What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Mermaid Hair (2024)

A little over a year ago, I made a beauty move I'd been fantasizing about for years: I went from brunette to colorful strands with the help of blue hair dye, by dyeing my hair blue with green at the ends. I walked out of the salon feeling like a mermaid whose inner self was finally out there for the world to see.

I loved my mermaid hair, but it's also been more work than I expected. Because of that, I've since let my hair grow in brown instead of re-coloring it. That said, through my time with colorful hair, I learned a few key lessons. Here are some things I didn't realize about coloring my hair that you should definitely read up on before taking that plunge.

1. It takes a LONG time.

I expected to be in and out of the salon in one afternoon, but I got in at noon and didn't leave until after 6:00 PM. Between washing, bleaching, drying, coloring, drying again, styling, and possibly cutting, getting mermaid hair is a time investment whether you go to a salon or do it at home. Basically, don't schedule anything immediately afterward. And maybe bring snacks.

My hair post-dye job

Suzannah Weiss

2. Bleach can destroy your hair.

If you're not already blonde, you'll likely have to bleach your hair so that the color shows up. Bleach zaps your hair of moisture, which can cause damage, says celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright. Be prepared to get a haircut when you go in as well, which is sometimes necessary to prevent extreme damage on the ends. This is the main reason I don't plan to color my hair again: The bleach damaged it so much, I still can't wear it down to this day unless it's been blow-dried, or it just poufs out in a ball of frizz.

What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Mermaid Hair (2024)

FAQs

How long does mermaid hair last? ›

How long will Mermaid Hair last? 4-8 weeks or longer and will withstand everyday washing and styling. Everyone normally sheds approximately 50-100 strands per day, so the Mermaid Hair will fall when the hair it is tied to falls out naturally.

How much does it cost to get mermaid hair? ›

Classic Mermaid$1,895
A pop of color or highlights (10 strands)
Extreme Mermaid (special order)$2,395
Extra long full head of 24”-26”
Extreme Mermaid Re-application$1075
9 more rows

What color should a mermaids hair be? ›

Instead of focusing on blues and greens, dedicate your mermaid hair to jewel tones. Vibrant sections of emerald, violet, and sapphire will bring a unique note to your 'do while simultaneously allowing you to hold on to dark roots.

How to take care of mermaid hair? ›

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MERMAID MANE
  1. Switch to a hair care system for color-treated hair. Say bye-bye to your regular hair care products and reach for ones that are formulated for color-treated hair instead. ...
  2. Wash your hair in lukewarm water. ...
  3. Rock beachy waves. ...
  4. Use a heat protectant before applying heat. ...
  5. Schedule touch-ups.
Dec 6, 2019

Can mermaid braids get wet? ›

MERMAID BRAIDS can last around a week or more, it depends from hair texture and length and how you take care of them. We don't recommend to get your braids wet. Keep the braids dry will help them to last longer.

How to sleep with mermaid braids? ›

Wearing a satin or silk bonnet is the best way to protect your braids while sleeping. Even silk satin and bonnet scarfs are a great way to not ruin your braids. Just wrap the scarf around your braids and tie a knot or two to secure it.

Do you straighten hair before mermaid waves? ›

For a more defined and uniform wave, you may need to straighten your hair first. Always apply a heat protectant first and give your hair rest in between treatments. Use a strong hairspray or gel to set the waves when finished to keep your waves from reverting to curls.

Is mermaid hair still in style? ›

Hairstylist Syd Hayes is calling the style one of summer 2023's biggest trends. “Sea spray mermaid waves are a type of classic flat, beachy wave,” he explains. “They're more lived-in, loose and effortless, but have a super glossy finish.

Does mermaid hair work on short hair? ›

Perfect for all hair types and lengths from short bobs to super long Rapunzel hair!

What is the mermaid hair cut? ›

The mermaid haircut is all about embracing long, flowing layers that frame the face and evoke the ethereal beauty of mermaids. It's a style that celebrates movement and texture with soft, subtle layers that enhance the natural wave and curl patterns of the hair.

Why is it called mermaid hair? ›

It's all about soft, undulating waves or curls. The less perfect they are, the better. The goal is to look like you just came out of the ocean. The best reference is the most obvious one: Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

How do you make mermaid hair last? ›

Always apply a heat protectant first and give your hair rest in between treatments. Use a strong hairspray or gel to set the waves when finished to keep your waves from reverting to curls.

How long do mermaid extensions last? ›

The great thing about mermaid hair extensions is with proper care they will last a year. Your extensions will start to grow out with your natural hair so every 2 months you do have to go in for a maintenance appointment to have them adjusted.

How long does wave hair last? ›

Yes, besides the price, we also need to know the quality of the hair products and other factors that affect how long they will last. The best body wave lasts about six months. But if you take good care of it, the life span of a Brazilian body wave can be extended to about a year.

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