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Mermaid Waves Are In For Summer - Here's How To Get Them
By Franchesca Villar
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Some looks just define the season, and this summer, mermaid waves are taking over TikTok feeds, red carpets and beach holidays. With their soft, sculpted texture and breezy, lived-in look, they strike just the right balance between styled and undone. Imagine gentle ripples that move as you do - less glam curl, more goddess energy.
There’s no need to live by the coast or spend hours styling to get in on the trend. From heat-free hacks to clever hair styling tools and pro tips, this guide has everything you need to create soft, touchable mermaid waves that last all day, minus the crunch.
What Are Mermaid Waves, Exactly?
Mermaid waves are loose, flowing bends that fall somewhere between natural beach hair and softly styled curls. They have more definition than bedhead texture but less structure than your classic wave or tonged curl.
Unlike beach waves, which are often messier and more randomly tousled, mermaid waves follow a more uniform S-shape from root to tip. You end up with polished locks without being too sleek, giving you that sun-dried, barely took any time to do my hair look. They also suit nearly every hair type and can be created with or without heat, making them a low-maintenance favourite all summer long.
How To Do Mermaid Waves
Heat-Styling Options
If you’re after long-lasting results with a little more structure, heat styling is the quickest way to go.
- Use a triple-barrel waver to clamp and ripple your hair from root to end in neat, even sections.
- Curl hair in alternating directions with a curling wand, then brush through to break up the shape and soften the overall look.
- Create S-waves with a straightener, gently bending sections back and forth as you glide down the length.
Heatless Overnight Methods
For a more natural, no-heat approach, try styling while you sleep.
- Braid damp hair into plaits before bed. Two for loose waves, four or more for tighter texture.
- Use flexible rods or rollers to set hair without heat - great if you want volume at the root.
- Twist into buns or rope braids and secure gently. Undo in the morning for soft, diffused waves.
Products That Help You Nail The Mermaid Waves Look
BaByliss PRO Porcelain Triple Barrel Waver
£45.00 £59.50 (25% off)This professional triple barrel styler creates smooth, consistent waves in minutes. The porcelain ceramic coating ensures even heat distribution, minimising damage and frizz. It’s just the thing for creating those signature mermaid ripples with salon-level precision. It’s a great option for medium to long hair that needs more hold.
Beauty Works Waver
£69.99 £70.00 (1% off)Loved by influencers for good reason, this tool makes sculpted, glossy waves quick and easy. It heats up fast, is lightweight to hold, and works particularly well on thicker hair. The large barrels are perfect for creating those S-shaped waves that define the mermaid look. Pair it with a texture spray to lock in the finish.
Hairburst Heatless Hair Curler
£27.50Wave while you sleep with this soft, satin heatless curler. Simply wrap damp hair around the rod and secure it in place for comfortable overnight wear. In the morning, unwrap for bouncy, frizz-free waves - a brilliant option if you’re cutting back on heat but still want dreamy texture.
Amika High Tide Deep Waver
£110.00 £115.00 (5% off)This fun, punchy tool delivers deep, dramatic waves in a single press. Tourmaline-infused ceramic barrels help reduce frizz and add healthy shine as you style.
BaByliss PRO Keratin Lustre Straighteners
£46.20 £100.00 (54% off)These multitasking straighteners are brilliant for creating subtle S-waves. Simply use the bend-and-glide technique for a looser take on the trend. A great choice for sleek mermaid hair with a more gentle ripple.
Hot Tools Nano Ceramic Salon Flat Iron
£59.20Designed for pros but easy for beginners, this flat iron makes creating soft waves a breeze. The rounded plates allow you to curve the hair without kinks, while nano-ceramic technology fights frizz and adds shine.
Goldwell Stylesign Sea Salt Spray Hold 4/5
£11.90 £12.40 (5% off)For waves that actually last, a good sea salt spray is essential, and this one delivers. It gives texture and grip without stickiness or that crunchy, dried-out feel. Use it before styling to help shape your waves, or after to define and hold the look.
TIGI Bed Head Salty Not Sorry Texturising Salt Spray
£10.50 £17.00 (39% off)Salt spray and mermaid waves go hand in hand, and this high-impact spray is brilliant for giving limp hair a boost of body and definition. A few spritzes into damp or dry hair adds instant beachy texture with a matte finish - great for day-two styling, too.
Color Wow Style On Steroids Texturising Spray With Heat Defence
£27.00More than just texture - this multitasker protects your hair while adding grip and body. Use it before heat styling to help waves hold their shape, or after to revive your look. It’s especially good on freshly washed hair that needs a bit of guts.
Montibello It Waves Texturising Mist Spray
£16.00 £16.50 (4% off)A hidden gem for soft, buildable texture. This mist adds shape, movement and shine without drying out your hair. Spritz it into damp hair and scrunch for natural, relaxed waves, or layer it over dry styles to enhance definition.
FAQs About Mermaid Waves
Q: Can I get mermaid waves if I have short hair?
A: Yes, a triple-barrel waver or small braids can create beautiful texture even on shorter lengths.
Q: What’s the difference between beach waves and mermaid waves?
A: Beach waves tend to be more tousled and random, while mermaid waves are more uniform and softly defined.
Q: Do I need layers to pull off mermaid waves?
A: Layers help add movement, but the style can work on all cuts, especially with the right technique.
Q: Can I use a straightener to create mermaid waves?
A: Absolutely - using the S-shape technique, you can bend your hair back and forth to mimic the wave pattern. This method using straighteners typically tends to create looser and more ‘undone’ mermaid waves.
Q: How do I stop my waves from falling out?
A: Start with a mousse or texturising spray and finish with a flexible hold hairspray to lock in the look without stiffness.
With our top tips and product recommendations, you can jump on this summer hair trend with ease. For more on summer beauty, check out our guide on Your Summer Bodycare Routine: How To Get Smooth Skin Head To Toe.
Written by Franchesca Villar
With a love for all things beauty, Franchesca is a skilled beauty content and copywriter with expert knowledge of all of the latest beauty trends. She loves perfecting her bouncy blow-out routine (no matter how time-consuming), is on the eternal hunt for the best glow-boosting product, and is a lip-gloss addict.
