How to get mermaid waves using a straightener

The ocean called… it said bring your flat iron

The mermaid wave trend isn’t new, but it’s having another major moment. Think less Ariel cosplay, more “undone hair that costs $300 at the salon.” It’s the look that’s been spotted on everyone from Hailey Bieber to Zendaya—fluid texture, glossy bends, and ~just enough~ imperfection to look effortless.

What makes it so universally flattering is its mix of structure and softness. The waves have rhythm and movement without tipping into tight curls or beachy frizz. It’s polished but playful, the kind of hair that works at brunch, on a red carpet, or with a hoodie on a Monday (why the heck not?!).

While you could use a triple-barrel mermaid hair waver or curling wand, a straightener gives you far more control—and a more natural finish once you get the technique down. It’s easier than it looks, genuinely, though it might take a few practice runs. Once you find the right tension and rhythm, you’ll get those flowing, glossy S-waves that make every hair flip cinematic.

Mermaid waves are one of those rare styles that suit all hair types and lengths. You just need the right tool, a little heat protection, and the patience to let your inner siren shine.

First, arm yourself with the right tool

Before you start waving like a pro, make sure your straightener can actually bend to the job. The Tyme Iron Pro works beautifully for mermaid waves because it’s engineered for versatility: sleek enough to straighten, curved enough to sculpt shape, and evenly heated from edge to edge. Its angled plates create that perfect “S” bend with just a flick of the wrist, so you can move seamlessly from straight sections to flowing texture without switching tools.

The titanium plates glide through the hair without snagging, while the consistent temperature helps every wave form evenly from root to end. You’re not stuck with one type of curl or bend either; loosen your grip for soft ripples or twist tighter for a more defined wave pattern. The Tyme Iron makes the process feel fluid—almost like freehand painting—so your waves look natural, not stamped.

Stock up on your mermaid waves hair products

Like any great beach day, the magic’s in the prep. Mermaid waves hold best when you’ve layered the right products to support texture, shine, and longevity. Think of this lineup as your pre-styling kit—each one playing a small but essential role in creating that glossy, touchable finish.

• Heat protectant spray. Non-negotiable. A lightweight, silicone-free mist shields strands from direct heat while adding slip so your straightener glides easily. Bonus: it reduces frizz before it starts.
  
  
• Texture or wave spray. This is your “grit” product. It gives hair that soft, malleable texture so your waves don’t fall flat. Look for a salt-free formula if your hair tends to dry out, or a flexible one with sea minerals for that beachy vibe.
  
  
• Shine or gloss serum. Mermaid waves should shimmer, not crunch. A pea-sized amount of serum or lightweight oil through the mid-lengths adds that glassy finish without weighing hair down.
  
  
• Flexible-hold hairspray. Skip the stiff formulas. A mist of flexible-hold spray keeps the pattern intact while letting your waves move naturally. It’s what turns a one-hour style into an all-day glow-up.

Together, these products take your waves from flat to fluid—helping them last longer, shine brighter, and survive humidity.

How to get mermaid waves using a straightener 

Creating mermaid waves with a straightener is all about rhythm—bend, release, repeat. You’re essentially drawing soft “S” shapes through the hair with gentle turns of your wrist. The secret is to keep your movements smooth and consistent, letting the iron guide the flow instead of clamping and twisting. Once you find your tempo, it becomes almost meditative—like ironing out chaos into perfectly imperfect texture.

Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair

Wash and blow-dry your hair completely before styling. Any moisture left behind will steam up under heat, causing frizz and flattening your waves. Use a lightweight heat protectant and brush through from root to tip so it’s evenly distributed. Smooth, product-prepped hair means you’ll get fluid waves that hold their shape instead of crisp bends or unwanted creases.

Step 2: Section it off like a stylist

Divide your hair into layers—bottom, middle, and top—and clip the rest away. Smaller sections mean better control and more uniform waves. For a natural finish, alternate the direction of your bends as you go. Start with one-inch sections if you’re new to the technique; you can size up once you get comfortable with the motion.

