Okay, so peekaboo highlights? They’re basically the secret weapon I wish I’d discovered years ago.
You get that fun pop of color without committing to a full head of highlights.
And honestly, the way they hide until you move your hair? Chef’s kiss.
I’ve been obsessed with trying different peekaboo highlight styles on my dark hair lately.
Some worked amazingly well, others… well, let’s just say I learned what not to do.
These 17 peekaboo highlights for dark hair are the ones that actually delivered.
They’re fun, they’re bold, and some are surprisingly subtle for everyday wear.
The Peekaboo Highlights That Actually Work
1. Subtle Caramel Peekaboo Highlights
This one’s perfect if you’re testing the peekaboo waters without going too wild.
Soft caramel tones peek through dark brown or black hair so naturally.
I love how it catches the light during the day but stays hidden when my hair’s down.
It’s great for anyone with warm undertones who wants dimension without the drama.
Honestly, my coworkers didn’t even notice until I tied my hair up one day.
Perfect for office settings or if your workplace has strict hair color policies.
2. Burgundy Red Peekaboo Streaks
Okay, this one surprised me because I thought it’d be too bold.
But burgundy against dark hair? It’s moody, it’s rich, and it feels expensive.
The deep red tones blend beautifully with black or dark brown hair.
I got this done before a fall wedding and it photographed so well.
It works best when placed in the underlayers near the nape.
You can flip your hair and boom — instant drama without being over the top.
3. Blue Underlayer Peekaboo Highlights
This style is for the bold souls who want something a little edgier.
Navy or cobalt blue hidden under dark hair creates such a cool contrast.
I won’t lie, I was nervous before trying this one at first.
But when I wore my hair in a bun? Everyone kept asking where I got it done.
It’s perfect for creative professionals or anyone who loves standing out on weekends.
Just make sure your stylist uses a vibrant dye that won’t fade too quickly.
4. Rose Gold Peekaboo Glow
Rose gold underneath dark hair is pure magic, and I mean that.
It’s feminine, it’s trendy, and it works on literally every skin tone.
I tried this for my birthday last year and got so many compliments.
The peachy-pink tones look stunning when you braid your hair or wear a ponytail.
It’s soft enough for professional settings but fun enough for nights out.
My stylist used a toner to keep it from looking too orange, which was key.
5. Emerald Green Peekaboo Panels
Green might sound wild, but emerald on dark hair is surprisingly wearable.
It’s deep, it’s jewel-toned, and it feels luxurious instead of costume-y.
I rocked this during the holidays and it felt perfectly festive without being too much.
Works best as thick panels rather than thin streaks for maximum impact.
My advice? Go to a colorist who specializes in fashion colors.
Green can fade into weird tones if not done properly, trust me.
6. Violet Purple Peekaboo Shine
Purple peekaboo highlights are basically a love letter to anyone with dark hair.
The violet tones blend seamlessly while still giving you that hidden pop of color.
I’ve had this style three separate times because I keep coming back to it.
It looks incredible in natural light and even better under club lighting, honestly.
Perfect for round or heart-shaped faces since it draws attention to your hair movement.
Use a purple-toning shampoo once a week to keep the vibrancy alive longer.
7. Honey Blonde Underneath Highlights
This is the warm-toned girl’s dream peekaboo highlight, and I stand by that.
Honey blonde under dark hair gives you that sun-kissed glow without the commitment.
I got this done right before summer vacation and it felt so beachy.
It’s bright enough to notice but natural enough to grow out gracefully.
Works beautifully on anyone with olive or golden skin tones especially.
My hairstylist placed it around my ears and nape for the best peekaboo effect.
8. Silver Ash Peekaboo Streaks
Silver peekaboo highlights are edgy, cool, and honestly a bit futuristic-looking.
The contrast between jet black hair and silver streaks is absolutely striking.
I tried this after seeing it all over Pinterest and it did not disappoint.
Best for people with cool undertones who can pull off ashy shades.
To be fair, it requires regular toning to prevent it from turning brassy.
But when it’s fresh? You’ll feel like a total rockstar, I promise.
9. Copper Peekaboo Highlights
Copper is that rich, burnt orange-red that feels so warm and inviting.
Against dark hair, it creates this gorgeous autumnal vibe all year round.
