How To Get Mermaid Hair At Home

Discover how to achieve stunning mermaid hair with soft, flowing waves, and enchanting colors. From heatless styling to vibrant pastels and oceanic ombrés, this guide covers everything you need to create and maintain dreamy mermaid-inspired locks at home.

How To Get Mermaid Hair At Home — The Ultimate Guide

What is mermaid hair? It’s a style that instantly takes you to a dreamy, beachy spot. Soft, flowing waves nod to the ocean’s rolling waves.

The waves appear natural but also — à la the sea — suggest fantasy and glamour.

Needless to say, mermaid waves have become one of the most desired hairstyles today.

Over the years, many people have fallen in love with mermaid hair because it’s fun and super versatile!

SIMILAR >> Dip Dye Hair Ideas: How To Create Fun, Colorful Hair

 

This hairstyle can complement casual, boho looks or work with evening wear, which is more sophisticated.

Also, it works on different lengths and textures of hair. You don’t need to be a fancy stylist — or, for that matter, an actual mermaid — to do this stunning look.

This ultimate guide will explain mermaid hair and why it’s so trendy and give you complete step-by-step instructions on how to get it.

Whether you heat-style, want to go heatless, or even dye your hair, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about achieving mermaid-hair status at home.

SIMILAR >> Gorgeous Fishtail Braid Ideas: Get the Easy, Chic Look You Deserve

 

What Is a Mermaid Hairstyle?

Mermaid hair is all about waves from root to tip, and if you get it right, you’ll have your hair flowing, rippling with waves every which way.

These waves are also looser and more consistent, unlike classic curling-iron ringlets.

The result is a wavy, undulating pattern that resembles the strands of a mermaid’s hair in fairy tales.

Whereas beach waves can be messy or uneven, mermaid waves tend to be a little more uniform in appearance.

They sometimes have a bit of a crimp feel but are not as stiff as the crimped styles.

Altogether, the shape and fullness give mermaid hair a lush, glossy, eye-grabbing quality.

The best part about mermaid hair is that it can suit several hair textures. It adds body and texture to straight hair.

Wavy hair becomes more curvy and structured. Curly or coily hair can be molded into a more manageable feather shape.

Even shorter cuts can get in on the action—mermaid waves aren’t just for superlong hair.

READ THIS >>> 14 Stunning Braided Hairstyles for Black Women

 

How to Get Mermaid Hair at Home

Step 1: Prepping Your Hair

Begin with cleansing your hair with a volumizing or lightweight shampoo and conditioner.

Heavy products can weigh down hair, making waves more difficult. Pat dry with a towel, and use a heat protectant when applying hot tools.

For added grip, apply some texturizing mousse or wave-enhancing spray. This conditions the hair for better wave retention.

Step 2: Drying Your Hair

For the best mermaid waves, hair is typically dry. If time allows, you can air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush for additional volume.

A quick spritz of dry shampoo at the roots helps prevent slipperiness for finer or super-straight hair.

Step 3: Choosing Your Waving Method

There are heat-based and heatless approaches to creating mermaid waves. As the name implies, heat-based types utilize curling irons, triple-barrel wavers, or flat irons. No-heat styles use braids or buns to make waves in wet hair.

READ THIS >>> How to Curl Shaggy Hair: The Ultimate Guide to Effortless Waves and Curls

 

Best Tools for Mermaid Waves

Curling Iron or Wand

A curling iron or wand is an essential tool for plenty of hairstyles. Continuing with each section of hair, wrap it loosely around the barrel to create mermaid waves.

Let the curls cool, then comb them out lightly or finger-rake to help achieve a wavier pattern. A barrel diameter of 1 to 1.5 is perfect. It takes some practice to keep those waves consistent.

Triple-Barrel Waver 

The triple-barrel waver, sometimes called the “mermaid waver, ” projects toward your hair to create deep, S-shaped waves. It is a pretty fast tool and often produces the same pattern.

A triple-barrel waver is an excellent option if you’re looking for that classic mermaid look without much effort.

