Half-Up Braids with Mermaid Waves

Half-up braids with mermaid waves offer a practical way to keep hair away from your face while leaving the rest loose and flowing. This style pairs reverse French braids, also known as Dutch or inside-out braids, with soft waves for a relaxed, romantic finish. It works especially well when you want something between an all-up hairstyle and wearing your hair completely down.

How to Create Half-Up Braids with Mermaid Waves

Before you begin, brush out any tangles so the braid sections are easier to handle. Gather a smoothing spray, clear elastics or bobby pins, plumping powder if desired, and a 32 mm curling wand for loose waves. Use heat-protectant products and follow the wand’s instructions; style only dry hair.

A 32 mm barrel creates a looser wave than a smaller barrel, which is suited to tighter curls. Choose a tool size based on the finish you want and your hair’s length and texture.

Make the Dutch braids

1. Brush your hair thoroughly and apply smoothing spray to the top if you want to help control flyaways.
2. Separate a front section of hair about 3 inches wide, then divide it into three equal strands.
3. Pass the front strand under the middle strand. The front and middle strands switch places.
4. Pass the back strand under the middle strand to switch those strands as well.

5. Pick up a small amount of loose hair beside the front strand and add it to that strand. Pass the enlarged front strand under the middle one.
6. Add a small amount of hair beside the back strand, then pass the back strand under the middle one.
7. Continue adding hair to the front and back strands and crossing each under the middle. Keep the sections even and maintain steady tension as you braid down to the middle of your ear.
8. Secure the braid with a clear elastic or bobby pins. Repeat the same steps on the other side.

Keeping two strands gently taut while you adjust or add hair can make the braid easier to manage. If a section loosens, pause and neaten it before continuing rather than pulling hard on the hair.

Add volume and loose waves

If you want fuller-looking braids, sprinkle a little plumping powder over them and gently tug the braid loops outward. Hold the braid near its base as you loosen each section, and use a bobby pin to secure any stray pieces.

9. Wrap dry hair around the curling wand, starting near the roots and working toward the ends. Work in manageable sections and avoid touching the hot barrel.
10. For a natural-looking finish, curl sections either toward or away from your face. Let the waves cool, then apply a light mist of smoothing spray if desired.

A larger barrel gives the style its relaxed, mermaid-inspired wave rather than a tight curl. If your hair is fine or heat-sensitive, use an appropriate lower setting and limit repeated passes.

A Soft, Versatile Finish

The contrast between the woven braids and loose waves gives this hairstyle a casual, festival-inspired look without feeling overly formal. It can suit a summer date, brunch, or an everyday outing. For a polished finish, check that both braids sit at a similar height and that the ends are securely pinned.

Dutch braiding can take a few attempts to feel comfortable. Practice the under-crossing motion first, then add hair gradually once the three strands are easier to control. Half-up braids with mermaid waves are also easy to personalize with a decorative hair clip, as long as it is secured without pulling on the braids.

By Laura