This Is The Hair Tool Behind Molly-Mae’s Signature Mermaid Waves

It's a classic look for the ex-Islander.

mermaid waves best hair tools

by Annie Vischer |
Updated on

Molly-Mae Hague's influence in the UK beauty sphere is unrivalled - and she's got a recommendation for the best curling tongs. Whether it's the £20 nude lipstick she's obsessed with, or her favourite firming moisturiser, if Molly-Mae has got it, the masses want it. Next on your must-have list is the exact tool that Molly-Mae uses for her infamous mermaid waves.

The same could easily be said of her countless hairstyles. Whether Molly-Mae is showcasing her signature mermaid waves with hair wavers on Instagram, flipping a newly trimmed bob from side-to-side on TikTok or even reviving the topknot she made famous on Love Island, Molly-Mae's loyal following - 7.6 million strong on Instagram and counting - repeatedly hit 'like' and 'save'.

It comes as no surprise then, that Molly-Mae's collaboration with longtime favourite hair tools brand Beauty Works proved a hit, most particularly when it came to the three-barrelled heat tool that she repeatedly uses to style in her signature waves at home.

Grazia's Top Choices For Hair Wavers At A Glance:

The best hair waver for S waves (and Molly-Mae's favourite): Beauty Works x Molly Mae Waver Limited Edition

The best hair waver for frizz control: BondiBoost 32mm Wave Wand

The best hair waver for healthy hair: ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand

BUTTON

Molly-Mae knows her way around waves. She's adept at curling in Hollywood-style ones - glossy, round and bouncy with velcro rollers - with a regular large-barrelled hair tong, beach waves - loose and full of texture - with a slimmer tong. On the other hand, these mermaid waves in question are perfected with the Beauty Works x Molly-Mae Waver Limited Edition, which is now on sale on LookFantastic for £58.50, over £30 less than its £90 RRP.

Keen to have a go yourself? Shop Molly-Mae's go-to hair tool for mermaid waves below:

SHOP: The Best Mermaid Wavers, Including Molly-Mae's Favourite Choice

The best hair waver for S waves (and Molly-Mae's favourite)

Beauty Works x Molly Mae Waver Limited Editionlook fantastic
Price: £58.50 (was £90)

www.lookfantastic.com

Description

This triple-barrel wave iron was made in collaboration with social media sensation and ex-Love-Islander Molly-Mae Hague, who uses it at home to style in her signature mermaid waves.

Asides from its super chic pink aesthetic, this tool works wonders – creating S-shaped tousled tresses. It's very similar in design to the hair waver loved by Tasha Ghouri.

Make sure to err on the lower end of the adjustable temperature if your hair is porous, dry and prone to breakage. The ceramic coating and suited temp will create beautiful waves without the damage that usually comes with styling.

Pros

  • Temperature is adjustable (from 80 - 220°C)
  • 60-second heat-up time
  • Barrels coated with ceramic (reduces drag on hair)

Cons

  • The kit doesn't come with a safety glove

The best hair waver for frizz control

BondiBoost 32mm Wave Wandlook fantastic

Description

Proving to be a hit on Instagram, lots of influencers and celebrities alike have praised this impressive wave wand. Featuring three extra-large barrels, it can wave and curl hair in a matter of minutes. You can adjust the temperature to suit your hair type (from 80 to 210 degrees). The heated ceramic also produces negatively charged ions to help control frizz for shiny, soft waves.

Customer review: "This is the new go-to wand I use when I want effortless-looking mermaid waves that look super natural! I love that the cord doesn't get tangled, it has a 360-degree swivel, and it's made of a high-quality tourmaline ceramic glaze. It's super easy to use, as I can get my hair done fast and the waves last me all day. Another fabulous product from Bondi Boost that I will for sure be using for years to come."

Pros

  • Adjustable temperature for all hair types and textures
  • The crystal powder ceramic glaze means glossy, smooth-looking results

Cons

  • Not recommended for hair shorter than shoulder length due to its size

The best hair waver for healthy hair

Description

Zoe Irwin's (hairstylist and ghd ambassador) go-to waving tool has an oval-shaped barrel to create deep waves and loose movement. Simply wrap your hair around the wand and hold for 8 seconds before releasing. It is programmed at the optimum styling temperature of 185ºC - AKA the perfect balance between long-lasting results without compromising the condition of your hair.There's a cool tip to allow for more control while waving, as well as a swivel cord and safety stand.

Customer review: "The curve is an amazing product - very easy to use and extremely effective. It took me a couple of attempts to get used to doing the back of the head, but with a bit of practice, I am delighted with the results. Perhaps it depends on hair type, but after using the product for two weeks, I can honestly say the waves barely drop out at all and, using a silk pillow, are still pretty much perfect the next day. I cannot recommend this product enough."

Pros

  • The protective cool tip provides you with a safe place to hold the hair in place while you curl
  • The device has an automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes without use

Cons

  • You cannot change the fixed temperature of 185ºC

The best cordless hair waver

BaByliss 9000 Cordless Waverlook fantastic

Description

Designed with a triple barrel to create the perfect Scandi Wave: a gentle, flatter wave that isn't too 'done'.

The only cordless waver of the bunch - this is the perfect product to have in your bag for festivals or holidays to add instant textured beachy waves with up to 40 minutes of cordless use. It comes with a travel storage case, alongside a heat protection mat and glove.

Customer review: "Summer essential, effortless beachy waves wherever you want them. I took this on a camping trip with the girls and it went down a treat!! 3 sets of hair before it ran out charge."

