I remember the first time I decided to really go for a bold hair color. It was a bright, fiery red, and honestly, I was nervous! But walking out of the salon, seeing that vibrant change, felt so empowering. That feeling of transformation is exactly why I love exploring new hair trends and sharing them with you here at TressNails.com. This season, there’s one trend that’s got me thinking about my favorite childhood treat: Neapolitan hair highlights. Yes, those creamy shades of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry aren’t just for ice cream cones anymore! They’re making a splash in the hair world, offering a playful yet surprisingly versatile look. I’m Ella Kohn, and my passion is helping you find fun ways to express yourself through your hair. Neapolitan hair highlights are such a sweet way to add some personality to your look.
Deliciously Stylish: 22 Neapolitan Hair Looks
Ready to explore all the sweet ways to wear this yummy trend? I’ve rounded up 22 fantastic Neapolitan hair looks for you. Each one brings a different vibe to the classic color combo. We’ll start with a beautiful, versatile style that’s a timeless choice.
22. Subtle Strawberry Swirl
This look is like a soft, blended ice cream swirl. It’s perfect if you’re just dipping your toes into Neapolitan color. The shades melt together gently. It feels really classic and elegant. I think it works beautifully for women of any age. Remember to use a good color-safe shampoo to keep it looking fresh.
21. Chocolate Base with Vanilla Ribbons
Imagine deep chocolate ice cream with ribbons of vanilla swirled through. This style uses a darker base color. Then lighter vanilla highlights are added. It gives your hair lots of dimension. It adds depth without being too loud. This look feels sophisticated and grown-up. A regular deep conditioning mask will keep it super shiny.
20. Bold Vanilla Streaks on Strawberry
This one is for the playful at heart! It features vibrant vanilla streaks. They pop against a strawberry base color. It’s a noticeable change. If you want your hair to make a statement, this is it. It suits a trendy, youthful style. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling to keep the color bright.
19. Neapolitan Ombré
Ombré means the color fades from one shade to another. With Neapolitan ombré, the three colors blend down your hair length. It’s lower maintenance because the roots are your natural color. This style is great for a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Using a purple or blue shampoo helps prevent any unwanted brassy tones from showing up.
18. Chunky Neapolitan Highlights
This look is a bit retro and totally bold. It uses thicker sections of color. This creates a strong, graphic effect. It has a fun, 90s feel to it. It suits a confident, edgy personality. To keep those lines sharp, you’ll want to schedule regular touch-ups at the salon.
17. Face-Framing Neapolitan
Adding the Neapolitan colors around your face is a game changer. It brightens your skin tone instantly. It really makes your eyes pop too. This style works well with pretty much any look. It’s such a quick way to update things. A little styling cream can help keep those front strands smooth and shiny.
16. Peek-a-Boo Neapolitan
Want a fun secret in your hair? Peek-a-boo color is hidden underneath your top layers. You only see it when your hair moves or you style it up. It’s a subtle way to wear the trend. It’s perfect for a professional style with a fun twist. Dry shampoo is your friend here to stretch out washes and keep the hidden color vibrant.
15. Neapolitan Balayage
Balayage is a technique where color is hand-painted on. This gives a really natural, blended look. Neapolitan balayage feels soft and sun-kissed. It’s perfect for an effortless, natural style. A good leave-in conditioner keeps this look hydrated and healthy-looking.
14. Intense Strawberry with Chocolate Lowlights
This look leans heavily on the strawberry shade. It’s the main color here. Then, deeper chocolate tones are added as lowlights. It creates a rich, warm feel. This is great for a bold, vibrant style. Using a color-depositing conditioner can help boost that strawberry tone between salon visits.
13. Vanilla Base with Neapolitan Tips
This is a playful dip-dye style. Most of your hair is a light vanilla shade. The Neapolitan colors are just on the very ends. It’s fun and experimental. It fits a bright, playful style. Trimming your ends regularly keeps the tips looking fresh and the color sharp.
12. Neapolitan Money Piece
The money piece is the section of hair framing your face. Coloring it with Neapolitan shades is a quick update. It adds a bright pop right where everyone sees it. This works with any style you like. A root touch-up spray is handy for quick fixes if your roots start showing.
11. Neapolitan Underlayer
Coloring the underneath sections of your hair is a cool trick. You don’t see it all the time. It’s a fun surprise when you move your hair. Or when you put it up in a ponytail or bun. It’s great for adding a hidden pop of color to a classic look. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps prevent the color underneath from fading.
