Mermaid Waves Are Back With a Vengeance

Why are we so in love with mermaid waves again? Maybe it’s a sign we’re all subconsciously wishing for summer. While we anxiously await sunnier, beach-filled days, we’ll be leaning into mermaid-inspired hair. Looking for some tips on how to get the dreamy look? Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about mermaid waves, plus some photo inspo to save for your next festival.

How to get mermaid waves

Creating mermaid waves for the first time? Our stylists’ biggest piece of advice: Remember that the waves aren’t supposed to look completely uniform. “Because the nature of this wave is so inconsistent, you may be encouraged to throw in the towel when you first start a couple sections; however, it really starts to come together the more sections you do,” says Matthew. Trust the process.

Prep the hair

First, start with dry hair (make sure you’ve applied your heat protectant). Your hair can be air-dried or rough-dried with a bit of of a sugar or texture spray, says Ramos.

Get your hot tools

Next, you’ll need one or two tools: a flatiron and either a waver or a curler. “Take a flatiron or a triple-barrel waver and create a soft S pattern throughout,” Ramos says. If you have some extra time, Matthew recommends going in with a flatiron as the first step. “The first tool I use is a flatiron, which I will use for creating a flat S wave and a deep wave in varying intensities; some waves should be deeper or tighter, and some should be more shallow or loose,” he says.

If you don’t have a waver or a flatiron, a curling iron will work too (this is more of an advanced technique). “The second tool is a large curling iron (1.25 to 1.5 inches), which I use as a wand,” says Matthew. “I wrap the hair one and a half times one way and one and half times the other way all the way down the section of hair,” he says. Though it may seem more complicated, the results are worth it: It gives the “hair a little body and oomph,” says Matthew. “It will also create those little bumps that randomly jump out of the hair,” which are essential in a relaxed mermaid wave hairstyle.

“The key is not being too uniform—alternate the direction slightly, leave out the ends, and don’t press too hard,” recommends Ramos.

Finish your hair

Once your hair has cooled and set, gently rake through the waves using a wide-toothed comb, followed by a salt spray, a dry texture spray, or a light oil, both stylists recommend.

“I’ll usually finish with a dry texture spray or a light oil to keep it touchable. Think soft, not stiff, maybe a little brushed out too,” says Ramos.

The goal is to achieve a “piecey look while providing nourishment and moisture,” says Matthew.

How do get mermaid waves to last all day?

Simply put, “Prep is everything,” says Ramos. “Style starts in the shower.”