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.
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
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.
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
