Peekaboo highlights are the ultimate way to inject boldness into your hair without giving up your everyday look. These hidden pops of color are tucked beneath the surface, only revealing themselves when your hair moves or is styled a certain way.
That means you can go to work in your usual style and turn heads later that night with a flick of color. Whether you’re going for a soft pastel or a bold neon hue, peekaboo highlights are all about surprise and versatility.
Below, you’ll find 17 stunning peekaboo highlight ideas that prove just how fun and personal this trend can be. From rainbow streaks to subtle golden tones, there’s something here for every personality and hair type. Bonus: most of these looks are low-maintenance and totally customizable.
Rainbow Explosion
Why choose one color when you can wear them all? A full spectrum of rainbow peekaboo highlights is perfect for those who want to go all in with vibrancy. This look layers multiple bright colors beneath a darker top layer, so the colors only flash when you move or style your hair up.
For best results, make sure your base hair is pre-lightened to a blonde tone—this will help each color stand out more vividly. It’s a bold choice, yes, but it delivers maximum payoff in creativity and flair. It’s like carrying a secret rainbow with you.
Barbie Pink Burst
Bring out your inner Barbie with bold, hot pink highlights that peek out from beneath soft waves or long layers. This style works especially well on medium to long hair, where the layers help blend the hidden color beautifully.
For a flirty and feminine touch, add the pink starting at mid-length to ends. You’ll catch glimmers of it with every hair flip or curl. Plus, it contrasts beautifully with both dark brunettes and warm blondes.
Face-Framing Color Blocks
For a dramatic flair that channels 90s nostalgia, try face-framing peekaboo highlights in a variety of hues. Think bold colors like yellow, purple, and teal wrapping around the hairline while the rest of your strands remain natural.
This look is a fun way to add visual interest without overwhelming your entire hairstyle. It’s especially flattering on wavy textures, as the movement enhances the interplay of colors.
Purple Party Streaks
Multi-colored streaks with a purple base are a great way to make a bold yet controlled statement. These layered colors can blend seamlessly under natural hair and shine through with every updo or ponytail.
While at-home dye kits exist, this particular combination is best left to professionals. Layering colors requires a trained hand to avoid uneven tones or unwanted fading.
Cool-Toned Gradient
If you have naturally dark hair, this blue-to-purple ombré look is a dreamy choice. It starts with a deep, almost cobalt blue at the roots and fades gently into a smoky violet. The cool-toned gradient gives your hair depth while still allowing for a hidden surprise.
This style does involve bleaching, so a deep conditioning regimen before and after coloring is a must. But the results—ethereal, icy, and unforgettable—are worth it.
Colorful Braided Surprise
Box braids just got a twist—literally. Tuck peekaboo rainbow strands beneath the outer braids so they flash just when you want them to. This playful hidden color trick transforms a protective style into an expression of individuality.
It’s also a great option for those who want to avoid repeated bleaching or coloring, since the colored hair can be installed as part of the braiding process.
Spiced Pumpkin Pop
Lean into the cozy vibes of fall with peekaboo highlights in shades of pumpkin spice, copper, and rust. These tones are warm and flattering, especially on curly or textured hair. When pulled into a half-up style, the surprise warmth underneath is pure autumn magic.
This look not only complements the season but also suits a wide range of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for fall hair transformations.
Gradient Purple Underlayers
If you love the color purple but want to experiment with dimension, try layering several tones underneath your natural color. Starting with a bold violet at the top and fading to lavender or periwinkle at the bottom creates a magical gradient effect.
The layers are best appreciated when you curl or wave your hair, which encourages each shade to playfully reveal itself. It’s subtle yet impactful.
Rose-Tinted Curls
Add a romantic twist to natural curls with peekaboo pink highlights placed strategically throughout the front. These soft rose accents catch the light and add warmth to darker coils, especially when paired with complementary pink-toned makeup.
This is a fantastic way to add color without going full-on vibrant, making it perfect for someone new to bold dye jobs.
Neckline Gold and Purple
Looking for something sleek and surprising? Tuck a gold and purple streak right at the nape of your neck. This placement means the color is totally hidden until you choose to reveal it—think buns, high ponytails, or braided styles.
The contrast between the warm gold and cool purple also creates an eye-catching visual that’s perfect for those who like low-key drama.
Bubblegum Bottoms
Sweet and sassy, bubblegum pink peekaboo highlights placed on the underside of espresso brown hair deliver a sugar-sweet punch. The color is only visible when you pull your hair up or catch it in motion.
It’s the perfect style for those who want the option to go bold without the commitment of a full-head dye. Think of it as your own candy-coated secret.
Lavender Bangs
Turn heads with peekaboo lavender streaks peeking through choppy bangs. This soft cool-toned purple pairs beautifully with ash blonde or platinum base shades and offers a modern, edgy contrast to fall’s usual warm tones.
The color placement makes it easy to style creatively—just flip your bangs or part them slightly to reveal a hint of lilac.
Green With Brows to Match
Coordinate your peekaboo highlights with your brows for a super cohesive and stylish look. This emerald green pairing is bold, but the effect works just as well with auburn, blonde, or even pastel tones.
It’s an edgy move, sure, but one that shows off your attention to detail and commitment to the look.
Natural Gold Glow
Who says peekaboo highlights have to be bright? For a natural look, add honey or golden blonde tones under a rich brunette base. This subtle play of color brings warmth and light to your hair without overpowering it.
Balayage techniques work well for this style, as they allow for seamless color blending and controlled placement. The result is soft, sun-kissed, and glow-enhancing.
Blue Coils Unveiled
Natural curls provide the perfect canvas for peekaboo highlights in cobalt or navy blue. When brushed out or fluffed, the colored strands scatter through the hair, creating a painterly effect.
This is a bold yet beautiful option for textured hair and makes a serious statement without the need for all-over color.
Soft Blonde Braids
Blend peekaboo blonde streaks into darker braids for a subtle, unexpected highlight effect. The best part? You can experiment with placement—whether at the temple, near the nape, or underneath layers—to find what works best for you.
It’s a low-maintenance, protective way to test out color that won’t require chemical treatments.
Black and Platinum Remix
Reimagine skunk hair with a peekaboo twist by pairing platinum blonde highlights under jet black layers. This high-contrast look brings boldness while keeping the top layer sleek and classic.
You can flip the color scheme, too—platinum with hidden dark streaks—for an even more unexpected take. Either way, it’s a fierce style with plenty of personality.