Mermaid waves don’t whisper—they make an entrance.
Soft, flowing, and dripping with fairy-tale energy, these waves turn everyday hair into a sea goddess moment. Whether you’re aiming for beachy beauty or red carpet glam, there’s a version of this dreamy texture that fits you.
No cookie-cutter curls here.
No one-size-fits-all fluff.
Just 17 wave variations, each with its own splash of magic.
Oval, round, square, heart—whatever your face shape, there’s a mermaid wave ready to frame it flawlessly. So grab your styling wand, and let’s dive in.
The perfect wave is out there.
Let’s find yours.
Classic Mermaid Waves
Embrace the timeless allure of classic mermaid waves. These smooth, flowing waves cascade down, mimicking the ocean’s gentle curls. Ideal for any face shape, they add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your look.
The style offers a seamless blend of sophistication and playfulness, making it suitable for both casual outings and formal events. Achieve this look with a large-barrel curling iron and a touch of sea salt spray for texture.
Did you know? The classic mermaid wave style was popularized by Hollywood icons in the early 1940s, symbolizing glamour and allure.
Beachy Mermaid Waves
Imagine your hair graced by the ocean breeze, creating effortless beachy mermaid waves. This style captures the essence of a sun-kissed day by the sea, with its tousled, carefree appeal.
Perfect for oval and round faces, these waves are achievable with a texturizing spray and a scrunching technique. They bring out a relaxed, vacation-ready vibe.
Enhance your look with a floral headband or a shell accessory. These waves not only frame your face beautifully but also channel the spirit of summer adventures and endless beaches.
Voluminous Mermaid Waves
Voluminous mermaid waves are all about making a bold statement. These waves offer both volume and texture, bringing an air of sophistication to your overall look.
Ideal for heart and square face shapes, the added volume helps balance facial proportions. Use a volumizing mousse and a diffuser to achieve this glamorous style.
Did you know? Big, voluminous waves were a staple in the 1980s fashion scene, representing power and confidence. Today, they remain a favorite for those looking to make an impression at any gathering.
Textured Mermaid Waves
Textured mermaid waves give your hair an edgy, modern twist. These waves are full of personality, offering an intriguing play of texture and movement.
Great for angular face shapes, they can be achieved with a combination of a flat iron and a texturizing spray. The textured finish adds dimension, making it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals.
Enhance the style with a side braid or a metallic hairpin. This look exudes confidence and creativity, perfect for urban adventures and artistic gatherings.
Loose Mermaid Waves
Loose mermaid waves convey an effortless charm. They are soft, flowing, and less structured, creating an ethereal appearance.
Suitable for all face shapes, these waves are easy to create with a curling wand and a light-hold hairspray. Their laid-back elegance makes them perfect for daytime picnics or casual get-togethers.
Pair with a floral dress or a casual outfit for a dreamy, romantic feel. These waves capture the essence of carefree days spent in serene, natural settings.
S-Shaped Mermaid Waves
The S-shaped mermaid waves bring a unique flair to your hairstyle. These waves form a distinct ‘S’ pattern, offering a structured yet fluid look.
Ideal for square and oval faces, they add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Achieve this style with a flat iron and some styling gel to define the shape.
Accessorize with pearl earrings or a delicate headband to complement the waves. This style is perfect for elegant garden parties or weddings, making every moment picture-perfect.
Retro Mermaid Waves
Retro mermaid waves are a throwback to the glam days of the past. This style is characterized by tightly structured, defined waves reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
Perfect for heart-shaped faces, you can achieve this look using a wave iron and some hairspray for hold. This vintage style adds a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to any ensemble.
Pair with a red lip and a classic dress to enhance the retro vibe. These waves are ideal for themed events or anytime you want to add a bit of classic charm to your look.
Deep Mermaid Waves
Deep mermaid waves create a dramatic and captivating effect. These waves are deep and pronounced, offering a mesmerizing cascade of curls.
Suitable for round and heart face shapes, they can be crafted using a deep waver and a strong-hold hairspray. They add depth and volume, making them ideal for striking evening looks.
Accentuate with bold makeup and statement jewelry for added drama. These waves capture the enchanting essence of the sea, perfect for making a lasting impression.
