A mermaid braid is a wide, flat plait that sits over loose hair, usually built by feeding thin sections from the sides into a central braid so it looks like scales running down the back. The twenty versions here range from straightforward to genuinely ambitious: a sleek blonde tail with near-uniform strands, an over-the-shoulder side braid, a fishtail running through the centre of a mermaid plait, rope-twisted strands, a pastel unicorn plait, a knotted chain braid held with butterfly clips, a waterfall braid that feeds into a mermaid tail and a thick Dutch version with a lacy, three-dimensional finish.
Length is the main requirement. These braids look their most dramatic on long hair, though thick braids work on medium-length straight hair too, and a few pins can hold shorter, slippery pieces. Hair with a little texture or second-day grip braids more easily than silky, freshly washed strands.
If you are new to the technique, start with a simple French-based mermaid braid before moving on to the hybrids. Many of the more complex looks combine two or three braiding patterns and are easier with a second pair of hands.
1. Mermaid Crown
A braided headband wraps the crown like a sea princess’s tiara, and its tail flows into a long, four-strand mermaid plait down the back. The two parts blend seamlessly. Expect to practise this one, and a helper makes the process much easier.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
2. Mermaid Fishtail with Hair Flowers
Master the basic mermaid braid before attempting this version, which weaves in a small, delicate fishtail. Two braiding patterns work together, while the thin sections pulled into the fishtail keep the mermaid effect intact. Tiny hair flowers add a romantic finish.
Inspiration: @yetanotherbeautysite
3. Mermaid with a Fishtail
A slim fishtail braid runs down the centre of a longer mermaid plait on ash blonde hair. Fishtails are easier than they look, and combining the two creates a style that moves from boho chic into fairytale territory.
Inspiration: @theconfessionsofahairstylist
4. Over-the-Shoulder Mermaid
Swept over one shoulder, this side mermaid braid has an unmistakable princess feel. It begins as a French plait along the hairline before gathering everything to one side. Long hair works best, though bobby pins can hold slipping shorter strands.
Inspiration: @lilithmoonlife
5. Twisted Mermaid
Twisting the strands like rope gives this messy mermaid braid its name and its texture. Because it combines several techniques, following a step-by-step tutorial helps. On ombre hair the twists highlight each shade, making the braid a real head-turner.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
6. Flawless Mermaid Tail
Evenly executed from top to bottom, this tight mermaid tail is a picture of precision. The loose hair beneath the top of the braid is gradually woven in until everything meets at the end. It shows what practice and steady tension can achieve.
Inspiration: @hairbyjaxx
7. Unicorn Meets Mermaid
Cotton candy pastels blend through a French-braided mermaid plait to create a unicorn-inspired look. The key is to use thick strands but plait them loosely, which lets the colours spread out and blend softly into one another.
Inspiration: @pinupjordan
8. Mermaid Inception Braid
Look closely and you will notice that two of the strands in this purple mermaid braid are braids themselves. The extra plaits add impressive detail and texture. Pin the ends so the tail fans out like a fin.
Inspiration: @theconfessionsofahairstylist
9. Double Half-Up Braid
This double half-up braid looks complicated but is surprisingly manageable. A thicker, higher braid sits hidden beneath a mermaid half-braid, creating layered depth. The rest of the hair falls loose for an easy, romantic finish.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
10. Nostalgic Knotted Mermaid
Butterfly clips bring a nostalgic ’90s mood and help hold this knotted mermaid braid together. The knotting technique is simple, though the chain-braid pattern may take some practice if you have not tried it before.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
11. Mermaid with Everything Else
A thick braid on top meets two side fishtails, and at some point everything merges into one elaborate plait. It looks more intimidating than it really is, and the photo shows clearly where the fishtails join. A tutorial helps the first time.
Inspiration: @christinakreitel
12. Waterfall to Mermaid
A small, elegant waterfall braid sits above a loose, thick mermaid plait. The combination feels delicate and fairytale-like, with hair flowing freely beneath. Long, thick hair gives the most dramatic result, and soft waves underneath add movement.
Inspiration: @alanna_kerastase
13. Magical Mermaid Mix
Strands from a delicate waterfall braid are fed into a mermaid plait that becomes a single half-braid. Soft curls through the loose hair resemble ripples on the water and add extra glamour. A curling wand finishes the look.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
14. Mermaid Hair for Days
Blue and teal shades amplify the magic of a mermaid braid, especially with eye-catching accents. This version shows that a slightly messy plait can be just as beautiful as a perfectly neat one. The colours make it ideal for festivals.
Inspiration: @liz.colors
15. Elegant Blonde Mermaid
Low and sleek, this blonde mermaid braid is woven with nearly uniform strands that form a neat pattern over the loose hair. Thick braids like this suit both long and medium-length straight hair. A shine spray enhances the sleek finish.
Inspiration: @braidbyc
16. Mermaid’s Hairpiece
Part mermaid plait and part waterfall braid, this repeating pattern circles much of the head like a woven cowl. It takes considerable practice but works as a DIY headpiece for weddings or special occasions, with no accessories needed.
17. Braided Mermaid Mohawk
A French braid running down the middle forms a faux hawk, while side braids join at varying angles. Ombre colouring enhances the layered, three-dimensional effect. The result is a bold and unusual take on the mermaid style.
Inspiration: @beautybitsbychristina
18. Boho Half-Braid
A centre part and loose waves give this half-up mermaid braid a boho feel. The front sections disappear neatly beneath the woven pattern. A side part also looks pretty but tends to suit a side braid better.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
19. 3D Mermaid Plait
Using a Dutch braid as the base makes this mermaid plait thicker and more textured than usual. Dutch braids are known for their raised, lacy finish, which adds a striking three-dimensional quality to the scales.
Inspiration: @hairbymatilda
20. Messy Curly Mermaid
Thick, messy mermaid braids always look intricate even when they are simple to create. Adding waves or ringlets before braiding builds volume and texture, making the plait appear fuller. It suits long hair worn down for relaxed occasions.
Inspiration: @hairandmakeupbysteph
Learning the mermaid braid step by step
- Brush out tangles and apply a little texturising spray or light cream so sections separate cleanly.
- Begin with a French braid at the crown or along the hairline, but leave the hair underneath loose.
- As you plait downward, take very thin sections from the loose hair at each side and add them to the outer strands; these slender pieces create the scale effect.
- Keep the tension even so the braid stays flat and wide rather than rounded.
- Secure the end with a small clear elastic, then gently pull the edges outward to widen the tail.
Making colour and accessories work
Mermaid braids are a natural showcase for ombre, balayage and pastel shades, because the woven strands reveal several tones at once. Ribbons, hair flowers, butterfly clips and small pins can be added after braiding; slide them in along the scale lines so they look woven in. Set the finished braid with a flexible hairspray to tame flyaways without making it crunchy.