Peekaboo Hair Color 2026: 20 Chic, Secret-Pop Ideas for Your Next Appointment

Peekaboo hair color 2026 in particular is generally the best of both worlds— A “something’s different” spark that doesn’t necessarily make you feel like you have to redesign your whole life. It’s shaded with manners—easy to tuck away when you’re feeling a classic kind of way and so much fun when it springs forth in locks and ponytails or an easy tuck behind the ear.

Ahead, 20 inspiration images that feel new and wearable and a bit addictive (warning: you may find yourself wanting to try them all). Think soft underlayer hair color moments, bold money piece statements, and dreamy blends that can make an everyday hairstyle feel like you put thought into your outfit.

1. Black Waves with Pink Money Piece Peekaboo

There’s something tantalizingly grown-up about leaving your base black and popping just a little pink like an underground mood boost. The bright face-framing streaks are so playful without feeling like you are “trying too hard,” and that ribbon of color through the mid-lengths even looks like you tried with a basic blowout. It’s the sort of detail that leaves strangers acting as though they’re meeting a person with fabulous hair rather than some rando who just rushed to Target in yoga pants.

Request an in-your-face money piece and a hair-color panel that mimics your natural movement from your colorist—that’s the placement trick to make it look intentional, not just happenstance. It’s wonderful for medium to thick hair with a wave that can hold; style with a big-barrel curl, then brush it out to get the soft, expensive swoosh. If you’re shy, begin with a deep berry pink so it fades prettily rather than screaming on day one, and have a color-safe mask on hand for gloss.

2. Sleek Ponytail with Purple Underlayer Ribbon

This one is for the woman who prefers her hair polished… with a bit of a wink. From the front, it looks clean and classic, but then when you pull your hair up, there’s that purple ribbon, like a designer lining inside a coat. That’s a quiet confidence, the kind that says you don’t need to proclaim yourself—you can just be. And really, it turns a simple ponytail into an entire look.

Who it’s for: straight to slightly wavy hair, especially if your life revolves around ponytails, buns, or claw clips. Keep the top glossy, retain some color underneath, and you can grow it out easily and space appointments out. A smoothing cream and a light oil on the ends make that contrast look luxe, and the neatness of the color placement makes it so you can hide it for work and flash like a stoplight (laser pointer? orb?) down at the old bocce club without changing anything about this. 無しな accordion. If you want the look to be stronger, request one thicker ribbon straight through the center of your ponytail.

3. Soft Bob with Dusty Rose Peekaboo

A soft, tousled bob with warm pink roses cements itself as the hair equivalent to a really good blush—understated enough, then you realize how much brighter you look overall. It has that casual, I-woke-up-like-this energy, but in reality it’s working overtime behind the scenes to give your style motion and a tinge of sweetness. It’s actually flirty in a low-key way, like an offhand compliment that has landed and now lingers.

Styling tip: Leave the front slightly longer and add in loose bends using a flat iron, then finish it with texture spray for flexible volume. This is a fine- to medium-hair dream because the length being short all over means that everything looks thicker, and the pink peekaboo melts into the browns rather than creating evil lines. Refresh the shade with a tinted conditioner so that the rose is soft—not neon—and ask for some soft layers so it doesn’t feel “helmet-y.”

4. Neon Pink Face-Frame on Dark Lob

If you’ve ever wanted to make a statement without changing your entire head of hair, this is for you. The dark base keeps you rooted, but those neon highlights at the front serve a hit of instant sparkle—as if you’d traded your regular hoops for armor earrings. It feels both modern and flirty, with a touch of rebellion in the best way. Even on little makeup days, it provides that “I have my life together” shine.

On trend, this chunky face frame stays hot for 2025 and slides straight into peekaboo hair color in 2026 because it photos like a dream and grows out with attitude. Request thicker panels rather than baby highlights so the contrast remains crisp, and leave the rest dark for drama. It works on hair that’s straight, wavy, or curly; diffuse curls for a soft wave so that as you walk around, pink flashes in different places. A heat protectant will help maintain the bright tone of your locks and keep split ends at bay.

