Katie Holmes just debuted a head of waist-grazing, beachy blonde waves—and let’s just say, it’s giving major summer inspiration.
Known for her laid-back brunette styles, the Poker Face actress has officially gone mermaid mode with golden lengths that shimmer, bounce, and feel pulled straight from a Sofia Coppola daydream. The look is impossibly pretty—romantic, ocean-inspired, and perfectly undone—and is the kind of hair you imagine blowing in the wind on the Amalfi Coast while sipping something spritzed. And while mermaid hair has been around for years, Katie’s fresh take is everything we didn’t know we needed.
“Mermaid hair is all about long, flowing, ethereal waves that look effortlessly magical,” says celebrity hairstylist, Vanessa Ocando. “It enhances the hair’s natural texture and brings softness to the face.” Think long layers, airy waves, and color that catches the light without looking overdone.
There’s an ease to the look, but don’t let it fool you—it’s all about strategic intention. It’s aspirational, yes, but it’s also achievable. Read on to learn exactly how to get the look for yourself.
How to Get the Look
To style mermaid hair at home, it’s all about embracing texture and creating soft, natural waves. Start with a hydrating leave-in or curl cream on damp hair to enhance your hair’s natural texture and prevent frizz. Once your hair is prepped, reach for a 1-inch or 1.25-inch barrel curling iron. Wrap sections of hair around the barrel, but leave the ends out for a relaxed, undone finish. Alternate the direction of your curls to keep them looking organic and beachy. “This helps avoid a too-perfect, styled look,” says Ocando. If the curls turn out too tight, gently stretch the ends or run your fingers through them to loosen up the shape.
For the finishing touch, brush through the waves or spritz with a light sea salt spray to create more texture, or go for a shine serum to give your hair that fresh, glossy, sunlit look. Mermaid hair thrives on softness, so avoid any crunchy curls or stiff finishes. The goal is that just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean glow—effortless, soft, and natural.
