Mermaid hair is a mesmerizing blend of vivid and pastel hues that is reminiscent of the mermaids depicted in movies and cartoons. Hence the name.

If you are going for such an unusual hair color, here are several things to consider. First of all, your task is to pick the shades that will be true to you. What looks cool may turn out not complimenting for you. Also, such colors typically require special maintenance. There’s nothing scary about it, just get prepared.

Quick Summary

Mermaid hair color blends ocean-inspired hues like aqua, teal, lavender, sea-green, pastel pink, and vibrant blue. Shades can be soft, watercolor-like pastels or bold deep-sea tones, making the trend wearable for light, dark, or natural bases. It’s a multidimensional, fantasy-driven style that adds luminosity and movement to any hair length.

Let’s discuss this trend in detail. Read on to discover more and get inspired.

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What is Mermaid Hair?

What is Mermaid Hair?
by @hairpaintedwithlove

Mermaid hair refers to ocean-inspired color palettes that blend aqua, teal, sea green, lavender, purple, pink, and silver pastels. The style relies on multidimensional shading, seamless gradients, and luminous tones to create an “ocean goddess” effect. Techniques may include ombré, balayage, highlights, or layered pastel blends.

What are Popular Mermaid Hair Colors?

Mermaid Hair Techniques: Different Coloring Methods for Achieving the Perfect Look

Neon Green And Blue Hair With Ocean Vibes

Neon Green And Blue Hair With Ocean Vibes
by @hairpaintedwithlove

A true mermaid isn’t afraid of bold experiments. The way this electric green fades into deep-sea blue is hard to look away from.

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Lavender-To-Pink Mermaid Waves

Lavender-To-Pink Mermaid Waves
by @hairpaintedwithlove

A dreamy pastel gradient from lavender to pink, perfect for an ethereal mermaid aesthetic.

Key features:

  • Ultra-soft transition

  • Romantic, fairytale vibe

  • Pairs beautifully with waves

Best for:

  • Pre-lightened hair

  • Pastel lovers

  • Spring and summer looks

Styling tip: Use a lightweight wave mousse to enhance the multi-tonal pastel effect.

Straight Mermaid Hair In Aqua And Lavender Hues

Straight Mermaid Hair In Aqua And Lavender Hues
by @hairpaintedwithlove

A clean combination of aqua and lavender designed to shine on perfectly straight hair.

Key features:

  • Crisp, cool-toned contrast

  • “Glass hair” finish

  • High visual clarity

Best for:

  • Straight-hair wearers

  • Level 9–10 bases

  • Fans of graphic, polished color work

Styling tip: Apply heat protectant and a smoothing cream to achieve a reflective, aqua-bright finish.

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Mermaid Hair with Green and Navy Blue Colors

Mermaid Hair with Green and Navy Blue Colors
by @raznoglazaya_hair

At times sticking to the rules is not that dull and boring. The fact is that the combination of blue and green may seem a little too used out until you look closer at this flawless transition. The shades are blended so deeply that it is hard to share the ‘looking into the ocean’ impression. What do you think?

Vibrant Blue with Pink Highlights

Vibrant Blue with Pink Highlights
by @shmeggsandbaconn

The color palette is perfect, no matter the tone you take. Those of you who are willing to accent the beautiful interaction of related tones will certainly appreciate the example. It is breath-taking how seamless the connection between hot pink and blue is!

Medium Hair With A Sea Green Color

Medium Hair With A Sea Green Color
by @hairbyfranco

A unique sea-green shade that balances vibrancy and softness.

Key features:

  • Not neon, not pastel — a perfect midpoint

  • Enhances layered medium cuts

  • Naturally dimensional finish

Best for:

  • Shoulder-length hair

  • Those wanting a fresh but wearable mermaid tone

  • Cool and neutral undertones

Styling tip: Use a diffuser to highlight layered movement and deepen the sea-green effect.

What is so exceptional about this permanent hair dye job is the sea green hue. We are used to seeing either bright greens or pastel greens. But this color is really unique. It will be look perfectly with long or medium length layered haircuts.

