If you want a fresher look without committing to a full head of color, face-framing highlights are the smartest place to start. Brightness placed around your face lifts your complexion, draws attention to your eyes and makes your whole head look lighter, with far less upkeep than all-over color.
What face-framing highlights are
Face-framing highlights are lighter pieces placed in the front sections of your hair, along your hairline and around your face. You may also hear them called a “money piece”, front highlights or, at Roma Hair Salon, the Illuminated Contour (contorno iluminado).
The idea is simple: the hair closest to your face catches the most light and is what people see first, so brightening it creates the biggest visual effect for the smallest amount of color. Meanwhile, the rest of your hair stays as it is, or keeps its existing balayage.
Placement can be bold, with two bright ribbons right at the front, or soft, with fine, blended pieces that look like your hair has lightened naturally in the sun. A good colorist will adjust thickness, brightness and placement to your face shape, your part and how you usually wear your hair.
Who face-framing highlights suit
Almost everyone can wear brightness around the face. It works especially well if you:
- Want to try lighter hair before committing to a full balayage.
- Already have balayage and want to refresh the front between full appointments.
- Have dark hair and want a noticeable lift without changing everything.
- Prefer low-maintenance color that grows out gently.
- Wear your hair down most days, so the front is always on show.
If you often wear your hair in a ponytail or bun, mention it. Your colorist can place the brightness so it looks good both up and down.
Choosing your shade
The most flattering face-framing tones generally harmonize with your skin’s undertone and your natural base.
| Your base | Shades that often flatter |
|---|---|
| Dark brown to black | Caramel, toffee, warm honey |
| Medium brown | Honey, golden beige, soft caramel |
| Light brown to dark blond | Beige, champagne, buttery blond |
Warm skin tones tend to glow with golden and honey shades; cooler skin tones often look best in beige and neutral blonds. Your colorist will also consider how much your hair can lift in one session. Before your visit, gather photos of shades you love, ideally on hair similar to yours, and one photo of a look you do not want.
Face-framing highlights at Roma Hair Salon
Roma’s specialty is color design, and the Illuminated Contour is the salon’s face-framing service: brightness placed around the face to frame your features without a full color service. The total is COP 456.000, compared with COP 780.000 for a full Color Balayage. You can see more results on the face-framing highlights in Medellín page.
Illuminated Contour
- Total
- COP 456.000≈ US$143
- Pay online to reserve
- COP 76.000
- Pay at Roma Hair Salon
- COP 380.000
Paying the reservation fee confirms your appointment right away and blocks that time just for you. You pay the rest at Roma Hair Salon on the day.
Book Illuminated ContourYour appointment is confirmed as soon as the 20% reservation fee is paid online, and the rest is paid at the salon. If you want an early start, the first appointment of the day is at 8:30 am. If you are unsure whether you need a contour or a full balayage, a color consultation for COP 60.000 will help you decide.
Pairing your highlights with a cut
Color around the face looks its best with a shape that shows it off. For example, long curtain bangs, soft layers that start at the cheekbones and face-skimming pieces all give the brightness room to move. If your current cut has grown out, consider booking a women’s haircut to go with your new color; ask your stylist whether it makes more sense to cut before or after the color is applied.
Your part also matters. A middle part shows two even ribbons of brightness, while a deep side part puts more light on one side for a softer, asymmetric effect. If you switch your part often, say so at the start of the appointment, so the color can be placed to look balanced either way. The same goes for bangs: if you are thinking of growing them out or cutting them in, decide before your color so the placement suits the shape you will actually wear.
Keeping the front bright
Because the front of your hair gets the most sun, heat and touching, it is also the first part to fade or turn brassy. Protect it with a few habits:
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and lukewarm water.
- Apply heat protectant every time you blow-dry or use irons, especially on the front pieces you style the most.
- Shield your hair from the sun. Medellín sits at about 1,495 meters, and UV is strong year-round.
- Refresh tone with a gloss or color bath when the front starts to look warmer than you like.
- Keep the lightened pieces conditioned; they are more porous than the rest of your hair.
For trustworthy general guidance on caring for your hair and scalp, see the American Academy of Dermatology.
Face-framing highlights FAQ
Are face-framing highlights damaging?
Any lightening affects the hair, but because only a small area is treated, the overall impact on your hair is smaller than with full lightening. Still, good aftercare matters most.
How often will I need to refresh them?
It depends on how quickly your hair grows, how bright the pieces are and how you care for them. Soft, blended placement grows out more gently than bold, bright ribbons.
Can I add them to existing balayage?
Yes. A contour is a popular way to brighten the front between full balayage appointments.
Will they work on very dark hair?
Usually, yes. Dark hair often looks best with warm caramel or honey pieces. Your colorist will tell you how much lift is realistic in one session.
Ready to brighten up? Book your Illuminated Contour online, bring your inspiration photos, and leave Laureles with color that frames your face beautifully.