Face Framing Highlights for Long Hair: Ideas That’ll Make You Look Effortlessly Gorgeous
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Face framing highlights for long hair add instant brightness and dimension around your face without the commitment of full highlights.
I’ve been obsessed with face framing highlights for long hair lately, and honestly? They’re one of those rare hair trends that works on literally everyone. Whether you’ve got stick-straight locks or gorgeous waves down to your waist, these strategically placed highlights can completely transform your look.
The best part is they’re way more forgiving than full highlights. Your roots won’t look tragic after eight weeks, and you can ease into lighter hair without going full blonde.
What to Ask Your Colorist for Face Framing Highlights
Bring reference photos. Don’t rely on vague descriptions—show exactly what you want and what you don’t.
Specify the thickness. Ask for “thin babylights” for subtle dimension or “chunky money pieces” for a bolder statement.
Discuss your parting. Your highlights need to follow where you actually part your hair, not where the stylist thinks you should.
Request a toner consultation. Even if you want “just blonde,” there are warm honeys, cool ashes, and everything in between.
Ask about maintenance frequency. Get realistic expectations about touch-ups—usually every 10-12 weeks for this style.
Confirm the starting point. Some stylists start highlights at the roots, others midway down—make sure you’re on the same page.
What Professional Colorists Know About Face Framing Highlights
Professional colorists understand that the strategic placement of light and shadow enhances natural features—brightening the eyes, softening the jawline, and giving the illusion of lifted cheekbones. According to Wella Professionals, the technique should mimic how sunlight naturally hits your hair.
But here’s what I find really interesting: a professional colorist will know exactly how to lighten your locks so that it’s perfectly placed according to your face shape, and they’ll also be able to achieve your desired color with minimal damage. This is why I always tell people to invest in a good colorist for this technique—it’s not just about slapping some bleach on the front pieces.
The pros also know that it’s low-maintenance, allowing your client to either let the highlights grow out naturally or refresh the color over time. Hair.com experts note that this makes face framing highlights perfect for anyone wanting dimension without constant salon visits.
1. Soft Money Piece
The money piece is exactly what it sounds like — the two thick highlighted sections right around your face that make every selfie look expensive. On long hair, a soft blended version frames your features without screaming “I just got highlights.” It is the easiest way to brighten up your whole look.
2. Babylights Around the Hairline
Babylights are super fine, delicate highlights that mimic the natural lightening you got as a kid playing outside. Concentrated around the hairline and face, they give long hair this soft, sun-kissed glow that grows out beautifully. Zero harsh lines, all glow.
3. Caramel Ribbons on Brunettes
If you have long dark hair, caramel face-framing pieces are unbeatable. The warm tones light up your skin and add dimension without lifting your base color. It is the kind of highlight that makes people ask if you got a tan.
4. Bright Blonde Bookends
For blondes who want to go brighter, two bold bookend pieces on either side of your part create instant brightness around the face. The rest of your hair can stay more natural, which keeps the maintenance way lower than a full head of highlights.
5. Honey Face Frame on Dirty Blondes
Honey tones sit right in that perfect spot between blonde and brunette, which makes them ideal for dirty blonde or light brown hair. Face-framing honey pieces warm up your complexion and add depth that solid color just cannot give you.
6. Copper Face Frame for Redheads
Redheads, this one is for you. A few brighter copper pieces around the face make your natural red look richer and more dimensional. It also makes your eye color pop in a way that feels effortless and editorial.
7. Curtain Bang Style Highlights
Even if you do not have actual curtain bangs, you can highlight your hair like you do. Lighter pieces that fall on either side of a center part create that curtain effect and frame your face perfectly. Works on every hair type and length.
8. Balayage Around the Face Only
A full balayage is a commitment. Just doing balayage around the face is not. You get all the soft, hand-painted dimension where it matters most, and the back of your hair stays low-maintenance. Smart money move for busy people.
9. Ash Blonde Face Frame for Cool Tones
If you have cool undertones, warm caramels can sometimes feel off. Ash blonde face-framing pieces give you that bright pop without pulling brassy or yellow. It photographs beautifully and pairs well with cool-toned makeup.
10. Chunky 90s Style Pieces
The 90s chunky highlight is back and somehow looks really cool now. Two thicker, more defined pieces around the face give long hair that lived-in, editorial vibe. Best on people who want something a little more statement and less subtle.
Best Hair Colors to Pair with Face Framing Highlights
The magic of face framing highlights is how they can work with virtually any base color. For brunettes, I’m obsessed with caramel and honey tones—they add warmth without looking unnatural. If you’ve got darker hair, beige blonde highlights create this gorgeous contrast that’s not too stark.
Blonde hair can absolutely benefit from face framing highlights too. Try going platinum white around your face for extra pop, or add some golden tones if your base is too cool. I’ve even seen gorgeous results with fashion colors—think soft pink or blue highlights on darker bases.
The key is staying within 2-3 shades of your natural color for the most flattering result. Sure, you can go bolder, but that’s when maintenance becomes a real commitment. And honestly? Sometimes subtle makes the biggest impact.
How to Style Your Face Framing Highlights
One of my favorite things about face framing highlights on long hair is how they look good in any style. When you wear your hair down, those lighter pieces naturally catch the light and frame your face. But they’re also gorgeous in updos—the highlights peek through and add dimension even when your hair is pulled back.
For everyday styling, try scrunching some texturizing spray through damp hair and air drying. The highlights will show up beautifully in loose waves. If you’re more of a straight-hair person, use a flat iron to create subtle bends in those highlighted pieces.
And here’s a styling trick I learned from my colorist: change up your part occasionally. It prevents the highlights from looking too “done” and helps them blend more naturally with your base color as they grow out.
What’s Your Face Framing Highlight Style?
Face framing highlights are honestly one of the most versatile ways to update long hair without a major chop or dramatic color change. Whether you go subtle with babylights or bold with chunky pieces, you’re getting that fresh-from-vacation glow year-round.
Are you thinking of trying face framing highlights? I’d love to know what style you’re considering—drop a comment and let’s chat about it!
