I love doing red peekaboo hair. It is always different because it depends on someone’s base color, where the red is, and how much we decide to commit to it. One of my clients last year was color terrified. No joke, she was so nervous in the chair, so we started with a few muted cherries, and she cried when she saw it. Because it was a little secret flash that gave her some boldness when she moved her hair. That’s the beauty of peekaboos, they can be as loud or quiet as you want.
There is a lot that goes into the different shades of red, and each one is special in its own way. When tucking reds to a base black, they can look like they are glowing. I will say that red is a tougher hair color because it will fade pretty quick. If you wash your hair every day with hot water and don’t use color safe shampoo, then you should avoid red. The effort will pay off, so put in the work. I’ve put together 30 red peekaboo looks to show you.
#1: Long Waves with Rich Red Peekaboo Panels
This one catches my eye the most with the artistry of the red pieces. The way the red pops against the deep black really softens the look. The movement of the hair creates little highlights of red, and draws attention to the style. This is especially good for wavy hair as it will create a lot of movement through the style without having to put in much work.
#2: Ruby Red Peekaboo on Long Flowing Layers
In this look, you could argue that the color is self-aware, and she’s right, it’s the red. Specifically, the vibrant ruby red, which has not faded like a three-week-old color. If you want this color, tell your colorist you want a true ruby. Also, a few long layers at the ends of your hair will help showcase the color. Movement is super important, especially with peekaboo placements like this. The straightened pieces really highlight the contrast between the dark base and the red, and to me, that is the whole point.
#3: Fiery Peekaboo Panels on a Clean Bob
I really appreciate the work done here. Although bobs can sometimes be boring, and safe, the fiery red peekaboo panels shift the mood of the entire look. The cut is incredibly clean, precise, and straight across. The red underneath is shining and really makes you take a second look. If you want something that will look really polished for work, and that will be super surprising when you tuck your hair behind your ear, this is a fantastic option.
#4: Strategic Red Highlights on Long Dark Hair
I appreciate how the red is positioned and that it’s not all over the place, the positioning is great for adding depth without being overwhelming. With long dark hair like this, you can afford to be bold with the red as the dark base keeps everything grounded and stops it from looking too costume-y. If you’re nervous about going too red, this is a good reference photo as it shows how peekaboo highlights can be used more as an accent rather than a statement.
#5: Polished Straight Cut with Vivid Red Underneath
This style’s color combo looks good in real life and even better in photos, which is pretty rare. The straight cut looks nice, and the red peekaboo highlights are a good contrast to the dark hair, but even with the bright red highlights and the polished look, she does not look wild and edgy. Here, strict iron routines are a must, and probably some shine serum as well.
#6: Bold Red Streaks Through a Shoulder-Length Bob
I think this haircut is very underrated. With shorter hair, there is a peekaboo effect with color added to the hair, especially at this length because there is more visibility of the color. The bob is sitting above the shoulder which means there is constant visibility of the red, and against the dark base it really pops. Also, if your hair is on the finer side, this actually works in your favor because the color will show through more easily and you won’t need as many panels to get the effect.
#7: Fiery Red Tips on Sleek Long Layers
This technique has a gradient effect with the red at the ends of the hair. If you want to experiment with how much red to incorporate, this is a good option. The longer layers promote lots of movement in the hair, and creates a flame effect with the red at the ends. It’s an extreme look, and the description does match the hair. The dark top base helps hold the style in balance so the contrast isn’t overwhelming.
#8: Textured Layers with Pops of Red Throughout
I recommend this style for someone with a nice layered cut who wants to liven things up with some color. The texture here is doing a lot. The layers let the red highlights reflect off various surfaces, so you’re seeing the color at different depths and angles depending on how the hair falls. Plus, this will look amazing with a nice hydrating hair mask once a week because with the layers and color, your ends will appreciate it.
#9: Sleek Dark Hair with Peekaboo Red Strands
I love this for the reason that it is a great example of the less is more look. The hair is long, dark and sleek with a few red streaks coming through almost like a little secret. I think this look is great for people who have a more minimal style overall but want something that adds interest and makes people do a double take. Also, the upkeep for this is actually a lot easier than other peekaboos because you will have less sections to maintain.