5. Smoky Brown with Teal Peekaboo Ends

This smoky brown base and cool teal peekaboo is the color of winter ocean water—tranquil on top, electric on bottom. It’s the kind of color that makes you look instantly more interesting, even if you’re just wearing the same old black sweater. It peekaboo shows up when you tuck hair behind your ear or grab the tails on the fly, and it’s kind of addictive. A bit artsy, a bit sleek, and absolutely a “cool girl who actually pays her bills.”

Low-maintenance lovers, here you go. At least keep that teal to the mid-lengths and ends so you’re not fighting roots every month, and request a softened gradient so it fades out gently. It suits thick wavy hair and also looks lovely in a sleek blowout; rinse with cool water, and use color-safe shampoo to prevent fading. If you would like a little more dimension, add in some blue or green toward the ends for depth, and expect to refresh your gloss when those start going pastel as well.

6. Half-Up Pop of Pink Panels

Half-up hair is already a smidge “main character,” and these pink panels take it straight to fun town, without abandoning the seriousness. You get that cute lift at the crown, plus shimmering pieces framing the face and popping through the lengths as if you’re wearing confidence, not just color. It’s young without being juvenile—more “I still have things to do” than “I am attempting to be 22.”

As compared to an all-over dye, this is easier to live with because the underlayer hair can be phased in exactly where you want it to show. Bring placement ideas to your stylist—two slim panels alongside the temples and a couple of stealth ribbons through the back will keep it balanced. It works with medium-density hair; soft waves look best, and a fast curl-and-brush makes the perm look airy instead of blocky. Ask for a mini placement plan at the consult if you are visual to ensure 100% that you both agree on how much color is peeking out when your hair is half up and down.

7. Cobrizo Glow with Dark Depth

This Cobrizo is what copper does when it gets a little bit of edge in it. The warm, spicy tones light up the face, but the deeper base keeps it sophisticated and not too “pumpkin.” It’s romantic, but with attitude—as in, you could do a board meeting and a concert the same night and look at home in both rooms. The best part is that the warm shades make your skin appear alert, even when you’ve had only coffee.

What to wear it with: gold jewelry, warm lipstick and cool cream, or olive or denim for contrast. This look is a superstar on wavy or curly texture since the movement makes the copper shimmer, but it also works straight with a glassy shine to finish. Depending on their tolerance for upkeep, request an inky look inspired by a soft money piece effect in copper if clients prefer to keep the rest darker and want maintenance that won’t get out of hand and they can grow out intentionally. For added sugar, use a little shine spray on the ends to make the color look freshly done.

8. Subtle Pastel Peekaboo Ponytail

Sometimes the best statement is the one that you’ll only show when you feel like it. A buff pastel peep from under a ponytail says “Oh, she’s fun” without yelling. It’s sweet, modern, and a little disconcerting—it makes your entire look feel lighter, even if it isn’t your week. That’s the kind of detail that can make you smile when you catch it in the mirror.

The mood here is more low-key, so keep the shade to a light blush and consider temporary color if you enjoy mixing up your look. It looks so nice on straight hair and a sleek ponytail, but it’s also adorable on messy buns where the pastel flashes peek out here and there in little streaks. Hit it with a purple-toning shampoo if there’s any blonde linked to it in the mix to save it from going brassy, and pre-straightening hair or curling hair never hurt anybody. Bonus: It’s readily concealable when you need extra classic vibes.

9. Blonde on Top with Iridescent Underlayer

Now this is Peekaboo, Fairy Dream Edition—and in the best way. Topped with a head of blonde and a swirl of iridescent highlights underneath, it moves as if there were its own little prism effect in between the locks. It’s bonkers, artful, and still somehow wearable—as if your pubescent self and the grown-up you finally agreed on something. When you curl it, the colors whisper; when you flip it, they sing.

The emotional payoff is enormous: you have color without feeling confined to any particular shade, simply because the underlayer can read purple, or blue, or green—even a bit of red depending on the light. Ideal for: Medium to thick, wavy, or big-waved hair. • The good parts: Colors ripple instead of sitting flat. Keep it glossy with a weekly mask, and ask to have the rainbow tones underneath so you can easily tone it down by wearing your hair straight. A satin pillowcase and low-heat styling keep those tones bright and the curls smooth.

