20 Peekaboo Hair Color Ideas That Will Make You Look Twice

by Nisha Desai

Peekaboo hair color is that perfect contradiction: understated and in-your-face all at once. Hidden flashes of bold (or, sometimes barely-there) hues sit tucked beneath your top layers, waiting to flirt with the light.

Maybe you’re chasing a soft, secretive pop of pastel. Maybe you want people to do a double take at the rainbow lurking behind your everyday brunette.

Either way, there’s honestly no wrong way to play peekaboo.

The creative options? Endless. The drama? Real. The Instagrammability? Please. So, let’s run through the wildest, chicest, and just odd-enough-to-work peekaboo hair color ideas on the scene right now. Here we go.

Vibrant Purple Peekaboo Hair

If subtlety is not your thing, vibrant purple peekaboo hair practically screams royalty— or, maybe just “Yes, I did watch too much Lizzo this weekend.” This look is rich, saturated, and unapologetically cool. Purple pops best under black, brunette or even platinum, offering up amethyst drama that peeks out with every step. Unexpected, a bit rebellious, and destined to rack up compliments in those elevator rides that would otherwise be painfully awkward.

Hidden Emerald Green

Emerald green: the color of envy, eco-chic, and those velvet couches everyone wanted in the last few years. Tucked under chocolatey or jet-black strands, emerald peekaboo hair smolders quietly, only coming alive in direct sunlight (or under a disco ball, if that’s your vibe). It’s high-fashion with a hint of forest fairy. Especially epic if you wear lots of gold jewelry—something about that green-gold combo just feels expensive.

Pastel Pink Under Black Hair

There’s just something about pastel pink hiding under jet-black locks. It’s sugar and spice. It’s soft and goth all at once. The pale pink shade peeking from beneath black creates this “bubblegum surprise” moment that’s girly, edgy, and unapologetically playful. Works best for the person who might look buttoned-up on the outside but, trust me, is absolutely sneaking Sour Patch Kids in at 10am.

Royally Blue Peekaboo

Royal blue peekaboo is deep, chic, and actually pretty classy. It sits just shy of navy—rich enough to look mysterious in shade but catch that electric glint in sunlight. Royal blue under ashy blonde or espresso brown is a show-stopper choice for “serious people” who secretly love a little edge. It’s bold, yes—but never brash.

Magenta Peekaboo Hair

Magenta peekaboo is for risk-takers—full stop. This color sits comfortably between pink and purple and provides an electric burst beneath darker hair. It’s punchy, dramatic, and just the right amount of rebellious. Magenta says you know the rules. You just choose to rewrite them.

Platinum White Peekaboo Layer

Platinum white peekaboo is ice-cold chic. Think winter queen but low-key. A stark platinum layer under darker strands makes for sharp contrast and loads of visual interest. The look is both modern and timeless, perfect for anyone who can’t decide between gothic and glam.

Unicorn Pastel Mix

Okay, confession: unicorn pastel peekaboo is my pure fantasy hair. This style weaves together blue, pink, lavender, and mint—a dreamy swirl hiding under your main layer. When you move, it’s like catching light through a prism. The effect is magical, a little whimsical, and guaranteed to up your festival street style—or just give you a secret to keep on boring Mondays.

Turquoise Blue Flash

Turquoise peekaboo is the ultimate “beach day in my hair.” Lively, tropical and just a bit unpredictable, turquoise flashes mingle incredibly well with blonde or sandy brown. This look adds a jolt of electricity with every flip of your hair. And if you’ve got green or blue eyes? Watch out. People will be getting hypnotized.

Sunset Orange

Sunset orange paints that golden hour glow right into your hair—no filter needed. Orange peekaboo strips are punchy and bold under brown or black, yet somehow soften when you let your waves drop over. The overall effect? Summer energy, even in the dead of winter. Perfect for those who hate blending in and have a thing for sun-drenched color.

