How to Create Mermaid Waves on Long Hair | The Ultimate Styling Guide

There is something undeniably enchanting about mermaid waves. Unlike the tight, structured ringlets of the past or the messy, undone beach texture of the early 2010s, mermaid waves offer a uniform, deep 'S' pattern that ripples down the length of the hair. It is a look that evokes ethereal beauty, reminiscent of mythical sirens emerging from the ocean, yet it remains polished enough for red carpets and bridal parties alike. For those with long hair, this style is particularly striking, as the length allows the undulations to fully develop, creating a cascading waterfall effect that is both voluminous and sleek.

Learning how to create mermaid waves on long hair is one of the most requested skills in professional salons today. While the style looks effortless—as if one simply woke up with perfectly crimped locks—achieving that flawless, frizz-free symmetry requires specific techniques, the right tools, and proper hair preparation. Whether you are aiming for a glossy, high-fashion finish or a softer, bohemian vibe, mastering this technique can transform your everyday look into something spectacular.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about achieving this covetable style. From selecting the perfect waver tool to mastering the flat iron 'S' bend, and ensuring your style lasts for days, we cover the professional secrets that stylists use to create long-lasting, photo-ready mermaid waves.

The Anatomy of the Perfect Mermaid Wave

Before diving into the tools and techniques, it is essential to understand what distinguishes a mermaid wave from other curling styles. The defining characteristic of this look is the horizontal ripple. Unlike a curling wand which wraps hair around a cylinder to create a spiral, mermaid waves are created by bending the hair back and forth in a continuous 'S' shape. This results in a style that lies flatter against the head than a traditional curl but occupies significantly more width, giving the illusion of immense volume and thickness.

For long hair, the weight of the strands can often pull curls straight. However, because mermaid waves rely on crimping or bending rather than spiraling, they often hold their shape better on heavy, long hair. The repetitive pattern reflects light exceptionally well, which is why this style is often associated with high shine and gloss. Achieving this requires not just heat, but a strategy to maintain the integrity of the hair cuticle throughout the styling process.

Essential Tools and Products for Long Hair

To achieve professional-grade results, having the right toolkit is non-negotiable. Long hair presents unique challenges—specifically, it takes longer to style and requires tools that can maintain consistent heat from root to tip. Here is what is recommended for creating mermaid waves:

1. The Deep Waver Tool

For the most authentic and easiest mermaid wave, a three-barrel waver (often called a deep waver) is the gold standard. For long hair, look for a tool with barrels that are at least 32mm (1.25 inches) in diameter. Smaller barrels will create a crimped, 80s-style look, whereas larger barrels create that languid, modern ripple. Ceramic or tourmaline plates are preferable as they emit negative ions that seal the cuticle and reduce frizz.

2. A High-Quality Flat Iron

If you do not own a waver, a flat iron with rounded edges is a versatile alternative. It requires more manual dexterity but offers a more customized, organic wave pattern. Ensure the plates are floating plates to prevent snagging long tresses.

3. Thermal Protection

This is the most critical product in your arsenal. Long hair is older hair, meaning the ends are more fragile. A lightweight thermal protectant spray or serum protects the hair integrity against temperatures of up to 450°F. Look for formulas that do not contain heavy oils which might weigh down the wave.

4. Texture Spray and Hairspray

Clean hair is often too slippery to hold a wave. A dry texture spray adds grit, helping the waves adhere and hold their shape. A flexible hold hairspray is used for setting; avoid rock-hard lacquers that make the hair look stiff.

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Great styling starts in the shower. If you are planning to style mermaid waves, use a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. Avoid heavy masking treatments on the day of styling, as the added moisture can make the hair too heavy to hold the crimp pattern.

Once washed, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry thoroughly. It is imperative that the hair is 100% dry before any hot tools touch it. Any residual moisture can cause the water inside the hair shaft to boil, leading to severe damage and 'bubble hair.' For the smoothest waves, consider giving yourself a quick blowout with a round brush to smooth the cuticle before you start waving. This ensures the final result is glossy rather than frizzy.

Technique A: The Three-Barrel Waver Method

Using a deep waver is the most efficient method for long hair, covering large sections quickly.

Sectioning the Hair

Divide your long hair into manageable horizontal sections. Start at the nape of the neck, clipping the rest of the hair up and out of the way. Sections should be roughly 2 inches wide and no thicker than the depth of the waver clamp. If the section is too thick, the heat won't penetrate to the middle hairs, resulting in an uneven wave.

The Clamp and Hold

Starting near the root (but not touching the scalp), clamp the tool down on the first section of hair. Hold for 5-8 seconds depending on hair thickness. Open the clamp and slide the tool down the hair shaft.

