GUIDE TO GETTING MERMAID HAIR

What happens when beachy, salt-slicked waves meet long, loose curls? The end result is mermaid hair - 2024’s hottest summer trend that’s been seen in beach clubs, bodegas, and everywhere in between.

What is mermaid hair?

Mermaid hair is the next gen of beachy waves - it’s a look characterised by long, loose curls with shine and definition. Think gently-crimped lengths and fine, wispy ends and you’re on the right track.

The difference between beachy waves and mermaid waves is that beachy waves are a little wilder - they tend to be more textured, salt-slicked and volumised at the crown. Mermaid hair is a softer, gentler look with loosely-crimped waves, and longer lengths. There’s less emphasis on body and bounce, and more emphasis on wispy ends.

Do I have to have long hair to get mermaid waves?

In a word, yes - one of the cornerstones of this look are long, flowing waves.

If you’ve got mid-length hair, our beachy waves tutorial will help you get the waves you’ve always dreamed of - and our guide on how to grow your hair is essential reading if you’d like longer lengths.

How to get mermaid waves with a curling wand

Our mermaid waves tutorial is super simple and easy to do at home - here’s what you’ll need to get this sea-inspired look.

• Start by washing your hair with our volumising shampoo and volumising conditioner. When you’re conditioning your hair, try to focus on your mid-lengths and ends, as you want your roots to be ready to hold your style.
• Gently towel dry your hair, then add a small palmful of our Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray through your lengths and ends. Brush through your hair, drying as you go with your hairdryer on its lowest setting.
• When your hair is dry, separate your hair ‘horizontally’ - making sure the hair on the crown of your head is neatly pinned away on top of your head, and focus on the hair underneath.
• Focusing on the bottom section of your hair first, point the wand downwards, and wrap a 1-2 inch section of hair around the wand barrel, starting from the end of the strand.
• It’s easier to start from the hair at the front of your head and work backwards, but you can start from anywhere as long as you can ensure each section can be curled. For softer waves, twist the section of hair before curling it.
• Hold for 5-7 seconds, then release the section of hair, ‘catching’ the curl to maintain its shape.
• Repeat for the rest of the hair on the back of your head, being sure to gently release the section of hair from the wand each time.
• For the hair on the crown of your head, release a small section of hair at a time, and repeat the process, working your way around your head.
• Try to avoid re-curling already-curled hair as you’ll ‘break’ the wave you’ve already created.
• When both sections have been curled, run your fingers loosely through the waves to give them some definition and movement.
• Finish with a spritz of hairspray and add some shine spray for an ultra-glam party-ready look.