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Peach-To-Plum Gradient

Peach-To-Plum Gradient
by @shmeggsandbaconn

Is it possible to capture the golden hour in your mermaid hair color? A contrasting peach-to-plum fade proves that it is!

Hidden Teal Streak Mermaid Hair

Hidden Teal Streak Mermaid Hair
by @raznoglazaya_hair

Those who want to keep their edgy side hidden most of the time will certainly enjoy this teal-to-brown peek-a-boo style.

Bold Mermaid Bob With Teal and Violet Shades

Bold Mermaid Bob With Teal and Violet Shades
by @raznoglazaya_hair

You can rock this bold teal and violet bob with fashionable, structured blazers or statement earrings. Don’t forget to use a flat iron to keep it sleek!

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Purple Depths For Medium Hair

Purple Depths For Medium Hair
by @thehairygodmotherr

A rich, dimensional purple that adds depth and drama to medium-length hair.

Key features:

  • Dark-to-light violet dimension

  • Works well on brunette bases

  • Glossy, bold finish

Best for:

  • Medium lengths, long bobs

  • Dark hair wanting a vibrant update

  • Fans of deeper mermaid shades

Styling tip: Use a shine serum — purple tones look most striking with a sleek sheen.

Mermaid Pastel Purple Shades

Mermaid Pastel Purple Shades
by @hairbyfranco

A soft, powdery pastel-purple palette that brings gentle mermaid elegance.

Key features:

  • Light lilac tones

  • Cool undertones for clarity

  • Works well as a single shade or multi-pastel blend

Best for:

  • Medium to long hair

  • Cool or neutral skin tones

  • Anyone wanting a soft mermaid aesthetic

Styling tip: Enhance shine with a lightweight finishing spray.

Dreamy Mermaid Hair In Candy Pink

Dreamy Mermaid Hair In Candy Pink
by @roxybeautytouch

Did you know that dreamy pink hair works well with pastels, denim jackets, and sparkly accessories? You can also add a bit of glitter spray for playful nights.

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Fantasy Blue Hair With Braids and Jewelry

Fantasy Blue Hair With Braids and Jewelry
by @thehairygodmotherr

If the perfect match of hair color and accessories exists, it may be the silver blue combo. With a style like that, you will look like a fantasy princess anywhere you go.

Blonde Mermaid Hair With Pastel Rainbow Streaks

Blonde Mermaid Hair With Pastel Rainbow Streaks
by @theniksters

When you want to make your blonde locks truly shine, you can update them with barely-there pastel streaks. The combo works great with soft knits and dainty rings.

Multicolored Mermaid Curls In Bold Tones

Multicolored Mermaid Curls In Bold Tones
by @hairbybiancarose

What do cotton candy dreams look like? We say that this hairstyle from Bianca Rose is a pure dream come true. Try matching the drama with metallic tops and bold eyeliner.

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Soft Pink Waves

Soft Pink Waves
by @thehairygodmotherr

A soft pastel-pink shade that creates a romantic, airy mermaid look.

Key features:

  • Watercolor-like pastel finish

  • Enhances wave patterns

  • Light-reflective and feminine

Best for:

  • Pre-lightened or naturally light hair

  • Beginners who want a subtle mermaid transition

  • Anyone who loves soft, photogenic shades

Styling tip: Create loose, low-heat waves to highlight the gentle pink glow.

Cobalt Blue Mermaid Hair

Cobalt Blue Mermaid Hair
by @shmeggsandbaconn

Oh my God, do you see this cobalt blue, too? Or are we having a dream full of miracles? Surely, the hair color is super bold. But it’s so fabulous that we can’t resist it.

Fairy Pink Mermaid Hair

Fairy Pink Mermaid Hair
by @shmeggsandbaconn

That’s quite a wild mermaid hair color for short hair, don’t you agree? But it’s one of those instances when the word wild has a positive meaning only. Because this pink inverted bob is perfection!

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Pastel Teal Color Hair Style

Pastel Teal Color Hair Style
by @hairbymisskellyo

A delicate pastel-teal shade with a frosty, watercolor finish.

