Peekaboo highlights continue to captivate the beauty world, evolving with new techniques each year instead of fading into obscurity.
Why do peekaboo highlights remain popular? It’s the ability to blend bold color experiments with an everyday look seamlessly. You can conceal vibrant colors beneath your hair’s top layer during professional hours, then flaunt them in the evening by simply flipping your hair to one side to reveal the striking vibrancy of your style.
Adding even a few strands of a bold hue can introduce an element of intrigue and flair to your persona. Whether you opt to integrate peekaboo highlights into your bangs, across your entire cut, or just underneath, they ensure you make a spectacular impression.
What is Peekaboo Hair Color?
Traditionally, peekaboo highlights are nestled under the top layers of hair, offering a subtle flash of color as you move or style your hair. This hidden burst of color becomes especially apparent when you style your hair in a ponytail, half-up style, or pin it back, providing that characteristic “peekaboo” effect. The more textured your hair, the more pronounced your highlights will appear. Opting for less traditional, partially concealed highlights will make the color even more vibrant and noticeable.
DIY Peekaboo Highlights: A Professional Approach at Home
Achieving peekaboo highlights at home can be challenging but is definitely doable with the right approach. Here’s how to emulate a salon-quality peekaboo hair color at home:
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparation
Choose a hair color for your peekaboo highlights. Start with one color for simplicity, or for the adventurous, blend two complementary shades.
How do you section your hair for peekaboo highlights?
Using the tail end of a comb, part your hair from ear to ear, securing the top section with clips. Apply petroleum jelly along the hairline of the section you want to protect from dye.
Isolate small sections from the middle layer for the initial color application. Wrap these in foil or a cap to avoid staining the underlying hair. Repeat with any additional colors if desired. If this is your first time lightening your hair, you’ll need to bleach it first.
Leave the dye to set for about an hour before rinsing the top layer with cold water until it’s clear. Repeat for the lower sections. Afterward, apply a conditioner to safeguard your hair.
For the best results, consider having a friend assist you with the application.
Step 2: Bleaching (if needed)
Based on your natural hair color, decide if bleaching is necessary. Colorful and blonde peekaboo highlights on dark hair typically require pre-lightening.
When applying bleach, protect uncolored strands with petroleum jelly, apply the bleach as per instructions, and cover each section with foil for the recommended duration.
Remove the foil, thoroughly rinse the bleach out, and dry your hair.
Step 3: Applying the Color
Follow the dye package instructions carefully. Apply the dye to the bleached sections using the same method as the bleaching process.
Allow the dye to develop for a few minutes, then cover with foil. Check the color after about 15 minutes; once satisfied, wash, dry, and style your hair as desired.
