25 Neapolitan Hair Highlights Ideas

Craving a sweet new look? Neapolitan highlights—inspired by the classic ice cream combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—bring a delicious twist to your hair color journey.

This tri-color approach adds dimension and playfulness to any hairstyle. The versatile combination works on various hair lengths, textures, and base colors.

Ready to indulge in this mouth-watering trend? Explore these 25 creative ways to rock Neapolitan highlights that will satisfy your color cravings.

1: Classic Neapolitan Balayage

The traditional approach features rich chocolate brown as your base, with creamy blonde “vanilla” highlights and subtle strawberry pink accents.

This balanced combination stays true to the ice cream inspiration. Ask your colorist to apply the blonde pieces around your face and throughout the mid-lengths.

Add the pink as peek-a-boo highlights that show when your hair moves. This versatile option works on most skin tones and hair types.

2: Reverse Neapolitan Blend

Flip the classic formula by starting with a blonde base, adding chocolate brown lowlights, and finishing with strategic strawberry pink pieces.

This creates a lighter overall look with rich dimension. Request face-framing brown pieces to add definition and depth.

The pink elements work best as subtle accents through the mid-lengths and ends. This approach particularly flatters those with naturally lighter hair.

3: Strawberry-Forward Neapolitan

Make the pink component the star by increasing its prominence in your Neapolitan mix.

Pair a bold strawberry pink with subtle vanilla blonde highlights and chocolate brown lowlights.

Ask your stylist to concentrate the pink through the mid-lengths and ends. This bold interpretation suits those ready to embrace a more vivid pink presence.

The blonde and brown should serve as complementary accents rather than equal players.

4: Chocolate-Dipped Ends

Start with a blonde base that gradually transitions to pink mid-lengths, finishing with chocolate brown ends.

This vertical arrangement mimics the layered look of Neapolitan ice cream in a cup.

Request a smooth gradient effect between each color. The dipped-ends technique creates a modern twist on the traditional horizontal application.

This style particularly suits long hair where the color story can fully develop.

5: Neapolitan Money Piece

Focus the tri-color effect around your face with bold face-framing highlights.

Alternate chunks of blonde, pink, and brown for a striking frame that brightens your complexion.

Keep the rest of your hair in a complementary base color. This approach works particularly well for those new to creative color.

The concentrated placement makes this option lower-maintenance than all-over Neapolitan highlights.

6: Pastel Neapolitan Dream

Soften the traditional Neapolitan colors into their pastel versions—light mocha, creamy ivory, and soft rose.

This delicate interpretation creates a dreamy, ethereal effect. Request a seamless blend between the three shades.

The subdued palette works beautifully on platinum or pre-lightened bases.

This gentle approach offers a wearable way to embrace the trend for professional environments.

7: Chunky Neapolitan Panels

Channel Y2K vibes with bolder, more defined sections of each Neapolitan shade.

This retro-inspired approach creates distinct panels of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Ask for wider sections of each color placed strategically throughout your hair. Best suited for those who embrace bold, head-turning hair color.

This statement-making technique shows all three colors clearly even when hair is worn straight.

8: Neapolitan Shadow Root

Keep your roots a rich chocolate brown that melts into blonde mid-lengths with strawberry pink ends.

This strategic placement creates a low-maintenance grow-out while honoring the Neapolitan theme.

Request a soft blend between each section for a gradient effect. The darker root extends your time between salon visits while looking intentional.

This practical approach works well for those with naturally darker hair.

9: Hidden Neapolitan Underlay

Maintain a more conservative outer layer with the Neapolitan colors hidden beneath.

This placement reveals the tri-color combination only when your hair moves or is styled up.

Ask your colorist to place the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry tones on the underneath sections.

Keep the top layer a more subtle shade that complements the hidden colors. Perfect for professionals who want fun color without daily visibility.

10: Neapolitan Peekaboo Highlights

Incorporate all three colors as peekaboo highlights that flash when your hair moves.

This subtle approach places the colors beneath your top layer for a surprising pop of dimension.

Request thin ribbons of each shade strategically placed throughout the under-layers.

The placement creates movement and interest without overwhelming your base color. This versatile technique works on various hair lengths and base colors.

11: Neapolitan Color Melt

Create a seamless vertical transition between the three classic shades. This artistic approach looks particularly stunning on long layers or curls.

Start with chocolate brown roots that melt into vanilla blonde mid-lengths and finish with strawberry pink ends.

Ask for a color melt technique rather than distinct highlights. The smooth gradient creates a modern, flowing effect without harsh lines.

12: Twisted Neapolitan Braids

Showcase your tri-color highlights by styling them into braids that twist the colors together.

This styling choice emphasizes the interplay between the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry tones.

Request strategic placement that ensures all three colors appear in your braided styles. Different braid types will showcase the color combination in unique ways.

