Life’s simple joys often come in unexpected moments—like savoring your morning coffee, unwrapping a surprise package, or walking out of the salon with a fresh hair color. For those craving a fun yet subtle hair transformation, peekaboo highlights are the perfect solution. This playful trend allows you to experiment with color while keeping things understated and chic.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of hidden pops of color peeking through your locks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an in-depth look at peekaboo highlights, from what they are to how you can rock this trend, no matter your base shade.
What Are Peekaboo Highlights?
Peekaboo highlights are all about strategically placing color on the lower layers of your hair, allowing it to subtly peek through the top layer. Whether your stylist uses thin streaks or bold chunks, this technique reveals a hidden burst of color when your hair moves or is styled.
Why Peekaboo Highlights Are Trending
Hair trends like balayage and ombre have had their moment, but peekaboo highlights offer a fresh twist. They’re a fun and unexpected way to add personality to your look without fully committing to a vibrant mane. Imagine running your fingers through your hair and catching a glimpse of electric blue or pastel pink—it’s a delightful surprise every time.
It’s these little moments of joy that make peekaboo highlights so appealing. They’re like finding a forgotten treat in your bag or stumbling upon a hidden gem in your wardrobe—proof that beauty lies in the details.
Are Peekaboo Highlights High-Maintenance?
If you love a low-maintenance hair routine, you’re in luck! Peekaboo highlights are one of the easiest trends to manage. Since the color is mostly hidden beneath the surface, regrowth is less noticeable, and touch-ups can be spaced out. You can enjoy the playful pop of color without the constant upkeep.
Where to Add Peekaboo Highlights
The classic approach involves applying color to the bottom layers of your hair, but there are plenty of ways to customize the look. You can frame your face with highlights near the roots, layer color throughout the back, or even create a gradient effect that intensifies from the front to the nape. No matter your choice, peekaboo highlights can be tailored to fit your style and personality.
The Benefits of Peekaboo Highlights
Peekaboo highlights are a playful way to experiment with hair color, offering a perfect balance of subtlety and flair. They let you embrace a “business on top, party underneath” vibe—wear your hair down for a polished, professional look or throw it up to reveal bold streaks of color. This trend is ideal for anyone seeking a low-maintenance way to refresh their hair without committing to a dramatic transformation.
As hairstylist Choi notes, peekaboo highlights not only add personality but can also create the illusion of thicker hair, making them a great option for those with fine or thin strands.
What to Consider Before Getting Peekaboo Highlights
1. Choosing the Right Color
Peekaboo highlights work with virtually any color palette—from soft pastels to vibrant neon shades. For a striking, edgy vibe, opt for bold hues like blue, purple, or red. If you prefer something understated, caramel, blonde, or light pastel tones are excellent choices and easier to maintain. Keep your base shade and skin undertones in mind to ensure your color complements your overall look.
2. Deciding on Placement
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to placing peekaboo highlights. Popular spots include the nape of the neck, under the crown, or along the sides. Consider your lifestyle when deciding on placement—if you need to conceal the highlights for professional or formal events, choose areas that can easily be hidden when your hair is down.
3. Maintenance Needs
The upkeep for peekaboo highlights depends on the colors you choose. Bright, vibrant shades require more frequent touch-ups and toning to keep their intensity, while softer, natural hues fade gracefully and require less maintenance. Before diving into this trend, assess how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to maintaining your new look.
30 Peekaboo Highlight Ideas to Inspire Your Next Look
Peekaboo highlights are the ultimate way to inject some creativity into your hair without going all-in on a bold color. Whether you want a subtle touch or a vibrant statement, these ideas will inspire your next hair transformation.
Forest Green
Channel the beauty of the forest with rich green highlights hidden beneath a deep red base. This striking combination is perfect for those who love earthy tones with a twist of fantasy. To maintain the vibrancy of green hues, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to keep the shade fresh for longer.
Rainbow Brights
Why choose one color when you can have them all? Rainbow peekaboo highlights let you decorate your hair with a spectrum of vibrant shades. If your base is dark, you’ll need to lighten it first to make the colors pop. Always consult an experienced stylist to achieve this bold and playful look without compromising hair health.
Lilac
Delicate and dreamy, lilac highlights add a soft, ethereal touch to your hair. Perfect for those with pale skin tones, lilac pairs beautifully with light or pastel bases. For an elegant showcase, try styling your hair in braided updos to highlight the subtle nuances of this whimsical shade.
Barbie Burst
Embrace a burst of Barbie pink with peekaboo streaks that shine from mid-lengths to ends. This vibrant pink works especially well on long, wavy hair, as the layers enhance the playful dimension of the color. While peekaboo highlights can suit all hair types, this look is a standout for anyone craving bold and flirty vibes.
Cotton Candy on Black
Who says subtlety is key? For a look that’s vibrant yet mysterious, cotton candy highlights add whimsical pastel pink, blue, and lilac hues to jet-black hair. This blend of dreamy tones creates a magical effect, peeking through your dark locks with every movement. Let your stylist carefully layer the colors for a seamless fantasy-inspired finish.
Purple Peek-A-Boo Party
For those wanting a more intricate, multi-colored look, purple peekaboo highlights are a show-stopping choice. Choi emphasizes the importance of going to a professional for complex color work. Proper placement and blending are key to achieving this stunning, layered effect. Plus, professionals can minimize potential damage and ensure your hair stays healthy throughout the process.