10. Violet-Lilac Underlayer for Brunettes

If you’re in the mood for a fresh color but not yet ready to part ways with your dark base, this is one of my absolute favorite brunette underlayer hair color looks. Violet and lilac tones feel modern and a bit mysterious—like a night-out manicure, but for your hair. It’s pretty, yes, but with a “don’t mess with me” polish. And because it’s hidden underneath, you can tailor how dominant it is around your neck from day to day.

If you need an excuse: you don’t have to shed your entire identity and become someone else in order to feel brand new. Request something hidden with a purple underlayer and clean placement of color so that it peeks out when you curl it or tuck it behind your ear. This works with thick hair, and thinner too if you put in a few brighter ribbons to make them stand out. Keep the tone chill with sulfate-free shampoo, and refresh every few weeks at home with a violet-depositing gloss for an easy D.I.Y. amp-up. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in “new me” energy.

11. Soft Blonde Peekaboo with a Subtle Twist

There is such an evergreen quality when it comes to this soft peekaboo look. The soft difference between the warm brown base and a subtle blonde accent feels chic and natural. It’s finding the sun at exactly the right angle, casting everything in a bit of a shimmer. If you’re going out to a brunch or for the night, this look will easily accommodate your vibe and splash in some brights without drowning everything.

This look is perfect for straight to wavy hair textures and is great if you are someone who adores a simple, no-fuss style that’s still trendy. The softer highlights with half-up, half-down allow for versatility and movement, and the natural finish makes this an ideal option for someone wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish hue. A texturizing spray also adds volume to those baby waves, making the peekaboo effect pop with hardly any effort.

12. [IMG PLACEHOLDER] (https://people.com/style/best-selena-gomez-hair-and-makeup-looks/pink-and-blonde-waves/) / Pink and Blonde Waves

This fun hair color takes the cake with pink strands through blonde waves. It’s an immediately arresting combination, one that says, “I’m fun, but I’ve got my act together.” Blonde effortlessly melds into the pop of pink here, creating a youthful, peekaboo style that’s oh-so-chic. It’s a color that looks cool on someone who has a bit of creativity in their personality and is not afraid to express themselves with a pop of boldness in the hair.

Ideal for those with wavy or curly hair, this peekaboo placement will round out your natural texture, especially when you have a gentle wave. If you want the color to pop, keep the rest of your hair neutral to really let that pink stand out. ” Simple Half-Up Style Simple styles are perfect for keeping your hair under control and the blue ombre in focus. To keep it vibrant, use a color-protecting shampoo to ensure the blonde remains bright and the pink remains punchy.

13. Bold Red Streaks on Dark Hair

If you’ve been longing for a peekaboo color that delivers a punch, these bold red streaks against a dark base are the perfect statement. The contrast is striking, and the intensity of the red gives your hair an edgy, confident vibe that’s hard to ignore. It’s the perfect choice for someone who isn’t afraid to stand out but still loves the idea of an easy-to-maintain look. The way the red highlights add dimension to your hair makes it feel alive with color and energy.

This style works wonderfully on thick or medium-textured hair and especially shines with a little curl or volume. The red placement can be focused around the face, creating a “money piece” effect, or spread more randomly through the lengths for a more natural look. If you want the red to pop without overwhelming your entire head of hair, use a lightweight styling cream to enhance texture and allow the color to shine through effortlessly.

14. Subtle Pink Highlights with Warm Brown Base

The soft pink highlights peeping out from a warm brown base give the peek-a-boo style a fresh look. This brown and pink hair color combines classic elegance with a little fun, making it seem so achingly chic while still feeling youthful. The most exciting part is how easily convertible it is: sleek, clean lines for a day at the office or spritzy and beachy for a relaxed vibe. It’s a subtle but eye-catching way to add a little whimsy to your rotation.

This look is perfect for those with fine to medium hair since the highlights are placed in a way that adds dimension and motion without being heavy. Wear your hair soft with loose waves or a straight blow-out for simply polished styling. To help keep the color looking fresh, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner as well as a heat protectant to protect while styling.

15. Bold Magenta Ombre and Face-Framing Highlights

This peekaboo color look is a bold magenta ombre with some face-framing highlights, which will call more attention to your stunning features. Against the dark undertone, this contrast of color looks striking and playful, and the face-framing placement is just so flattering that you look “alive” and “fresh.” It’s great for a weekend brunch with friends, a night on the town, or that moment you want to add a little sass to your everyday look.