I wore this during fall and it matched my entire wardrobe perfectly.
The metallic shimmer in copper dye catches light in the prettiest way.
It’s ideal for anyone with warm or neutral undertones who loves earthy colors.
My colorist layered it underneath so it peeked through when I curled my hair.
10. Teal Blue Peekaboo Accent
Teal is that perfect balance between blue and green that just works.
It’s vibrant without being too loud, and it complements dark hair so well.
I got this on a whim during spring break and ended up keeping it for months.
The color held up surprisingly well even after multiple washes, which was a win.
Great for square or oval face shapes since it adds playful dimension.
Pair it with beachy waves or a messy bun for maximum peekaboo effect.
11. Magenta Peekaboo Color Pop
Magenta is bold, it’s bright, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
But if you want a true color pop that demands attention? This is it.
I tried this for a concert and people kept stopping me to ask about it.
It’s electric pink with purple undertones that look stunning against black hair.
Works best as thicker streaks or panels rather than fine highlights.
Honestly, this one fades into pretty pastel shades, which is a bonus.
12. Platinum Blonde Peekaboo Contrast
Platinum blonde peekaboo highlights are the ultimate high-contrast look, period.
The stark difference between dark hair and platinum creates serious drama.
I won’t lie, this one requires serious upkeep and regular salon visits.
But when you flip your hair and reveal those bright blonde sections? Worth it.
Best for people with cool undertones and a commitment to toning appointments.
My stylist placed mine strategically so they showed when I wore a low ponytail.
13. Pink Peekaboo Balayage
Pink balayage hidden underneath dark hair is soft, feminine, and incredibly pretty.
It’s not as intense as magenta but still gives you that fun pop of color.
I had this for my best friend’s bridal shower and it was perfect.
The graduated pink tones blend beautifully from root to tip underneath your hair.
It photographs gorgeously and works for literally any occasion you can think of.
Use a color-safe shampoo to keep the pink from fading into peachy tones too quickly.
14. Chocolate Brown with Auburn Peekaboo
This is the most natural-looking peekaboo option on the entire list, honestly.
Auburn tones hidden under chocolate brown hair add warmth without looking dyed.
I love how it gives dimension without anyone realizing you colored your hair.
Perfect for conservative workplaces or anyone easing into the peekaboo trend slowly.
The reddish-brown undertones catch sunlight so beautifully during the day.
It’s low-maintenance and grows out gracefully, which is a huge plus for me.
15. Dark Hair with Rainbow Peekaboo Highlights
Okay, this one’s for the adventurous souls who want all the colors at once.
Rainbow peekaboo highlights under dark hair are fun, bold, and totally Instagram-worthy.
I tried this during pride month and received so many compliments everywhere I went.
Each color is placed in sections so they all peek through when you move.
It’s a high-maintenance look but the payoff is absolutely worth the effort.
My colorist used vibrant semi-permanent dyes that I could refresh at home easily.
16. Lavender Peekaboo Glow
Lavender is soft, dreamy, and looks stunning against dark hair without trying too hard.
It’s less intense than purple but still gives you that fantasy hair vibe.
I wore this during spring and it felt perfectly on-theme with the season.
The pastel purple tones show up best on pre-lightened sections underneath your hair.
Great for anyone with cool undertones who wants something whimsical but wearable.
It fades to silvery tones eventually, which actually looks really pretty too.
17. Golden Blonde Peekaboo Dimension
Golden blonde peekaboo highlights add warmth and dimension to dark hair effortlessly.
It’s brighter than honey blonde but not as stark as platinum.
I love how it brightens up my overall look without being too dramatic.
Perfect for medium to tan skin tones who want sun-kissed vibes year-round.
My stylist painted it underneath in a way that looks natural yet intentional.
It’s the kind of highlight that makes people think you just got back from vacation.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — 17 peekaboo highlights for dark hair that actually work.
Whether you want something subtle like caramel or bold like rainbow, there’s something here for everyone.
I’ve tried most of these myself and can honestly say each one brought something different.
The best part? You get to hide your color when you need to and show it off when you want.
Which one are you thinking of trying first? I’d genuinely love to hear what catches your eye!
And if you’ve already tried peekaboo highlights, drop a comment about your experience.
Happy highlighting, and remember — your hair, your rules!
