Peekaboo hair: how to get the look.

Peekaboo hair colour is a two-tone (or multi-tone) style that involves colour being applied only to the bottom layer of hair. Peekaboo hair colour is usually applied around the nape of the neck, under the crown, or near the sides of the head. This way, when you shake your head, run your hand through your hair, or put your hair up, that colour “peeks” through, revealing itself.

Peekaboo highlights are different from traditional highlights in that they are only applied to the underlayer of your hair, for that surprise effect. Just like playing peek a boo with a little kid, there’s so much joy and discovery in revealing what’s been hidden.

Hair styling lore traces the origins of peekaboo hair back to rock n roll icon Debbie Harry in the 80s. And it’s seeing a surge in popularity, spotted in the hairstyles of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus. Overall, peekaboo hair is a fun style that’s lower-maintenance than other kinds of colouring, as it’s much less visible when your hair starts to grow out.

Let’s get this off our chests: Peekaboo hair highlights are best left to the salon professionals. There are some challenges when it comes to achieving uniform peekaboo highlights on your own – it can be tough to be precise with uniform sectioning and even application. But, with the right professional, products, and attention you’re in good hands.

Peekaboo highlights: Step 1

After you and your stylist have picked a colour (or colours) for your peekaboo highlights, and we’ll go into more detail about that below, they’ll prepare your hair using a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner. The idea is to gently dry with a towel and run a comb through your hair.

Peekaboo highlights: Step 2

Next step? Sectioning your hair, and this is where the work gets detailed and a seasoned professional is required. This involves parting your hair in the middle and then subdividing the sections into upper and lower, and using clips or hair ties to keep them in place.

Peekaboo highlights: Step 3

Still with us? Next, depending on your natural colour and the desired colour of your peekaboo highlights, the stylist may have to bleach or lighten your hair. They tend to start with the bottom sections and carefully rinse out the bleach.

Peekaboo highlights: Step 4

Then it’s time to apply your peekaboo colour on the area or areas where you would like that colourful pop. Your colourist will apply the streaks of colour under the top layer of your hair, ensuring an even application, saturating each strand with colour. After the specified wait time, your stylist will rinse out your hair.

Peekaboo highlights: Step 5

Finally, it’s time to blot your hair with a towel and – ideally – allow it to air dry. If using any heat styling, a professional will use a low-to-medium heat setting. And voilà, your peekaboo highlights are ready.

The first step in achieving that perfect peekaboo look is choosing the right colour. The sky is the limit, especially when you get into multiple hues and techniques, like colour-blocking or ombré. Here are some of our favorite peekaboo hair ideas for blond and dark hair.

Peekaboo highlights for blond hair

For blonde hair with peekaboos, consider highlights in soft blush, lovely lavender or icy blue. These hues really complement light shades and make a subtle, fairytale impact. Pink peekaboo hair is always a great choice.

Peekaboo highlights for dark hair

For brown and other dark shades, blonde highlights make for a fun peekaboo surprise. Cotton candy pink and indigo blue also pop really nicely against dark hair.

The mermaid peekaboo style

Answer your own siren song with a mane that shimmers like the sea. The peekaboo mermaid hairstyle calls for a professional colourist who can blend several dreamy shades – think pearlescent blues, greens, and coral shades – that create the illusion of movement. With L'Oréal Professionnel French Balayage Mermaids, the mermaid peekaboo highlights reveal the dreamy tones of the underwater world with a flawless finish.

Other types of peekaboo hair

Remember when we said that peekaboo highlights are applied only to the bottom layer of hair? Well, there are a few other variations on the classic peekaboo trend. Reverse peekaboo highlights, for example, involve applying a lighter shade to one outer section of hair. It brings the bold contrast right to the surface.

Whether you prefer a pink peekaboo look, or going full-on mermaid, there’s a unique peekaboo hair style just waiting to bring some colour into your life.