25 Enchanting Mermaid Hairstyles You Need to Try

Ready to channel your inner ocean goddess?

Mermaid hairstyles combine ethereal waves, bold colors, and creative styling to transform your locks into something magical.

Whether you’re heading to a festival, special event, or just want to make everyday life more enchanting, these 25 mermaid-inspired hairstyles will help you make a splash.

Perfect for all hair types and lengths, these styles range from subtle ocean vibes to full-on fantasy transformations.

1: Classic Mermaid Waves

Beach waves with extra length and volume create the quintessential mermaid look.

Use a triple-barrel waver or wrap sections around a curling wand, alternating directions for natural-looking waves.

For added dimension, apply sea salt spray to damp hair before styling. This enhances texture and gives you that “just emerged from the ocean” appearance.

Finish with a light-hold hairspray that won’t weigh down your waves. This versatile style works for everyday wear or special occasions.

2: Pastel Ombre Locks

Transform your tresses with a gradient of ocean-inspired colors.

Start with a deeper blue or teal at the roots, fading into aqua midway, and ending with pale seafoam or lavender at the tips.

This look works best on pre-lightened hair. Consider using semi-permanent colors if you’re not ready for a permanent commitment to mermaid life.

Style with loose waves to showcase the color transition. The movement will make your hair appear to shimmer like sunlight dancing on water.

3: Shell-Adorned Half-Up Style

Pull the top section of your hair back and secure with pins or a decorative clip.

Then attach small seashells, starfish hair pins, or pearl accents throughout your loose waves.

Create texture by braiding small sections before adding your ocean accessories. This adds dimension and helps secure your decorative elements.

This style perfectly balances whimsy and wearability. It keeps hair out of your face while still showcasing your length and mermaid-worthy accessories.

4: Glitter Roots

Add some underwater sparkle by applying biodegradable glitter gel along your part and roots.

Choose colors like blue, teal, purple, or rose gold for an authentic mermaid vibe.

Apply the glitter with a small makeup brush for precision. Seal with hairspray to minimize fallout and make your shimmer last all day.

This temporary style makes a big impact with minimal commitment. It’s perfect for festivals, parties, or anytime you need extra magic in your day.

5: Fishtail Braid Crown

Create a crown of interwoven fishtail braids that wraps around your head.

The name alone makes this style perfect for a mermaid-inspired look!

Begin by dividing hair into two sections and creating a fishtail braid on each side. Then wrap them around your head and secure with pins.

Gently tug at the edges of your braids to create fullness.

Add small pearls or crystal pins throughout for a regal underwater princess effect.

6: Seaweed Green Highlights

Introduce strands of emerald or seaweed green throughout your natural hair color.

These strategic pops of color mimic the look of sea plants flowing through your locks.

Ask your stylist for face-framing green pieces that will catch the light when you move. This placement provides maximum impact with minimal commitment.

Style with loose waves or curls to showcase the dimension of your new green accents.

This look works beautifully with both blonde and brunette base colors.

7: Bubble Ponytail

Create a series of “bubbles” along your ponytail by securing clear elastics every few inches down the length of your hair.

Gently tug at each section to create fullness.

Add temporary color spray in blue or purple ombré for an underwater effect. The bubbles represent air pockets rising to the surface.

Finish with iridescent hair gloss spray for a wet-look finish that catches the light just like water.

This playful style works for both casual and dress-up occasions.

8: Mermaid Braid

Create an intricate Dutch braid that incorporates colorful extensions or temporary hair chalk.

The inside-out technique showcases the vibrant colors woven throughout your hair.

Start at your crown and work downward, gradually adding colored pieces as you go. Leave the ends loose and wavy for that perfect mermaid tail effect.

This style looks complex but becomes easier with practice. It’s perfect for keeping hair controlled during beach days while still looking magical.

9: Hidden Gem Undercut

For the bold mermaid, try an undercut hidden beneath your top layers.

Have your stylist cut a scale pattern or wave design that’s only visible when you wear your hair up.

Add temporary color gel in vibrant blue or purple to make the pattern pop. This gives you the flexibility to reveal your mermaid secret only when you choose.

This style offers fantastic versatility—professional by day, mystical sea creature by night. It’s perfect for those who love having a hidden magical side.

10: Twisted Pearl Updo

Twist sections of hair and secure with pearl pins for an elegant mermaid-inspired updo.

The twists mimic the swirling patterns of ocean currents.

Incorporate small braids into some of the twisted sections for added texture and interest. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer effect.

This sophisticated style works beautifully for formal events. The pearls reference the treasures mermaids might collect from the ocean floor.

11: Net-Caught Waves

Create loose waves throughout your hair, then layer a decorative hairnet with small pearls or crystals over the top.

This creates the illusion of being beautifully caught in a fishing net.

Position the net slightly back from your hairline so it drapes naturally over your waves. Secure with hidden pins along the perimeter.

This style works beautifully for themed parties or photoshoots. It’s an artistic interpretation that truly captures the fantasy mermaid aesthetic.

12: Rainbow Fish Color Melt

Channel the most colorful creature in the sea with a vibrant rainbow color melt.

Transition through purple, blue, green, and yellow for a truly spectacular effect.

Ask your stylist to place colors in a way that creates movement even when your hair is straight.

When styled with waves, the colors will ripple like scales in water.

This bold choice requires commitment and maintenance but offers maximum mermaid impact.

Use color-safe products to keep your rainbow vibrant between salon visits.

13: Sea Foam Texture Spray

Create airy, voluminous texture that mimics sea foam using specialized texture sprays.