Fiery Red Peekaboo

Fiery red peekaboo hair says, “Yeah, I am the main character.” Cinnamon, scarlet, or true fire-engine red—these shades ignite any base color. The contrast with black hair is bold and graphic while adding red under brunette warms things up, making your hair look like it’s on eternal golden hour. If you’re not ready for all-over color but want to make a power statement, this one’s a solid bet.

Pink to Blue Ombre Peekaboo

A pink-to-blue ombre peekaboo is a little bit edgy punk rock star, a little bit My Little Pony. Beneath a neutral base, the gradient effect is mesmerizing—turning every movement into a digital waterfall of color. This peekaboo style is transformative, switching from invisible to “magical” in seconds. If you like your hair to double as a conversation starter, well, here you go.

Peach Peekaboo

Peach peekaboo is the softest rebellion. Sweet, understated, and low-key chic—it’s like the “no makeup makeup” of hair color. A pale peach glint under golden blonde or light brown is flirty but sophisticated. Think K-pop vibes. Works for all seasons, but especially spring.

Soft Mint Undertones

Soft mint peekaboounderlayer is for the subtle, sophisticated, and—let’s be honest—a little bit mysterious. Mint under platinum or soft beige creates a whisper of color that catches the eye without stealing the scene. It’s cool, calming, and a little avant-garde. Picture “mermaid in winter.” Can you see it?

Rainbow Peekaboo

Rainbow hair under natural locks? Now you’re talking. Rainbow peekaboo involves strips of all the major hues in gradient effect red, orange, yellow, green, blue, you get the idea – painted beneath your top layers. This is Lisa Frank meets sophisticated grown-up, a party that only appears when your hair moves just right. This look is pure, undeniable dopamine. No two are ever alike.

Hidden Burgundy

There’s a reason hidden burgundy peekaboo never really goes out of style. This look brings warmth and richness, blending beautifully under dark bases. Burgundy flashes are wine-tinted, elegant, and slightly vampy. Ideal for someone who wants luxury without the maintenance of brighter reds. Plus, it shows up beautifully in photos.

Lavender Peekaboo Hair

Lavender is basically the darling of the pastel hair world. It looks ethereal (even a touch futuristic?) under blonde or icy silver hair. Lavender peekaboos peek out like a springtime secret, subtle enough for a corporate setting but still dreamy enough for festival season. If your aesthetic is somewhere between “fairy godmother” and “tech entrepreneur,” this is your lane.

Blonde Peekaboo Layer

Blonde peekaboo layers are—let’s face it—classic yet oh-so-sneaky. Imagine a curtain of rich brunette or raven hair, then, BAM, a slice of buttery blonde flashes when you tuck it behind your ear or flip it over your shoulder. It’s ideal for folks craving contrast without full commitment to the “blonde life.” AND: it looks just as good in a ponytail as it does in a messy bun. This style is effortless but calculated, perfect for anyone who wants to lighten up without, you know, fully lightening up.

Neon Yellow Layers

A pop of neon yellow under the surface can borderline cause traffic accidents (in a good way). It’s bold-happy, and totally out there. Neon yellow stashes best under brown or black hair, where it zings out unexpectedly when the light is right. The look is perky, ultra-modern, maybe even a lot rebellious. If you want highlighter hair without the full commitment—peekaboo was made for you.

Purple Peekaboo Highlights

Purple peekaboo highlights in a ponytail? Now you’re talking triple threat. When your hair is down, the purple is all “blink and you’ll miss it.” But tie it up—the color just spills out, taking a simple look into “festival-ready” territory. This is a killer way to spice up your gym routine or turn a workday topknot into a conversation starter. You don’t have to go full on peekaboo underlayer – peekaboo highlights are just as sneaky.

Golden Yellow Peekaboo

Golden yellow peekaboo underlayer is like a secret pocket of sunshine hiding under your hair. This shade adds cheer without overpowering your base—think subtle glints, sunlight-in-a-bottle, and all that jazz. Works gorgeously under caramel or chocolate brown. If you want to look like you just came back from a sunny vacation, this is it.