Perfect for those with medium to thick hair, this peekaboo style can really shine with longer cuts that show off its gorgeous gradient. It’s perfect for someone who loves to play with color and doesn’t mind a little added maintenance. For an added twist, add soft curls or waves so the magenta fades and blends in seamlessly, because we must always keep your locks healthy looking while preserving that color vibrancy.

16. Neon Teal Highlights on Brown Hair

Neon Teal Highlights Blue neon teal highlights bring the unexpected, colorful accents to otherwise deep brown hair. It’s brave, strong, and has that cool factor. This peekaboo color is about being fun and creative but also letting your hair down without going too over the top. It feels modern, arty, and edgy—perfect for those who want to be bold but still like a hint of subtle color placement.

It’s best for this style to be on straight to slightly wavy hair, since that’s where the color can sit nicely and smooth out as you style it for contrast. Teal is one of the colors that you’d like to see on a dark base; this makes this cool look pop without requiring much upkeep. Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo so the teal stays bright, and apply a light leave-in conditioner to prevent the brown base from looking too flat.

17. Pink and Purple Peekaboo Balayage

This pink and purple balayage effect with the peekaboo twist has a playful aura about your hair—soft mixed in with punches of bold. Pink tones get gradually deeper as the color approaches the ends, making for a breathtaking gradient that resembles a sunset on your locks. It’s ideal for a person who wishes to experiment with some color without going totally in on any one palette, as not only is the contrast lovely but also whimsical.

Ideal for girls with medium to thick locks, this look is meant to be styled in sloppy natural waves to show off the soft fade. The peekaboo placement only adds to the impact too, as your hair has to be moved for the colors to be revealed (i.e., when you move or tuck it behind your ear). The color placement around the ends is so easy to maintain—grow-out is more seamless versus some other, more full-on color placements.

18. Multi-Colored Peekaboo Rainbow Ends

If you’re looking to fully embrace the fun side of hair color, this rainbow peekaboo ends look is absolutely magical. From vibrant pinks to cool blues and greens, these colors pop from the bottom of your hair, creating a vibrant and playful statement. This is the ultimate expression of personality and joy, perfect for the person who wants to make a bold, artistic move without going over the top in a full color.

This is ideal for medium to long hair, as the colors will stand out beautifully in layers or waves. The blend of colors on the ends creates an effortless yet highly personalized look. If you love to experiment with colors and want something that’s bold but not permanent, this peekaboo style will bring excitement to your hair without too much upkeep. Plus, using a color-depositing conditioner will help you keep those vibrant tones fresh for longer.

19. Soft Pink with Blonde Base and Bouncy Curls

This soft pink peekaboo hair with a blonde base is just right in between subtle and bold. The soft pink highlights really sweeten everything up, but the blonde base keeps things feeling lighter and lifted. With curls that bounce alongside it, this style is full of warmth and charm, making it perfect for pretty much anything from day-to-day plans to a more formal affair where you just want a hint of your fun side.

This is ideal for medium to thick hair, especially with curls or waves. The trick here is to be subtle and have delicate, blended highlights that aren’t too out there but are still visible. It’s a fun way to experiment with color without feeling too out there, and the pink will eventually fade. For a more glamorous look, apply an airy hairspray to hold the curls but avoid weighing them down.

20. Purple and Teal Peekaboo Color on Brown Hair

Mixing purple and teal in a peekaboo color look brings a fantasy-inspired twist to your hair. The dark base gives the style a grounded feel, while the purple and teal mix shines with an almost ethereal glow. It’s perfect for the bold spirit who wants to feel a little magical every day without needing a costume to match. The way the colors pop through from behind the darker hair makes the look feel like a secret, revealing only when you want it to.

This style works great on straight or wavy hair, especially when styled with loose curls or a simple, sleek blowout. The key here is to keep the color placement precise and layered, with the purple and teal starting a few inches below the roots for easy maintenance. Use a color-protecting shampoo to keep the shades vivid and vibrant.

My favorite thing about peekaboo hair color in 2026 is how personal it feels. You’re not copying a trend—you’re choosing where the color lives, how loud it gets to be, and when you want it to show up. So whether you go subtle blonde and brown or full-on rainbow, pick the version that makes you feel like you—just a little brighter, a little bolder, and very much in your own era.