Apply to damp hair, scrunch, and allow to air dry for effortless mermaid vibes.

Focus application at the roots and mid-lengths, leaving ends slightly smoother. This creates natural-looking body that moves with you.

This technique works well for naturally wavy hair types or those with beach waves.

It’s a quick daily style that channels mermaid energy without heavy styling.

14: Conch Shell Twist

Form a beautiful twisted bun that spirals like a conch shell.

Start with a ponytail, then twist and wrap the hair around the base, securing with pins as you go.

Add small pearl pins or crystal accessories along the spiral for elegant ocean-inspired detail.

This highlighting of the shape draws attention to the shell-like structure.

This sophisticated style works beautifully for formal events. It’s elegant yet clearly draws inspiration from the ocean’s natural architecture.

15: Deep Sea Blue Balayage

Ask your stylist for hand-painted streaks of navy, cobalt, and midnight blue throughout your hair.

This technique creates dimension reminiscent of the mysterious deep ocean.

The balayage technique ensures a natural grow-out process with no harsh lines. It’s perfect if you want long-lasting mermaid vibes with lower maintenance.

Style with loose waves to showcase the multidimensional blues. In different lighting, you’ll notice varied tones just like the changing colors of deep water.

16: Mermaid Tail Braid

Create an intricate braid that widens at the bottom to mimic a mermaid’s tail.

Start with a tight French braid at the crown that gradually incorporates more hair.

As you reach the ends, split the braid into two sections and fishtail each one. Then combine these fishtails into a wider, fanned-out shape.

Secure with clear elastics and gently tug at the edges to create fullness. Add temporary color spray in blues and greens for an authentic tail effect.

17: Oceanic Accessory Stack

Layer multiple ocean-themed accessories on one side of your hair.

Combine seashell clips, starfish pins, and pearl accents for a curated mermaid collection.

Secure each piece individually to prevent slipping. Create a small braid or twist as an anchor point for heavier accessories.

This style works beautifully for themed events or beach weddings.

It transforms simple waves into something magical without requiring complex styling techniques.

18: Coral Reef Highlights

Introduce vivid coral, pink, and orange highlights throughout your hair. These warm tones mimic the vibrant colors of tropical coral reefs.

Ask your stylist to place these highlights strategically to frame your face.

The bright colors will illuminate your features with a warm, underwater glow.

Style with loose waves for movement that showcases the dimensional color.

This unexpected twist on mermaid colors stands out from traditional blues and greens.

19: Wet Look Slick Back

Channel a mermaid who’s just emerged from the depths with a sleek, wet-look style.

Apply gel or pomade from roots to mid-lengths, combing backward for a streamlined effect.

Leave the ends dry and wavy for beautiful contrast. This dual-texture approach creates the illusion of hair that’s still drying after a swim.

Finish with a high-shine spray for that perfect water-slicked appearance. This edgy style works for evenings out or creative events.

20: Treasure Trove Accessorized Ponytail

Create a high ponytail and adorn it with an assortment of “treasures” like pearl pins, crystal clips, and metallic accents.

These represent the collection a mermaid might gather.

Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished look.

Then strategically place your accessories throughout the length of the ponytail.

Curl the ponytail for added texture and bounce. This playful style keeps hair controlled while showcasing your mermaid-worthy accessories.

21: Aquatic Braided Updo

Combine multiple braiding techniques into an elaborate updo.

Mix fishtail, Dutch, and standard braids for a textured look reminiscent of underwater coral formations.

Incorporate temporary colored extensions in blues and greens for pops of ocean color throughout your braided creation.

These add dimension and visual interest.

Finish with a light dusting of shimmer spray for subtle magic. This intricate style works beautifully for special occasions when you want to make a statement.

22: Icy Blonde with Blue Tips

Transform your hair with platinum blonde that gradually transitions to pale blue at the ends.

This creates the effect of hair dipped in crystal-clear tropical waters.

The high contrast between blonde and blue makes this style striking yet wearable.

It’s perfect for those wanting to try mermaid colors without full commitment.

Style with beach waves to enhance the coastal vibe. This color combination flatters most skin tones and works in both professional and casual settings.

23: Kelp Forest Half-Up Style

Create a series of thin, twisted sections at your crown that are pinned back to resemble swaying kelp fronds.

Let the rest of your hair flow freely in loose waves.

Add small green-tinted pieces throughout the twisted sections for authentic kelp coloring.

These subtle highlights bring the ocean theme to life.

This style beautifully combines structure and freedom, just like underwater plant life.

It’s perfect for keeping hair controlled while maintaining length and movement.

24: Mother of Pearl Hair Pins

Arrange iridescent mother-of-pearl pins throughout loosely styled hair.

The subtle rainbow reflections mimic the inside of seashells and mermaid scales.

Place pins asymmetrically for a natural, unplanned look. This creates the impression of treasures discovered rather than deliberately placed.

This minimalist approach to mermaid styling works for everyday wear.

It adds magical touches without requiring color commitment or complex styling.

25: Starfish Accent Bun

Create a sleek, high bun and adorn it with a statement starfish hair accessory.

The clean bun provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing your ocean-inspired piece.

Secure the bun with pins that match your hair color for an invisible hold. Position your starfish slightly off-center for a natural, asymmetrical look.

This elegant style combines simplicity with clear mermaid inspiration. It’s perfect for beach weddings or sophisticated oceanside events.

Conclusion

With these 25 enchanting mermaid hairstyles, you’re ready to transform your locks into something truly magical.

Mix and match elements to create your own unique underwater-inspired look that’s perfect for any occasion.