How to Do the Mermaid Braid

There are two braided styles that are known as mermaid braids. Some people refer to a loose braid made using all the hair and worn low to one side of the head as mermaid braids. However, braids worn over the head, almost as if they are a headband, are also known as mermaid braids. This style works best on shoulder-length hair or longer.

Things You'll Need

• Hair brush
• 2 thin hair elastics
• 2 bobby pins

Instructions

1. Begin with clean and dry hair. Thoroughly brush to remove any tangles, so it is neat and naturally styled.

2. On one side of the head at the front, use your fingers to separate out a section of hair from the longest layers. The size of the section depends on personal preference and thickness of your hair, but on average a 1 to 1 1/2-inch section is enough. Braid this section of hair as normal and secure with a hair elastic.

3. Repeat on the other side of the head so that you have two evenly-sized braids, one on either side of the face.

4. Take one braid and lift it up and over the crown of the head, so that the tip of the braid reaches the root of the opposite braid. Secure the tip of the braid in place using a bobby pin.

5. Repeat with the other braid, so that both braids form a braided strand across the crown of the head. Disguise the bobby pins by pushing them under the braids.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear the rest of the hair loose with the braids substituting for a hairband.

References

• Susans.org: How to make the 'mermaid braid'