Peekaboo hair color is a rising trend that’s here to stay—and for good reason. It offers a playful pop of color without demanding a full commitment to bold dye jobs. Whether you’re a fan of soft blondes, moody purples, or electric neons, peekaboo highlights deliver surprise and sophistication all in one. Tucked beneath the top layers of your hair, these sneaky streaks are perfect for adding flair while keeping your style work-appropriate when needed.
Ideal for hair of any length, texture, or base color, peekaboo highlights let you flaunt your personality when and where you want. Keep reading for a full guide to this subtle-yet-bold trend, plus 30 captivating color ideas categorized by color family to inspire your next hair transformation.
What Are Peekaboo Highlights?
Peekaboo highlights are subtle strands of dyed hair placed beneath the top layer of your mane. They’re mostly hidden when your hair is down or straightened but come alive with curls, braids, or ponytails. This peek-and-reveal effect gives the style its name—and its charm. Whether you’re after a whisper of color or a vivid surprise, this technique can be tailored to your taste.
Most people opt for vibrant or pastel colors that create a stark contrast with their natural hair. The result is a style that feels private and playful—perfect for those who love a touch of drama without overhauling their look.
Who Should Try Peekaboo Highlights?
Anyone can rock peekaboo highlights! They’re especially great for people who want to experiment with hair color but need something subtle for school or work. You can go as bold or as understated as you like. A flash of hot pink screams weekend fun, while soft caramel tones blend right into your everyday vibe.
Whether you’re into edgy neons or muted naturals, there’s a peekaboo color for you. The best part? They’re flexible and easy to hide when necessary, but striking enough to shine when styled intentionally.
What Colors Work Best?
The beauty of peekaboo highlights is the sheer number of color options. You can go classic with blonde, experimental with teal, or seasonal with copper. Some popular choices include red, blue, purple, green, pink, and icy silver. If you prefer subtlety, opt for honey, caramel, or soft ash blonde.
Since the highlights are placed underneath, even vibrant colors can be worn with confidence. Whether your hair is dark brown, black, or platinum, there’s a peekaboo shade that will elevate your look.
Pink Peekaboo Hair Ideas
1. Dark Brown Hair with Pink Highlights
A sultry contrast, light pink highlights under deep brown locks create a playful look. These peekaboo strands become visible with curls or half-up hairstyles, adding a feminine flair.
If you’re new to bright colors, pink is a great way to dip your toes in. It’s flirty, fun, and surprisingly wearable across age groups and seasons.
2. Brown Hair with Pink Peekaboo Layers
Tuck soft pink strands under a chocolate base and reveal them with a messy ponytail or braided style. This combo is both chic and youthful.
The pink peeks through subtly when your hair moves, offering an elegant surprise that’s low-maintenance yet trendy.
3. Sleek Straight Hair with Pink Highlights
A smooth blowout pairs perfectly with pink highlights that show off precision placement and color vibrancy.
This look works especially well on mid-length or long hair, where every motion becomes a chance to flaunt your style.
4. Dark Pink Base with Light Pink Accents
Already rocking bold pink? Add depth with lighter pink peekaboo strands to create visual contrast and dimension.
This layered color palette makes your pink pop more dynamically, especially when styled in waves or curls.
5. Silver Blonde with Neon Pink Highlights
Icy blonde hair paired with hot pink peekaboo streaks makes for a striking, edgy combo.
Perfect for those who love contrast, this look blends glamour with rebellion in the best way possible.
Purple Peekaboo Hair Ideas
6. Purple & Blue Peekaboo Combo
Dark blue roots with subtle purple strands underneath create a cosmic-inspired look that dazzles with every flip.
It’s a great option if you want multidimensional color that still feels wearable for everyday life.
7. Natural Brown with Dark Purple Highlights
Add mystery to your natural brunette hair with deep purple lowlights peeking from underneath.
The effect is sultry and smooth, giving off a smoky vibe that’s perfect for fall and winter.
8. Ash Brown with Purple Accents
Ash brown hair pairs beautifully with lavender or amethyst tones. The subtle coolness of both shades blends effortlessly.
This duo works well for people who want color without overwhelming brightness.
9. Loose Waves with Purple Peekaboo Highlights
Soft curls or beachy waves reveal just the right amount of purple with each twist and turn.
Ideal for those who love romantic, boho-inspired looks with a splash of fun.
