Neapolitan hair highlights are the latest trend garnering attention in the beauty and fashion realms.
Inspired by the rich hues found in Neapolitan ice cream, this hair coloring technique involves blending multiple shades to create a dimensional and visually appealing look.
My fascination with this trend stems from the way it effortlessly marries fashion with the natural warm and cool tones found in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.
Crafting the look isn’t just about slapping on three distinct colors—it’s an art.
As a hairstylist, I’ve discovered that achieving the Neapolitan effect requires a strategic layering of colors that mimic the gradience and depth of the dessert itself.
This isn’t just about making a statement but also about showcasing the complexity of color blending.
It’s about creating a seamless transition that adds depth and movement to the hair.
When done right, the result is a head-turning blend that’s as sweet as it is stylish.
Reader's Roadmap
Key Takeaways
- Neapolitan hair highlights create a dimensional blend reminiscent of the classic ice cream flavors.
- The technique is rooted in carefully layering shades for a seamless transition.
- Neapolitan highlights are a fashion-forward statement, melding beauty with complexity.
Subtle Neapolitan Highlights
Streaked Neapolitan Waves
Strawberry Pink, Blonde And Dark Brown
Soft Pink, Blonde, and Light Brown Waves
Short Neapolitan Curls
Rose Pink, Blonde And Brown Pixie
Pink, Blonde And dark Brown Soft Curls
Pink Hues, Ash Blonde, and Chocolate Choppy Lob
Pastel Neapolitan Ombre Medium Lenght Hair
Pastel Neapolitan Streaks Updo
Neapolitan Bob
Neapolitan Waves
Neon Pink, Ash Blonde And Black Neapolitan Highlights
Neapolitan Messy Updo
Neapolitan Elegant Updo
Long Neapolitan Sectioned Waves
Light Neapolitan Shoulder-length Waves
Half-up Neapolitan Strips
Dark Neapolitan Ponytail
Braided Neapolitan Highlights
Exploring the Neapolitan Color Palette
When I think of Neapolitan, it’s not just the ice cream that pops into my head; it’s a rich and whimsical blend of colors that can turn heads and warm hearts.
Color Inspiration from Neapolitan Ice Cream
I’ve always been fascinated by how food can inspire art—in this case, fashion and beauty.
Neapolitan ice cream, with its unmistakable trio of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, gives us a color palette that’s both nostalgic and trendy.
Each scoop of this dessert offers a distinctive hue: the rich chocolate brown, the sweet and tender strawberry pink, and the creamy, dreamy vanilla hue.
The Sweet Trio: Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla Hues
The chocolate hue in this palette isn’t just brown—it’s a deep, intoxicating chocolate that reminds me of a warm, comfy blanket on a chilly evening.
The strawberry pink is playful and flirty, a tone that can bring a gentle blush to my cheeks.
And let’s not forget the vanilla hue—far from plain, it’s a soft, versatile color that feels like a breath of fresh air on a crisp morning.
Matching Skin Tones with Neapolitan Shades
Finding the right hair highlight that complements your skin tone is essential.
I’ve noticed that the chocolate hue can enrich dark to medium skin beautifully, exuding a natural warmth.
For those with a fair complexion, the strawberry pink adds a lovely, lively glow.
And the vanilla hue, well, it’s like the icing on the cake—complementing virtually every skin tone with its neutral elegance.
Crafting the Look
When I think of bringing the sweet charm of Neapolitan highlights to life, it’s all about picking a technique that suits your strands, finding the right twist for your hair type, and ensuring proper care for that lasting sweet color swirl.
Selecting Your Neapolitan Technique
For me, deciding on the Neapolitan technique meant considering how bold or subtle I wanted the look.
Balayage, a hand-painting technique, gave me those perfect, naturally sun-kissed streaks.
I found peekaboo highlights are fab for a playful hint of color that only shows when my hair moves or is styled a certain way.
If you’re worried about commitments or upkeep, maybe start with small sections to test the waters.
- Balayage: Hand-painted, soft, and natural-looking.
- Peekaboo Highlights: Hidden pops of color, visible with movement.
Variations for Different Hair Types and Lengths
Curly-haired lovelies, like myself, we’ve got to approach Neapolitan highlights with a bit more care, ensuring the colors blend beautifully with our bouncy curls.
For those with a shoulder-length lob, dimensional highlights add incredible depth and movement, making our casual style pop.
Straight and wavy hair can play with different levels of blending for a harmonious mix of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry hues.
- Curly Hair: Blend highlights to complement the curls.
- Shoulder-Length Lob: Dimensional highlights add depth.
Maintenance and Care for Lasting Vibrancy
I soon realized that after getting my delicious Neapolitan locks, maintenance was key.
Using color-safe shampoos, scheduling periodic touch-ups with my colorist, and reducing heat styling helps a ton.
Folks, let’s remember that low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance, so embrace the upkeep as part of your beauty ritual.
- Colorist Touch-ups: Schedule every 4-6 weeks.
- Hair Care: Use sulfate-free, color-protecting products.
