The revival of 'mermaid hair' is here and here's how to master it

Beachy, soft tousled strands are to die for, right? Right. And it turns out, we're not the only ones lusting after the post-beach look. Nope, because 'mermaid hair' is making a comeback. Even though we've been able to see glimpses of the trend over the past few years (*ahem* Charli XCX's 'ethereal waves'), it hasn't been a standout style across the board. Until now. Our ultra-sleek 'clean girl' era hair is officially looking for new inspo. And it's all about embracing our natural texture, which obviosuly involves adding in a little extra voluminous texture. 

To give you all the intel you need to recreate the look at home, we chatted to the experts: Jaye Edwards, owner of Edwards and Co and James Kavanagh, ghd ANZ Education Manager.  

What is mermaid hair?

Mermaid waves, as described by Edwards, are “soft, fluid and beachy”, with Kavanagh describing “loose, flowing textured waves” as the ultimate goal. We’re talking “soft, beachy and effortlessly wavy” says Kavanagh. But don’t get it twisted, they’re slightly more ‘done’ than a traditional ‘beachy wave’. 

Although, if we're honest, the look can vary from person to person and that's what we love so much about this trend. You can take to being as uniform or 'undone' as you'd like. 

So, who are we thanking for reintroducing the trend that basically anyone can make work for them (as explained by our experts)? Well, obviously Charli XCX and her incredible 'ethereal waves' are a huge player in their triumphant return. So much so that other celebs are also hopping on the bandwagon (with Hailey Bieber's notoriously sleek strands even turning into tousled 'mermaid-y' waves lately).

But we've been seeing the sultry strands appear across runways overseas and even at Australian Fashion Week as well. Not to mention Coachella being a huge inspo for the trend's resurgence, with performers and attendees alike opting for the effortlessly cool look. 

How to achieve mermaid hair at home

If you're lucky enough to have a hair texture that holds, then Edwards suggests that you try a classic overnight braid to get a loose mermaid wave. But if you a) can't make your hair participate with that or b) want a bigger, more voluminous wave to your strands, then you're going to want to get a 'mermaid waver'. Yep, there's tech specifically designed for this trend, and it's basically like the much chicer 2025 version of a crimping tool.

For effortlessly long-lasting, creaseless, shiny mermaid waves, both Kavanagh and Edwards suggest starting with a heat protectant spray, with their recommendations being the ghd curls gone wild ($46 at Adore Beauty) and O&M PS Spray ($44.95 at Hairhouse Warehouse). 

After your hair has been protected, go in with the brand new (and incredibly exciting, if you ask us) ghd wave triple barrel hair waver ($290 at Adore Beauty). Kavanagh’s top tip is to take the hair in “sections and clamp down from root-to-end, holding for three seconds (yep, it's that easy!)”. To finish off the look both of our experts suggest going in with a texturising spray ($46 at Adore Beauty) or firm hold hairspray ($41.95 at Adore Beauty) for a little extra hold and movement. And of course, you can always loosen the waves by combing them through.

That's exactly how to master the look that's literally out here making waves. Get ready to see the effortless style everywhere, and for good reason. 

Main Image Credit: @ravynlenae / @dimitrishair / @charli_xcx