https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/the-triple-mermaid-updo • Posted by Ulysses Press
Few have ever caught a glimpse of the mermaid, a rare sighting from myth and legend. But you can make this an everyday encounter with this splashy, special occasion updo. With not one, not two, but three fishtails that intertwine, this ocean- inspired look will leave your fellow partygoers feeling like they’ve just seen something magical. And they would have! The Triple Mermaid Updo does have a bit of magic to it. This is a more complicated style; it definitely requires a mastery of the Basic Fishtail, along with the French Fishtail Pony and Fringe Lace Braid techniques. We’ll be combining all three in this look and then weaving them together in a pattern that resembles rolling waves. But don’t actually get this one wet! If you stay ashore and secure it with pins, this updo will stay in all night. If fishtails are a little too advanced, try out this style with Dutch Braids and Three- Strand Braids to get a similar look. I recommend this look on straightened or wavy hair. Using a flat iron can help the detail in the fishtail braids stand out more, especially when it comes to the lace fishtails. TIPS FOR PREPPING Try this look on flat-ironed, roller-set, or naturally straight hair. Personally, I love the way this style looks on straight and wavy hair. With straighter hair, the details really pop.
Few have ever caught a glimpse of the mermaid, a rare sighting from myth and legend. But you can make this an everyday encounter with this splashy, special occasion updo. With not one, not two, but three fishtails that intertwine, this ocean- inspired look will leave your fellow partygoers feeling like they’ve just seen something magical. And they would have! The Triple Mermaid Updo does have a bit of magic to it. This is a more complicated style; it definitely requires a mastery of the Basic Fishtail, along with the French Fishtail Pony and Fringe Lace Braid techniques. We’ll be combining all three in this look and then weaving them together in a pattern that resembles rolling waves. But don’t actually get this one wet! If you stay ashore and secure it with pins, this updo will stay in all night. If fishtails are a little too advanced, try out this style with Dutch Braids and Three- Strand Braids to get a similar look. I recommend this look on straightened or wavy hair. Using a flat iron can help the detail in the fishtail braids stand out more, especially when it comes to the lace fishtails. TIPS FOR PREPPING Try this look on flat-ironed, roller-set, or naturally straight hair. Personally, I love the way this style looks on straight and wavy hair. With straighter hair, the details really pop.
Create a diagonal part from the arch of the left brow, behind the head, toward the back of the right ear. Part hair from the arch of the right brow toward the center of the head. Stop when you reach the first part, creating a triangle.
Clip the triangular section on top of the head into a bun. Clip away remaining hair on the right side. TIP: Since this style is all about detail, add a defrizz milk to aid in braiding.
Begin a French Fishtail Pony (page 53). Direct the French fishtail braid diagonally, picking up small sections of hair on each side, until you reach the nape of the neck.
At the nape of the neck, begin a Basic Fishtail. Choose hair from the back of the right strand, cross over the right strand, and add it to the left. Repeat.
Continue to the ends of the hair. Taking smaller sections when creating the fishtail braid will add extra detail. Secure the bottom of the braid with an elastic band.
Smooth the hairline on the right side with a light gel and direct hair away from the face.
Starting from the top corner, take up a small subsection and divide into two strands
Begin a French fishtail braid, adding small sections of hair to the left and right sides until there is no longer hair to pick up from the back of the scalp.
Once you reach the back of the head, begin a Basic Fishtail.
When fishtail braiding here, take care to use tiny subsections from the back of the strands for added elegance and detail. Continue the fishtail braid to the end of the hair and secure with an elastic band. TIP: Use elastic bands similar to hair color. I’m using clear here for a chic look.
Loosely gather hair from the top section in one hand and separate into two strands.
Begin a French fishtail braid until reaching the back of the head. Then, transition to a Basic Fishtail.
Direct the braid to the center of the head by stretch- ing hair form the left side toward the right.
To make the fishtail braid look fuller, twist each strand before crossing it into its new section.
Continue the fishtail braid down the length of hair and secure ends with an elastic band.
Now that all of the braids are complete and secure, it’s time to have some styling fun!
Clip the top section out of the way. Gently loosen the loops of the braid on the right side.
Bobby pin the right braid over the diagonal parting. This also serves as the base of the style.
Snake the bottom braid under and through the space between the right braid and scalp. This looks trickier than it is!
Bring down the top braid. Direct the braid to the left, wrap around toward the nape of the neck, and bobby pin into place. Roll loose ends into loops and pin anywhere.
Feel free to twist loose ends and pin them into the style wherever you wish. Get creative with it!
Hair pins are crucial for this style. Use hair-colored hair pins throughout the braids to discreetly hold this style in place.
Pin the end of a fishtail braid over the top fishtail braid. This frames the style, adding texture and detail.
This elegant style is completely customizable. Just make sure to cover any gaps in the style with a braid.