12 Dark Hair with Money Piece Ideas for a Fresh Look

Dark hair has a timeless charm, but sometimes it needs a little lift. That’s where a money piece comes in. A few carefully placed highlights around your face can completely transform your look, adding brightness and dimension without changing your base color. It’s like giving your hair a spotlight — subtle but powerful.

I remember the first time I tried a money piece on my dark hair. I was nervous about making a big change, but my stylist assured me that it would be subtle yet impactful. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I couldn’t believe how much brighter and fresher my face looked. It was like an instant glow-up!

If you’re thinking about adding some face-framing highlights to your dark hair, you’re in the right place. Here are 12 dark hair with money piece ideas that will make you feel like you just stepped out of the salon — without the commitment of a full-color change.

How a Money Piece Can Transform Your Look

A money piece is a face-framing highlight that brightens dark hair and adds depth without needing a full-color change. It’s usually a lighter color, like blonde or caramel, added to the strands around your face. This creates a bold contrast with your natural hair color and makes your face stand out.

The money piece trend became popular because it’s easy to maintain and works with all hair types and colors. Since the highlights are only at the front, you don’t have to worry about frequent touch-ups. It adds depth and dimension to your hair without needing a full-color treatment.

Many celebrities, like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, have rocked this look, which makes it even more popular. The money piece is a simple way to give your hair a fresh, modern vibe without too much effort.

Also read: 27 Low Maintenance Pixie Cuts for Thin Hair You’ll Love

12 Dark Hair with Money Piece Ideas You’ll Love

Give your dark hair a fresh twist with these 12 stylish money-piece ideas. From subtle highlights to bold contrasts, these looks are anything but boring.

1. Classic Blonde Money Piece on Dark Brown Hair

The timeless blonde-on-brown combo is a go-to for a reason. A classic blonde money piece adds just enough contrast to dark brown hair to lift your entire look—without going overboard. It frames the face with warmth and brightness, making your features pop in all the right ways.

This look works beautifully with a tousled lob or soft curtain bangs. Think early 2000s Jennifer Lopez but with a modern edge. For styling, use a shine-enhancing serum to reflect the blonde tones and a wide-barrel curling wand for loose movement. It’s subtle, radiant, and always in style.

2. Copper Money Piece on Dark Brown Hair

Looking to add fire to your brunette locks? A copper money piece on dark brown hair delivers just the right spark. The warm reddish-orange tones slice through dark brown strands like molten metal, creating instant dimension and a bold, glowing frame around the face. It’s bright, spicy, and impossible to ignore—in the best way.

This look is made for those who love warmth without going full redhead. Copper catches the light beautifully when styled with soft waves or a voluminous blowout. And the contrast isn’t too harsh—it blends just enough while still offering that face-brightening pop.

To keep the copper looking vibrant, use a sulfate-free shampoo and finish with a color-protecting gloss every couple of weeks. A lightweight oil helps enhance the shine while keeping the ends from drying out. Bold yet wearable? Yes, please.

3. Honey Blonde Money Piece with Chocolate Brown Hair

Warm meets warm in the best way possible. Honey blonde money pieces blend effortlessly into chocolate brown hair, offering a soft, sun-kissed finish that flatters all skin tones. It’s rich, inviting, and incredibly wearable—like a cozy cashmere sweater for your hair.

For a lived-in vibe, style it with beachy waves or soft layers. A moisturizing leave-in cream keeps things smooth and hydrated, especially around the lighter strands. This look feels relaxed but intentional—a golden-hour glow that works all year round.

Also Read: 10 Brown Hair with Money Piece Ideas to Refresh Your Style

4. Caramel Money Piece on Espresso Brown Hair

Caramel and espresso might be your favorite coffee combo, but it’s also a seriously flattering hair duo. The warm caramel streak adds dimension and face-framing brightness without clashing with the deep richness of espresso brown hair.

It’s an easy entry point for brunettes wanting to try lighter tones without committing to full highlights. Wear it with layers, a messy bun, or soft curls to show off the depth. A touch of gloss spray keeps the caramel glowing and your espresso base looking ultra-luxe.

5. Ash Blonde Money Piece on Dark Brunette Hair

Ash blonde on dark brunette hair is a cool-toned contrast that feels effortless and modern. The smoky tones of ash blonde neutralize the warmth in darker hair, creating a striking, lived-in look that reads edgy but polished.

