I’ve struggled with thinning hair for years, first noticing intense shedding in 2021, during my final year of university. Almost overnight, huge clumps of hair started to make their way down the drain or get tangled in my hairbrush. After multiple blood tests, trips to the trichologist, and many, many tears, I started to use minoxidil to combat the loss.
Now, years later, I’m in a much more stable place with my hair. Whilst it goes through periods of increased fallout, I understand it won’t last forever, and those lost hairs will be replaced soon enough by stronger, healthier hairs coming through. It hasn’t made me immune to the insecurities that come with having thin hair, though...
It’s no surprise then that I’m always looking for ways to make my locks look as thick and voluminous as possible. I wanted to experiment with colour too, so I headed to Bleach London for a full transformation. Enter: the peekaboo bob.
What is a peekaboo bob?
The 'peekaboo bob' refers to the style's contrasting use of colour: the front sections of the hair are bleached blonde, while the rest remains dark brown. Not only this, but the bleached pieces are hidden underneath a top layer of brown hair. This means the slightly hidden blonde sections are 'peekabooing' out of the brown strands.
These lighter front pieces are more commonly known as 'money pieces' and have been a long-standing trend. More typically found on balayage styles, ‘money piece’ highlights were coined as such because of their ability to make hair look 'expensive'. The front pieces blend subtly into the rest of the blonde highlights throughout the hair, creating a high-impact, yet low-maintenance style.
These 'peekaboo' money pieces are slightly more extreme, as we haven’t blended them at all. In fact, the stark contrast between the bleached colour and my darker brunette is exactly the look we were going for. Other names for the trend include the ‘gemini’ cut or the ‘skunk’ style, but personally? We love the ‘peekaboo’ cut, since the bleached sections are easy to hide with the natural colouring left on top.
Everyone's clicking on...
My stylist, Alycia Nilsson, agrees, “I think it’s also so popular because it gives people the option of having fun and trying out multiple colours, rather than just committing to one.”
Why is a peekaboo bob good for thin hair?
Chopping five or so inches off your hair will always help it bounce back. Not only are you now completely free of split ends, but your hair is no longer being weighed down by so many dead strands. As soon as my hair was cut, it bounced up with such joy that my hairstylist actually described it as "being happy again".
Another hack for getting your locks looking as thick as can be? No layers. I know it’s so tempting to go for the choppy, shaggy, effortlessly Rachel-from-friends look, but trust me, layers are not fine hair’s friend. A blunt cut creates volume at one level, whereas layers intentionally thin out thicker hair.
A blunt bob might not be everyone’s cup of tea, though, as I’ll admit, it can be a little lacklustre, especially if you’re not a fan of styling hair. That’s why the peekaboo colour scheme is ideal for adding a much-needed point of interest. Hiding the blonde strips under your natural hair also helps hide the eventual growth at the root, so you can extend the time between appointments a little longer than you perhaps would normally (don’t tell your hairdresser we said this, though!).
How to look after a bleached bob
Bleaching can be daunting, especially for those with thinner, more delicate hair. However, with the right care and treatment, your lengths should be kept in tip-top condition. Alycia recommends “getting your hair bleached by a professional”, stating that this is “always the first step to achieving healthy bleached hair” After that?
- Reducing (or completely cutting out) minimal heat use
- Not overwashing your hair (one-two times per week is ideal)
- Using protective hairstyles when sleeping (silk pillowcase/bonnet or loose braids)
- Using good products
It's also important to remember that "bleached hair is usually drier, which can then lead to brittle and broken hair, so using products that focus on moisture and repair is key." Bleach London's Reincarnation range provides ultimate hydration and care and is highly recommended for anyone with bleached lengths.
Overall, the 'peekaboo bob' is a fun, playful haircut that completely transformed my thinning ends, and I can't see myself with another hairstyle any time soon...
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Manager for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness is evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
