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Bobs will never go out of style, but even with their many variations, the fact remains that it’s a short haircut. For those with long locks, the idea of chopping off inches isn’t exactly exciting. Fortunately, there’s a chic new haircut that doesn’t involve too much lobbing it all off. Enter the mermaid cut—a soft, natural cut that focuses on long, flowing layers. According to celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance, the mermaid haircut has become popular because it can be adjusted and cut to fit different preferences. “A soft, layered look can complement most hair types and face shapes, making it a classic hairstyle,” he says. Ahead, we chatted with three celebrity stylists for all the details on the mermaid cut.
Featured experts
- Marc Ballance is a celebrity hairstylist at John Barrett luxury hair salon in NYC
- Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist
- Lucy García-Planck is a hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon
What is the mermaid cut?
Layers are a staple in many haircut trends, including the butterfly cut and the clavicut. But in the case of the mermaid cut, they are the defining element that sets it apart from other looks. “The mermaid cut is characterized by its long and loose layers that are shaped at the crown to create softness while maintaining the length in the back,” says Ballance. Another major element of the mermaid cut is texture. Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos mentions that it accentuates naturally textured hair by providing soft face-framing layers.
Who does the mermaid cut work for?
The mermaid cut may not appear to be versatile, but it is universal. “This haircut works on any face shape because it’s cut specifically to frame the face,” says Lucy García-Planck, hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon. Giannetos adds that the mermaid cut also looks amazing on those with softer features because the long layers are usually subtle.
As for hair types, García-Planck notes that while it can work for straighter textures, it really shines with natural waves or loose curls. That said, it typically requires little styling and is considered low-maintenance. “The haircut enhances natural waves, giving it an effortless feel that’s perfect for the summer and warmer months,” he adds.
What to ask for at the salon?
Length is key for the mermaid cut, so you’ll need to maintain it as much as possible. Before your appointment begins, Ballance suggests talking with your stylist to figure out where you want the shortest layer to sit and what you want the overall length to be. “You want the cut to shape throughout the front of the crown and blend in with the soft layers,” he says. Basically, the layers should blend seamlessly from short to long. To achieve this, Giannetos recommends asking your stylist to cut your hair by pulling everything forward and cutting the layers in a wave-like pattern.
How to style the mermaid cut at home
The good news is that you won’t need to do much to make your mermaid cut work if you have naturally wavy hair. “The cut complements texture, but a styling cream can help give you a more unified look,” says Giannetos. He recommends using a touch of Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Hyaluronic Moisture Repair Gel-Cream ($10) on wash days and letting it dry naturally. If you prefer to blow dry your hair, Ballance suggests starting at the front of the hair. “This allows you to focus on creating smoothness and movement that sits away from the face,” he says. To add even more definition, Giannetos mentions you can use a curling iron on days when your hair tends to be more straight. “Use a wand and alternate the rotation of the wand with each section of hair for a more natural look,” he adds.
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