Hairstyle with light highlights at the front – around the face

Hairstyles with highlights at the front are more and more popular – and no wonder. Light strands give an instant makeover: they can completely change your look and make your face look younger and fresher. And because not all the hair is coloured, it stays healthier and in better condition.

Front highlights – what are the options?

Highlights around the face come in several versions. What is a hairstyle with light strands at the front called? It may be a money piece, face framing or chunky highlights. Here’s how they differ.

Money piece

A money piece is light strands at the front of the face that brighten and rejuvenate it, and make the rest of the hair look deeper by contrast. The strands can vary in shade and thickness – sometimes they stand out clearly, sometimes they’re only slightly lighter. It’s a low-impact colouring that natural blondes also choose: it gently brightens the area around the face so the hair looks sun-kissed and natural.

Face framing

Face framing is based on colouring strands at the front that act as a frame for the face. It’s an original alternative to colouring all your hair or getting balayage. Modern face-framing highlights emphasise the features and take years off. Every woman can choose it, not only blondes – brunettes can go for warm caramel or toffee on dark hair. It’s sometimes combined with subtle balayage, giving luminous highlights along the whole length.

Chunky highlights

Another option is chunky highlights – wide strands at the sides of the face that clearly stand out from the rest of the hair. For a spectacular effect, the strands need to be wide. They look especially good with a ponytail or bun with the strands left loose.

Who suits front highlights?

Front highlights are universal – practically every woman can choose them, whatever her colouring or face shape: blonde, brown, black or red hair. A professional hairdresser will choose a shade that works with your whole hairstyle. On black, cool-toned hair the strands need lightening first – done at a salon, the hair is usually lifted to a warm brown before toning.

How to get light strands around the face

The best option is a professional, experienced salon. If you want to do it yourself, use only high-quality professional colouring products. For a strong colour contrast you’ll need lightener (bleach); for a subtler change, a high-lift dye that lightens 1–3 tones may be enough.

Separate the strands precisely, clip the rest of the hair away and place foil under the strands. Apply the product evenly with a brush and wrap the strands in foil. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never exceed the recommended processing time.

Why choose light front highlights?

Front highlights are a great way to change your look without colouring all your hair or cutting it drastically. They’re easy to maintain and low-impact. They add dimension and character, frame the face beautifully and can be tailored to your taste – thin and subtle or wide and bold. They brighten the complexion and go perfectly with a summer tan.

→ Find your nearest Haircut Express salon and check colouring prices – no appointment needed.

FAQ

What are light strands at the front of the face called?

It’s the so-called money piece (or face framing) – two wider, lighter strands framing the face. A thicker, high-contrast version is 90s-style chunky highlights.

Who suits light strands around the face?

Almost everyone – they brighten the complexion and make you look younger. On dark hair caramel or honey works better than cool blonde, and with a round face it’s worth starting the strands a little below the root to lengthen it.

Do front highlights damage hair?

Minimally – only two strands are lightened and the rest of the hair stays untouched. It’s the gentlest way to go “blonde” on a dark base.

How often should a money piece be refreshed?

Every 2–3 months. Regrowth at the face is fairly visible, but many people wear it on purpose as a soft transition (a so-called root smudge).

Can I get face-framing highlights at Haircut Express without an appointment?

Yes. It’s one of the quicker colouring services – the hairdresser agrees the shade and price with you on the spot (complex colouring in the price list). Walk in to any salon without a booking.

Read also

• Highlights on dark hair – caramel or cool tones?
• Balayage, ombre, sombre, highlights – what is the difference?
• Hairstyles that make women look younger
• Hair burnt by bleaching – how to save it?