Ever been stuck between “I want something new” and “I don’t want to commit”? Picture this: you’re getting ready for brunch, or a night out, and you want a little edge without a full-color makeover. Enter peekaboo highlights—those sneaky streaks of color tucked under your top layers that flash when you move, braid, or catch the light. Whether you want a pastel pop, a natural sun-kissed underlayer, or a bold neon streak, peekaboo highlights give major impact with minimal commitment.
What Are Peekaboo Highlights?
Peekaboo highlights (also called hidden highlights, underlayer highlights, or peekaboo balayage) are color sections placed beneath the top layer of hair. They’re designed to be visible only in certain styles—think half-updos, braids, and tousled waves. This technique works for short, medium, and long hair and can be tailored from subtle face-framing pieces to dramatic color contrasts.
Why People Love Peekaboo Highlights
- Low-commitment color that’s easy to hide for work or formal settings.
- Pops of personality without a full-head dye job.
- Versatile—suits both natural tones and bold, vibrant colors.
- Less overall damage because only sections of hair are lightened or colored.
Choosing the Right Peekaboo Highlights for You
Pick a Color That Matches Your Vibe
Long-tail color options to consider: soft honey underlights for a natural sun-kissed look, pastel peekaboo highlights like lavender or baby pink for a dreamy, feminine touch, or jewel tones such as teal and burgundy for a statement. If you want subtle dimension, choose shades a few tones lighter or darker than your base. For boldness, go complementary or contrasting.
Placement: Where to Tuck the Color
- Face-framing peekaboo highlights: placed around the front for dynamic movement and to brighten the complexion.
- Underlayer highlights: streaks under the crown for color that shows when hair is styled up or parted.
- Peekaboo streaks along the ends: great for subtle tips of color with lower maintenance.
Maintenance & Care: Keeping Your Peekaboo Highlights Fresh
Peekaboo highlights require less upkeep than full-head color, but a targeted care routine keeps the color vibrant and hair healthy.
Daily and Weekly Routine
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading.
- Apply a color-depositing conditioner or mask if you have pastel or vivid tones—this refreshes color between salon visits.
- Limit washing to 2–3 times a week when possible; dry shampoo can be your secret weapon.
- Always use a heat protectant before styling hot tools to minimize color fade and damage.
Deep Care Treatments
Incorporate a weekly hydrating hair mask and occasional protein treatments if your hair has been lightened. Purple shampoo helps neutralize brassiness on blonde underlayers, while clear, nourishing masks keep colored sections glossy and soft.
Styling Tips: Show Off Those Hidden Layers
Peekaboo highlights are all about movement. These styling tips make them pop:
- Loose, beachy waves: create texture and let color peek through naturally.
- Half-up buns or twists: perfect for showing face-framing highlights.
- Braids and ponytails: bold contrasts look stunning in a fishtail or a low pony.
- Topknot with loose tendrils: keeps color visible but controlled for formal settings.
Outfit & Makeup Combinations to Complement Peekaboo Highlights
Outfit Ideas
Coordinate your wardrobe to enhance the color impact. Neutral basics like whites, creams, and blacks let bright peekaboo colors stand out. If your highlights are pastel, soft prints and romantic silhouettes amplify the effect. For jewel tones, try rich textures—velvet or leather—to create a luxe contrast.
Makeup & Skincare That Works Best
Makeup should harmonize with your hair color. For pastel peekaboo highlights, soft, glowy skin and blushy lips deliver a cohesive look. For bold neon or jewel tones, smoke out your eyes subtly and balance with a neutral lip. Skincare is the base—prioritize a simple routine:
- Cleanse with a gentle face wash morning and night.
- Use a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten skin.
- Hydrate with a light moisturizer and SPF daily.
- Nighttime: retinol or gentle exfoliation a few times a week based on tolerance.
For more beauty basics, explore our skincare tips and makeup trends pages.
DIY vs Salon: What’s Best for Peekaboo Highlights?
If you’re adventurous and have experience, at-home kits and color-depositing conditioners can work for subtle looks. However, for bleach, pastel shades, or complex placement, a professional colorist is recommended to minimize damage and ensure even color. Bring photos of the peekaboo look you want—visual references help communicate placement and tone.
Styling & Wardrobe: Real-World Fashion Advice
Peekaboo highlights are a great way to experiment with color while maintaining a polished wardrobe. Try these combos:
- Soft pastel highlights + flowy midi dress + dainty gold jewelry = romantic daytime look.
- Bold teal or purple streaks + monochrome outfit + statement boots = edgy city style.
- Warm honey highlights + knit sweater + high-waisted jeans = cozy, chic weekend outfit.
Want detailed outfit planning? Check out our fashion guides for seasonal looks and capsule wardrobe ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do peekaboo highlights last?
Longevity depends on color intensity and hair care. Natural or subtle tones can last several months, while vivid or pastel shades may fade within 4–8 weeks without color refreshes. Regular touch-ups and color-depositing conditioners help extend vibrancy.
2. Will peekaboo highlights damage my hair?
Any lightening process can cause damage, but peekaboo highlights typically require less overall bleaching than full-head color. Minimizing bleach coverage, using professional techniques, and following a strong care routine (deep conditioning, protein treatments) will reduce damage.
3. Can I get peekaboo highlights on short hair?
Absolutely. Short styles can look incredibly modern with underlayer pops or face-framing streaks. Talk to your stylist about placement to ensure the color shows in your preferred hairstyles.
Conclusion: Ready to Try Peekaboo Highlights?
Peekaboo highlights are a playful, low-commitment way to express yourself through color. They offer versatility, creativity, and the freedom to switch between bold and discreet as your mood—or occasion—requires. Whether you go pastel, honey-blonde, or neon, pair your peekaboo highlights with the right care, styling, and wardrobe choices to make them shine.
Thinking about your next salon look? Book a consultation with a colorist, try a color-depositing mask to test tones at home, or explore our guides to plan the perfect look. Share your favorite peekaboo highlight ideas in the comments and don’t forget to check our other posts on skincare tips, makeup trends, and fashion guides for more inspiration.