Flat Iron

You can also make waves with a flat iron by crimping it back and forth as you move it down the hair strand.

This may take more skill, but it is helpful if you don’t have a curling iron.

Flat irons can also create gentler waves, especially if you rock the iron gently in an “S” shape.

READ THIS >>>  How to Keep Your Curls Intact All Day (Step-by-Step Guide)

 

Heatless Techniques for Beautiful Mermaid Hair

Overnight Braids

Braiding is the easiest heatless method. After washing, allow your hair to air dry for about 80 percent.

Then, divide it into two or more braids. Undo the braids in the morning, and you’ll have waves like a mermaid.

Once the hair is dry but still warm, add texture and hold with sea salt or texturizing spray.

Twisted Buns

Twisted buns are another no-heat trick. Section your wet hair into one or two high buns.

Tuck them in well and leave them in overnight. In the morning, let the buns down and finger-comb the waves for a soft, mermaid finish.

Sock Curls or Robe Curls

Or try using a sock or a bathrobe belt as a no-heat curler. Twist sections of damp hair around the sock, tie off the ends, and then leave to dry overnight.

The result is significant, buoyant waves perfect for the mermaid aesthetic.

READ THIS >>> Your Glossy Guide to Wig Hairstyles

 

How to Make Mermaid Waves Last Longer

Use Texture Products

Mermaid waves love texture. An ocean salt texturizing spray helps your hair hold onto wave patterns, lending it grip and body.

Use it to set waves both before and after styling.

Cool and Set

Always allow each wave to cool completely before touching or brushing when using hot tools.

This sets the shape. Pinning curls or waves to your head to cool is also a good way to make them last longer.

Avoid Over-Brushing

Brushing out waves builds frizz and destroys the pattern.

Detangle with a wide-toothed comb or just your fingers. If needed, tame further with a soft-holding formula.

Nighttime Care

Gather them into a loose ponytail or braid to maintain waves overnight and secure them at the crown.

Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase minimizes friction and helps maintain waves.

READ THIS >>> Gorgeous & Fun Pink Hair Ideas You Have to See!

 

Mermaid Hair for Different Hair Types

Straight Hair

For people with straight hair, this may require some more prep time.

Use volumizing products, dry shampoo, and a higher heat setting (within reasonable safety limits).

Working with smaller sections of hair also helps the wave last longer. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is already halfway to mermaid. You can scrunch in a wave-friendly product and diffuse or air-dry it.

If sections of your hair aren’t as wavy, touch them up with a curling wand or triple-barrel waver.

Curly or Coily Hair

Curly hair can be intentionally flattened or stretched out, then re-waved with a tool to create a looser mermaid pattern.

You can also stick with twist-outs or braid-outs to achieve an overnight look. These no-heat techniques put your natural curls in form into defined waves.

Short Hair

Bobs and lobs can also rock the mermaid waves. This way, you can fit at least one or two wave patterns along the length.

Styling products are essential to keep the waves from falling flat.

READ THIS >>> 8 Hottest Copper Balayage Looks To Transform Your Hair

 

Mermaid Hair Styling Tips

Boho Braids and Twists

Little braids go well with mermaid waves. Braid a small section on one side and pin it back, or style it half-up with a crown of braids. This gives your look a light, fairy-tale-like aura.

Hair Accessories

Shell clips, pearl pins, or beachy headbands perfectly complement mermaid waves.

Add them to frame your face or adorn a half-up bun. Hair tinsel or a subtle glitter spray can evoke a sparkly, undersea vibe.

Mermaid-Inspired Colors

Bright pastel hues or subtle ombré looks can transform fundamental waves into a mermaid dream.

If bleaching is too big of a jump, try clip-in extensions or temporary hair dyes. Even a trace of pink or blue can make you a fae queen.

Updos and Half-Up Styles

Twist your wavy hair into a low, loose bun, allowing several waves to tumble around your face.

Or you can wear a half-up ponytail, leaving the rest to tumble in gentle, mermaid waves. These easy changes highlight the texture of your waves and keep them out of your face.

