All curly girls know that no two curls, coils, and waves are ever exactly the same, but we love em all! An always popular summer hair trend excellent for any naturally curly texture is what I like to call The Bohemian Mermaid; luscious beach waves that emulate the waves of the ocean surf. These mesmerizing mermaid beach waves not only capture the essence of summer but also enhance the natural beauty of your curls. From Vanessa Hudgens to Rosario Dawson, to Jessica Szohr, to Jada Pinkett Smith- even supreme divas Beyonce, Shakira, and Jennifer Lopez have all been spotted rocking this gorgeous style. It's a great way to show off the natural shine and colorful dimensions of your hair. We here at Miss Jessie's have the scoop on how to effortlessly achieve this sweet, sexy, whimsical, look- great for all occasions! First of all, there are two hair texture scenarios for beach waves I've seen most often, and the variation in look is determined by one's unique hair texture.
Look 1:This occurs when, due to the nature of naturally curly textured hair, there is the fuller volume at the roots, with a messy variety of imperfect curls and waves at the ends. For this look, I recommend sticking to more lightweight products for styling, to add shine and minimize the potential for frizz.
Look 2:This occurs when there is little to no volume at the crown and roots, with elongated, loose, wavy texture all throughout. For this look, I also suggest using lightweight styling products. After deciding on a beach waves style scenario that you think would work best for your hair, you are ready to make some waves! First and foremost, I recommend working with second-day hair for this style, after letting damp hair rest in a braid out for an extended period of time. Achieving those stunning mermaid beach waves is all about embracing your unique hair texture and letting it flow effortlessly.
Your Wash:For soft, supple, romantic beach waves, prepping with the right kind of conditioner is key. I recommend washing with a lightweight, non-sulfate based conditioner, like
Miss Jessie’s Créme de la Créme, or deep condition with
Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment. Then lightly coat the ends with a lightweight styling product, to damp hair. I suggest using a styling lotion, such as
Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls or even the
Transitioner's Magic, as opposed to a heavier gel. This will add soft definition to curls and waves as they are setting, while still leaving locks luscious and wild.
For Your Braid Out: Whether you're aiming for mermaid beach waves or mermaid curls, the braid-out method is your secret to gorgeous, carefree hair. My preferred method for any curly hair type to get beach waves is the Braid Out; a quick and easy process in which damp hair is left in braids for an extended period, like overnight, then releasing them to create a beautiful wave effect at the ends. I'm currently wearing two braids right now at the office, in order to have my own mermaid waves fresh for an event I am attending later this evening, but ideally, I would recommend washing and braiding hair in the evening, so you can awake to fresh waves in the morning. Leaving braids in overnight and undoing them in the morning makes styling quick and easy for the next day, and maintains the natural personality of the curl prior to elongating and removing the volume from the crown. After you have washed and added a little product to your hair, while hair is still damp try...
Look 1's Braid Out Method: Separate hair into four sections. Braid low setting braids- not too tight, but not totally loose either. Just tight enough that there isn't much tension at the roots and roots still have room to be voluminous. In the morning, loosen and undo your braids, tousle and play with your fingers.
Look 2's Braid Out Method:Transform your natural curls into enchanting mermaid curls: Separate hair into two to four sections, braiding each into tight French Braids overnight. This will minimize volume at the roots, while also elongating and loosening your natural the curl pattern all throughout the har, creating waves. The tighter the braids, the less volume will be in your roots the next day. Also the more braids you create, the tighter and defined your waves will look the next day. In the morning, loosen and undo your braids, tousle and play with your fingers. If you are concerned that your hair will lose it's wave throughout the day, apply a dime-sized amount of either a styling lotion, such as Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls, or a light gel, such as
Miss Jessie's Quick Curls- and scrunch from the bottom upward.
Note: If it's a particularly humid or rainy day and you are concerned about frizz so you would like to use something more heavy duty to preserve your wave's shape, make sure it is as lightweight as possible. And regardless of the gel's lightness, if you choose to go the gel route after loosening braids, use it INCREDIBLY SPARINGLY. Too much will weigh hair down, and deduct from that all natural bohemian beach waves look. Also, to preserve waves for either look one or look two, you can always re-braid hair into low setting braids for a little bit, to create more shape and definition. Remember curly cuties, for bohemian, mermaid beach waves, less is always more!
