Neymar Haircuts Most Iconic Hairstyles & How to Get Them

Introduction

Few footballers have changed their hair as often or as boldly as Neymar. Over a career that has taken him from Santos FC to FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Al Hilal, his hairstyles have become almost as talked-about as his dribbling, stepovers, and attacking style. If you’ve searched for Neymar haircuts because you want to copy one of his looks or understand how his style evolved, this guide breaks down his most iconic cuts, the barbering techniques behind them, and exactly what to tell your barber to get a similar result.

We’ll go through his career-defining looks in order, explain which face shapes and hair textures suit each one, and cover the maintenance each style actually requires. From curly crops and bleached mohawks to slicked-back undercuts, braids, dyed hairstyles, and buzz cuts, Neymar’s hair history offers plenty of inspiration for modern men’s grooming.

Neymar’s Hair Journey: A Quick Overview

Neymar’s hair has moved through several clear phases: a natural curly hairstyle in his early Santos days, a wave of bleached hair and shaved designs during his rise to global stardom, an experimental period at Paris Saint-Germain featuring dyed colors, cornrows, and box braids, and a more stripped-back approach in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal. Read more https://apexhaircuts.com/soccer-player-haircuts/

Each phase connects with a different stage of his football career and personal image. His hairstyles have also demonstrated how hair texture, hair color, hair length, and barbering techniques can completely change the appearance of the same person.

Most Iconic Neymar Haircuts

The Santos Curly Crop

Before the bleach and clippers became part of his signature image, Neymar’s hairstyle was based on his natural texture — a short curly crop that framed his face without requiring excessive styling.

This look is strongly associated with his breakout period at Santos FC, when he was already attracting attention for his dribbling skills, creativity, and attacking ability. Best for Naturally curly hair or wavy hair. Face shapes: Works particularly well with oval faces and round faces, since the volume on top can add visual length. Maintenance: Low — a trim every 3–4 weeks can maintain the shape without removing too much curl definition. A small amount of curl cream can enhance the natural texture without creating the stiff appearance associated with heavy hair gel.

The Bleached Mohawk — 2013 Confederations Cup

This is arguably Neymar’s most recognizable haircut: a bleached-blonde mohawk with the sides shaved down, worn during the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil.The contrast between the blonde central strip, darker eyebrows, and shaved sides made the style immediately recognizable. It also helped establish Neymar’s reputation for experimenting with bold men’s hairstyles.

Best for Straight hair or relaxed hair that can hold a defined strip shape. Curly hair can also work with appropriate styling products. Maintenance High shaved sides need frequent clipper work, while bleached hair requires careful color maintenance. A purple shampoo or toning shampoo can help control unwanted yellow or brassy tones in blonde hair. Professional bleaching and hair conditioning are recommended when recreating this look.

The Slicked-Back Undercut Barcelona Years

During his time at FC Barcelona, Neymar frequently wore a more polished undercut. The sides were kept close while the top was left longer and styled slicked back or combed to the side. Compared with his earlier experimental hairstyles, this look created a more mature and match-day-ready appearance. Read more https://apexhaircuts.com/

Best for Straight hair to slightly wavy hair. Curlier textures may require additional styling or a blow-dry to create a flatter finish. Maintenance Medium  the undercut or fade usually needs a barber visit every 2–3 weeks. A medium-hold pomade provides the classic combination of control and shine. A fine-tooth comb can help create the clean slicked-back direction.

The “Spaghetti Hair” Curls 2018 World Cup

At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Neymar appeared with loose, dyed-blonde curls that fans quickly nicknamed “spaghetti hair.” The hairstyle became one of the tournament’s most discussed football hairstyles and demonstrated Neymar’s willingness to experiment with hair color, texture, and length.

Best for Naturally curly hair or coily hair. People with straight hair would generally need a perm or another professional texture treatment to recreate the curl pattern. Maintenance High bleached curls can become dry and fragile, requiring regular deep conditioning, moisturizing, and limited heat styling. A curl-defining cream applied to damp hair can help separate and define the curls without making them look overly stiff.

Braids and Dyed Colors — Paris Saint-Germain Era

At Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s hair became a genuine style playground. He experimented with cornrows, box braids, and different hair colors, ranging from platinum blonde to more unusual combinations.This period showed the strongest connection between his football celebrity, fashion influence, and willingness to use hair as a form of personal expression.

Best for Longer hair and coily hair or curly hair, which can hold braid patterns effectively. Cornrows, box braids, and other protective styles should be installed carefully, especially around the hairline and scalp.

