40 Captivating Peekaboo Highlights For A Stylish Look
Be the diva and attract attention with these trendiest, gorgeous, and sexy highlights.
Nickie is the owner of Nickieology Beauty Unleashed, a styling salon in Omaha, Nebraska. She has over 30 years of experience. After graduating from high school, Nickie attended Xenon Int'l School of Hair Design in Nebraska and got her cosmetology license a year later.
Read full bio of Nickie Addison
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.
Read full bio of Anu Pallavi
Image: Amazon
If you have ever played ‘peek-a-boo’ with a child, you know the joy they experience when they find you.
Maybe you can feel that joy with peekaboo highlights! Peekaboo highlights, also known as hidden highlights or hidden hair colors, are the latest hair coloring trend taking Instagram and social media by storm. You leave the top layer of your hair natural but color the layers beneath. So, your hair looks plain on the surface, but once you style it, the hidden colors come shining through.
Still a bit confused about these highlights? Scroll down to learn more, and check out peekaboo highlight styles that you can try out.
Before You Get Started- Peekaboo highlights are versatile and look great on all hair types and cuts. These highlights use the freehand coloring technique to add dimension to your mane.
- You can opt for both chunky and bold or subdued and muted colors for your peekaboo highlights.
- Blow out your hair in big curls to add movement to it and offer proper visibility to the highlights.
In This Article
What Exactly Are Peekaboo Highlights?
Peekaboo highlights are a fun and subtle way to add a pop of color to your hair. Unlike traditional highlights that are placed on top layers, peekaboo highlights are strategically hidden underneath layers of hair. This makes them visible only when styled a certain way.
Peekaboo highlights can be done in bold shades or soft tones. It offers endless customization options depending on your personal style.
Key Takeaways
- Experiment with shades of pink, from bold to pastel hues, for a playful and feminine touch.
- Add an adventurous spark with bright shades like neon orange embers on brunette or black hair.
- Embrace harmonious contrasts, like chocolate brown paired with light lilac, for a chic look.
- You can achieve a subtle pop of color with purple highlights on blonde or brunette hair.
Why The Name Peekaboo?
Have you played a game of peek-a-boo with a child? You cover your eyes, then suddenly open them and say “peek-a-boo!” The sound of laughter from that child is priceless. That’s the kind of joy you’ll feel when you get peekaboo highlights. Peekaboo highlights are colored highlights that are hidden under the top layer of your hair. They are most commonly done at the back of the head. The best thing about this style is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one or two colors. You can get these peekaboo highlights in as many colors as you want.
Off the bat, I’m going to plead with you to go to a hairstylist to get the perfect peekaboo highlights. It takes a great deal of experience to get these intricate patterns and colors right. So, make an appointment with a professional hairstylist or expert to avoid damaging your hair. Check out the next section to find out how to go about it.
Fun FactHow To Get Peekaboo Highlights
- Decide what dye and pattern of peekaboo highlights you want to flaunt. Take your natural hair color, skin tone, and eye color into consideration. For a contrasting look, opt for bold colors like electric blue or neon pink. If you want something subtle, choose softer pastel colors. Consulting with a professional stylist can help you find the perfect combination.
- Tell your stylist how you normally part your hair to help them figure out where to place the peekaboo highlights.
- The stylist will color your hair in sections, leaving the top layer of your hair untouched to hide the peekaboo highlights. They begin coloring at the top, about an inch from the parting, and move downwards. They use foils to keep the hair color from spreading to the parts of your hair that you don’t want to color.
Now, I’m sure you must be wondering how much damage peekaboo highlights unleash on your hair. Don’t worry, you can protect and nourish your hair by following the simple maintenance tips listed in the next section. Check them out!
How To Maintain Peekaboo Highlights
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent your hair color from fading for as long as possible. These products will also nourish your hair that has been left dry and damaged from bleaching.
- Use a color-safe shampoo along with a hydrating conditioner to take care of all your newly-colored hair’s needs.
- Coloring your hair can dry out and damage it, which can lead to hair loss and breakage. Use a moisturizing hair mask to add protein and hydration to your tresses and get rejuvenated and healthy hair.
- Oil your hair twice a week. Massage warm oil into your scalp and hair to nourish them. This not only prevents hair damage but also adds shine to your hair.
- For two to three weeks immediately after you’ve colored your hair, don’t tie your hair in tight ponytails or braids. Your hair is already fragile, and tying it tightly can cause a lot of breakage. Instead of tight ponytails and updos, opt for messy buns and loose braids.
