Neapolitan Hair Highlights A Delicious Twist on Hair Color

Neapolitan Hair Highlights: A Delicious Twist on Hair Color

Neapolitan hair highlights are a fun and creative way to add a splash of color to your hair. Inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream, these highlights combine three distinct colors—pink, blonde, and brown—much like the strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors in the ice cream. This color trend is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement while maintaining a versatile and stylish look. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Neapolitan hair highlights, from how to achieve the look to how to maintain it, along with some styling tips and related trends.

What Are Neapolitan Hair Highlights?

Neapolitan hair highlights take their name from the iconic ice cream that features three flavors side by side in a single container. The hair version of this dessert-inspired style typically involves adding three different colors to your hair: pink (to represent strawberry), blonde (for vanilla), and brown (for chocolate). These colors are usually applied in distinct sections or streaks, creating a playful yet cohesive look that can be customized to suit various hair lengths and styles.

Why Choose Neapolitan Hair Highlights?

Neapolitan hair highlights are an excellent choice for anyone looking to experiment with color without committing to a single shade. The blend of pink, blonde, and brown allows for a vibrant yet balanced look that can be tailored to your personal style. Whether you have short hair or long locks, Neapolitan highlights can add a fun and unique twist to your haircut. Plus, the variety of colors means that your highlights can be as subtle or as bold as you like.

How to Achieve Neapolitan Hair Highlights

Achieving the perfect Neapolitan hair highlights requires careful planning and execution, especially if you want the colors to blend seamlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting this look:

1. Consultation with a Professional Stylist

The first step in achieving Neapolitan hair highlights is to consult with a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s current condition, natural color, and texture to determine the best approach. If you’re working with a low taper fade haircut or other specific styles, your stylist can help you figure out how to incorporate the highlights effectively.

2. Choosing the Right Shades

The key to successful Neapolitan hair highlights is choosing the right shades of pink, blonde, and brown. For a classic look, opt for a soft pink, a warm blonde, and a rich brown. However, you can customize these colors to better suit your skin tone and personal preferences. For example, you might choose a deeper magenta instead of a soft pink or go for a cooler platinum blonde instead of a warm shade.

3. Sectioning the Hair

Once the colors are selected, your stylist will section your hair to apply the highlights. This step is crucial for ensuring that the colors blend well and that the final look is balanced. Typically, the hair is divided into three sections, with each section corresponding to one of the three Neapolitan colors.

4. Applying the Highlights

The highlights are then applied, usually starting with the lightest color (blonde) and working towards the darkest (brown). Depending on your preference, the colors can be applied in chunky streaks for a bold look or in finer strands for a more subtle effect. If you have short hair, the stylist may use a different technique to ensure the colors are visible and well-distributed.

5. Blending and Finishing

After the highlights are applied, your stylist will blend the colors to create a smooth transition between them. This step is essential for achieving a cohesive look. The hair is then styled as desired, whether that’s a sleek blowout, waves, or a mom cut.

Maintenance Tips for Neapolitan Hair Highlights

Maintaining your Neapolitan hair highlights is crucial for keeping the colors vibrant and fresh. Here are some tips to help you care for your highlights:

1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

To prevent your colors from fading, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on your hair while preserving the vibrancy of your highlights.

2. Minimize Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can cause your highlights to fade more quickly. If you must use heat tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray beforehand. Consider air-drying your hair or using lower heat settings whenever possible.

3. Regular Touch-Ups

Depending on how fast your hair grows and the intensity of your highlights, you may need regular touch-ups every 6-8 weeks. This will help keep the colors looking fresh and well-maintained.

4. Protect Your Hair from the Sun

Prolonged sun exposure can cause your hair color to fade. Protect your Neapolitan hair highlights by wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray when spending time outdoors.

Neapolitan Highlights for Different Hair Lengths

One of the great things about Neapolitan hair highlights is that they work well on various hair lengths. Whether you have short hair or long locks, there’s a way to incorporate this trend into your look.