Feathered Mermaid Waves
Feathered mermaid waves offer a light, airy feel. These waves are delicately layered, creating a soft, feather-like texture that moves gracefully.
Best for oval and long face shapes, use a layered cutting technique and a medium curling iron to achieve this look. The feathered ends add a touch of whimsy and romance.
Pair with a floral crown or a simple veil for special occasions. These waves are perfect for weddings, bringing a sense of elegance and natural beauty to the forefront.
Wavy Bob Mermaid Waves
The wavy bob mermaid waves combine classic bob haircut with the gentle flow of waves. This trendy style adds a modern edge to the traditional mermaid waves.
Ideal for round face shapes, it offers an easy-to-maintain and stylish look. Achieve the waves with a small curling wand and a texturizing spray for volume.
Accessorize with chic earrings or a bold necklace to enhance your look. This style is perfect for art gallery visits or stylish urban outings, presenting a perfect fusion of elegance and trendiness.
Bohemian Mermaid Waves
Bohemian mermaid waves embody a free-spirited vibe. These waves are loose, with a slightly unkempt appearance, adding to their boho charm.
Suitable for all face shapes, they can be achieved with a curling wand and a bit of leave-in conditioner for a soft hold. This style is perfect for casual settings and lively gatherings.
Add braids or colorful hair accessories for an extra touch of bohemian flair. These waves are perfect for music festivals or any occasion where you want to express creativity and individuality.
Glamorous Mermaid Waves
Glamorous mermaid waves are about opulence and finesse. These waves are sleek and polished, bringing a sense of luxury to your hairstyle.
Ideal for heart and square face shapes, use a large curling iron and gloss serum to achieve this high-shine look. Perfect for black-tie events or any sophisticated occasion.
Pair with a cocktail dress and statement jewelry to complete the ensemble. These waves capture the essence of glamour and elegance, making you the center of attention.
Short Mermaid Waves
Short mermaid waves bring a refreshing twist to traditional long waves. This style is playful and chic, offering a fashion-forward look.
Great for all face shapes, especially round and oval, these can be achieved with a small curling wand and some styling cream. They offer a vibrant, youthful flair.
Enhance with bold makeup or quirky accessories for added charm. These waves are perfect for city adventures or anytime you want to showcase your unique style.
Tight Mermaid Waves
Tight mermaid waves offer a distinctive, textured look. These waves are compact and well-defined, providing a bold and dynamic style.
Ideal for heart and square face shapes, create these with a small curling iron and a strong-hold gel. They add a playful yet edgy vibe to your appearance.
Pair with a sleek outfit and minimalist jewelry for a fashion-forward look. These waves are perfect for fashion shows or trendy events, capturing the essence of modern style and confidence.
Layered Mermaid Waves
Layered mermaid waves add depth and dimension to your hair. This style features layers that enhance the waves, creating a full and voluminous look.
Best for oval and long face shapes, achieve this with a layer cut and a medium curling iron. The layers provide movement and texture, making the waves appear more dynamic.
Accessorize with natural elements like leaves or flowers for a fresh, enchanting look. These waves are perfect for botanical gardens or nature-inspired settings, adding a touch of natural elegance.
Curly Mermaid Waves
Curly mermaid waves bring a lively and spirited look to your hairstyle. These waves are full of curls, adding bounce and vitality.
Suitable for round and heart face shapes, create these with a curling iron and some mousse for volume. They offer a playful and youthful energy.
Pair with casual beachwear or a summer dress for a relaxed vibe. These waves are perfect for beach walks or sunny day outings, capturing the carefree spirit of warm, breezy days.
Silky Waterfall Mermaid Waves
Imagine the elegance of a cascading waterfall, now captured in your hair. Silky Waterfall Mermaid Waves offer a sleek yet voluminous look that’s ideal for any face shape.
These waves flow like liquid silk, creating a visual softness that enhances your natural beauty.
Perfect for both day and evening events, this style provides a versatile charm. Whether you’re attending a garden party or a formal dinner, these waves add a touch of grace.
Easily achieved with a large-barrel curling iron, these waves hold their structure beautifully, giving a sense of effortless sophistication.