READ THIS >>>  Thinking About Going Pink? Here are 10 Pink Hair Ideas!

 

Mermaid Hair Colors: Pastels, Ombrés, and Beyond

Mermaid hair is not only about the waves but also about the color.

Imagine mermaid-inspired hues, conjuring up sea-like blues, et cetera, soft pastels, gradients of dreamy tones.

These outlandish colors give your wavy style an extra touch of fantasy. If you want to embrace the mermaid fully, try one of the color options below!

Pastel Hues

Top choices for mermaid hair are pastel shades, such as lavender, baby blue, cotton candy pink, or mint green.

The lighter tones create a soft, magical aspect to your waves. Some select one pastel color, but others combine two or three for a playful twist.

Note that pastels often necessitate the lightening of your hair first, so if you’re going for a vibrant result, pale blonde is likely your first course of action.

Once readers reach a light base, pastel dyes can help them go from simple to seashell-chic.

Aquatic Blues and Greens

If you are aiming to bring out the true sea spirit, consider turquoise, teal, or surfacing deep ocean blue.

Many combine these colors with lighter greens or touches of purple for a cool, aquarium look.

For a more subtle look, you can add peekaboo streaks of teal underneath your natural color.

That way, you get a burst of brightness whenever your hair shifts. Try an all-over aqua tone that glistens in the sun for a bolder look.

Rainbow or Multi-Tonal Looks

Or, if you’re feeling wild, you can mix and match all the shades.

This could mean dyeing different parts of your hair in a rainbow of pastel or bright shades—pinks, lilacs, blues, and greens all at once.

You may sequence them from top to bottom or entwine them in small, whimsical pieces.

With each color catching light at varying degrees, the combination evokes swirling, rainbow waves that are bound to turn heads.

Ombré and Balayage Techniques

Suppose you’re not quite ready for the metallic finish.

In that case, you can ease into the right fantasy look at home—especially with ombré and balayage methods, which allow you to have mermaid hair without coloring your entire head.

For ombré, leave your natural roots, then diffuse into a sea-sponge shade at the mid-lengths and ends.

Balayage is similar, with colors painted in soft, sweeping sections for a more blended look.

These techniques are particularly striking with mermaid waves because every single curl has to reflect the color shift, from dark to light — or from natural to neon.

Temporary or Clip-In Extensions

Not everyone is ready to go into permanent color, and that’s fine.

You can still have mermaid hues using temporary dyes or clip-in extensions.

Temporary dyes wash out after a few shampoos so that you can play with new shades.

Clip-in extensions are available in various shades, from pale lavender to neon pink.

Clip them under your top layer of hair, blend them in, and style everything together for an instant mermaid transformation.

 

Maintaining Your Mermaid Hair Color

Vibrant or pastel colors might fade faster than regular dyes, so take good care of your newly-colored hair.

Shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair, washing with cool water, and other methods help the color last.

You might also touch up some shades at home with color-depositing masks or conditioners between trips to the salon.

Remember: Heat styling can fade color, so use a heat-protectant spray if you curl or wave your mermaid locks often.

 

Mermaid hair extends beyond just a style; it provides the chance to instill some ocean-influenced freshness into daily life.

From the uniform, rippling waves to the spirited bounce and detonation, mermaid hair can elevate your look in a playful, enchanting way.

Creating mermaid waves at home is simpler than ever with various tools and techniques.

Whether you choose a tri-barrel waver, a curling wand, or an overnight braid, you can experiment until you find the best method for your hair and routine.

Keep using the right products, be gentle while detangling, and style your hair so that it stays.

Give it a try, and you might discover that these dreamy, flowing waves become your new go-to style for casual outings and significant events.

Have fun! Now you know how to have mermaid-inspired confidence and flair!

 

YOU’LL LOVE THESE NEXT >>>

11 Fun Festival Hair Ideas to Get You Inspired

17 Gorgeous Hairstyles for Curly Hair

12 Ponytail Hairstyles Perfect For Upping Your Hair Game

40 Must-Try Short Shag Hairstyles