed around the face — typically at the front hairline, temples, and around the parting. They brighten the complexion, add dimension, and create a focal point without coloring all your hair.

Face framing highlights — also known as money pieces — are the most impactful, lowest-commitment hair color technique you can get. By placing lighter pieces strategically around the hairline, part, and temples, you instantly brighten your complexion, add dimension, and create a youthful, sun-kissed effect.

In 2026, face framing highlights remain one of the top salon requests because they deliver maximum visual impact with minimal maintenance and damage. Whether your hair is dark brown, light blonde, or anywhere between, this guide covers the perfect placement, shade selection, and maintenance for your features.

What Are Face Framing Highlights?

Face framing highlights are light-colored sections placed around the front of the hair — at the part line, temples, and along the hairline framing your face. Unlike traditional highlights distributed throughout the hair, face framing concentrates the color where it has the most visual impact.

The technique goes by several names: money pieces, face framing color, front highlights, or contour highlights. Regardless of the name, the principle is the same — strategic light placement that draws attention to your face.

Face Framing Techniques

Money Pieces

The most popular technique — two wide, bold sections framing each side of the face from the parting to below the jaw. Money pieces make a statement and are the most visible face framing option.

Ribbon Highlights

Thinner, more subtle pieces woven throughout the front sections. Ribbon highlights create softer dimension and a more blended, natural look than chunky money pieces.

Face Framing Balayage

A freehand painting technique applied only to the front sections, creating a graduated, sun-kissed effect that is softest at the roots and brightest at the ends. This is the most natural-looking option. Compare it with full balayage vs highlights to decide which suits you.

Best Face Framing Shades by Hair Color

On Dark Brown Hair

Caramel and toffee for warm undertones
Ash brown and mushroom for cool undertones
Chocolate and chestnut for subtle dimension

On Light Brown Hair

Honey blonde and golden for warmth
Champagne and beige for cool elegance
Caramel for a classic light brown hair enhancement

On Blonde Hair

Platinum or icy blonde for cool tones
Buttery and golden for warm tones
Strawberry for a unique warm twist

On Red Hair

Copper and gold to enhance warmth
Auburn and mahogany for depth
Caramel for subtle brightness

Find your ideal shade by taking GlowAI's free color season analysis — your seasonal palette determines which highlight tones complement your natural coloring.

Face Framing Highlights by Face Shape

Oval faces: Any width or placement works. Experiment freely
Round faces: Keep pieces narrow and long past the jawline to elongate
Square faces: Soft, blended pieces around the temples soften angular features
Heart faces: Wider pieces at the jaw add visual width to balance a narrow chin
Long faces: Wider pieces that hit at the cheekbone add horizontal balance

Maintenance and Upkeep

Face framing highlights are among the easiest color techniques to maintain:

Touch-up frequency: Every 3 to 4 months (some can stretch to 5-6 months)
Home care: Sulfate-free shampoo, purple toning for blonde shades, weekly deep conditioning
Between appointments: Use a gloss or toning mask to keep color vibrant
Cost per year: Approximately $250 to $600 depending on salon and shade

At-Home Face Framing Highlights

If you prefer the DIY route:

Part your hair as you normally wear it
Section two to four thin pieces at the front on each side
Apply lightener or box dye using a brush, painting from mid-length to ends first, then closer to roots
Wrap each section in foil
Process according to product instructions, checking every five minutes
Rinse, tone if needed, and deep condition

Warning: Lifting dark hair more than two to three levels at home risks brassiness and damage. If you want a dramatic change on very dark hair, consult a professional.

Micro money pieces: Ultra-thin, subtle face framing for a barely-there effect
Copper face framing: Rich copper tones around the face — the hottest trend for brunettes
Pearl highlights: Cool, iridescent tones for a modern editorial look
Butterfly highlights: Multiple fine pieces creating a wing-like pattern from the part

The latest hair color trends 2026 show that face framing is evolving beyond simple blonde highlights into creative, dimensional expressions of personal style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Going too wide — Face framing should be subtle. Overly thick sections look like streaks, not highlights
Wrong undertone — Warm face on cool highlights (or vice versa) looks unnatural. Match your warm or cool undertone
Ignoring your part — Highlights should be placed where your part naturally falls
Skipping toner — Raw bleached hair looks brassy. Always tone to achieve the final desired shade
Harsh lines at roots — Blend the transition with a root shadow or smudge for a natural grow-out

Face framing highlights deliver the most transformation per dollar in the salon. They brighten your face, add dimension to your hairstyle, and require minimal ongoing maintenance. Combined with a great haircut like a wolf cut or layers, they create a complete, modern hair look.

Ready to see how face framing highlights would look on you? Try GlowAI's free virtual hair color tool to preview shades on your own photo before your salon appointment.

Face Framing Highlights: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Face Framing Highlights: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

What Are Face Framing Highlights?