1. Neapolitan Highlights for Short Hair

If you have short hair, such as a low taper fade haircut or a pixie cut, you can still rock Neapolitan highlights. The key is to apply the colors strategically so that each shade is visible despite the shorter length. For example, you might opt for chunky highlights that make a bold statement or subtle streaks that add just a hint of color.

2. Neapolitan Highlights for Medium Hair

For medium-length hair, such as a bob or a mom cut, Neapolitan highlights can add dimension and depth to your style. The highlights can be applied in sections or as an ombre effect, with the colors gradually blending from one to the next. This creates a soft, gradient look that is both stylish and easy to maintain.

3. Neapolitan Highlights for Long Hair

Long hair offers the most versatility when it comes to Neapolitan highlights. You can experiment with different placement techniques, such as balayage, ombre, or dip-dye, to create a look that’s uniquely yours. The length of your hair also allows for more creativity in terms of how the colors are applied, whether you want bold streaks or a more blended effect.

Styling Ideas for Neapolitan Hair Highlights

Styling your Neapolitan hair highlights can be a lot of fun, as the mix of colors adds interest and dimension to even the simplest hairstyles. Here are some ideas to inspire your next look:

1. Loose Waves

Loose waves are a great way to show off the different colors in your Neapolitan hair highlights. The movement of the waves allows each shade to catch the light, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect. Use a large-barrel curling iron or a wave wand to achieve this look.

2. Braids

Braids are another excellent option for showcasing your highlights. Whether you choose a simple three-strand braid, a fishtail, or a more intricate style, the different colors will weave together beautifully, creating a unique pattern.

3. Sleek and Straight

For a more polished look, consider wearing your hair sleek and straight. This style highlights the contrast between the different colors, making your Neapolitan hair highlights stand out. Use a flat iron and a smoothing serum to achieve this look.

4. Updos

Updos, such as buns or chignons, can also be a great way to show off your highlights. The different colors can be arranged to create a beautiful, layered effect that adds depth to your updo.

Neapolitan Hair Highlights and Face Shapes

When choosing any hairstyle or hair color, it’s important to consider your face shape. The placement of your Neapolitan hair highlights can enhance your facial features and complement your overall look.

1. Round Faces

For those with round faces, strategically placed highlights can create the illusion of length. Consider applying the darker shades closer to the roots and the lighter colors towards the ends. This gradient effect can help elongate the face.

2. Oval Faces

Oval faces are versatile and can pull off almost any hairstyle or highlight pattern. For a balanced look, consider applying your highlights evenly throughout your hair. This will complement your face shape without overwhelming it.

3. Square Faces

If you have a square face, softening your features with highlights can be a good strategy. Opt for softer, blended highlights that frame your face, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. This can help soften the angles of your face.

4. Heart-Shaped Faces

For heart-shaped faces, highlights that add volume to the lower half of your hair can balance out a wider forehead. Consider placing the lighter shades around the bottom half of your hair to draw attention away from the top.

Combining Neapolitan Hair Highlights with Other Trends

1. Neapolitan Highlights with a Low Taper Fade Haircut

A low taper fade haircut is a stylish and modern look that pairs well with Neapolitan highlights. The fade creates a clean, sharp contrast that complements the playful nature of the highlights. This combination works particularly well for those with short hair who want to make a bold statement. The fade draws attention to the top of your head, where the vibrant Neapolitan colors can truly shine. You can also play with the intensity of the fade, going for a subtle transition or a more dramatic, high-contrast look.

2. Neapolitan Highlights with Ombre or Balayage

For those who love gradient effects, combining Neapolitan highlights with ombre or balayage techniques can create a stunning result. Ombre gradually transitions from one color to another, making it an excellent choice for blending the pink, blonde, and brown hues of Neapolitan highlights. On the other hand, balayage allows for a more natural and sun-kissed look, with the colors appearing as though they’ve been lightly painted onto your hair. Both techniques can be customized to enhance the haircut you already have, whether it’s long, medium, or short hair.

3. Neapolitan Highlights with a Mom Cut

The mom cut, a practical and stylish option for many, can be elevated with Neapolitan highlights. The classic mom cut often features layers, which are perfect for showcasing the different colors in your highlights. The layers can be cut to strategically reveal each color, adding depth and dimension to the cut. This is a great way to add some flair to a traditionally simple hairstyle, making it more contemporary and fashion-forward.