#10: Layered Shoulder Cut with Bright Red Contrast
These layers are so good!! They give the haircut so much movement and the color looks great with the red highlights. The length is perfect too because it hits right at the shoulders and that looks good on everyone. The red highlights are awesome and look very nice against the dark color, which gives the style so much more energy. I love cuts like this but I do recommend thinking about your lifestyle first before getting it because the color will need upkeep and it will be a bold contrast with your look.
#11: Fiery Red Peekaboo on a Sandy Blonde Base
This one is really interesting because instead of a dark base, it’s more of a sandy blonde. This changes the whole vibe of the peekaboo red. Instead of that dark-and-red harsh contrast, you get something warmer and softer. It’s almost like the red is blushing through the blonde. The textured waves help a lot here too. I will say though with a lighter base, the red tones can bleed into the blonde over time if you’re not careful with your wash routine. So definitely use cool water and a color protecting system!
#12: Straight Medium-Density Hair with Red Peekaboo Accents
This is a great look. The cut is nice and long with subtle layers to give it some movement. The red accents are nice and vivid for some contrast and movement, but not too overpowering. It makes for a great choice for peekaboo color as it isn’t too in your face. More of a “Oh wait is that red?” vibe.
#13: Sleek Long Cut with Bold Red Underneath
This is very sleek, straight and the red is certainly bold enough to make its presence known against what seems to be a fine to medium density. I think the longer length is crucial here because it allows the peekaboo color to have all that real estate to show up on and the straight texture means there is no curl or wave to hide it. If you wear your hair down and straight most days, this is a really pretty way to add red without losing that elegant, streamlined look.
#14: Dark Wavy Hair with Red Peekaboo Warmth
What I enjoy most about the combination of peekaboo color and natural texture is how the waves reflect the red highlights. That caught and released effect is something flat, straight hair doesn’t do, The red will make the hair glow, and the dark base will keep it grounded. If your hair has any natural waves at all, show this photo to your stylist, it’s a great example of how texture makes color look better.
#15: Half-Up Waves Showing Off Red Peekaboo
This is great because the half-up style brings the top layer and puts the peekaboo color completely on display, which is pretty much an ideal situation for this technique. The red pieces sit right up against the dark base which paired with the waves creates a soft romantic look. If you have an upcoming event, or you just want to show off your color for the day, a half up like this is the easiest way to go without having to do more work on it from your colorist.
#16: Medium-Length Waves with Blended Red Peekaboo
The blend on this looks great. The red finish does not just stop, it melts into the base color which looks like it could be a natural variation. The forgiving and easy to manage length, along with the soft waves, are just the right amount of flair without being too high maintenance. If you’re concerned about a red peekaboo being too harsh or obvious, I think this is a good choice.
#17: Long Straight Hair with Vivid Red Peekaboo Streaks
I think going long is great, vivid red is a fun color! I also love how the color is framed around the face. For this style, I would recommend a spray leave-in conditioner, as long straight hair shows damage more than textured styles, and you want those red sections looking glossy for sure!
#18: Jet Black Hair with Fiery Red Peekaboo
The most notable aspect of this style is its contrast. It features an all jet black base and a peekaboo red. For long hair, this style creates so much opportunity for colour play and for the colour to show. The hair’s density means that the red sections will have more substance instead of looking a little sparse. This is a commitment though as the black will fade and the red will require maintenance, so be honest with yourself!
#19: Straight Layers with Bright Red Peekaboo Framing
The focus on red around the face gives great framing and adds nice emphasis to those features. The long, straight layers with a slight peekaboo of bright color are just enough to avoid being too overwhelming. This is a great balance, and I would recommend this to someone coming in asking for “just a little red”. Something very similar to this would be perfect.
