@all_to_braids
The mermaid braid is one of the latest, trendiest braiding trends to sweep the hairstyling landscape. It’s essentially a French braiding technique, meaning that it’s also necessary to know how to do a French plait first. After that, the mermaid style is simplicity itself. It just involves using smaller, thinner strands of hair to create the braid and leaving unplaited hair showing through the spaces. After that, it’s easy to master a variety of mermaid braiding techniques and variations.
Whenever a new hairstyle appears on the horizon, hair enthusiasts instantly create their own takes on the trend. It’s no different with the mermaid downdo. Well, having looked through the gallery below, who knows what you may come up with, right?
This mermaid plait begins with a crown fit for an undersea princess. The tail of the braided headband naturally works its way into the long, cascading 4-strand mermaid tail. This may take some practice, and an extra pair of hands.
@braidsbyjordan
Don’t try mastering this masterpiece until successfully learning how to do a mermaid braid. This take on the style involves a small, delicate fishtail braid, so it uses two braiding patterns in one. Thanks to the slender strips of hair pulled into the fishtail, the mermaid technique is still in place.
@yetanotherbeautysite
Fishtail braids are gorgeous and, fortunately, they’re not hard to figure out. A slender fishtail runs down the center of this longer mermaid tail plait. The result is a hairdo that goes beyond the boundaries of the Boho chic land and verges to the fairytale territory.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
This side-swept mermaid side braid gives off Disney princess vibes like nobody’s business. The braid begins with a French plait along the hairline. It’s better for long hair so that all the hair gathers to the side, but ladies with shorter hair can always secure stubborn, slipping strands with bobby pins.
@lilithmoonlife
This mermaid braid lives up to its name. See the way the plaits are twisted so they look like rope? It’s a good idea to follow a step by step tutorial when recreating a style like this, simply because there are so many different elements. This braid will turn heads no matter what, though.
RELATED POST: How to Do a Rope Braid
@braids_in_action
For a stunning example of a flawless mermaid braiding, look no further. This braid is the epitome of perfection. It’s flawlessly and evenly executed, and the hair left loose beneath the braid at the top comes together to join in seamlessly at the end. Just gorgeous.
@hairbyjaxx
The fantastic cotton candy colors blend in this variation on the mermaid ‘do to create the ultimate unicorn hairstyle. This take on the trend relies on French braiding. The secret is to keep the strands thick but loosely plaited.
@pinupjordan
Pay close attention because there’s a surprise hiding inside of this mermaid tail braid. See it? Two of the strands used to plait it are made of braids themselves. That adds a beautiful level of detail and texture to any braid, especially a glorious purple one like this. Tip: secure the ends of the braid with bobby pins to pull off a true mermaid tail look.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
At first sight it probably looks like the instructions for this braid are impossible to follow, but this double plait is surprisingly easy. The two braids are more or less separate, with the thicker, higher braid hiding beneath the mermaid half-braid.
@missysueblog
First of all, how ‘90s are those butterfly clips? Secondly, they also help hold this work-of-art together. The knotting technique makes this amazingly easy to recreate, but the design may take some practice if you haven’t tried a chain braid before.
@braidsbyjordan
There’s a lot going on in this mermaid braid. It looks more complicated – and more intimidating – than it actually is, although a tutorial probably wouldn’t hurt. The main components include the thick braid at the top and the two side fishtails. At some point, everything gets mixed, but looking at this picture it’s easy to figure out where and when the fishtails are brought into play.
@christinakreitel
This is a lovely example of how to combine a mermaid and a waterfall braid. The waterfall braid is small and elegant, a detail that adds to the loose, thick plait beneath. No doubt this braid is Rapunzel approved.
@alanna_kerastase
A delicate waterfall braid begins it all. The strands flowing through the waterfall are fed into the mermaid. The tresses are perfectly swept into the plait which then becomes a single half-braid. The curls like the ripples on the sea surface, add even more va-va-voom.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Any mermaid braid is gorgeous on its own, but combined with complementary mermaid colors and eye-catching accents, it’s three times as stunning. This is also proof that a messy mermaid is just as pretty as an immaculate one.
@liz.colors
This braid starts out low and sleek. The execution is flawless, so each strand is nearly uniform in size, creating a lovely pattern over the loose hair underneath. Thick braids like this are ideal for both long and medium-length straight hair.
@braidbyc
This will take a lot of practice, but it’s worth it. Part mermaid plait, part waterfall braid, the pattern is actually repeated most of the way around. This is like a DIY headpiece when it’s finished — a beautifully braided cowl.
Instagram / @hair_by_lori
The French braid here creates its own faux hawk. Thanks to the ombre coloring, the added side braids and the strands being fed into the main plait at different angles, a gorgeous dimensional effect comes out to introduce a unique example of the mermaid braid.
@beautybitsbychristina
The center part and the loose waves make this the perfect hairstyle for any Boho chic girl. Notice how the hair in front disappears under the mermaid weaving. A side part would look pretty, too, but it’s more appropriate for a side braid.
@hair_by_pelerossi
This is the standard of mermaid braiding, except for one thing – the braid itself. It’s thicker and more textured than other mermaid plaits, because it’s the Dutch braid famous for its lacy finish.
@hairbymatilda
Thick, messy mermaid braids always look intricate, even if they’re easy to create. The curls help add volume, so it’s worthwhile to add a few waves and ringlets to improve the texture of your hair before you begin working on the style.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
There are so many braiding styles to choose from, but the mermaid look is having a moment. In addition to being trendy and on-point, it’s also simple to master and lends itself well to experimentation and variation. Ready to give the mermaid braid a try?
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