Craving a fresh pop of color without a full commitment? Peekaboo hair might be just what you need. Peekaboo highlights are a trend with roots in the ’80s, and they have a fun, timeless appeal. Read on for our expert guide to peekaboo hair.
What is Peekaboo Hair?
Peekaboo hair color is a two-tone (or multi-tone) style that involves applying color only to the underlayer of hair. It’s typically applied around the nape of the neck, under the crown, or near the sides of the head. This way, when you move your head, run your hand through your hair, or put your hair up, the color peeks through and is revealed.
Peekaboo highlights differ from traditional highlights in that they are only applied to the inner layer of the hair to achieve that surprise effect. Like a game of hide-and-seek with a small child, discovering what was hidden generates great joy and wonder.
The history of this hairstyle traces its origins back to 80s rock icon Debbie Harry. Currently, it’s experiencing a surge in popularity and has been seen in the hairstyles of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus. Overall, peekaboo hair is a fun and lower -maintenance style than other coloring techniques, as it becomes much less noticeable once the hair starts to grow out.
How to Get Peekaboo Highlights?
Let’s be honest: peekaboo highlights are best left to the professionals at a salon. Achieving uniform highlights yourself can be challenging; it can be difficult to be precise with the partings and achieve an even application. However, with the right professional, products, and attention, you’ll be in good hands.
Peekaboo Highlights: Step 1
Once you and your stylist have chosen the color (or colors) for your peekaboo highlights —a detail we’ll go into later—they’ll prepare your hair using a gentle shampoo and a nourishing conditioner. The idea is to gently towel-dry your hair and comb it through.
Peekaboo Highlights: Step 2
The next step? Parting the hair, and this is where the work becomes meticulous and requires an experienced professional. This involves dividing the hair in half and then subdividing the sections into upper and lower, using clips or elastics to hold them in place.
Peekaboo Highlights: Step 3
Are you still there? Next, depending on your natural hair color and the desired color for your peekaboo highlights, your stylist may need to bleach or lighten your hair. They usually start with the lower sections and carefully rinse out the bleach.
Peekaboo Highlights: Step 4
Now it’s time to apply the peekaboo color to the area or areas where you want that vibrant touch. Your colorist will apply the color highlights under the top layer of your hair, ensuring even application and saturating each strand. After the indicated waiting time, the stylist will rinse your hair.
Peekaboo Highlights: Step 5
Finally, it’s time to press your hair with a towel and, ideally, let it air dry. If you use any heat styling tools, the professional will use a low to medium heat setting. And voilà, your peekaboo hair is ready.
Video Guide 📽️
How to choose the right colors for your peekaboo hair?
The first step to achieving that perfect peekaboo look is choosing the right color. The sky’s the limit, especially when you delve into multiple shades and techniques, like color-blocking or ombré. Here are some of our favorite peekaboo hair ideas for both blonde and dark hair.
Peekaboo highlights for blonde hair
For blonde hair with a peekaboo touch, consider highlights in a soft blush, a gorgeous lavender, or an icy blue. These shades, which can be customized and perfectly toned with Dia Light‘s acid shine technology, beautifully complement light bases and create a subtle, fairytale effect. Pink peekaboo hair is always a great option.
Peekaboo highlights for dark hair
For brown and other dark hair shades, blonde highlights offer a fun surprise. Cotton candy pink and indigo blue also stand out spectacularly against dark hair; vibrant, high-contrast shades that you can achieve and enhance with Dia Color’s demi-permanent shine.
The Mermaid Peekaboo Style
Answer your own inner siren with a mane that shimmers like the sea. Mermaid peekaboo hair requires a professional colorist skilled at blending dreamy shades—like pearly blues, greens, and corals—to create the illusion of movement. With French Balayage, mermaid peekaboo highlights reveal the dreamy hues of the underwater world with a flawless finish.
Other types of peekaboo hair
Remember when we said that peekaboo highlights are only applied to the underlayer of hair? Well, there are other variations of this classic trend. Reverse peekaboo highlights, for example, involve applying a lighter shade to an outer section of hair. This brings the bold contrast right to the surface.
Peekaboo highlights: a rainbow of options.
Whether you prefer a pink peekaboo hairstyle or go for the full mermaid look, there’s a unique peekaboo hairstyle waiting to fill your life with color.