Bubblegum Pink and Platinum
If soft and chic is your vibe, pair platinum blonde with subtle bubblegum pink highlights. This color combo offers a playful yet sophisticated take on pink hues. Keep in mind, achieving this look requires bleach, which can cause dryness. Invest in a hydrating hair care routine to restore moisture and maintain silky, healthy locks while rocking your pastel masterpiece.
Bold Cool-Toned Streak
For those who love drama, try cool-toned highlights like a blue gradient layered over an onyx base. This bold look pops beautifully against dark hair, but it requires proper prep. As stylist Choi advises, ensure your hair is in great condition to handle the bleaching process. Deep conditioning treatments before and after the appointment can protect and restore your strands.
Turquoise on Violet
Looking for a creative twist on purple hair? Add turquoise peekaboo streaks for a vibrant flash of light that enhances your violet base. The cool-toned turquoise acts as a brightening accent, similar to how platinum blonde elevates honey shades. This combination is perfect for those who want a bold yet harmonious look.
Turquoise Crush
The hair world’s love affair with turquoise is eternal—and for good reason. This vibrant shade, sitting perfectly between blue and green, brings life and energy to any style. Whether you pair it with dark hair or lighter hues, turquoise peekaboo highlights are guaranteed to make a bold statement.
Peek-A-Blue
Natural curls look magical with peekaboo highlights, especially when brushed out. Each curl separates to reveal streaks of vivid blue, creating the illusion of larger sections painted in this cool hue. It’s a perfect way to add dimension to textured hair.
Aqua on Silver
For those who want bright, striking tones, aqua on silver is an eye-catching choice. While these colors require more maintenance to stay vivid, a professional stylist can help you customize a care routine to keep your hair looking flawless.
Muted Blue on Black
If bold isn’t your style, muted gray-blue highlights on a black base offer a more subdued, vampy alternative. These peekaboo streaks create drama without going neon, and under the right light, they shimmer like natural highlights.
Indigo on Black
Indigo isn’t just for denim anymore. Deep cobalt streaks blend beautifully with a black base, creating a refreshed, polished look. Ideal for medium skin tones, this subtle style offers a low-key but impactful update to dark hair.
Brunette Under Blonde
Embrace your roots with this timeless twist on peekaboo highlights. A brunette base paired with blonde streaks underneath creates a soft, dimensional effect. Ask your stylist for a root smudge to blur the transition for a seamless, low-maintenance grow-out.
Color-Blocked Braids
Box braids get a fun update with hidden rainbow colors beneath the surface. This style minimizes damage while offering a bold, multi-hued look. The best part? The vibrant shades remain tucked away, only appearing when you want to show them off.
Rainbow Under Rose Gold
Pairing rainbow streaks with chic rose gold is a fresh way to add vibrant accents. Whether you’re testing the waters with rainbow hues or updating your existing color, this combination is bold yet stylish.
Sunset Highlights
Capture the beauty of a sunset with highlights in magenta, orange, yellow, and red. Adding a touch of lavender and topping it off with whimsical accessories like a rainbow clip enhances the playful nature of this look.
Orange Under Sunflower
For a bright, sunny vibe, pair orange peekaboo highlights with a vibrant yellow base. To frame your face and add extra brightness, place orange streaks near the hairline. Blow-drying with a round brush and spritzing texturizing hairspray will enhance volume and showcase this cheerful combo.
Peekaboo Pumpkin
Warm tones like burgundy, scarlet, and copper are trending for fall. These pumpkin spice-inspired curls are rich, vibrant, and perfect for the season, offering a cozy, autumnal look.
Caramel on Hazelnut
For a workplace-friendly style, caramel highlights on a hazelnut base offer a natural yet polished look. When swept back, these warm tones flatter all complexions, creating a refined appearance suitable for any occasion.
Rose Gold
Not all peekaboo highlights need to be hidden underneath. If you love rose gold but don’t want an all-over color, consider adding this pinky blonde shade to your roots for a subtle yet chic accent.
Reverse Peekaboo Highlights
Flip the script by placing lighter shades, like ashy blonde, on the outer sections of your hair. This bold and unexpected twist creates a striking contrast and keeps the peekaboo trend front and center.
Icy Blue on Blonde
Add frosty blue streaks to platinum blonde hair for a look fit for a modern-day fairytale. This style pairs beautifully with long hair, and if maintenance becomes too challenging, the blue can easily be trimmed away for a fresh start.
Pink-Tinted Bangs
Infuse romance into your look with rose-tinted bangs on dark curls. Pairing these highlights with complementary rose gold makeup ties the whole look together, creating an enchanting aesthetic.
Purple and Gold
For a fun yet discreet option, try placing a single streak of purple and gold at the nape of your neck. This hidden peekaboo highlight adds a surprising pop of color when revealed, making it perfect for those who love subtle boldness.
FAQs
1. How long do peekaboo highlights last?
The lifespan of peekaboo highlights depends on the type of dye and your maintenance routine. Semi-permanent dyes typically fade within 4-6 weeks, while permanent colors can last months. To keep your highlights vibrant, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and avoid excessive heat styling.
2. Can peekaboo highlights work on all hair types?
Absolutely! Peekaboo highlights can be customized for any hair type, texture, or length. From curly to straight, short to long, this style can be tailored to suit your hair’s unique qualities while adding depth and personality.
3. Are peekaboo highlights high-maintenance?
Peekaboo highlights are generally low-maintenance, especially if you choose subtle shades that blend well with your base color. Bright or pastel shades may require more frequent touch-ups to maintain their vibrancy. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help keep your hair healthy and your highlights fresh.