Celebrities and Influencers Embracing Neapolitan Hair Highlights

As with many hair trends, Neapolitan hair highlights have been embraced by celebrities and influencers alike. Their influence has helped popularize this playful and eye-catching look, making it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals. Here’s how some trendsetters are rocking this style:

1. Celebrity Inspirations

Several celebrities have been spotted with variations of Neapolitan hair highlights, often adapting the trend to suit their personal style. For example, a famous pop star might opt for a pastel version of the highlights, with softer pinks and creamy blondes, while a rock musician might choose more vibrant, saturated shades for a bolder look. These celebrity adaptations often inspire fans to try the trend for themselves, making it even more popular.

2. Social Media Influencers

Influencers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also played a significant role in popularizing Neapolitan hair highlights. They often share tutorials and styling tips, showing their followers how to achieve and maintain this look. By doing so, they help demystify the process, making it more accessible to those who might be hesitant to try such a bold style. The hashtag #NeapolitanHighlights, for example, is filled with creative interpretations of this trend, providing endless inspiration.

DIY Neapolitan Hair Highlights: Is It Possible?

While going to a professional stylist is always recommended for achieving the best results, some adventurous individuals might be tempted to try Neapolitan hair highlights at home. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a DIY approach:

1. Choosing the Right Products

If you’re planning to do your own Neapolitan highlights, the first step is choosing the right products. You’ll need three separate hair dyes—one for each color (pink, blonde, and brown). It’s crucial to select high-quality, salon-grade dyes to ensure vibrant, long-lasting results. You’ll also need a good bleaching kit if you have dark hair, as the lighter colors will require pre-lightening.

2. Sectioning and Application

The key to successful DIY highlights is careful sectioning and precise application. Use clips to divide your hair into sections, ensuring that each section is evenly colored. Start with the lightest color (blonde) and work your way to the darkest (brown). Applying the colors in small, controlled sections will help you achieve a more professional finish.

3. Timing and Rinsing

Each hair dye has specific timing instructions, so be sure to follow them carefully to avoid over-processing or under-developing the color. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, rinse out the dyes with cool water to help seal the color. Follow up with a color-safe conditioner to lock in the vibrancy.

4. Potential Challenges

DIY hair coloring comes with its challenges, especially when attempting something as complex as Neapolitan hair highlights. Common issues include uneven color application, over-bleaching, and difficulty blending the colors. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional or at least do a strand test before committing to the full process.

The Future of Neapolitan Hair Highlights

As with all trends, Neapolitan hair highlights may evolve over time, influenced by fashion, pop culture, and individual creativity. Here’s a look at how this trend might develop in the future:

1. New Color Combinations

While the traditional Neapolitan combination of pink, blonde, and brown is currently popular, future variations might include other colors. For example, pastels, metallics, or even neon shades could become the new norm, allowing for even more personalized expressions of the trend.

2. Integration with Other Hair Trends

As hair trends continue to evolve, Neapolitan highlights might be integrated with other styles, such as haircut trends like the low taper fade or new styling techniques. This integration could lead to fresh, innovative looks that push the boundaries of traditional hair coloring.

3. Increased Accessibility

As more people embrace bold hair colors, it’s likely that achieving Neapolitan hair highlights will become more accessible. We might see more affordable at-home kits specifically designed for this trend, as well as more salons offering specialized services at various price points.

Conclusion

Neapolitan hair highlights are more than just a fun nod to a beloved ice cream flavor—they’re a bold and creative way to express your personal style. Whether you choose to visit a professional stylist or try the DIY route, this trend offers endless possibilities for customization and creativity. By combining three distinct colors—pink, blonde, and brown—you can create a look that’s as unique as you are.

Whether you have short hair, a low taper fade haircut, or a mom cut, Neapolitan highlights can add a delicious twist to your hairstyle. With proper care and maintenance, your highlights will stay vibrant and fresh, allowing you to enjoy this playful trend for months to come. As this trend continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that Neapolitan hair highlights will remain a favorite for those looking to make a bold statement with their hair.