10. Brown Hair with Multicolor Highlights
Why settle for one shade? Incorporate purple, pink, and blue highlights for a playful, festival-ready style.
Multicolor peekaboo hair is bold, unique, and full of personality—just like you.
Green Peekaboo Hair Ideas
11. Dark Brown Hair with Emerald Peekaboo
A rich chocolate base with jewel-toned green underneath is both sophisticated and unexpected.
It’s a bold yet wearable way to play with color that still feels elegant.
12. Loose Waves with Minimal Green Streaks
Let subtle green strands emerge with every curl. This style feels earthy and fresh, especially with a tousled texture.
Perfect for someone looking to add intrigue without going over the top.
13. Fiery Brown with Green Peekaboo Ends
Combine coppery tones with green ends for a look that’s both spicy and cool.
This contrast adds a whimsical twist to fall hair colors and suits wavy or curly textures well.
14. Short Hair with Green Accents
Green highlights on short, choppy haircuts offer a trendy and modern aesthetic.
Especially flattering for edgy bobs or pixies, this look adds boldness to shorter styles.
15. Natural Brown Hair with Hidden Green Layers
Low-key green lowlights hidden under glossy brown layers give your look a secret edge.
These peekaboo streaks shine when tucked behind ears or styled in updos.
Red Peekaboo Hair Ideas
16. Black Hair with Bold Red Highlights
Nothing says drama like jet black hair paired with fiery red peekaboo strands.
This high-contrast combo makes for a bold and unforgettable look, especially when straightened.
17. Sleek Straight Hair with Neon Red Highlights
On poker-straight black hair, neon red lines peek out with striking clarity and modern edge.
It’s a favorite for those who love vivid tones without full-on commitment.
18. Short Wavy Bob with Red Accents
Short and sassy bobs get even more stylish with red tones shimmering through waves.
Perfect for women who love volume, texture, and color all in one.
19. Straight Bob with Front Peekaboo Strands
Add red accents near the front of your bob for a face-framing color surprise.
It brings attention to your features and adds a youthful pop of color.
20. Icy Blonde Hair with Red Highlights
Icy blondes look amazing with cherry red peekaboo touches peeking from beneath.
This combo feels frosty and fierce—a high-fashion color choice for daring beauties.
Blue Peekaboo Hair Ideas
21. Blonde Hair with Deep Blue Strands
Add rich navy blue highlights beneath a platinum or caramel blonde top layer for a striking contrast.
This duo is great for transitioning from summer to winter styles.
22. Natural Black Hair with Blue Highlights
Glossy black strands come to life with vibrant blue sections hiding underneath.
It’s sleek, stylish, and totally versatile for all occasions.
23. Dark Brown Waves with Blue Touches
Long, voluminous brown hair meets subtle blue highlights for a luxurious feel.
This look gives your mane dimension without overpowering your base color.
24. Blonde Hair with a Hint of Teal
Blonde with teal or sapphire streaks gives your hair a beachy, mermaid-inspired twist.
It’s perfect for summer or for anyone who craves aquatic vibes.
25. Silver Blonde with Icy Blue Highlights
Silver tones and icy blue streaks create a winter wonderland effect.
Ideal for blondes looking to add a cool-toned edge to their style.
Blonde Peekaboo Hair Ideas
26. Brown Hair with Blonde Highlights
Classic and timeless, blonde streaks beneath a brunette base add warmth and depth.
It’s a safe and sophisticated option for first-time highlight wearers.
27. Dark Brown and Platinum Contrast
Pair cool-toned dark brown with bleached platinum highlights for maximum contrast.
This look balances modernity with elegance, perfect for everyday wear.
28. Loose Curls with Blonde Accents
Blonde highlights peeking through soft curls feel romantic and refined.
Great for work, date nights, and everything in between.
29. Sleek Brown Hair with Icy Blonde Layers
Tie your hair up to reveal pale blonde highlights under your natural brown.
The sleek finish enhances the contrast, creating a fresh, polished vibe.
30. Textured Bob with Blonde and Brown Layers
Blonde peekaboo highlights in a choppy bob deliver playful edge and texture.
This style is both trendy and low-maintenance—a win-win.
Peekaboo highlights are more than just a trend—they’re a form of self-expression that can be as soft or bold as you like.
With endless color possibilities and versatile styling, they’re the perfect choice for anyone looking to switch up their look while keeping things sophisticated. Which style are you most excited to try?