How often should I use purple shampoo on blonde hair?

Once or twice a week is the sweet spot for most blondes. Leave it on for two to five minutes rather than the full shower, then rinse thoroughly. Used too often or left on too long it can tip your hair grey or muddy instead of bright and cool toned.

Why does blonde hair go brassy?

Brassiness happens when the warm pigments left in the hair after lightening are exposed to water, heat, and UV over time. It is a completely natural process and not a sign that anything went wrong. A quality toning shampoo used regularly and an occasional in-salon gloss treatment keeps it in check between appointments.

Is box dye bad for your hair?

Box dye is not inherently dangerous, but it is formulated to a single strength designed to work across many different hair types, which means it often over-processes some areas and under-processes others. It also makes future professional colour corrections more complex and expensive. For anyone considering going lighter or making a significant colour change, a salon service gives a more predictable and healthier result.

What is a colour consultation and do I need one?

A colour consultation is a conversation before we touch your hair. We look at your current hair, understand your history, talk through what you want to achieve, and give you an honest view of what is possible and what it will cost. For any colour service, especially if you are changing your look significantly, it is an essential step rather than a formality.

How do I keep my colour looking fresh between appointments?

Wash with cool or lukewarm water, use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, and apply a UV-protecting product before spending time outdoors. The UV in Queenstown is stronger than most people expect, even in winter, and it is one of the fastest ways colour fades. A weekly hydrating mask keeps colour-treated hair in good condition throughout.

Money Piece Highlights in Queenstown

Name: Iron And Ivy Hair Studio
Price range: $$

What Is a Money Piece?

A money piece refers to bold, bright highlights placed around the front sections of the hair — specifically framing the face. The name comes from the idea that these strategically placed highlights are “worth every penny” for the impact they create.

Money Piece Highlights: The Face-Framing Colour Trend — Iron + Ivy Hair Studio, Queenstown — Iron + Ivy Hair Studio, Queenstown

Why Is It So Popular?

The money piece is incredibly flattering because it draws attention to the face, brightens the complexion, and creates a striking contrast with the rest of the hair. It’s also relatively quick to apply and can be customised from subtle to dramatic depending on your preference.

Money Piece vs Regular Highlights

Regular highlights are distributed throughout the hair, while a money piece focuses exclusively on the front sections. Many clients have both — an all-over balayage or highlights with a bolder money piece at the front for maximum impact.

How Light Should Your Money Piece Be?

This is entirely up to you and your colourist. A subtle money piece blends into balayage for a natural effect. A bold money piece — often taken to platinum or a very light blonde — creates strong contrast and real visual impact.

Maintenance

Money pieces do require toning appointments to keep them looking bright and fresh, typically every 6–8 weeks. The lightening itself needs refreshing every 3–4 months depending on how fast your hair grows.

Get Your Money Piece at Iron and Ivy Hair

Ready for a colour update that makes a real difference? Book your money piece appointment in Queenstown today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a money piece highlight?

A money piece is a bold, bright highlight placed at the very front sections of the face — the pieces that frame your features most prominently. The name comes from the idea that these are the highlights most visible in photos and most impactful to your overall look.

Can I get just a money piece without doing my whole head?

Absolutely — that’s actually one of the great things about money pieces. They’re a standalone, relatively quick service that delivers high impact at a lower cost and time commitment than a full head of highlights. It’s a great starting point for clients wanting to try highlights for the first time.

Do money pieces suit all face shapes?

Money pieces are most impactful on oval, heart, and longer face shapes where the eye is naturally drawn to the front sections. For rounder faces, placement is important — keeping the highlights slightly further back can elongate rather than widen. A consultation helps your stylist place them for maximum flattery.

How often does a money piece need to be refreshed?

Every 8-12 weeks is standard — when roots at the hairline become visible. Because money pieces are concentrated in one area, a refresh is relatively quick and cost-effective compared to maintaining a full head of highlights.

Can a money piece be blended into a balayage?

Yes — money pieces often work beautifully as the face-framing anchor for a balayage or full colour look. Your stylist can create a cohesive result where the money piece naturally connects with colour placed through the rest of the hair, or stands as a distinct feature depending on your preference.

About Iron + Ivy Hair Studio

Iron + Ivy is Queenstown's award-winning hair studio, located inside Queenstown Central Shopping Centre on Grant Road. Our team of specialist stylists bring real expertise and a genuine love of hair to every appointment — whether that's a colour transformation, a lived-in balayage, a precision cut, or bridal hair for a wedding in the mountains. We work with a focused clientele because exceptional hair takes time, skill, and care. You'll always leave knowing exactly what went into your hair and how to look after it at home.

Take the first step toward the hair you want. Book with the team at Iron + Ivy Studio

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