This style pairs well with a textured shag or a sleek bob for extra attitude. Keep brassy tones at bay with a violet shampoo, and finish with a matte styling cream for definition. Think off-duty model meets minimalist cool—it’s understated, yet unforgettable.

6. Golden Blonde Money Piece with Black Hair

Golden blonde paired with jet black hair is rich, radiant, and totally glam. This sunny tone softens the starkness of black strands, giving your face a glow that’s flattering and fierce. It’s a golden halo of light around your face—and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds.

Style it with big curls or a smooth blowout to maximize dimension. Use a lightweight oil to boost shine and tame any frizz. This look is for those who want high contrast without losing warmth—and who love a little sparkle in their strands.

7. Platinum Money Piece on Jet Black Hair

If you’re after a statement moment, platinum on jet black hair delivers drama with a capital D. The contrast is sharp and deliberate, almost like a modern graphic design—bold, fearless, and fashion-forward. It’s a cool-toned dream that instantly gives off editor-approved energy.

This look thrives with clean lines: sleek ponytails, sharp bobs, or center parts. Keep that platinum icy with weekly purple shampoo treatments and a no-oil heat protectant spray. Minimal effort with major impact—this is how you do edgy glam.

8. Rose Gold Money Piece on Dark Chocolate Hair

For a romantic twist on the money piece trend, rose gold on dark chocolate hair is the ultimate dream combo. The rosy-pink shimmer brings softness and playfulness, while the deep chocolate base keeps the look grounded and rich. It’s girly without being overly sweet, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of whimsy.

The metallic rose tone reflects beautifully in natural light, especially when styled in curls or soft braids. A rose gold piece can also accentuate your skin tone, adding warmth and light around your face without overpowering your natural color.

Keep your rose hue fresh with a color-depositing mask or toner, and avoid heavy heat styling to preserve that delicate finish. A little wave, a little gloss, and you’ve got hair that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale—with a modern twist.

9. Mocha Money Piece on Black Hair

Mocha and black might sound similar on paper, but in hair terms, they’re all about subtle contrast and richness. A mocha money piece on jet black hair adds depth, warmth, and soft face-framing brightness. It’s not flashy—but it’s ridiculously polished, like the hair equivalent of your favorite cashmere coat.

This combo shines best in natural light, revealing that creamy, slightly warm undertone peeking through in just the right spots. Style it straight for sleek sophistication or add loose curls to show off the tonal play between mocha and black.

To maintain this understated luxe vibe, use a smoothing shampoo and finish with a shine-enhancing serum. Since the mocha isn’t overly light, it grows out beautifully with little upkeep. For brunettes craving something different—but still refined—this is your go-to.

10. Silver Money Piece on Jet Black Hair

Want a look that’s bold, icy, and unapologetically modern? Silver money pieces on jet black hair are the ultimate cool-girl move. The contrast is stark and deliberate, giving your hair that futuristic flair while framing the face with brightness and shine. It’s dramatic, editorial, and not for the faint of heart.

This look pairs well with sharp, sleek hairstyles—think glassy bobs or center-parted ponytails. The silver picks up light beautifully, making it an instant attention-grabber without needing too much styling.

Silver tones can fade quickly, so keep them fresh with a purple toning shampoo and deep-conditioning treatments. Add a bit of hair gloss or serum to enhance the shimmer. It’s powerful, polished, and effortlessly rebellious—a real head-turner.

11. Auburn Money Piece with Dark Chocolate Hair

Auburn money pieces bring a natural warmth to dark chocolate hair, adding a rich, reddish depth that looks luxurious and autumn-ready. The reddish undertones complement the deep brown base so well, they almost look like a glow from within. It’s soft, fiery, and absolutely flattering.

The best part? Auburn shades tend to catch the sun in all the right ways. Style with waves or a textured braid to highlight the color blend, or opt for a smooth blow-dry for an elegant finish.

To keep the auburn vibrant, use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and a deep-conditioning mask weekly. A few drops of lightweight oil on the ends will keep everything silky and nourished. Earthy, bold, and timeless—this combo works all year round.

12. Champagne Blonde Money Piece with Dark Brown Hair

Champagne blonde money pieces add a delicate, sparkling touch to dark brown hair. The soft, neutral-blonde shade blends elegance and brightness, offering a more refined alternative to classic gold or platinum. It lightens the face beautifully without being too loud, like the soft fizz of a glass of bubbly.