Key features:

  • Soft, cool pastel teal

  • Pairs beautifully with silver undertones

  • Smooth, calm tonality

Best for:

  • Pre-lightened or naturally light hair

  • Fans of subtle, non-neon mermaid shades

  • Straight or softly-wavy hairstyles

Styling tip: Use a smoothing cream — pastel teal looks best on sleek, glossy strands.

Ocean-Inspired Bob Cut With Frosty Tones

Ocean-Inspired Bob Cut With Frosty Tones
by @hairbybiancarose

Intwine the gorgeous ocean vibes into your locks and style them into a sleek bob with curtain bangs, and pair it with tailored coats and pearl earrings.

Magical Blend Of Pink, Violet And Sky Blue

Magical Blend Of Pink, Violet And Sky Blue
by @hairbybiancarose

This time, Bianca Rose chose to outdo herself and create a watercolor painting where hair strands melt into dreamy shades of pink, violet, and blue.

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Lime And Aqua Mermaid Hair

Lime And Aqua Mermaid Hair
by @xostylistxo

What happens when vibrant lime meets aqua? The fountain of fearless energy bursts! Edgy streetwear and silver hoops would complement the look ideally.

Saturated Green Short Hair

Saturated Green Short Hair
by @shmeggsandbaconn

In this picture, the model took her already edgy short hairstyle to another level by picking this saturated green shade. Wherever she goes, all eyes are on her.

Pastel Aqua Waves

Pastel Aqua Waves
by @xostylistxo

If you want your locks to look like sea foam on a calm morning, this hairstyle is for you. Put your damp tresses into loose waves to add effortless waves to the look.

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Pink-To-Blue Mermaid Hair With Bold Contrast

Pink-To-Blue Mermaid Hair With Bold Contrast
by @hairpaintedwithlove

A high-contrast blend of bright pink and vivid blue for a striking mermaid transformation.

Key features:

  • Sharp, vivid 2-tone effect

  • Highly photogenic

  • Adjustable for any length

Best for:

  • Social-media friendly looks

  • Those wanting maximum color impact

  • Pre-lightened hair

Styling tip: Wear it sleek and straight to emphasize the clean contrast.

Ashy Mermaid Hair In Dusty Purple Shades

Ashy Mermaid Hair In Dusty Purple Shades
by @hairpaintedwithlove

Dusty purple hair with ashy undertones has a slightly moody and definitely chic vibe to it. It will look irresistible and bright with monochrome outfits and smoky eyes.

Vibrant Indigo-To-Violet Mermaid Ombre

Vibrant Indigo-To-Violet Mermaid Ombre
by @hairpaintedwithlove

Mermaid ombre hair comes in many shapes and forms, but this deep indigo fading to radiant violet looks incredibly regal and enchanting.

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Long Mermaid Silver And Purple Hair Color

Long Mermaid Silver And Purple Hair Color
by @shmeggsandbaconn

With a silver and purple hair hue like this, the model appears as if she were a fairy tale character. How does she manage to maintain such a vivid shade?

Here are several mermaid hair tips.

  • Use dry shampoo as often as you can.
  • Try to wait for at least 2 or 3 days in-between the regular washing.
  • Wash your tresses in lukewarm water.
  • It’s better to use shampoo that is Sulfate-free.
  • Stay away from salt and Chlorine water.
  • Put on a hat when you are in the sun.
  • Limit the usage of heat when styling.

How can I transition from my current hair color to mermaid hair?

Can I achieve mermaid hair at home, or should I seek professional help?

Cotton Candy Mermaid Waves

Cotton Candy Mermaid Waves
by @hairpaintedwithlove

Pinks, lilacs, and baby blues look otherworldly, especially when styled in waves. If you need a name for this style, how about a carnival treat?

Mystic Mermaid Hair With Multitone Ends

Mystic Mermaid Hair With Multitone Ends
by @michelle.zapanta

Earthy shades have a lot of mysticism to them if paired correctly. Dark roots that cascade into shimmering shades of rose, green, and lime may be the combo you seek.

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Half-And-Half Hair In Silver And Teal

Half-And-Half Hair In Silver And Teal
by @hairbyapes

One side icy silver, the other shimmering teal — we call it a bold perfection. Such hair begs for color-block outfits and lots of edgy eyeliner.

