The hair color trend of peekaboo colors is especially popular among trendsetting brunettes. This method of coloring involves dying only a few strands of hair instead of coloring all the hair. If you are thinking of trying the peekaboo hair coloring method as a brunette, you can choose from light pastel colors, bright neons, or jewel tones. This post will focus on methods of peekaboo hair color along with braiding. This will create a lot of space for individual expression and creativity. These methods will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
Recently I did one of the prettiest peekaboo hair colors I’ve ever done, and it was a happy accident. One of my clients wanted a full burgundy color, but I convinced her to go all out with it, and we were excited to see the final result with her hair down. After several weeks, she was really enjoying the hair color and taking lots of pictures of it in the mirrors, especially with her friends. I don’t want to share her private DMs, but let’s just say she got really into it. She sent me a ton of pics and DMs. What I did with her hair is help her discover the secret color that was waiting to be revealed. Peekaboo hair dye is fun for brunettes because the bright colors show up only in peeking moments.
Brunettes actually have a coloring advantage with the peekaboo technique because their base hair color does a lot of the work. This is the opposite for blondes since they have to add a bit more to create richness.
Peekaboo highlights are little hair *conversations* that can be anything from a bold statement to a baby whisper. The potential of what can show underneath dark hair is so much more than what the average person thinks. From a soft pastel that glows and hits against dark brown, to a deep rich color that dark and brown hair can own. I’m obsessed with looks like this that embrace color without a total hair commitment.
#1: Textured Bob with Raspberry Tucked Underneath
Here both color and shape are given equal importance which is quite a technical skill to achieve in a successful manner. The placement of the raspberry slice is ideal in the hair that reflects light, and with the brunette base, it reads more as a deep cherry (rather than a brighter pink). The textured bob is very nicely contrasted with the length just above the shoulders which gives it good movement without being overly unruly. Howevr, with this length, you will be back for trims every six weeks because of the sweet spot length, but the color placement is forgiving enough that it grows out well.
#2: Brunette Waves with Blonde Peeking Through
This blonde is doing something really smart. The color is light enough to look intentional, but is blended through the waves enough that it won’t appear stripy. This is the number one problem with peekaboo blonde on brunette hair. The medium length allows the waves to really form, and the softer curls at the end help everything from looking flat, which is especially great with hair that is finer like this. I would recommend to use a purple shampoo every other wash to keep the blonde from getting brassy Because nothing ages this look quicker than warm, yellowy highlights battling a cool brunette base.
#3: Dark Waves with a Whisper of Burgundy
This is Peekaboo Color at its best! The integration of burgundy with the natural dark base is so seamless that it’s more of a tonal shift when light reflects on it, rather than an obvious color block. This is the kind of color that will make someone stare at your hair for a while trying to figure out what the difference is, and that will be the goal. Medium to thick hair will actually be best for this look as the color will be perfectly hidden in all the right spots and the extra thickness will be to your benefit.
#4: Auburn and Caramel Layered Through Long Hair
Auburn and caramel colors on top of a rich chestnut base color is a beautiful combination. The long layers allow for movement and polish of the cut show off the beautiful color without needing to style it to create contrast. The tones are close to your natural color so when your hair begins to grow out the regrowth will be less of a concern. This is one of the most low maintenance options for peekaboo for brown hair.
#5: Red and Blonde Peekaboo on Long, Thick Waves
Most of my comments regarding the mixing of red and blonde in the same peekaboo placement are cautionary, but in this case, the tones are well enough balanced that neither is battling for dominance. Regarding the thickness of the hair, this is tremendously advantageous because the colors are layered and stacked in a way that creates depth, not chaos. That said, this is not a look that you keep up casually. Vivid, colour-treated hair requires an actual sulphate-free shampoo and some serious commitment so be honest with yourself about your level of commitment.
#6: Silver Peekaboo Through Long Layers
The mix of silver strands and brown hair is perfect. Silver highlights in long layers reflect light from multiple angles creating movement and dance around the hair, so it won’t look like gray hair, which is the balancing act with this color. The layers also give versatility for styling, whether straight or waved, to showcase the highlights in different ways.
#7: Long Textured Waves with Blonde Woven Underneath
This is a good case of peekaboo highlights knowing where to stop. The blonde is there, but not too much, and the waves are just textured enough to create the illusion of a summer spent outside in the sun. The softness in the waves works great for those who have more angular features, which is not something I give for every look. The medium density here is actually ideal because the highlights don’t get lost like they can in really thick hair, but they also are not too dominating the way they can be on finer strands.
#8: Caramel Balayage with Face-Framing Layers
This technique sits between balayage and peekaboo highlights. It incorporates a framing and tuck/under caramel color that gives fun highlights that will peek out as you move. The warmth from caramel adds dimension against a brown base. If the hair is smooth and wavy, the color transitions will look seamless and not pre-planned. The shine will be what it should be from a good deep conditioning hair mask used weekly. The entire look depends on the top layer of hair reflecting light nicely.