- Brush your hair gently. Start at the ends and work your way up. Don’t pull your brush at the knots; detangle them gently. This might seem strenuous, but it is good for your locks in the long run – colored or not.
- To keep your highlights looking fresh, get regular touch-ups done. Ask your stylist how often should you get them done and keep at it. You’ll have perfect highlights that don’t look washed out or faded. Your grown-out roots can also be colored during the touch-ups, so your peekaboo game is on point.
Fun FactNow that you know how to get and maintain peekaboo highlights, let’s check out the top 40 ways that you can style them!
40 Captivating Peekaboo Highlights Styles
Explore some captivating peekaboo highlight styles that will inspire your next hair transformation. Read on!
1. Green Highlight
Why not get inspired by one of the most joyous celebrations? Green Christmas color peeking through the blonde locks give the perfect winter and holiday vibes. Let your hair jingle with the holiday season. Add a few red streaks to get into the vibe.
2. Candy Colors
Here’s a sweet treat for your eyes! Doesn’t this remind you of a bag of M&M’s? The multi-colored peekaboo highlights add a pop of brightness to the blonde hair. You can show off your color blast highlights with half updos or weave the hair into a braid to get a look that’s chic!
3. Twisted Red Tales
Peekaboo highlights are best enhanced with twisted curls, as they bring out the color in the right proportion. The tight curls place the crimson-red hair in ribbon-like twists. The brazen hue will add a spark to your tresses in a ponytail or even light waves.
4. Pink Candy Floss
Channel your inner Barbie with shades of pink. The bright pink highlights set off the chocolate brown hair on top. Sport your femininity with bolder shades of pink, and go for pastel shades if you want to add a subtle splash of color. You may explore various highlights for dark hair to find the perfect shade that complements your style and enhances your look.
5. Burning Embers
In for some adventure? Fire up the town with the burning orange shade and brandish the bolder you. The bright neon orange embers will spark the light of an optimistic aura. The color goes best with brunette or black hair for the depth it can add to the mane without going overboard.
6. Chocolate Brown And Lilac
Okay, first of all, that asymmetrical bob is on point! Chocolate brown hair acts as a curtain for light lilac hair in this look. This peekaboo highlights style is perfect for the fall. The brown and lilac go surprisingly well together and look great on fair skin.
7. Pop Of Purple
View this post on InstagramNew glaze and peek-a-boo purple. Thanks @leecestylz for coming to @hamaholicstudio!
Were you waiting as eagerly as I was to see which color the peekaboo highlights were? Just a pop of purple done up in peekaboo highlights creates a look that is to die for. This highlight adds a 3D effect to this blonde and brunette color combo.
8. Monochrome
Sinatra or Martin? Marvel or DC? Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network? These are iconic choices, just like the age-old black or white. But, sometimes, black and white can join forces to create a surreal peekaboo hairstyle.
9. Denim
The denim fad has been around for ages, and it’s not going anywhere. It should come as no surprise that it’s also been made into a hair color. This color is deep but vibrant, which makes it great for women who want just a subtle pop of color.
10. Purple And Blue
Have you ever seen the stunning salvia and lithodora flowers? They are the most gorgeous shades of purple and blue that you’ll ever see. Purple symbolizes a woman’s fire while blue stands for calmness, thus making for the perfect blend of femininity.
11. Burnt Highlights
Peekaboo highlights aren’t always hidden. Look at this lovely auburn hue in the front that blends well with the brown hair at the back. You can see a brilliant burnt hint all over her brown locks. This is the perfect hair color for the winter.
12. Wino Mix
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore. Famous singer Dean Martin was known for having a glass of alcohol in hand while singing. But did you know that most of the tipple was cider? Coming back to the topic, though, wine peekaboo highlights look gorgeous and give a mysterious feel.
13. Woody Composition
Have you ever carved your initials on a tree? If you haven’t, I’m sure you’ve at least seen a movie in which it’s done. The dark brown reveals a pale white inside when carved. This wintery peekaboo highlights look reminds me of that.
14. Blonde Peekaboo
Black hair that ends in a brazen brown ombre with blonde peekaboo highlights – this hair color is all warmth and fire. It’s perfect for those autumn and winter nights when it’s cold outside and cozy inside. The curls at the ends round off this look beautifully.
