This Hair Waver for Beach Waves Helped Me Nail the Trendy Hairstyle

As the hot weather finally sets in, it’s time to think about summer hairstyles. While we’ve all witnessed the reign of the '90s-inspired blowout, summer 2025 calls for a more laid-back attitude. With the clean girl aesthetic losing momentum, both fashion and beauty are leaning towards a more off-duty, carefree vibe. And while mermaid hair has been around for a while now, we’re now seeing trendsetters like Kylie Jenner sporting this laid-back style courtside at the Knicks Game and stars like Sydney Sweeney rocking this off-duty look on her nighttime outings. I had to find a hair waver for beach waves to try the look on myself.

This is why hair wavers have so boldly stepped into the spotlight—quickly becoming a favorite across TikTok and Instagram, this hair tool is making serious waves (pun intended) for its ability to deliver that effortlessly tousled, beachy look with minimal effort. And if, like me, you’re not one to typically experiment much with intricate up-dos, polished sleek backs, or trendy hairstyles, then this game-changing hair tool may be your answer to the “so…what do I do with my hair?’ dilemma.

Opposed to the more traditional curling irons, hair waver creates a less curled and more textured result, guaranteeing an effortless, vacation-ready result. The signature triple-barrel design delivers soft, loose crimps or more defined waves depending on the thickness of the barrels, as well as the heat level. Another key aspect that contributes to this tool’s popularity among Gen Zers is how quickly the full mermaid look can be achieved. In just a few passes, this trendy hair tool manages to deliver a lived-in, beachy finish.

Most hair wavers are much more affordable than the hyped-up $600 tools in the market. While many different brands carry their own version of the hair waver, Amika’s, Mermade’s, and Bondi Boost’s remain the most popular among users. I wanted to give hair wavers a try to see if I could create my own beach waves, and I think this is my new favorite tool.

Read on for my honest review of the hairstyle, which I achieved by using a tool by Mermade Hair.

An Editor’s Honest Review on the Mermade's Hair Waver for Beach Waves

While I usually shy away from most beauty trends—especially when it comes to hair—I found myself genuinely curious about the buzz around hair wavers. To me, the most appealing aspect of this tool was the promise of quick, painless results. In the 25 to 30 TikTok videos I hypnotically watched from beginning to end, users created the most stunning mermaid-effect hairstyles with just a few quick passes. Effortless waves seemed, in fact, effortless to achieve.

After I got my hands on Mermade’s Pro Hair Waver, which retails for $79, I understood why social media beauty lovers have crowned the hair waver the must-have tool of the summer. Without having to revisit that many tutorials, I was able to painlessly recreate those free-spirited waves in a matter of minutes. While finding the exact temperature and perfect timing felt quite personal, I was quickly able to get in a good rhythm without much hassle.

How I Created Mermaid Waves on My Pin-Straight Hair

On my first few uses, I was determined to recreate the uniform siren look that so many Gen Zers flaunt on their socials, but I eventually shifted my angle to a more lived-in, Carrie-Bradshaw-approved result. While both approaches have their own charm, the latter felt more fitting for city outings and nights with friends. As someone with pin-straight hair (except for the occasional unbearably humid day), everyone was surprised to see me achieve such a voluminous style and were particularly shocked by how well these waves stood up through the night.

Cons of Using a Hair Waver

Most of my hair waver journey felt relatively fuss-free, although my right arm might say otherwise. Despite being simple to use, the tool itself felt quite heavy and a bit cumbersome. Managing this hot tool without getting some accidental burns sometimes proved a bit tricky, especially with the repetitive motions needed to complete the look. And, even though the overall styling only took around 10 to 15 minutes, my arm kept aching well after I was done. This made me wonder if a double waver might be a better fit—a slimmer, lighter version with two barrels instead of three, almost resembling a traditional straightener.

My Final Thoughts on Mermade's Hair Waver for Beach Waves

Mermade's hair waver felt uncomplicated, quick, and seriously satisfying to use. While I don’t see myself craving for this coastal look during the cold months, I will definitely keep my hair waver in hand all through the summer. Whether you're channeling some free-spirited boho vibes or a wave-chasing surfer energy, the hair waver delivers instant cool-girl texture with minimal effort.