Mermaid Braids: Everything You Need To Know

What more can we say? Halle Bailey, the mermaid herself, has inspired us.

Over time, braids have evolved from the traditional ones we know to many more. We've seen the rise of knotless, boho, and goddess braids, each giving unique charm and elegance.

Now, there's a new trend out there that's loud and makes a bold statement and we can't wait for you to learn everything about these braids.

Called mermaid braids, they are like your all-year-round braids. Very chic, glamorous, and free-flowing. It's the braids you can have for all seasons to look fascinating and effortless while protecting your hair, not just in summer alone.

Ahead is all the information you need on what they are, how to style them, some hair inspirations, and how to maintain them. Continue reading to know more about these braids.

What are Mermaid Braids?

Mermaid braids are a low-maintenance, protective style that features braids at the top of your length and loose strands beneath.

This braid type is quite similar to the traditional goddess braids. However, they are not plaited in full length which makes them unique. Also, they are versatile, just like the goddess braids and most braids are, and suit many occasions. So, if you have weddings or meetings to attend, you have a beautiful style that works.

Mermaid braids rose to fame after Halle Bailey wore them for her role in The Little Mermaid, and it's been trendy ever since. We guess its versatility, maintenance perks, and overall style contributed to that, too.

Why Choose Mermaid Braids?

If you want to wear something unique and different, then mermaid braids are perfect. They combine the worlds of curls and braids to create a magical look.

Besides, the braids are practical, protective, versatile, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. And that's a lot, which means you'll have multiple benefits when you style this.

How Long Does Mermaid Braids Last?

Similar to other braids, mermaid braids can last for weeks. For us, once your braids start to get itchy and uncomfortable, that's a sign for you to take them out. However, that depends on the individual's hair type and how you care for your hair.

This just means if you take proper care of your braids they can last longer. On the other hand, improper care can cause damage to your hair. So, ensure you maintain it and your braids will last. At times they can even last up to eight weeks.

Some Mermaid Braids Hairstyles

From the beginning of this post, there was emphasis on how versatile the mermaid braids were. Whether it's the aspect of length or the styling, many options are available for you. So, you can decide what type of ends you want (either to keep it straight or curly) and what length you want.

Here, we have a few ways people have worn this trendy hairstyle so far:

1. Chunky Braids

The chunky braids hairstyle is a twist to the mermaid braids. For this style, you'll have big chunks of braids instead of a medium size.

You might want to contact your hairstylist before buying your hair extensions. That way, you won't have limited bundles, especially if you want many braids.

2. Micro Mermaid Braids

This is the opposite of the chunky mermaid braids. It's small and quite plentiful. Beyonce rocked the style years back, but it is still very trendy to date.

So, if you'd like a style that lasts long and is in mini sizes, get any hair extension of your choice and style this mermaid braids hairstyle. Just be aware that you'll have to sit longer than when you style regular braids.

3. Ombre Mermaid Braids

Your mermaid braids don't always have to be in black. Try others. And a shade that's always in season is ombre. Ombre is perfect if you want a color to complement your skin and make it pop.

4. Short Mermaid Braids

It can be short. We've said many times that mermaid braids are versatile. So, if you want yours in a bob length, style it. Whatever you choose, it'll still be very chic.

At this length as shown above, it's giving off a boho vibe, but there's nothing bad about it. It's lovely.

5. Ponytail Style

Gather your mermaid braids up and go for a ponytail style. This can make you look elegant for your day out. You could also style it in a half ponytail style.

Note: There are numerous ways to wear them. So, get creative with yours and you'll discover more styles. Apart from using hair bundles, you can also go for wigs. Wigs might be the answer for mermaid braid hairstyles you are afraid to try cause they take hours to complete.

Now that you know some mermaid braid hairstyles, go and style yours.

How to Get Mermaid Braids?

In this post, we've told you a lot of things about mermaid braids. Are you interested in achieving the style yourself? Learn how to go about it below.

Step 1:

Divide your hair into different parts to make it easier to style. Before you do, you have clean, combed, and moisturized hair. Afterwards, clip the parts to hold them in place.

Step 2:

Remove the clip from the first section and divide it into smaller ones. It'll be better if you start at the back of your head.

Step 3:

Pick the first small section and braid your hair. Add the extensions afterward and braid a little before adding more.

Once you've gotten the braid size you want, continue to braid. You can add extensions in the middle if you want it to be long. Now the final thing you must do here is to leave the braids a couple of inches after you've passed your natural hair.

Step 4:

Move to the next sections and braid them too.

At the third line of your mermaid braids, you'll need to add more hair extensions at the beginning if your natural hair is bigger. Once that's done, braid a few inches before leaving your hair.

Step 5:

Continue to braid till you've completed everything. Once all your hair is braided, curl your ends with your rod and soak them in hot water.

But if you want the strands straight, you won't need to curl them.

Maintenance Tips for Your Mermaid Braids

The maintenance part should be easy peasy if you're used to caring for regular braids.

Although it may look daunting, it's quite the opposite. All you need are a few tools, products, and techniques to keep them gorgeous.

Once you have the first two, we have a few tips you can follow to complete it. They are general tips you may know but we'd like to remind you to be sure to incorporate them into your routine:

1. Sleep with a bonnet on

A silk bonnet can protect your strands, that's for sure. So, get your bonnet and wear it before going to bed.

Also, you might want to braid your curls in sections to avoid tangles and keep them looking their best in the morning.

2. Invest in products

You'll need oil for your scalp, curl cream for the curls, maybe mousse, and a hairspray. If the ends are straight, don't get the curl cream. These products will keep your mermaid braids well-maintained and beautiful.

3. Detangle

Once in a while, you need to revamp the curls. And detangling helps, especially if you use synthetic hair.

Note: If you stay on top of your maintenance game, your mermaid braids will look good longer. That's because taking proper care of your braids often helps to maintain them and prevent breakage.

Other Probing Questions on Mermaid Braids

1. What hair is needed for mermaid braids?

Traditional braiding bundles are fine for mermaid braids. Just get your synthetic hair or blend hair extensions. That way, your braids will hold.

Discuss this further with your stylist to know what's best.

2. Are mermaid braids the same as boho braids?

People often confuse mermaid braids with bohemian (boho) even goddess braids. But they are different.

Again as we've said, mermaid braids are not braided to the ends. Usually, they have curls at the end. That's unlike boho and goddess braids braided to the end, with little hair pieces coming out of the braid to form the curls.

3. How long does it take to achieve mermaid braids?

The braiding process might last up to six hours. At times, four hours. But generally, it depends on a lot of factors. Factors like how prepared your hair is, your braiding hair choice, and many more, contribute to the hours you'll be seated in the chair.

Conclusion

That’s it!

Everything you need to know about mermaid braids. This post should help you get started on how to style and maintain your mermaid braids.

If there are any other questions, let us know below.