15. Unicorn Blend
Hello, unicorns! I haven’t tried the unicorn frappe, but these peekaboo highlights make me want to go get one right now. My mind immediately went to Avril Lavigne rocking out to ‘Sk8er Boi’ thanks to this blonde, purple, and pink mix. The purple adds a rich depth to this look. And, let’s not forget the blue that pulls you in like the ocean.
16. Pink Pop
Imagine tying this hair in a high ponytail – it would totally dazzle! The brightness of the pink stands out starkly against the darkness of the black hair. This is ideal for tweens, teen, and young adults.
17. Mermaid Tales
Mermaids are feisty mythical creatures of beauty. I’m sure after you saw Ariel in The Little Mermaid, you wanted to be a mermaid too. She had this glossy blue-green fishtail that is the inspiration for this peekaboo highlights look.
18. Intensely Purple
If you have brown hair, go for an intense shade like this deep purple. I took a picture of a purple flower a while back that was placed amidst brown leaves. That’s what this hair look reminds me of. The purple adds a lovely vibrance to her brown locks.
19. Neutral Blend
A deep blue, bright purple, and hints of pink come together to give us this wonderful hair color blend. These three colors create a lovely peekaboo highlights look. The black hair intensifies the entire appearance.
20. Chocolate-Strawberry Mix
View this post on Instagram
Deep pink highlights on brown hair make me think of a chocolate and strawberry cake. Rich chocolate blended with the freshness of strawberry is all I need to get me through the day. Excuse me while I make a quick trip to the bakery!
21. Beachy Vibes
Golden sand and blue waves – that’s the perfect vacation. I can almost feel the soft sand sinking beneath my feet and hear the swoosh of the waves when I look at these peekaboo highlights.
22. The Forest Mix
View this post on Instagram
Green leaves, brown marshy sand, and bluish-green streams – this is the best forest blend hair color I’ve ever seen. These dirty blonde locks with burnt orange and mermaid blue peekaboo highlights look perfect for those hot summers.
23. Phoenix Rising
This video reminds me of the phoenix spreading its wings and flying away to save Harry Potter from the Chamber of Secrets. And, I have to say, I’m loving this full peekaboo highlights. The red and orange add tons of spice and “flav-ah” to these light ginger tresses.
24. Cherry Cola Pops
View this post on Instagram
Darken your locks this winter and get some intense cherry cola pop peekaboo highlights. It’s sure to heat up your cold, snowy days and nights. The black hair makes the cherry cola color look brown from some angles, which is a win-win in my book.
25. Shock Purple
Shocking blue highlights look uber vibrant on blonde locks. If you like the emo and grunge vibe, this hair look is for you. Spruce up your blonde hair with some metallic gloss to make the blue pop even more.
26. Colorful Mermaid
View this post on InstagramPeek-a-boo ? It’s officially spooky szn • • • • #picoftheday #scruples #peekaboohighlights #balayage
Some women believe the mermaid colors are blue and green, but others say they are pink and purple. Well, why fight when you can get both blends? Let’s be mermaids with these gorgeous peekaboo highlights, ladies!
27. Magenta
Bright peekaboo highlights like these magenta ones look amazing on jet black locks. If you have an edgy personality but still enjoy your girly moments, you need to get this peekaboo highlights pronto!
28. Blonde Dimension
When you have dark hair, you need to use light colors to create contrast and a beautiful aesthetic. This blonde peekaboo highlights look does just that. Try out this look if you don’t want to go too over the top this fall.
29. Dirty Blonde Cover
Dirty blonde hair unveils bright pink highlights in this peekaboo look. This playful color blend is perfect for any season. After all, you never need a reason to color your hair pink.
30. Rainbow Mix
Somewhere over the rainbow…is a layer of blonde hair. This hair color blend is mind-blowing. I can only describe it as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I think anyone who sports this mix of colors wakes up feeling fresh and ready to take on the world.
31. Platinum Mix With Lilac
Lilac and platinum hair colors are really trending now. Both of these colors are super glossy and a great way to give yourself a dramatic makeover. Add some nice silver highlights to the platinum blonde tresses to add dimension to your hair.
32. Fiery Highlights
Is your hair dry and lifeless? Revive it with this fiery peekaboo look. It will add texture and dimension to your hair. Bring your hair back to life and flaunt it like never before!
33. Fall Blend
Looking for the perfect hair color this Halloween? If you feel you’re way too old to dress up but still want to have fun this pumpkin carving season, try this funky orange and yellow peekaboo highlight mix.