This color choice works especially well on warm and neutral skin tones. Style your hair in a relaxed blowout or gentle waves to bring out the dimension. Champagne blonde adds a hint of shimmer and youthfulness, making your features appear fresher and more lifted.

Maintain the subtle shimmer with a glossing treatment and avoid yellowing with the occasional purple conditioner. It’s understated glamour that feels polished, graceful, and ready for any occasion—from the office to a night out.

Celebrity Inspiration for Dark Hair with a Money Piece

Celebrities have played a huge role in making the money piece trend popular. From red carpets to social media, this face-framing highlight has become a go-to for A-listers looking to brighten their look without a full-color transformation.

Beyoncé is one of the biggest names that rocked the money piece trend. Her honey-blonde money piece on dark brown hair creates a sun-kissed effect that frames her face beautifully, adding warmth and depth to her natural curls.

Jennifer Lopez often experiments with caramel and golden blonde money pieces on her dark brunette base. The soft highlights create a natural glow that enhances her skin tone and gives her hair a glossy, dimensional look.

Kim Kardashian has also embraced the money piece look, often pairing her dark chocolate brown hair with subtle champagne or ash blonde highlights around her face. This soft contrast adds sophistication while keeping her overall color rich and dark.

Bella Hadid has been spotted with a subtle mocha money piece that blends seamlessly with her dark hair while giving it extra depth and movement. It’s a low-maintenance but high-impact look that suits her minimalist style.

Celebrities have shown that the money piece trend works for any style and personality, from soft honey tones to bold platinum contrasts. It’s a versatile way to elevate dark hair while adding brightness and definition — no wonder it’s become a go-to for Hollywood’s biggest names!

FAQs

1. What is a money piece for dark hair?

A money piece is a face-framing highlight that brightens and adds contrast to dark hair. It involves lightening the front strands of hair to create a dimensional look that draws attention to your face. The effect can be subtle or bold, depending on the color and placement you choose. It’s a great way to refresh your hair without the commitment of a full-color change, and it works on all hair types and textures.

2. How often should I refresh my money piece highlights?

You should typically refresh your money piece every 6–8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how much contrast you want to maintain. If you go for a high-contrast look, like platinum blonde on black hair, you may need more frequent touch-ups to keep the color vibrant and prevent brassiness. You can stretch the time between touch-ups for softer shades like caramel or honey since the grow-out is less noticeable. Using a color-safe shampoo and minimizing heat styling will help the color last longer.

3. Can I do a money piece on naturally curly hair?

Yes! A money piece looks stunning on naturally curly hair. The highlights frame the face and enhance the natural texture of curls, making them appear more defined and voluminous. Since curly hair tends to be more porous, it’s important to use a deep conditioner regularly to prevent dryness and keep the color looking fresh. A money piece on curly hair creates a soft, effortless glow while adding movement and dimension to your curls.

4. What’s the best tone for a money piece on dark hair?

The best tone for a money piece on dark hair depends on your skin tone and your preferred contrast level. Cool tones like ash blonde, silver, and platinum work well with cool undertones, creating a sleek and modern vibe. Warm shades like caramel, honey, and golden blonde complement warm undertones, giving the hair a soft, sun-kissed effect. You can experiment with cool and warm shades to find a balanced, flattering look if you have a neutral skin tone.

5. Can I combine a money piece with balayage?

Yes! A money piece paired with balayage creates a seamless, natural blend of color. The money piece focuses on the front strands to frame the face, while balayage adds soft, hand-painted highlights throughout the rest of the hair. This combination gives the hair a sunlit, multi-dimensional effect. It’s a low-maintenance option because the balayage grows out naturally, while the money piece keeps the face bright and fresh. Use a color-safe shampoo and schedule touch-ups every 8–10 weeks to maintain the color.

Conclusion

Adding a money piece to dark hair is an easy way to brighten your look without committing to a full-color change. Whether you prefer a soft honey blonde, a bold silver contrast, or a warm copper tone, there’s a money-piece style to suit every vibe. It’s a low-maintenance way to frame your face and give your hair a fresh, modern feel. Try one of these ideas at your next salon visit and see how a simple highlight can completely transform your style.