#20: Glossy Dark Base with Subtle Red Peekaboo Layers
The gloss is stunning and emphasizes the health of the hair, which is the most important thing. The red peekaboo is a soft color that can be matched to anything, and nothing is better than a straight smooth texture. If you’re trying to achieve a color that’s more of a whisper than a shout, this is what you’re going for.
#21: Red Peekaboo Ombre with Soft Shoulder-Length Layers
This hair looks good as an ombre. The red fade looks good and the looseness of the shoulder length layers adds some movement. I also appreciate that it does not try to be over the top edgy or dramatic. It looks nice in a warm and simple way which I think would be nice for a lot of different people and situations.
#22: Curly Red Peekaboo with a Deep Chocolate Base
Curls combined with peekaboo red highlights is an absolute party. I personally love the way the curls bounce and the peekaboo red highlights catch the light in different places and angles. With every movement, you get a different look. I think the chocolate base color is warm enough that the red highlights don’t clash with it, but instead, the red highlights compliment the entire look. The added volume that the curls create gives a richness to the overall look that you just don’t get with straight peekaboo styles. If you are planning to curl your hair for this look, I would recommend using a curling iron with a barrel that is about 1 inch thick to achieve this look.
#23: Tousled Chestnut Waves with Whisper-Soft Red Accents
In my opinion, this is the most understated example of a red peekaboo. I especially like how the red is so subtly combined with the chestnut brown that you have to look very closely to see the difference. It adds a tousled texture to the hair and promotes a relaxed weekend look. The position of the color towards the ends means that the grow-out of the hair is going to look soft. If you want beautiful peekaboo color that is concealed, this is the best option.
#24: Long Layers with Red Peekaboo and Blonde Dimension
Merging blonde and red peekaboo highlights takes a little courage and because of the light blonde color, it will soften the look and give the red highlight something other than the dark base to contrast with and work with. The long layers add movement and show off both colors wonderfully, and the result is a more sophisticated look that is much better than a simple peekaboo. Just keep in mind that you’re working with two different color families, so that means a little more maintenance.
#25: Deep Black Waves with Vibrant Red Peekaboo
The waves finish the whole look and provide a lot of body, texture, and life to what could have been a simple dark-hair-with-red-peekaboo situation. The red is also a true, bright red which can come off as a bit costume-y, but the way this was done is really sophisticated and intentional, rather than neon. The black base is about as dark as it gets which makes the red contrast super intense. This is not a subtle look and it’s not trying to be.
#26: Long Layered Dark Hair with Red Peekaboo Depth
The red peekaboo and layering create softness around the face and add depth to the mid-length and ends. The surprise color woven in softens the look of the classic long layered cut and makes it so easy to wear. You can style this a million ways, the sneaky peekaboo will appear differently every time.
#27: Red Peekaboo Waves with Warm Blonde Layers
This hair color mix is pretty nice. I love the warm blonde and red peekaboo sections as they give a sunset look. Hair like this with a lot of volume and waves makes the color look blended and separated. I can say that this is definitely for someone with hair that is naturally thicker because the density is really needed to achieve this fullness and on finer hair it would look completely different.
#28: Soft Waves with Layered Red Peekaboo on a Lighter Base
The red peekaboo effect looks softer and more rosy with lighter bases compared to darker bases. Softer waves and layers provide a more feminine touch. Longer layers give a red peekaboo effect at various levels so that the focus is on the whole head of hair, rather than just one spot. This is a great choice for those who prefer warm, soft color palettes.
#29: Flowing Layers with Subtle Red Peekaboo and Soft Highlights
All details are calming, the layers flow, the highlights are soft, and the red peekaboo is subtle enough to enhance rather than overpower. This is one of those styles that looks like really gorgeous hair with a hint of something extra. I recommend this for those considering red peekaboo who keep putting it off because it seems too extreme; this shows it really doesn’t have to be.
#30: Textured Bob with Red Peekaboo Against Black
Ending with a bob is a nice touch and brings us full circle. This particular bob is a perfect example with textured layers and a red peekaboo with deep black base. Because of the shorter length, the red will always be a part of the picture. If you are thinking about going shorter and adding some color, this is a combination I have seen work really well for so many different people.
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