How to Hide Peekaboo Hair

Are you looking for a way to switch up your hairstyle without making any drastic changes? Peekaboo hair might just be the answer you’re looking for! This trendy hair coloring technique involves strategically placing vibrant or pastel colors underneath your top layer of hair, creating a hidden pop of color.

Peekaboo hair dye is a fun and trendy way to add pops of color to your hairstyle while keeping it low-key and versatile. However, there might be occasions when you want to temporarily hide these vibrant or contrasting sections, whether for professional settings, formal events, or personal preference. The good news is that concealing peekaboo hair can be simple and effective with the right techniques and styling approaches.

This guide on how to hide peekaboo hair will explore practical tips to ensure your peekaboo hair stays discreet whenever you need it to.

What Are the Benefits of Hiding Peekaboo Hair?

Hiding peekaboo hair may seem counterintuitive, especially when it comes to boldly expressing your personal style. However, there are several benefits to keeping your peekaboo hair under wraps:

• Professional Settings: In certain workplaces or industries, having vibrant or contrasting hair colors may not be appropriate or allowed. By concealing your peekaboo hair, you can maintain a professional appearance while still being able to show off your colorful locks outside of work.
• Formal Events: While bright and bold hair colors have become more accepted in formal events, some occasions still call for a more traditional look. By hiding your peekaboo hair, you can easily switch between a fun and flirty look for everyday wear, to a more classic and elegant style for formal events.
• Experimentation: Peekaboo hair is a great way to experiment with different colors without fully committing to them. By covering up your peekaboo hair, you can easily switch between colors or even try out new ones without any long-term consequences.
• Heat Styling Breaks: Constant heat styling from blow drying, straightening or curling can cause damage to your hair. By hiding your peekaboo hair, you can give it a break from heat styling and let it heal and repair itself while still having the option of showing off your vibrant colors on occasion.

What Will You Need?

To achieve perfect peekaboo hair, you will need a few essential tools and products. Here are some of the things you will need:

• Hair bleach or lightening product
• Vibrant hair color(s) of your choice
• Foil or plastic wrap for sectioning hair
• Wide-toothed comb for detangling and applying bleach/color
• Gloves to protect your hands from chemicals
• Old towel or shirt to avoid staining your clothes

9 Easy Steps on How to Hide Peekaboo Hair

Step 1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair 

Before beginning the process, ensure your hair is clean and completely dry. Washing your hair beforehand removes excess oils and product buildup, which can interfere with the bleach or color application.

However, avoid conditioning your hair during this wash, as conditioner can create a barrier that makes it harder for the bleach or color to penetrate. Dry your hair thoroughly, as damp hair can dilute the bleach or color, leading to uneven results. Starting with a clean, dry base sets the foundation for the best possible peekaboo hair outcome.

Step 2. Section Your Hair Properly

Divide your hair into manageable sections to ensure precise application of bleach and color. Use a comb to create clean, horizontal layers, and clip the top layers of hair away to expose the underneath section where the peekaboo color will go. Proper sectioning is essential for achieving even and clean results, allowing the peekaboo effect to remain hidden when desired. Using foil or plastic wrap to separate sections can help keep the color contained and prevent it from bleeding onto the rest of your hair.

Step 3. Tease for Volume   

Teasing your hair is an important step to ensure that your peekaboo highlights blend naturally and add dimension to your overall style. Start by taking small sections of your hair and gently backcombing them with a fine-tooth comb. Focus on the roots to create volume, which will allow the colored strands underneath to peek through subtly when styled.

Working in small sections will help you achieve a more controlled and uniform look. Be careful not to over-tease, as this can lead to tangles or damage. Once you’ve teased the desired areas, lightly smooth over the top layer of hair with a brush to maintain a polished appearance while keeping the volume intact.

Step 4. Apply Hair Bleach 

To achieve the peekaboo effect, you will need to lighten or bleach certain sections of your hair first. Use a hair bleach or lightening product (lightener) and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure to wear gloves and avoid getting the product on your skin. Saturate the sections of hair that you want to be colored with the lightener, making sure to blend well for a gradient effect. You can use foil or plastic wrap to keep the bleached sections separate from the rest of your hair.