#9: Teal Peekaboo on Long, Sleek Hair
You may want teal, which is good, but this technique, “peekaboo placement,” may make you think otherwise, but this would be an example of good “peekaboo placement.” The entire point of this technique is to allow you to show some of it in a meeting and some of it on the weekends, and the way it is styled straight and sleek really adds to that graphic look so that it appears intentional, and that is very clean on medium and thick hair. I will not kid you on maintenance, the vivid colour will require some sort of colour depositing conditioner and a lot of patience while your shower looks like you are doing some sort of crime.
#10: Mid-Length Waves with Purple Hidden Underneath
Out of all the combinations I do, purple peekaboo with a deep brunette base is among the most flattering. The tones are similar enough that the effect reads more luxurious than costumy. The wavy layers here create the effect of where the purple shows and then disappears, which is super fun. Mid-length is a great choice for this color because you have enough movement to show it off with out the maintenance a vivid color would require for long hair.
#11: Warm Balayage with a Braided Accent
The braid isn’t just decorative. It shows off balayage color transitions in a way that loose hair can’t. The way the braid fans the colors out next to each other is ideal. The blend from dark brunette roots to warm caramel is done well with no harsh lines. That tells me this color job was done by someone who understands color placement at the level of the head, rather than just on the strand. I appreciate that this is a style that will still look great months from now, even with no salon visits.
#12: Long Bob with Teal Tucked In
A smooth long bob with a teal peekaboo is just enough personality without going to the extreme side of things. The straight and sleek style really makes the teal color stand out in an almost editorial fashion. On fine to medium hair the teal shows up great because there is not as much competing density. The length of hair is good for framing a rounder face and the whole look says that the person has made a decision about their hair without being overly edgy about it.
#13: Icy Blonde Tips on Straight Brunette Hair
The icy blonde tips and brunette lengths create a beautiful contrast and serve as a polished version of peekaboo color. The straight look is necessary here because the wave or curls would soften the look and the whole point is to keep that hardness. In a way, it looks modern and deliberate unlike most ombre attempts that just look like growing out a dye job. The maintenance on those lighter tips is real because you need to keep them icy instead of letting it slide into gold, but if you like precision in your hair maintenance, it will feel worth it.
#14: Layered Waves with Ash Blonde Hidden Underneath
A lesser-known option for uh brunettes is ash blonde as a peekaboo hue, considering that it won’t clash with your natural coolness as golden hues can. In the case of the layered waves, they frame the face and avoid crowding it. And, the ash blonde camouflages just enough to lighten the overall impression without suggesting that you’re trying to go blonde. This look suits fine to medium hair really well as the highlights won’t have to compete with a lot of bulk. This is genuinely one of those styles that goes from day to night without needing to be changed.
#15: Magenta Ombre Tips on a Sleek Mid-Length Cut
The magenta here is crazy enough to be worth doing but placed low enough that it doesn’t dominate the cut. This is the balance most people want when they ask for “something fun.” The color contrast is obvious because the smooth texture of the hair transitions well, and with medium density hair, the ombre effect creates a nice gradient instead of a blunt cut. The cut does most of the work, but this will be easy to style. I’d suggest that if you do use heat on the hair with a flat iron to make it look smooth, you keep a good heat protector on the surface so that it can sparkle.
#16: Long Waves with Lavender Hiding Underneath
With a brown base, lavender achieves an ethereal quality that not many peekaboo shades can match. It gives off an illusional effect, but when you look close enough, you can see it actually exists. The medium-to-thick density here provides enough hair to weave around the lavender, and the soft waves show it off in unpredictable but charming ways. I like the butterfly clip as well; it’s not just for show, but it actually keeps the top layer out of the way so the color underneath can have its moment. Lavender isn’t like most other shades and will fade faster, so if you fall in love with this be prepared to make frequent trips to your colorist!
#17: Textured Lob with Blonde Peekaboo
The lob with texture suits almost anyone. The blonde peekaboo is brightening and makes it so that the hair doesn’t look like a highlight job. The cut is above the shoulders so it acts modern, and the texture is really good for medium to thick hair so it doesn’t fall flat. The maintenance will be easier if you have a natural wave because it can air dry. The blonde will show up in random places which is part of the appeal.
#18: Copper Peekaboo on Sleek Brunette Hair
I’m almost confident saying that copper under brunette is such an excellent combination for warm and neutral skin tones that it would be fair to call it a safe bet. The clean layers here work with the copper to light it up more intentionally, and with this length, the color has space to shift and breathe as the hair moves. With the contrast it offers to the otherwise dark, cool base, it gives that dimension that creates the most positive responses and questions about the ‘natural’ look of your hair. That is the best outcome.
#19: Shoulder-Length Waves with Fiery Copper Peekaboo
The warm blondes and fiery coppers combination is perfect for the winter season but will look fresh even after January. The colour placement is expertly shown by the shoulder-length waves, as the waves move the inner tones will shift. The slight layering also helps to remove the weight at the bottom which is particularly useful for those with medium to thick hair. This is an excellent example of the collaboration of skills between a colourist and a stylist and it definitely shows.