The Crucial Alignment Tip: This is where most people make a mistake. To create a seamless, continuous wave, place the first barrel of the tool directly over the last ridge created by the previous clamp. By overlapping the waves slightly, you avoid the 'ladder effect' or harsh lines between crimps. Continue this process all the way to the ends. leave the last inch of the ends straight for a more modern, beachy finish, or curl them under for a vintage look.

Technique B: The Flat Iron 'S' Bend

This technique is favored by editorial stylists for its customized finish. It takes longer but produces a very soft, natural-looking mermaid wave.

The Push and Pull Motion

Take a 1-inch section of hair. Clamp your flat iron at the root. As you slide down, push the hair up into an 'S' shape with your hand while clamping the iron over the bend. Hold for a few seconds, then slide the iron down, pushing the hair in the opposite direction to complete the 'S'.

Essentially, you are feeding the hair into the iron in a serpentine motion. This requires a rhythmic wrist movement: clamp-bend-release, clamp-bend-release. This method creates less volume than the three-barrel waver but results in a highly sophisticated, water-ripple texture.

Technique C: Heatless Mermaid Waves

For those looking to preserve the health of their long hair, heatless methods are highly effective, though they require overnight setting.

The French Braid Method

On damp (not wet) hair, apply a light styling foam. Divide the hair down the center. Create two tight French braids or Dutch braids on either side of the head. The tighter the braid, the deeper the wave. Secure with silk scrunchies to prevent breakage at the ends. Sleep on the braids and unravel them in the morning. This produces a texture that is tighter and more crimped than the hot tool versions.

The Robe Belt Method

Place the belt of a bathrobe over the crown of your head so it hangs down both sides. damp hair slightly. weaving sections of hair over and under the belt, adding more hair as you go down (similar to a French braid). Secure the ends to the belt. This creates a larger, softer wave pattern that closely mimics the look of a large-barrel waver.

Finishing the Look

Once you have waved all sections of your hair, do not touch it immediately. Let the hair cool down completely. Hair sets as it cools; touching it while it is warm will cause the waves to fall out or become frizzy.

Once cool, tilt your head back and spray a texture spray through the lengths. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently break up the waves. Do not use a bristle brush, as this will brush out the pattern and create fluff. For mermaid waves, you want the sections to clump together slightly to define that horizontal ripple.

Finish with a shine spray to emphasize the glossy, liquid-like surface of the waves. If you have flyaways at the parting, use a small amount of pomade on a toothbrush to smooth them down.

Expert Tips for Long-Lasting Waves

• Cool Shot: If your hair struggles to hold a curl, use the 'cool shot' button on your hair dryer to blast the waves with cold air immediately after styling each section.

• Alternating Patterns: For a more lived-in, natural look, you can slightly vary the starting point of the wave on different layers. However, for the classic Hollywood mermaid look, keep the waves aligned.

• Day 2 Maintenance: To sleep with mermaid waves, gather your hair into a loose, high pineapple bun using a silk scrunchie, or sleep on a silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and prevents the waves from becoming tangled nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do mermaid waves last on long hair?

With proper preparation and products, mermaid waves can last 2 to 3 days. The texture often looks better on the second day as the waves relax slightly. Using a dry shampoo at the roots can help extend the style by absorbing oils that might weigh the hair down.

Can I create mermaid waves on hair with extensions?

Absolutely. In fact, extensions often hold the style better than natural hair. Treat the extensions just like your own hair, but be mindful of the bond or tape area near the scalp—avoid applying direct high heat to these attachment points.

What is the best temperature for styling long hair?

For fine or color-treated long hair, stick to 300°F - 325°F. For medium thickness, 350°F is standard. Only coarse, thick, or virgin hair should require temperatures up to 400°F. Always start with a lower temperature and increase only if necessary.

Why do my waves look frizzy instead of glossy?

Frizz usually occurs for two reasons: the hair wasn't 100% dry before styling, or the tool was held on the hair too long, frying the cuticle. Ensure you use a heat protectant and consider using a moisturizing finishing oil on the ends after styling.

Is there a permanent way to get mermaid waves?

Yes, modern texturizing treatments (often called 'American Waves' or digital perms) can create a semi-permanent wave pattern. However, these are chemical processes that should only be performed by experienced stylists in professional salons to avoid damage.

Conclusion

Creating mermaid waves on long hair is a skill that blends technique with artistry. It transforms long, straight, or unmanageable locks into a structured yet whimsical style that suits almost any occasion. Whether you opt for the precision of a deep waver, the artistry of a flat iron, or the health-conscious approach of heatless styling, the result is a stunning, oceanic texture that turns heads.

Remember that the health of your long hair is paramount. Always prioritize thermal protection and hydration to keep your waves looking like liquid silk rather than dry straw. With a little practice and the right products, you can achieve that salon-fresh mermaid look from the comfort of your home.