Step 5. Rinse and Dry Your Hair  

Once you have achieved your desired lightness with the bleach, it’s time to rinse and dry your hair. Rinse out the bleach thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Be gentle when rinsing, as bleached hair can become fragile and prone to breakage.

After rinsing out the bleach, shampoo and condition your hair using products specifically designed for color-treated or bleached hair. This will help nourish and protect your newly lightened locks.

Next, gently pat your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. Excessive rubbing can cause damage and frizz to already delicate bleached hair.

Step 6. Apply Hair Dye 

Once your hair is dry, it’s time to apply the hair dye. Make sure to use gloves and wear an old t-shirt or towel over your shoulders to protect your clothes from any potential stains.

Start by sectioning off your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. This will help ensure that you evenly distribute the dye and don’t miss any spots.

Follow the instructions on the box of hair dye carefully, mixing the color according to the recommended ratios. Apply the color starting at the roots, making sure to saturate each section evenly before moving onto the next one.

Step 7. Let the Dye Sit

Once you have applied the dye to your entire head, leave it in for the recommended amount of time. This typically ranges from 20-40 minutes, depending on the brand and color. It’s important not to leave the dye in for longer than recommended, as it can cause damage to your hair or result in an uneven color. While waiting for the dye to process, use this time to clean up any spills or messes and wash off any excess dye from your skin with soap and water.

If you are using a semi-permanent or temporary dye, you may choose to wrap your hair in a shower cap or plastic bag while waiting for it to process. This will help to keep the heat in and allow the dye to penetrate better.

Step 8: Rinse and Condition

Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo during this initial rinse, as it may strip the dye from your hair. Instead, apply a color-safe conditioner or the conditioner included with your dye kit. This will help to lock in the color and leave your hair feeling soft and hydrated. Gently towel-dry your hair and avoid excessive heat styling to maintain the vibrancy of the color.

Step 9: Style and Protect 

After your hair is clean and conditioned, it’s time to style it as desired. Use heat protectants if you plan to use hot tools like a blow dryer, curling iron, or straightener to prevent damage and preserve the color’s intensity. For best results, opt for styling products specifically designed for color-treated hair, as they can help maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your new shade. Avoid excessive heat and harsh styling techniques to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your color-treated hair looking vibrant and healthy.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Tying your hair too tightly 

Avoid pulling your hair into overly tight ponytails or buns, as this can expose the contrasting peekaboo strands, defeating the purpose of keeping them hidden. Opt for looser hairstyles that allow for better concealment. 

2. Wearing sheer or light-colored scarves 

If you use a scarf or accessory to cover your hair, avoid light or sheer fabrics that might allow the peekaboo colors to slip through or become visible. Choose thicker materials in neutral shades for effective coverage. 

3. Parting your hair incorrectly 

Be mindful of your hair parting, as an improper part can easily reveal the hidden layers of color. Stick to your usual part or experiment to find one that best camouflages your peekaboo highlights. 

4. Using hairstyles that expose underlayers 

Certain hairstyles, such as braids or half-up styles, may reveal the colored sections hidden beneath. Keep to styles that keep the lower layers secure and out of sight, like a sleek ponytail or a low bun. 

5. Skipping regular touch-ups 

Allowing your colors to fade or grow out visibly can make it harder to maintain the hidden effect. Regular touch-ups and maintenance with your hairstylist will ensure the peekaboo hair remains subtle and easy to hide when desired. 

Conclusion

How to hide peekaboo hair is all about strategic styling and proper maintenance.

By choosing hairstyles that keep the colored sections concealed, sticking to subtle placement of colors, and ensuring regular upkeep, you can enjoy the fun of peekaboo hair while maintaining a professional or subdued appearance when needed.

With a little creativity and care, this versatile hair trend can seamlessly adapt to any occasion or setting.