#20: Textured Lob with a Deep Part and Caramel Highlights
This lob with highlights gets elevated with the addition of a deep side part. Each side has a different distribution of highlights which alters the entire look of the style. The beachy texture looks messy on purpose. It shows that good quality sea salt spray was used, and that the stylist showed restraint in touching it after they were done with styling. Caramel highlights tend to warm up quickly and will likely exceed your desired tone. To avoid this look from becoming unintentional and grown-out, a toning appointment will be necessary every couple of months.
#21: Long Layers with Crimson Underneath
Crimson hair can look incredible or look terrible and placement is the most significant deciding factor. One of the placements that is more successful is underneath a long layered brunette base, as the crimson comes out in motion instead of just sitting there staring at you. The red will look even richer with the natural shine and silky texture of this hair instead of flat, which is more important with vivid shades. If this is drawing you in, remember the brightness you see here will last three weeks and after that you will have to either embrace the fade or keep up with it.
#22: Warm Caramel Curls Framing the Face
The curls here are doing what curls do with peekaboo color. The color is pulling different tones to the surface in an unpredictable way. The warm caramel with the darker base has a honeyed richness that is believable and enhanced. The layered cut keeps the curls light and keeps them from clumping together at the bottom. If you already have a natural curl or wave this is one of those looks that actually gets better the less you do to it.
#23: Long Waves with Pink Hidden in the Dark
There’s nothing quite like a soft pink hue over a dark brunette base. The key element of this look is subtlety. The aim is for it to appear as a delicate blush of color rather than a streak, and this is on point. Long waves of hair distribute the color more like flashes than sections for a polished look versus a blocked placement. A good leave-in conditioner will come in handy for this look as the hair will need to be soft and hydrated to move to show off the color. Dried out ends will make even the prettiest color look tired.
#24: Ashy Blonde Peekaboo Through Textured Waves
A colorist who understands the different undertones is necessary for a darker base with ashy blonde under. If the ash is too cool in contrast with the underlying base brunette, it can look more like an unflatteringly chic gray rather than a silver. The tones work together really well in this look. The waves make it appear like there is a natural color blending when in fact there isn’t. This is especially true with thick, wavy hair because the density gives the color more dimension. The right volumizing and texturizing spray will allow fine hair to achieve the same look.
#25: Long Layers with Fuchsia Flickering Through
Seeing some photos of you with fuschia shining through your long layered waves as you show off your new happiness looks like a lot of fun, but there are a few harsh realities that come with this hairstyle that you should consider first. The fresh color looks great, and the best part about long layered hair is the fuchsia color will pop from underneath and grab the attention of others at unexpected moments, even during a conversation. The way the hair is cut in layers creates a lot of variety to the style since the color can show at different levels, so it definitely won’t look the same all the time. Just keep in mind that the hue will change to a salmon color pretty quickly, and if you want to avoid scheduling several appointments for hair refreshes, you’re going to have to get used to that!
#26: Ashy Caramel Melted Through Soft Layers
The ashy caramel here has a lovely contrast between warm and cool tones which brings a modern smudged effect to the entire brunette base. The waves are layered to better span the color, which creates a change belt that feels she should be natural and organic. This peekaboo is just the color office jobs wouldn’t bat an eye at but still makes it seem like you’re getting away with something. You should plan on battling the brassiness, so a toning gloss is in order between your full color appointments to keep the ash where it should be.
#27: Beachy Waves with Caramel Warmth Underneath
It’s amazing to see a set style like this that is so effortless. The caramel peekaboo is warm, but not orange, which is surprising to see how often this goes wrong. The lighter ton in the beachy waves gives a great lift to the look, and avoids a highlight sitch. The butterfly clip adds a practical touch, and evokes a nice nostalgia. This style works best medium to thick hair. The waves will form naturally and the color will provide plenty to weave through.
#28: Soft Curls with Golden Glow Underneath
Golden peekaboo highlights give a warm glowing effect drawing attention to your hair unlike regular highlights. Soft layers are cut to work with the curls instead of fighting against them, and gold framing highlights just adds the right touch. If your hair is medium density then using a 1-inch curling iron will give you the same definition without looking too overdone.
#29: Pink Ombre Tips Styled into a Twisted Updo
Peekaboo color shows us the definite versatility that it can be used in a more classy context rather than just beachy waves and blown-outs. The pink ombre tips really draw the eye to the ends of the twist and give this updo unique character. On fine to medium hair, the twist gives a bit of texture and the illusion of more hair. There’s also a lot of color in the updo, and the layers show off the color transition better than what would be achieved with hair worn down. The upkeep of vivid pink color is a lot, but this style justifies the effort.
#30: Choppy Mid-Length Cut with Purple Peeking Through
The mid-length choppy haircut speaks volumes on its own, and adding a purple peekaboo will make the added attitude a lot more effective by enhancing what is there rather than starting from scratch. The layering on her hair adds movement and divides the purple into little pieces, and with fine to medium hair, the more choppy sections, the more it will look like there is a lot more hair in that section than there actually is. The purple and brown base color is quite common with the peekaboo style, and the slightly messy look makes it modern as opposed to looking like something you’d pinned on a 2019 moodboard. If you have a squarer jaw, the layers here are actually doing you a favor by softening that line.
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