Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve followed Neymar Jr. since his Santos days, you know the man changes his hair more often than most people change their oil. We’ve seen the mohawks, the platinum blonde buzz cuts, the pink dyes, and even that "spaghetti" look from the 2018 World Cup that launched a thousand memes. But there is something specific about neymar with curly hair that hits differently. It’s the look that feels the most like "Ney"—raw, Brazilian, and surprisingly high-maintenance.
Most people assume he just wakes up and the curls happen. Far from it. Neymar’s natural texture is actually quite curly, but he spent years chemically straightening it to achieve those gravity-defying spikes and sleek quiffs. When he finally lets the natural volume breathe, it’s not just a fashion choice; it’s a whole event.
The Secret Behind the Curls (It’s Not Just Water)
Honestly, Neymar’s hair journey is a case study in chemistry. Back in 2009, he was a skinny kid with a messy, natural fro. As the "Neymarmania" grew, so did the flat irons. For nearly a decade, he leaned heavily on texturizers and straighteners. So, when we see neymar with curly hair today, we’re actually seeing a massive shift in his personal grooming philosophy.
In various interviews and social media clips, it’s been hinted that his "natural" look takes hours. He’s worked with legendary stylists like Nariko and even had a four-hour session in 2021 specifically to get those "white curls" just right. It’s a mix of bleaching, hydrating, and using specific curl-defining creams to make sure the texture doesn't turn into a frizzy mess under the stadium lights or the humid Saudi Arabian heat.
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Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair. For an athlete who sweats for 90 minutes and then showers immediately, maintaining that definition is a nightmare. He likely uses a "LOC" (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method or something similar to lock in moisture before he hits the pitch.
Why the 2018 "Spaghetti" Look Was a Turning Point
You remember it. The world certainly does. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Neymar debuted a bleached, long-on-top curly style that Eric Cantona famously mocked by putting pasta on his own head.
- The Look: Long, bleached blonde ringlets piled high with shaved sides.
- The Reaction: 50% of fans loved the audacity; 50% thought it was a distraction.
- The Reality: It was the first time he truly leaned into high-volume curls on a global stage.
Even though he eventually trimmed it down during the tournament, that moment solidified the "curly Neymar" era. It wasn't just about being a footballer anymore; he was a walking mood board for Gen Z hair trends.
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How to Get the Neymar Curly Look Without a Pro Stylist
If you’re trying to replicate neymar with curly hair, you’ve got to understand your own texture first. Neymar has a specific type of curl—likely around a 3A or 3B—which means they are defined loops but not super tight coils.
- Stop over-washing. If you wash your hair every day with harsh sulfates, your curls will look like a tumbleweed. Neymar’s hair looks "juicy" because it’s hydrated.
- The Fade is non-negotiable. You can't just grow it out. The "Neymar look" is defined by the contrast. You need a high skin fade or a drop fade on the sides to make the curly top pop.
- Invest in a Diffuser. If you’re air-drying, your curls might fall flat. Using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment helps keep the volume at the roots, which is a signature part of his style.
- Bleach with Caution. Neymar loves his blonde highlights. If you’re going light, do not do it at home. You’ll fry your hair, and instead of looking like a world-class winger, you’ll look like you had a mishap with a highlighter pen.
The Cultural Weight of a Haircut
It sounds shallow, right? It’s just hair. But in Brazil, and for millions of kids in the favelas, seeing neymar with curly hair is a big deal. For a long time, there was this unspoken pressure for Brazilian players to "tidy up" their hair when they moved to Europe—which often meant cutting it short or straightening it to fit a certain aesthetic.
Neymar rocking his natural texture (even when it’s dyed bright colors) is a form of self-expression that says he’s not changing for the European cameras. It’s part of the "Joga Bonito" spirit. It’s flashy, it’s unapologetic, and it’s a bit chaotic.
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Current Status: The Al-Hilal Curls
As of early 2026, Neymar has been seen fluctuating between a very short buzz and a more relaxed, natural curly top while recovering and returning to form. He seems to be moving away from the extreme "spaghetti" lengths of the past and opting for a more "mature" version of the curls—shorter, tighter, and often his natural dark color or a subtle honey blonde.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Style
The biggest misconception is that he’s doing this just for the "likes." While Neymar is definitely a brand, his hair choices often reflect his mental state. When he’s happy and playing freely, the hair gets wilder. When he’s locked in or recovering from surgery, he often goes back to a "reset" buzz cut.
The curly look is his "I’m feeling myself" look. It’s the version of Neymar that wants to take on three defenders at once.
Next Steps for Your Hair Game
If you're ready to commit to the neymar with curly hair aesthetic, start by finding a barber who actually knows how to cut curly hair—not all of them do. Ask for a "tapered curly quiff" and bring a photo from his 2021 PSG era for the best reference. Avoid heavy waxes; stick to light mousses or curl enhancers to keep the movement. You want the hair to move when you move, just like the man himself on the pitch.