The Clean Buzz Cut — Al Hilal Era

Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Neymar has leaned toward a much simpler hairstyle: a close, even buzz cut requiring little to no daily styling. He has also appeared with extremely short hair during periods when his attention was focused on recovery and football rather than elaborate grooming. Best for Almost any hair type, since buzz cuts minimize the visual differences between straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures. Maintenance Low  a clipper trim every 1–2 weeks at home or a professional barbershop visit every few weeks can maintain the shape.

How to Get It

For the Santos curly crop, ask your barber for a short curly crop with the sides kept close but not heavily faded. Leave enough length on top for the natural curl pattern to remain visible. A lightweight curl cream can create a natural finish. For the bleached mohawk, ask your barber to shave the sides down close to the skin while leaving a central strip of hair approximately 2–3 inches wide. Bleaching should be handled carefully, and a professional bond-repair treatment can help reduce the risk of hair breakage.

 For the Barcelona slicked-back undercut, ask for a disconnected undercut or mid-taper fade with enough length on top to comb backward. A medium-hold pomade can provide the controlled, shiny finish associated with the style. For the spaghetti curls, grow the hair long enough to create visible curls, then work with a professional colorist for the blonde tone. A curl-defining cream can help separate the curls after washing. For Neymar-inspired braids, consult a professional braider experienced with cornrows or box braids. Proper installation and scalp care are important to avoid excessive tension.

Neymar Haircuts Comparison Table

How to Choose a Neymar-Inspired Haircut for Your Face Shape

Oval faceAlmost any style on this list can work, including the bleached mohawk, slicked-back undercut, curly crop, and buzz cut. Round face Choose styles with controlled height, such as the slicked-back undercut or a slightly longer buzz cut, to avoid adding unnecessary width. Square face The bleached mohawk, undercut, and braided hairstyles can work well because the additional texture and height can complement strong jawlines. 

Long face The spaghetti curls or fuller curly crop can add width and balance the overall proportions of the face. Your hair texture is equally important. Straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and coily hair respond differently to products and cutting techniques, so your barber should adapt the style rather than simply copying a photograph.

Practical Tips for Getting a Neymar Haircut at Your Barbershop

Bring a specific reference photo and name the era. Saying “2018 World Cup Neymar” will produce a very different result from saying “Al Hilal Neymar.” Be upfront about your natural hair texture so your barber can adjust the technique instead of forcing a style that will not hold naturally. Ask about bleach, hair dye, and overall hair health before committing to the bleached mohawk or spaghetti curls.

 A professional bond-repair treatment may help reduce damage and breakage.Budget for regular haircut maintenance. Sharp fades, shaved sections, and mohawk sides can require a barber visit every 1–3 weeks. If you’re trying a braided hairstyle, confirm that your barbershop offers professional braiding or book an experienced braiding specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neymar’s most iconic haircut?

The bleached mohawk he wore during the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup is widely regarded as one of Neymar’s most iconic hairstyles because it helped establish his reputation for bold and experimental haircuts.

What was Neymar’s “spaghetti hair” haircut?

It refers to the loose, dyed-blonde curly hairstyle Neymar wore during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The nickname came from fans and media comparing the loose curls to strands of spaghetti.

Can I get a Neymar haircut if I have straight hair?

Yes. The slicked-back undercut and buzz cut work particularly well with straight hair. Styles such as the spaghetti curls and Santos curly crop depend more heavily on natural curl texture and may require a professional perm or texture treatment.

How often does a Neymar-style fade or mohawk need maintenance?

Shaved hairstyles, skin fades, and mohawks generally need a barber visit every 1–2 weeks if you want the lines and contrast to remain sharp.

What haircut does Neymar have now?

The source describes Neymar’s more recent Al Hilal period as featuring a simpler, low-maintenance buzz cut, in contrast to the more elaborate dyed and braided hairstyles associated with his Paris Saint-Germain years.

What products can help create a Neymar-inspired hairstyle?

Depending on the style, useful products include curl cream, pomade, hair conditioner, toning shampoo, hair moisturizer, and professional hair-color products. The right product depends on your hair texture, desired finish, and haircut.

Conclusion

Neymar’s hair has never just been about grooming — it has tracked his journey from a rising Brazilian talent at Santos FC to one of football’s most recognizable global stars.

Whether you’re drawn to the boldness of the bleached mohawk, the practicality of the clean buzz cut, the polished appearance of the slicked-back undercut, the personality of braided hairstyles, or the texture of his famous spaghetti curls, the key is matching the style to your own hair type, face shape, and realistic maintenance routine.

Bring a clear reference photo to your barber, be honest about your natural hair texture, and choose the right hair products and maintenance schedule. That will help you create a Neymar-inspired haircut that looks natural and works for your everyday style.