Dark Mermaid Hair With Teal Highlights

Dark Mermaid Hair With Teal Highlights
by @mandaharsche

Glossy dark hair enhanced with hidden teal highlights that appear in motion and sunlight.

Key features:

  • Works without full bleach

  • Jewel-tone teal dimension

  • Perfect for brunettes

Best for:

  • Dark natural bases

  • Long, thick hair

  • Subtle but striking mermaid vibes

Styling tip: Add soft S-waves to make the teal ribbons catch the light.

Deep Sea Green Hair With Blue Accents

Deep Sea Green Hair With Blue Accents
by @mandaharsche

A bold blend of deep-sea green and ocean-blue accents for a rich, aquatic effect.

Key features:

  • Strong, saturated hues

  • Cool-toned depth

  • Amplifies natural texture

Best for:

  • Those wanting an intense mermaid look

  • Thicker, medium-to-long hair

  • Ocean-inspired style lovers

Styling tip: Beach waves amplify the multi-layered green-blue dimension.

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Fuchsia Mermaid Hair For Bold Looks

Fuchsia Mermaid Hair For Bold Looks
by @theniksters

Want to make yourself unforgettable anywhere you go? Choose vibrant fuchsia as your go-to mermaid hue. To add some statement to the style, you could consider black dresses and metallic accessories.

Maintaining Your Mermaid Hair: Tips and Tricks

After you get the mermaid waves hair of your dreams, you must ensure the effect lasts as long as possible. There is practical guide to keeping pastel and vibrant mermaid shades fresh and luminous:

Key care rules:

  • Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners for color-treated hair.

  • Rinse with cool water to reduce fading.

  • Always apply heat protection during styling.

  • Refresh color every 1–2 weeks with a color-depositing mask or toner gloss.

  • Avoid chlorinated pools unless wearing protection.

  • Use UV-shielding sprays to prevent sun-fade.

How To Get A Mermaid Hair Color Step by Step

This aquamarine hair hue is truly exceptional, especially when paired with long tresses. Wonder how to get a color like this? Here is a mermaid hair dye technique.

You’ll need hair dye, clips, gloves, plastic bowls, a kit for bleaching, a brush, shampoo, conditioner for protecting the color, petroleum jelly, and a hair brush.

Start with pre-lightening your tresses.

  1. Wait for 2-3 days after shampooing.
  2. Brush your tresses to get rid of knots, tangles.
  3. Put on the gloves, apply petroleum jelly to your ears, forehead.
  4. The bleach kit has instructions. Follow them and mix the bleach.
  5. Clip away your crown. With a brush, apply the mixture to the loose tresses.
  6. Undo the crown and apply the mixture to the top.
  7. Leave it on for the time recommended in the instructions.
  8. Shampoo, condition your tresses.
Wait for at least 2 weeks before you proceed with coloring your tresses.
  1. Choose mermaid hues that will flatter you.
  2. The dye is applied on freshly washed tresses.
  3. Brush your tresses thoroughly, apply petroleum jelly to the forehead, ears.
  4. Put the dye in bowls. Each color requires one bowl.
  5. Apply the dye in sections.
  6. Wait for about half an hour.
  7. Wash your tresses with shampoo, conditioner. Voila!

Can I get mermaid hair without damaging my hair?

Can I achieve mermaid hair on dark hair?

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FAQ: Mermaid Hair

How long do mermaid extensions last?

Pastel shades typically last 2–4 weeks, while deeper tones can last 4–8 weeks depending on base color, washing frequency, and care routine.

Can you get mermaid hair without bleaching?

Yes — but the result will be darker and less pastel. Teal, deep blue, purple, and jewel tones work best on dark, non-bleached bases.

Is mermaid hair color school- or work-appropriate?

More subtle versions are possible, such as hidden highlights, peek-a-boo teal, or soft lavender, which deliver a mermaid feel without being overly bright.

REFERENCES:
  • Mermaid hair is the new, totally unconventional trend that appeared not so long ago. Aqua locks appear unnatural but so mesmerizing that we cannot take the eyes off them. Source
  • Mermaid-inspired hair colors have been trending for a while now, and the fervor only seems to continue escalating. Source

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