#Peekaboo Highlights: A Guide to Subtle Color Dimension
Peekaboo highlights are a trendy way to add subtle color and dimension to your hair without a drastic overall change. They’re designed to be visible primarily when your hair is pulled back or styled up – hence the name! Let's explore everything you need to know about this fun technique.
#1. What Are Peekaboo Highlights & How Do They Work?
Peekaboo highlights involve strategically placed sections of lighter color woven throughout your hair, usually concentrated around the face and hairline. The placement is key - they are intentionally hidden when hair is down but reveal themselves when styled up in ponytails, buns or half-up styles.
Tools Used:
- Foils (often): While not always necessary, foils help control the color lift and ensure precise placement.
- Balayage Brush: This brush allows for a softer application of color, especially around the hairline.
- Color Applicator Bottle/Bowl & Brush: For targeted sections or root blending.
- Gloves: Essential to protect skin from staining.
Placement Strategy:
The stylist will focus on placing highlights:
- Around the face (especially near the temples and cheekbones).
- Along the hairline, both front and back.
- In strategic sections that are most visible when hair is pulled up or away from the face.
Timing & Process:
- Consultation: Discussing your desired look and hair goals with a stylist is crucial (see section 8).
- Color Mixing: The colorist will mix a shade lighter than your base color, often customized to complement your skin tone.
- Application: Color is applied using foils or freehand techniques like balayage, focusing on the areas discussed during consultation.
- Processing Time: This varies depending on hair type and desired lift (typically 20-45 minutes).
- Rinsing & Toning: The color is rinsed thoroughly, followed by a toner to refine the shade and neutralize any unwanted tones.
#2. Best Use Cases: What Do Peekaboo Highlights Achieve?
Peekaboo highlights offer several benefits beyond just adding color:
- Dimension: They create visual interest and depth without a uniform color change.
- Root Blur: Strategically placed highlights can soften the line between your natural root color and the highlighted sections, extending time between salon visits.
- Face-Framing: Highlights around the face brighten your complexion and accentuate features.
- Subtle Coverage (of Grays): While not a primary gray coverage technique, they can help blend grays more seamlessly when placed strategically. This isn't full grey coverage; it’s about softening the contrast.
#3. Who Suits Peekaboo Highlights?
Not every hairstyle is created equal! Here's who typically looks fantastic with peekaboo highlights:
- Natural Color Level: Works well on a wide range of base colors, from dark brown to light blonde. The level difference between your natural color and the highlight shade will impact visibility.
- Undertone: Warm undertones (golden, yellow) often benefit from warmer-toned highlights (caramel, honey). Cool undertones (pink, blue) can shine with cooler tones (ashy blonde, silver). Your stylist can help determine the best tone for you.
- Hair Type/Texture:
- Straight Hair: Highlights are easily visible and create a clean look.
- Wavy Hair: Highlights enhance natural waves and add movement.
- Curly & Coily Hair: Highlights can define curls and coils, but careful placement is needed to avoid unevenness. A skilled stylist experienced with textured hair is essential.
- Density: Works well on all densities; the highlights are simply more subtle on thicker hair.
- Length: Looks great on medium-length to long hair where upstyles are common. Shorter styles can still work, but placement needs careful consideration.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look and enjoy wearing their hair in updos or half-up styles.
#4. Peekaboo Highlights vs. Similar Techniques
Understanding the differences helps you communicate your desired result to your stylist:
- Balayage vs Foilyage vs Highlights: Balayage is a freehand painting technique, offering softer transitions and less defined lines. Foilyage combines balayage with foils for more precise lift. Traditional highlights use foils throughout the hair for overall lightening. Peekaboo highlights are a placement strategy that can be applied using any of these coloring methods (balayage, foilyage or traditional foil).
- Root Smudge vs Shadow Root: A root smudge softens the line between your natural roots and highlighted sections with a blended color. A shadow root creates an intentionally darker base for contrast. Peekaboo highlights can incorporate either of these techniques to create a more seamless look, especially if you want to extend time between salon visits.
#5. Maintenance & Longevity
Keeping those peekaboos looking their best requires some attention:
- Salon Timing: Typically every 6-12 weeks, depending on how quickly your roots grow and the desired level of brightness.
- Toner/Gloss Refresh: A toner or gloss can be applied between color appointments to maintain the shade and add shine (every 4-8 weeks).
- Grow-Out Behavior: The subtle placement means that as the highlights grow out, they blend more naturally than with traditional all-over highlighting.
- Budget/Time Planning: Peekaboo highlights are generally less time consuming and slightly less expensive than a full head of highlights, but costs vary by salon and stylist expertise. Expect to spend around 1.5 - 3 hours in the salon.
#6. At-Home Care Tips
Protecting your color is key:
- Wash Cadence: Wash hair as infrequently as possible (2-3 times per week).
- Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
- Color-Safe Care: Use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Sulfate-free products are generally recommended.
- Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to hydrate and strengthen your hair.
#7. Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Subtle yet stylish change.
- Adds dimension and brightness without commitment.
- Blends well with natural root growth.
- Versatile – works on various hair types and colors.
- Generally less damaging than full highlights (when done correctly).
Cons:
- Not suitable for complete gray coverage.
- Best visible when hair is styled up.
- Requires a skilled stylist to achieve the desired placement.
- Can be tricky to execute on very short or fine hair.
#8. Salon Consultation Script Prompts
Prepare for your appointment with these questions/talking points:
- "I'm interested in peekaboo highlights – can you explain how they would work with my current color and hair type?"
- “What shade of highlight will best complement my skin tone?”
- "Can we see examples of peekaboo highlights on different hair colors and textures?"
- "How many sessions do you think it will take to achieve the look I want?"
- "What’s your approach to placement, considering I often wear my hair in [specific updo/hairstyle]?"
- “Can we discuss how this technique might affect my hair's health?”
#9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Are peekaboo highlights damaging? Like any coloring process, they involve some level of processing. A skilled stylist will minimize damage by using appropriate techniques and products.
- Can I do them myself at home? While possible, it’s difficult to achieve the precise placement required for a flattering result without professional training.
- How long do peekaboo highlights last? The color itself fades gradually over 6-12 weeks. The overall look remains appealing longer due to the strategic placement and softer grow out.
- What if I want a more dramatic effect? Multiple sessions or strategically placed thicker sections of highlight can create a bolder look.
- Can peekaboo highlights be combined with other techniques like balayage? Absolutely! Combining them allows for even greater customization and dimension.
- Will my hair feel dry after the process? It’s possible, especially if your hair is already prone to dryness. Deep conditioning treatments will help restore moisture and vitality.
- What's the difference between peekaboo highlights and money piece highlights? Money pieces are broader sections of highlight placed around the face for maximum impact, while peekaboos are more strategically hidden. Both add brightness but differ in visibility.
- Can I get peekaboo highlights if my hair is very dark? Yes! However, achieving a significant color lift on darker hair may require multiple sessions and careful consideration to avoid damage.