Step 3: Find your angle

Hold your straightener horizontally to the ground. Starting about two inches from your scalp, clamp gently, then rotate your wrist slightly away from your face to create the first bend. After a few inches, twist the iron in the opposite direction. Think of it as drawing soft, connected S-shapes—no harsh flicks, no sharp turns.

Step 4: Keep the motion smooth

The key to mermaid waves is flow. Don’t pause mid-strand or over-twist. Glide slowly, giving the plates time to heat and shape each curve. If you rush, you’ll get crimps instead of waves; if you linger, you’ll end up with stiff curls. The goal is even pressure and continuous motion from root to end.

Step 5: Alternate directions for dimension

Once you move to the next section, flip your wrist in the opposite direction to the last one. This creates a more natural pattern—like how real waves move in different directions. Alternating bends also helps your hair look fuller and stops your waves from merging into one big ribbon.

Step 6: Let them cool before touching

As tempting as it is to rake your fingers through right away, resist. Heat temporarily reshapes the hair’s structure; cooling locks that shape in. Let your waves fall and rest for a minute or two before touching them. You can even clip them loosely in place as they cool for extra hold and bounce.

Step 7: Break them up

Once your hair is cool, flip your head forward and gently run your fingers through the waves to separate and soften them. Avoid brushes—they’ll undo the definition. A quick shake adds movement and that relaxed, lived-in feel that defines mermaid texture. If you overdo it, just re-bend a few pieces.

Step 8: Add texture where it counts

Spritz a light texture spray through the mid-lengths for grip and lift. Focus on the outer layers for volume and that “air-dried by the ocean” finish. This step brings the waves to life, giving them a touch of grit and character while keeping everything soft and touchable.

Step 9: Polish with shine

Take a tiny drop of shine serum or lightweight oil and smooth it over the ends. This tames frizz and adds that signature reflective sheen without weighing your waves down. Concentrate on the tips and mid-lengths—too much near the roots will flatten your lift and undo all that careful work.

Step 10: Lock it in

Mist a flexible-hold hairspray evenly across your finished waves. Keep the can at arm’s length for a soft veil rather than a sticky coating. You’re aiming for memory, not stiffness—the kind of hold that lets your hair move naturally but bounce back into shape with every toss and flip.

Step 11: Style for your vibe

Mermaid waves play well with accessories and finishes. Pin one side back with a pearl clip for polished glam, or add a middle part and some face-framing pieces for effortless cool. You can even tie them into a loose half-up twist for extra texture. The beauty of this look is how adaptable it is.

Step 12: Extend the magic

Keep your waves alive for days with a little maintenance. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent friction, and wrap your hair in a loose bun or braid before bed. In the morning, revive the texture with a bit of dry shampoo at the roots and a light mist of texture spray through the ends. Voilà—still wavy, still magical.

And that’s it — twelve simple steps to ocean-worthy texture without ever touching saltwater. Once you’ve nailed the rhythm, it’s effortless, glossy, and totally customizable. Your straightener just became the secret weapon to your best hair day yet.

In short: Mermaid waves are a whole mood

Effortless but intentional, glossy yet undone, they sit right in that sweet spot between casual and ethereal. Once you’ve mastered the S-bend rhythm with your straightener, it becomes less of a “styling routine” and more of a creative ritual; something you can tailor to your mood, outfit, or the weather outside.

The beauty of this trend is its range: it looks as good with a linen shirt and sunscreen as it does with a sleek dress and statement earrings. You can keep it soft and natural or amp it up with shine spray and a bold part. However you wear it, mermaid waves are about movement, texture, and confidence—the kind of hair that looks ✨alive✨.

Ready to explore more ways to level up your styling game? Explore the LifeTyme Blog for tutorials, hair health insights, and tool tips that make styling easy-peasy.