Peekaboo highlights are the type of color streaks that are placed under the top layer of your hair, and still, you can’t actually notice them. Tuck one side behind your ear, pull that to a ponytail, or let the wind catch it, and some of the major color flashes through it. That back and forth between hidden and visible is the whole point.
They can suit different people that need something bold without committing to a full head of that vivid color. A teacher that can wear the electric blue under that brown bob. Someone that has a job interview on Friday can keep that pink tucked away until the very weekend.
What Are Peekaboo Highlights?
The color sits for sections underneath the crown, underneath the nape, and behind the ears for a thin panel under that part. The top layer stays for the natural shade as well as acts like a curtain.
Peekaboo highlights vs. underlayer color vs. a money piece
These get mixed up a lot. The underlayer color, also called underlights, will cover the whole bottom section so that it can show up every time your hair grows up. The Peekaboo highlights are those thinner panels or the streaks that make the complete effect softer and more of a surprise. A basic money piece is actually an opposite idea: the bright color at the front, framing your face, that’s to be seen all day.
Why Hidden Highlights Work So Well
One of the biggest reasons is maintenance. As the color lives under the natural hair, the growth will stay hidden, plus nobody can notice your roots either.
The top layer, the actual part that everyone sees, can stay untouched so that it keeps its condition and shine. You also get to decide what exactly the color shows; that makes the peekaboo highlights one of the bright looks that will fit easily for a conservative workplace. And if you’re curious about the shade and nervous about that, a basic hidden streaks that are low risk to try that for going bigger.
Best Peekaboo Highlight Colors for Dark Hair
The dark brown for black hair makes for vivid shades that look deeper and richer. A basic few combinations that work greatly:
- Fuchsia and magenta, which will glow against the black color without looking harsh.
- Cobalt and Navy Blue, which look almost black indoors but turn on bright in sunlight.
- Emerald green, a jewel tone that will look expensive, will look next towards the espresso brown.
- Plum and burgundy, which is softer and can still show.
- Caramel and copper, if you need the warmth plus dimension, rather than just the obvious color.
The one thing for knowing when booking that salon appointment is getting a bright shade for the dark hair that means lightening at first, generally for the pale yellow, so the final color will show true. The lightning step is actually where most of the damage happens.
Peekaboo Highlights for Blonde and Light Brown Hair
The light hair has the advantage here. The lavender, pastel pink, and soft teal will show up easily for the blonde for the little to no lightening. Some people can flip the idea in a complete manner and put a highly darker shade, like charcoal or chocolate, underneath that blonde top layer. This can add in depth and also make the hair look thicker when that moves.
How to Get Peekaboo Highlights: Salon or Clip In
At the Salon
A colorist section for the underlayer lightens the hair that’s dark and applies the fashion shade. Expect a longer appointment for those vivid colors for the dark hair. The bright eyes do fade much faster than the natural tones, so you need to refresh the appointments for keeping the colors strong.
With clips in highlights
The clip-in pieces will give you the same type of look for no dye for your own hair to fall. The single clip highlights the slim strip for the colored human attached to those small clips. You lift the top layer, snapping the clip in close for the roof, and drop the hair back down; that’s done. Wear that for the weekend, swap the shades for matching the outfit, or take that out before the event.
Our single clip highlights come in shades from chocolate and copper brown to golden blonde, and brighter tones like magenta, navy blue and emerald green suit anyone who wants a bolder flash of color. Because each piece is real human hair, you can curl or straighten it along with the rest of your hair. If you would rather have warmth than bright color, our balayage shades give a softer, sun kissed take on the same idea.
Where to Place Peekaboo Highlights
Placement changes generally show the color. Behind the ears is the most popular spot, as in because that peeks out whenever you tuck your hair or wear up the half-up style. The pieces for the nape stay hidden until the hair goes up in a ponytail or bun. The half-up, half-down styles can show up behind the ears while keeping the rest looking calm.
If your hair is curly or wavy, place pieces slightly higher than you think. Curls lift the top layer and let more of the under layer show, so color placed too low can look heavier than you planned.
How to Style Peekaboo Highlights
Braids are made for hidden color. A French or Dutch braid pulls the under layer up to the surface, so the shade twists through the whole length of the braid. A high ponytail lets nape color fan out underneath. Half up, half down styles show off the pieces behind your ears while keeping the rest of the look calm.
For an evening out, pin your hair into a low knot with a faux bun and leave a couple of colored strands loose around your face, or finish a ponytail with one of our luxe scrunchies.
How to Care for Peekaboo Color
Cool water is important here. Hot water can open up the cuticles and further let the dye wash out quicker, so rinse the water for the lukewarm for most. Use a shampoo that’s made from the colored hair, plus stretch the time in between washes when you can. Always apply the heat protectant spray before you curl and straighten, because the heat fades bright shades quickly.
Clip in pieces are even easier. Wash them separately and only when they need it, let them dry flat on a towel, and keep them in a hair extension carrier so they stay smooth between wears.
If you have fine hair and want volume as well as color, our guide to clip in extensions for thin hair is a good next read.
Peekaboo Highlights FAQs
1. Do peekaboo highlights damage your hair?
Those Salon Peekaboo highlights for the dark hair that needs lightening can weaken those treated sections. The damage stays under the hidden panels, but that’s still there. The clip-in highlights will avoid that completely, as when the hair never gets colored.
2. How long do peekaboo highlights last?
The bright fashion shades can fade much faster than those of natural tones. How long these exactly last all this depends on the shade, how often you wash, or how much of the heat you can use. The clips in pieces will keep their color longer, as these are washed away quickly and often.
3. Can you wear peekaboo highlights to work?
Yes, these are some of the main reasons that people opt for them. Wear these for your hair down, plus the color stays almost invisible. Save those ponytails for some after-hours.
4. Which peekaboo highlight color suits brown hair?
Caramel, burgundy, and caramel will look natural for brown hair. For that something brighter, magenta or emerald plus deep blue all stand out perfectly with a medium or dark brown base.
