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Under the sea, all eyes are on Ariel in the new live rendition of The Little Mermaid. Out in the sun… comes summer’s dreamiest hair trend. Mermaid hair has made its way to shore and on screens just about everywhere. No, seriously — the hashtag #mermaidhair has 1.1 billion views on TikTok.
The aquatic look goes well beyond expected beach waves (though they are as relevant as ever) — boho braids, wet waves, and Ariel–red hair all fall into the mermaidcore category. Each style is free-spirited and perfectly undone, how we imagine a sea princess might style their hair.
Kieron Justin, a U.K.-based hairstylist agrees: “Mermaid texture is playful and cool.” He places an emphasis on it being carefree. “The good thing about this look is the more irregular the better and there are multiple ways to achieve it,” says Justin.
With that in mind, TikTok’s favorite boho braids are perfect for your next beachside outing, as are curly tribal braids, the “number one vacation hairstyle” according to New York and Los Angeles-based braider Shanna St.Cry. Both looks combine classic braid styles with the wet wavy curls that characterize mermaid hair.
For those seaside exposed to heat and humidity (a perfect combination for frizzy hair), you’ll want to keep a hair mousse and hydrating mist in your arsenal. St.Cry says the LottaBody Mousse makes curls look glossy and defined all day long. To define waves even more, add a few spritzes of Redken Beach Waves spray.
Here, the best mermaid hairstyles that will make you part of Ariel’s world this summer.
Curly Tribal Braids
Bouncy curls, meet cornrow braids. Add a splash of seawater and this vacation-ready hairstyle looks even better. For the best results, “use human hair bundles,” says St. Cyr. “It responds better to humidity and water, so your curls look natural and don't get matted or tangled.”
Boho Braids
Wanting to have a main character moment this summer à la Ariel? Boho braids, the It girl look of summer 2023, is your style. Wear your goddess braids down to your tailbone to up the mermaid factor.
Mermaid Waves
Picture this: You just spent a day at the beach and your hair has been perfectly tousled by the wind and sprinkled with salt water. That’s it — that’s the look.
When you can’t make it oceanside, recreate the look with a curling wand, says Jennifer Korab, a New Jersey-based hairstylist. Starting on dry hair, prep with a heat protectant to minimize damage, followed by a gust of texturizing spray to help hold the look. Then, curl each section using a curling wand or iron — Korab recommends the Beach Waver curling iron. “Hold the iron vertically to create loose waves,” says Korab. “Start wrapping the hair at the mid-lengths, leaving the ends out for a more natural look. Hold the hair around the iron for a few seconds then release.”
Alternating curling directions as you move from one section to another will create a more natural finish.
Fishtail Braid
Even sea sirens need a go-to, lazy-day hairstyle. When your beach waves are on their last leg, gather a small section of hair on one side and braid it into a fishtail braid. Sweep the rest of your waves to the same side and secure it at the bottom with a clear elastic. Gently pull apart the fishtail to get a more undone finish or add in a statement hair clip (maybe a treasure find from a shipwreck…or a browse on Jennifer Behr) for a bit of sparkle.
Ariel Red
If you have ever been tempted to go Ariel-red, now is the time. Try a demipermanent hair color, which fades out after about 24 washes, making it the perfect test-run for summer. Instead of beach waves, consider styling your fresh color with polished, bouncy curl, as Keke Palmer has done here.
Wet and Wavy
The likelihood that your hair looks like this after a quick dip is slim. But no diving is required to get these waves. “Fill a spray bottle with a mixture that's one part conditioner and four parts water,” says hairstylist David Babaii. “Spritz your hair from roots to ends, and work it through with a wide-tooth comb.” You can also comb through gel or mousse to help shape your hair.
Boho Locs
Allow the Little Mermaid herself to be your inspiration. For the film’s debut, Halle Bailey’s signature locs went auburn, while incorporating the free-spirited vibe the character is known for by twisting in loose curly tendrils from each loc throughout.
Watercolor Waves
Beach waves really make a splash when done in the colors of the ocean — like sea blue, pearly white, and sea-star pink — as Ciara has above.
To minimize damage and avoid heat-styling on hot summer days, Justin suggests trying braids to achieve these tousled waves. On damp hair, rake through a styling cream. We love the Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Air Dry Styling Cream for its soft hold and moisturizing formula. Then, braid your hair from root to ends. (The more braids you add throughout, the wavier your hair will be).
“Once your hair is dry, unravel your braids and you’ll have that iconic mermaid wave,” says Justin. Finish the style with a touch of hair oil to add extra shine, Justin loves the Color Wow Pop & Lock Glossing Serum because it adds a glossy finish while also controlling frizz.
Discover more summer hair trends:
- 7 Braided Hairstyles to Wear for the Ultimate Hot Girl Summer
- The "Butterfly Cut" Is TikTok's Favorite Throwback Hair Look for Summer
- Raindrop Braids Are the Box Braid Upgrade You’ve Been Looking For
Now, watch an unboxing of the June 2023 Allure Beauty Box:
