| Cover Page | Aug. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37873 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-4464131 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 570 10th Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Oakland |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94607 |
| City Area Code | 510 |
| Local Phone Number | 778-7787 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ELF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | true |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001600033 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
