The Money Piece Vs. A Scandi Hairline – What’s The Difference?

As a hairstylist, the latest lingo for hair color techniques and styles has always driven me nuts. “The butterfly haircut”. You mean A LONG LAYERED CUT?? In the last decade the money piece has made it’s way to the top of the trends, but it appears that the trend seems to be evolving. The new word is called a “Scandi Hairline”. What the heck is this? And how is it different from a traditional money piece?

Let’s first distinguish the difference between each of these hair color trends.

What is a money piece?

A money piece is a section of hair along the front hairline that is brighter, usually blonder than the rest of the hair. This piece stands out against the rest of the hair, and can produce a relatively bold look. The blonde is higher up and closer to the scalp than any other highlights or blonde pieces on the rest of the head.

It is created by using bleach inside of foils all along the hairline. It’s typically 3/4″ to 1″ in size, but the size may vary depending on how bold you desire the final outcome to be. I usually do 4 bleach foils back to back when I create a traditional money piece.

What is a Scandi hairline?

A Scandi hairline is where the baby hairs around the hairline are lightened just a few levels from the rest of the hair.

This technique is usually painted directly onto the scalp with a small brush. It is also only advised to do on hair that is a level 7 or above to avoid brassiness in the color.

This look is so subtle that it is hardly noticeable. It is incredibly natural looking, the way the hairline looks on someone of Scandinavian descent.

How are they similar?

These two color trends are similar because they both involve lightening the hair at the front hairline. The hair is lighter up front than the rest of the hair on the head. They both give that “brightness around the face” look.

How are they different?

These two trends differ for a number of reasons. The technique used to apply each is very different as well as the level of boldness in the outcome.

A money piece is much bolder than a Scandi hairline and is applied with foils instead of being painted right on the head. A Scandi hairline is also much lower maintenance than a money piece because it’s not as noticeable when it grows out.

Which is best for me?

When trying to decide if you’d rather have a money piece or a Scandi hairline, my best suggestion is to decide how bold of a look you’re going for.

If you want something extremely natural looking that is low maintenance, go with a Scandi hairline. But if you really want the blonde to pop up front, stick with a money piece.

Money Piece vs. Scandi Hairline – Conclusion

Both money pieces and Scandi hairlines are popular trends in hair color today.

A money piece is characterized by a bold chunk of blonde along the front hairline. This technique is usually applied using bleach inside of foils.

A Scandi hairline is characterized by a lighter baby hairs along the front hairline. This technique is usually applied by painting the hair color directly onto the scalp.

They are similar because they both involve lightening the front hairline, but different because one is much bolder than the other.

If you have any further questions regarding a money piece or a Scandi hairline, leave them for me in the comments! As always, Have A Good Hair Day!