Mermaid waves: how to achieve the loose beachy look

Want an easy summer hairstyle that looks chic and is foolproof to DIY? Enter mermaid waves…

When it comes to summer hairstyles, there’s one major trend that seems to be everywhere right now: mermaid waves. The loose, wavy style is more uniform than the ‘beachy waves’ we’ve been seeing for the last few years – with a flatter S-shape pattern to the hair. Similar to the effect that some people can get when they plait their hair and let it air dry, sculpted waves are a great, relaxed summer hairstyle that suits almost all hair types, textures and lengths. 

But, if your hair texture won’t hold an air-dried plait style, that’s where hair wavers and crimpers come in. An easy way of heat-styling, these tools are honestly fool-proof to use and work on all hair types – plus, because they use heat, you get a much longer-lasting wave than you would when air-drying. 

If the thought of a hair crimper sends shivers down your spine, don’t fret. These are not the crimpers of the 00s. These heat-styling tools have much larger, wider plates to create a loose S-shape to the hair – rather than a frazzled effect. Intrigued? Keep reading for your guide on how to create sculpted waves, plus the best hair tools to get the look at home. 

How to get sculpted mermaid waves

1. Take small sections of hair at a time, clamp the tool near the root (you can decide how high up you want the curl to start). For more waves, take smaller sections or for larger, for looser waves take larger sections of hair. 

2. Hold the hair in the clamp for up to 10 seconds depending on how defined you want the curl to be, then release.

3. Move the tool further down the same section and clamp again until it’s all waved. 

4. Continue this process on your entire head, until you have a wavy, tousled texture.

5. Finish with a texturising spray and separate the waves with your fingertips for an undone look.

Best wavers and crimpers for creating mermaid hair 

  • Best for: S-waves

    With an adjustable temperature of 80-220°C, these ceramic-coated, three barrels are perfect for creating a sleek, S-wave pattern to the hair. 

    Buy Beauty Works Waver at Lookfantastic, £69.99

    buy now

  • Best for: afro and textured hair

    Great for thicker and coarser hair textures, this waver uses far-infrared technology to lock in moisture, and negative ions to seal the hair cuticle.

    Shop Amika High Tide Deep Waver at Cult Beauty, £90

    buy now

  • Best for: long-lasting waves

    This waver’s plates are a little deeper than others on the market, giving you a more defined wave that lasts longer than the rest. 

    Shop BaByliss Deep Waves Styler at Lookfantastic, £55

    buy now

  • Best for: 4 looks in 1

    For four-in-one looks, this clever waver has an adjustable dial that effortlessly changes the barrel depth, so you can switch up your look easily.

    Shop Remington PROluxe 4-in-1 adjustable waver at Boots, £57.99

    buy now

  • Best for: big, beachy waves

    For big, beachy waves – this is the waver for you. Its plates are chunkier, leaving you with a softer wave pattern.

    Shop Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Hair Waver on Amazon, £26.98

    buy now

  • Best for: quick and easy waves

    Mark Hill’s genius Pick N Mix styler means you can switch up your hair tool without forking out a fortune. Plus, with the Mermaid Waver attachment – you’ll get perfect loose waves. 

    Shop Mark Hill Pick N Mix Handle and Mermaid Waver Bundle at Boots, £25

    buy now

Main image: Getty 

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