The Best Face-Framing Highlights Ideas For 2023
Face-framing highlights aka money piece hair is a popular colouring technique in which colour (usually, a brighter shade than your natural hue!) is strategically placed around the hairline for an instant brightening and framing effect. The finished result leaves you with a gorgeous, dimensional look — so, it should come as no surprise to learn that these types of highlights are the most-coveted style around.
So, how can you achieve them? With foils or hand-painted balayage, depending on how natural you want your face-frame to look. The best thing about them is that they flattering on all face shapes, hair lengths, hair types and textures, so anyone can give them a go.
Whether you’re waiting for salons to open or are looking for hair colour ideas to save for 2022, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to see the best face-framing highlight looks.
Face-Framing Highlights on Brown Hair
Soft balayage highlights, like these golden ones, are great for adding warmth to your complexion and refreshing brown strands.
Blonde Face Frame on Dark Hair
For those with a naturally darker base colour, look to these honey blonde face-framing highlights for inspiration. You’ll get extra points if you pair this hue with bouncy curls.
Chunky Face-Framing Highlights
For something that oozes ‘90s vibes, go for chunky, framing highlights like these.
Editor’s tip: Coloured hair tends to be on the drier side so to keep your lengths looking shiny and healthy, we recommend trying a shampoo for coloured hair like the TRESemmé Revitalise Colour Shampoo.
Caramel Face-Framing Accents on Wavy Bob
Short hair? For a halo effect that will brighten your face, go with a few subtle caramel highlights towards the fronts of your hair.
Editor’s tip: Lock in this wavy hairstyle with a curl-shaping mousse like the TRESemmé Curl Definition Mousse.
Classic Face-Framing Balayage on Long Brown Hair
Credit: indigitalimages.com
Like this beauty, you can add a touch of warmth to your long brown hair with chocolate balayage highlights for a subtle yet eye-catching effect.
Illuminating Money Pieces
Credit: @wellahairusa
See? Even blondes can try this trend.
Natural Highlights
Credit: @iammarybennett
Yes, we couldn’t believe this isn’t natural either! This subtle face-frame is the stuff hair dreams are made of.
Editor’s tip: Nourish your natural curls with SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancer Smoothie, for bouncy and healthy locks all-day long.
Framing Silver Babylights
Credit: @glenhew
Give dark brown hair an icy touch with some silver babylights.
Copper Face-Framing Highlights
Credit: @the_indian_salon_
Inject some spice into brown hair with warming copper highlights. Getting a few added around your hairline is all you need to do to make you glow.
Sunlit Red
Credit: @nuria.contreras
Take your red hair to the next level with a brighter balayage close to the face.
Sun-Kissed Waves
Credit: @holaa_caro
Nothing catches the light quite like sun-kissed highlights, and this beachy look will make you look like a Cali-babe 24/7.
Face-Frame Highlights on Straight Hair
Credit: @ameliajanehair
The combination of toffee and brown hues creates beautiful dimension on straight hair.
Foil Highlights
Credit: @rachel_redd
Here’s what face-framing highlights look like when they’re done using a foiling technique.
Blonde Money Pieces on Ash Brown Hair
Credit: @hairgoddesskat
Combining smokey brown hair with some bright money pieces will instantly make your look IG-worthy.
Bronde Balayage
Credit: @thesalonedit
What’s not to love about this beautiful bronde take on the trend?
Face-Framing Balayage on Medium Hair
Credit: @chelseahaircutters
If your medium tresses need a colour update, look to this flattering example for inspo.
Short and Striking Face-Frame
Credit: @joeel56
Teaming inky-black hair with blonde highlights instantly makes this choppy hair standout.
Bangs and Face-Framing Highlights
Credit: @nao.hair
We’re getting ’70s vibes from this effortless bangs and balayage hairstyle.
Editor’s tip: Want to give your bangs a voluminous lift? Simply spray the TRESemmé Day 2 Volumising Dry Shampoo on your mane and roots before styling. Et voilà! Instant lift and body.
Curtain Fringe
Credit: @hirohair
Curtain bangs are everywhere, so you might as well get them done (along with some flattering highlights!).
Face-Framing Teasylights
If you’re looking to go subtle, try some brown teasylights and add them around your face for a pop of brightness.
Lived-In Highlights
Face-framing highlights are low-maintenance, meaning you can go longer in-between salon visits. The best thing? They look even more enchanting as they grow out.
Highlighted Hairstyle
The best hairstyles to show off your face-framing balayage? Low buns, half-up hairstyles and anything else that requires romantic wisps at the front.