34. Drink Mix
Champagne or hot chocolate – what’s your beverage of choice? More importantly, why choose when both make for stunning hair colors? The age-old rivalry between blonde or brunettes has never found better common ground than this color mix. The braided hairstyle adds dimension to the look.
35. Candy Crush
Candy crush! The game that took all our attention and got us even more addicted to our phones. After all, who can resist those blue, pink, and red jellybeans? Well, take that candy obsession to your hair and make it candilicious!
36. Bright Pastels
Pastels and bright colors can be mixed to create a terrific blend. If you can go for multiple colors, why not go all out and make it one of the best mixes ever? If you are not afraid of being loud and vibrant, go for it!
37. Curtained Red
Move aside your brown hair to showcase your red locks. It looks magical and mysterious. You can never go wrong with the classic red. N-E-V-E-R!
38. Gingered Purple Highlights
Deep ginger locks with purple peekaboo highlights look ultra-modern and edgy. The waves and blunt ends add volume and help in framing your face. The blunt ends streamline the jaw and make it look chiseled. For a stunning effect, you may also check out these purple highlight ideas for dark hair, which will enhance the contrast and vibrancy of your look.
39. Peacock Highlights
Peacocks are greenish-blue and have a pink hint. It’s a stunning blend, and it’s only right that someone took that awesome color to their hair. What better way to do it than with peekaboo highlights on brown hair?
40. Turquoise
Femininity, tranquility, creativity, and wisdom – these are some of the things the color turquoise represents. It makes for a captivating hair color, especially when paired with blonde locks. Surreal!
Lindsey, a blogger, shares her experience of getting a new hairstyle featuring blue peekaboo highlights. She writes, “Peekaboo highlights are a great way to experiment with color because they don’t cost a lot (mine were only $25!) and you can put them wherever you want.” She continues regarding the results, “I always imagined it as a dark blue, but Blue [her hair stylist] came up with the amazing idea to put a shade of brighter blue down the middle. She worked her magic so they fade into each other for a cool, feathery effect. I can make one color show more than the other, highlight both, or neither… I never thought I’d be a ‘blue hair’ this early in life. I know it’s not for everyone, but I love it! It’s definitely not for my mom (i).”
Can’t wait to get your peekaboo highlights? Here are some styling tips to make the best of your new hairstyle.
Styling Tips For Peekaboo Highlights
Check out these simple styling tips to flaunt your peekaboo highlights in the best way.
- Go For Loose Waves: Beachy waves allow your peekaboo highlights to peek through naturally. It gives a subtle contrast as the curls move.
- Try Messy Half Top-Knots: Half top-knots are perfect for flaunting your highlights, as it reveals the hidden pops of color under the bun.
- Go For Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles: Half-up, half-down styles are ideal for peekaboo highlights as they let the colors blend with your natural hair while also giving them more visibility.
- Experiment With Braids: Braiding styles, like fishtail or French braids, allow your highlights to weave in and out, creating a multidimensional effect.
These simple yet stylish techniques will help you showcase the beauty of your peekaboo highlights while keeping your hairstyle fun!
Infographic: Top 5 Peekaboo Highlights Styles For You To Try
Peekaboo highlights, the trend of the season, are perfect for those who need a makeover but do not want to commit to something. This hidden color style looks plain on the surface, but can make heads turn when styled right. We have highlighted the top 5 peekaboo highlight styles you should definitely consider. Check out the infographic below to know more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
There is only one word you can use to sum up the awesomeness of peekaboo highlights — magic! And think about it; there is no bad color choice for these highlights because they will stay hidden unless you style your hair to make them pop out. We have shared everything you need to know before getting this style done to show how cool the peekaboo world is. So toss away all your doubts and head to the salon to get your peekaboo highlights right away! However, if you want to add more drama and dimension to your look, you can try chunky highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are peekaboo highlights low maintenance?
Yes, peekaboo highlights are a versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle that adds freshness and color to your look.
Are peekaboo highlights full or partial?
Peekaboo highlights can be both full or partial. Consult a professional to understand what is suitable for you.
Is peekaboo hair worth it?
Yes, peekaboo highlights are a great way to experiment with different colors and add an edge to your look. It is a versatile look that is easy to maintain.
Illustration: Captivating Peekaboo Highlights For A Stylish Look
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Check out this amazing video tutorial on how to create stunning peekaboo highlights using a platinum card on dark hair! Get ready to be wowed!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Peekaboo highlights.https://shesraveled.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/peekaboo-highlights/
Read full bio of Nickie Addison
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Anu Pallavi
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.