This versatile color placement works beautifully with protective styles too.

13: Neapolitan Money Piece Contrast

Frame your face with bold vanilla blonde and strawberry pink pieces while keeping the rest of your hair a rich chocolate brown.

This high-contrast approach brightens your complexion instantly. This lower-commitment option lets you try the trend without coloring your entire head.

Ask for thicker sections of blonde and pink at the front hairline. The dramatic contrast creates a face-framing effect that emphasizes your features.

14: Neapolitan Root Stretch

Start with your natural color at the roots, then transition into the three Neapolitan shades through the mid-lengths and ends.

This technique creates a natural-looking grow-out phase. This practical approach works well for all hair types and growth patterns.

Request a soft blend from your natural color into the chocolate tone first. The extended root area reduces maintenance and creates a lived-in look from the start.

15: Neapolitan Baby-lights

Incorporate the three signature colors as ultra-fine baby-lights throughout your hair. This subtle technique creates dimension and movement without obvious striping.

Ask your colorist to weave tiny sections of each shade throughout your hair. The delicate application mimics how natural hair reflects light with multiple tones.

Perfect for those who want a hint of the trend without a dramatic color change.

16: Curly Neapolitan Definition

Enhance natural curls by strategically placing each Neapolitan shade to define your curl pattern. This targeted application makes your curls pop with dimension.

Request placement that follows your natural curl groups. Different colors applied to different curl sections create visual separation and definition.

This technique particularly flatters 3A to 4C curl patterns, adding depth and movement.

17: Neapolitan Color Blocking

Create bold, geometric sections of each Neapolitan shade. This architectural approach treats your hair as a canvas for color blocking the three iconic tones.

Ask for clean lines between each color section. The precise placement creates a graphic effect that looks particularly striking when styled sleekly.

Best suited for those who embrace artistic, statement-making hair color.

18: Inverted Neapolitan Placement

Place the strawberry pink at your roots, vanilla blonde through the mid-lengths, and chocolate brown at the ends.

This unexpected arrangement creates a fresh twist on the classic combination.

Request a smooth transition between each shade. The unconventional order creates a unique effect that stands out from traditional highlight placement.

This creative approach works well for those who already have experience with vivid colors.

19: Neapolitan Pixie Accents

Add the three-flavor combination to short pixie cuts by incorporating chocolate lowlights and sections of vanilla blonde and strawberry pink throughout.

This brings the trend to shorter styles. This technique proves that creative color works at any length.

Ask for strategic placement that creates dimension within your pixie’s texture. Even small sections of each color create the full Neapolitan effect on short hair.

20: Subtle Neapolitan Ribbons

Weave delicate ribbons of each Neapolitan shade throughout your base color. Perfect for color beginners or those in conservative work environments.

This restrained approach creates movement and dimension without overwhelming your natural hue.

Request fine sections placed at different depths within your hair. The strategic placement allows the colors to peek through subtly when your hair moves.

21: Neapolitan Face Frame

Focus all three colors around your face while keeping the back more subtle. This flattering technique works well on all face shapes and hair textures.

This front-focused application brightens your complexion while maintaining overall dimension.

Ask for alternating sections of each shade framing your face. The concentrated placement draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.

22: Neapolitan Bob Dimension

Add movement to bob haircuts with strategic placement of all three Neapolitan shades.

This technique prevents one-dimensional color that can make bobs appear flat. The tri-color combination adds visual texture even to sleek styles.

Request the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry tones placed to enhance your bob’s cut and movement.

This approach works particularly well on blunt cuts that benefit from color dimension.

23: Neapolitan Color Melt Bangs

Create a focal point by applying the tri-color blend to your bangs. This creative approach works with various bang styles from curtain to blunt.

This face-framing technique draws attention to your eyes while keeping the rest of your hair more subtle.

Ask for a color melt effect that transitions between all three shades across your bangs.

The concentrated color story makes a statement without requiring full-head application.

24: Metallic Neapolitan Update

Modernize the classic combination with metallic versions of each shade—rich espresso, platinum blonde, and rose gold.

This contemporary take adds sophistication to the playful concept. This elegant interpretation suits those seeking a refined take on creative color.

Request dimensional metallic tones that reflect light beautifully. The updated color palette offers a grown-up version of the ice cream-inspired trend.

25: Neapolitan Color Flip

Create surprise color by placing the strawberry pink underneath, chocolate brown in the middle layer, and vanilla blonde on top.

This placement reveals the pink shade when you tuck your hair behind your ear. This playful approach offers versatility between professional and creative settings.

Ask your colorist for this strategic layered application. The unexpected placement creates a color reveal that changes how your hair looks from different angles.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a bold statement or subtle accent, Neapolitan highlights offer a deliciously versatile color option.

Talk with your stylist about customizing these ideas to your unique style, hair type, and maintenance preferences.