Pros

  • Features a triple barrel design with up to 40 minutes of cordless use
  • Heating plates curve to each barrel with independently controlled temperatures

Cons

  • You will need to recharge when it runs out of power

The best hair waver for thick hair

Description

Another three-barrelled wand, this hot tool is ideal for waving long hair quickly. Move the wand down the length of your hair, holding it for 5 seconds as you go. The result? Undone, beachy waves.

You can adjust the temperature (from 50 degrees to 198 degrees), and after 30 minutes it will automatically turn off (ideal for those of us who are always in a hurry).

Customer review: "My daughter has TONS of thick hair, and this is the first tool that gave her the beach waves she wanted! They last, too. Most importantly, I'm not worried about damage. The plates are high quality, and it doesn't take more than a few seconds to get the perfect wave."

Pros

  • Negative ion technology seals cuticles to reduce frizz + promote shine
  • 3 tourmaline ceramic barrels in 18.5 mm deliver gorgeous, beachy waves

Cons

  • It's bulkier than other hair wavers

The best hair waver for multiple styles

Remington PROluxe 4-in-1 Adjustable Waverargos
Price: £42 (was £63)

www.argos.co.uk

Description

Featuring an adjustable dial, this tool can create different types of waves – Deep and Defined Waves, Flowing Mermaid Waves, Loose Beachy Waves and Undone Tousled Waves. This is ideal if you want Meghan Markle curls. Or perhaps Kate Middleton-level glossy ringlets.

It only takes 30 seconds to heat up, and the advanced ceramic grip tech coating will secure your hair onto the barrel - so no slipping and sliding.

Customer review: "This worked even better than I thought it was. I love its features - that you can alter the temperature and the depth of the wave. You can also alter the depth of the wave even after the wand has heated up which is very handy when you change your mind about the depth of the wave. The deepest wave took me about 10 minutes to do a whole head of hair and it left me with a really pretty effect. Even my husband commented."

Pros

  • The adjustable barrel creates 4 different wavy styles
  • OPTIheat technology makes sure heat is applied in correct areas for the best result

Cons

  • Waves aren't super long-lasting

The best hair waver with extra-large barrels

Mermade Hair Pro Waver 32mmbeauty bay
Price: £55.20 (was £69)

www.beautybay.com

Description

It is impossible to talk about hair wavers without mentioning Mermade Hair. The brand's international best-selling waver is perfect for hair of any length to create immaculate waves that can be brushed out for a looser finish. Used by many a celebrity, including Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, its multiple heat settings let you control the hold of the wave. It even auto shuts off after one hour so no need to worry about whether you left them plugged in.

Customer review: "I have naturally straight hair that I've been curling/waving for several years. I've been wanting a more lived-in/natural/carefree look for a long time now and I am so happy that I came across this tool! It is so easy to use once you get a hang of it and the waves last me for DAYS, even with little to no product in my hair. I've gotten so many compliments on my hair too. If you're on the fence about this, GET IT. It's so good."

Pros

  • Ionic ceramic barrels protect your hair from heat damage
  • The extra-large triple barrels mean no pulling on the hair

Cons

  • It's bulkier than other hair wavers

The best hair waver on Amazon

Description

Toni & Guy is a brand we all know from years of hair tools. This deep-barrel waver from the brand gives off larger beachy waves that can be easily made with simple functions.

With 32mm ultra-deep plates, large waves are easily made with this Toni & Guy styler. An auto-switch makes it easy to avoid any accidents and heat goes up to 200 degrees for quick and efficient styling.

Customer review: "This arrived the next day and I'm so impressed with it. Firstly is a well build great quality build. The temperature is completely variable and the waver locks for easy storage. The lead is nice and long too. It's quite heavy but it needs to be when you see the plates. I got my defined zig zags by using a LOT of heat protection spray on freshly washed and dry hair. I clamped near the root, held for 10 seconds then moved the wand down to do the ends. To keep it looking like this I had to wait til it was completely dry before fiddling with it but you must try not to touch it if this is the look you're after. I did my waves on clean hair and although they obviously dropped out my hair still looked good for the next 3 or 4 days. This is an amazing bit of kit if you're after this specific style and it's so easy to use!

Pros

  • Faster results than other tools
  • Perfect for creating crimped, noughties-esque waves

Cons

  • It's heavier than other hair wavers

What Is A Mermaid Hair Waver?

If you haven't already seen these mermaid hair wavers out and about on high street shelves, a hair waver is a hairstyling tool designed to create waves or curls in the hair, almost in a classic 'crimping' effect. It typically features multiple barrels or plates that heat up and can be used to produce various types of waves, but mostly if you're looking for a beach wave.

How Does A Hair Waver Work?

Similar to other heated hair tools out there on the market, these hair wavers work by applying heat to sections of hair, and once it cools down the hair will stay in place. When the hair is heated, it causes the hair's molecular structure to change temporarily. When allowed to cool, it sets into the desired wave or curl pattern.

Do I Need To Use Heat Protectant With A Hair Waver?

Short answer = yes. As with most styling tools, hair wavers can cause heat damage. This is why it's so important to prep with the best hair styling products, like a heat-protectant spray. These savvy sprays work by creating a protective barrier on the hair shaft which prevents the hair cuticle from being exposed to high heat. What's more, many have added conditioning benefits that bolster shine and detangle, too. Here are our top four recommended heat protectant sprays from the Grazia shopping team.

Annie Vischer is Grazia's Beauty Director. She covers beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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