10. Subtle Neapolitan Babylights
Babylights are super fine, delicate highlights. They mimic the natural lightness in a child’s hair. Using this technique with Neapolitan colors gives a soft, multi-tonal effect. It’s very understated and natural looking. It suits a soft, gentle style. Using a clarifying shampoo now and then can remove product buildup that dulls color.
9. Neapolitan Split Dye
This is a dramatic, high-contrast look. Your hair is split down the middle. Each side is colored differently. You could do one side strawberry and the other vanilla, with chocolate accents. It fits a daring, alternative style. Using a color sealant product after washing helps lock in the vibrant shades.
8. Neapolitan Root Smudge
A root smudge blends your natural root color into the highlights. It creates a softer line as your hair grows out. This makes the style lower maintenance. It looks effortless and chic. Protecting your hair from the sun is important. The sun can fade your root smudge and highlights.
7. Neapolitan Highlights on Dark Hair
Adding Neapolitan colors to dark hair creates a striking contrast. The lighter vanilla and strawberry really pop against a deep chocolate base. It takes a bit more work to lift the dark color. But the result is bold and beautiful. This suits a confident style. A bond-building treatment helps keep dark hair strong during the lightening process.
6. Neapolitan Highlights on Light Hair
Starting with light hair means the Neapolitan colors look softer. They can appear more pastel or creamy. It creates a whimsical, romantic effect. It’s easier to achieve on lighter bases. This style is great for a dreamy look. A weekly deep conditioning mask keeps lightened hair feeling soft and healthy.
5. Neapolitan Lowlights
Lowlights add darker shades back into your hair. Using the deeper chocolate or strawberry tones as lowlights adds depth. It also creates dimension. If you have fine hair, lowlights can make it look thicker. They give the illusion of more volume. Using a volumizing spray when styling can boost this effect.
4. Neapolitan Highlights with a Pop of Color
Want to make Neapolitan even more unique? Add another vibrant shade alongside the vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Maybe a bright blue or purple? It’s a creative twist. This fits an artistic style. Washing your hair with cool water helps prevent all your colors, including the extra pop, from fading too fast.
3. Neapolitan Highlights with a Shadow Root
Similar to a root smudge, a shadow root leaves your natural root color. But it’s usually a more defined section. The Neapolitan color starts lower down and blends in. It’s very low maintenance. This look feels effortless and cool. Dry shampoo is your best friend for stretching out washes and protecting the shadow root effect.
2. Multi-Dimensional Neapolitan
This look uses layers and varied techniques. It might combine babylights, balayage, and some chunkier pieces. The goal is a rich, complex blend of the Neapolitan shades. It creates lots of movement and texture. This suits a sophisticated style that pays attention to detail. Regular trims help maintain the shape and show off the different color placements.
1. Classic Neapolitan Stripes
This is the iconic, straight-from-the-ice-cream-cart look. It features distinct, clear sections of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The colors are side-by-side, like stripes. It’s a bold, statement-making style. If you want your hair to be the main event, this is it. Using a color-safe styling product helps protect those defined lines and vibrant colors.
Your Neapolitan Hair Questions Answered
Getting Neapolitan highlights is exciting! But you likely have questions about keeping them looking their best. I get asked about Neapolitan hair care a lot. Here are some common questions and my best tips for maintaining Neapolitan hair color.
How do I maintain my Neapolitan hair color?
Maintaining Neapolitan hair color is key to keeping it vibrant. I always recommend using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. They are much gentler on colored hair. Try to wash your hair less often, maybe just two or three times a week. When you do wash, use cool water instead of hot. Hot water can strip color faster.
How long do Neapolitan highlights last?
The lifespan of Neapolitan highlights varies. It depends on things like your hair type and how you care for it. The specific colors used also play a role. Vibrant shades like strawberry might fade faster than chocolate or vanilla. Generally, you can expect them to last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks before needing a touch-up.
Can I get Neapolitan highlights on any hair type?
Yes, you can get Neapolitan highlights on pretty much any hair type! Straight, wavy, curly – it all works. If you have darker hair, your stylist will likely need to lighten sections first. This helps the vanilla and strawberry colors show up brightly. Always talk to your stylist about what’s best for your hair.
Embrace the Sweetness
So there you have it! Over 20 delicious ways to wear Neapolitan hair highlights. This trend is all about having fun and showing your personality. Whether you like it subtle or super bold, there’s a Neapolitan look for you. I truly believe your hair is a powerful way to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new!
Experimenting with colors like these can feel like a mini-adventure. It’s a sweet way to change things up for the season. I love helping you find styles that make you feel amazing. Go ahead, embrace the sweetness of Neapolitan hair and rock a look that’s uniquely you!
