Whether you’re spending the summer in the city or oceanside, one thing’s clear: tousled, textured hair is the season’s signature style. Enter the hair waver—a surprisingly low-effort tool that delivers cool-girl beach waves in minutes. I tested the internet-favorite Mermade Pro Hair Waver to see if the results lived up to the hype.
Beach waves are back—but this time, they’re effortless
As the days grow hotter and the city buzzes with summer energy, so too do our beauty routines shift. The slicked-back buns and ‘90s blowouts of spring have made room for something looser, lighter, and more undone. Mermaid hair—a beachy, textured look once relegated to surfside vacations—is now trending on sidewalks, red carpets, and courtside seats alike.
Kylie Jenner recently sported perfectly tousled waves at a Knicks game, while Sydney Sweeney has made them her off-duty signature. The appeal is obvious: the look is romantic, low-key, and most importantly, low-effort—if you have the right tool. That’s where hair wavers come in.
Unlike curling irons that create structured spirals, hair wavers produce a soft, natural ripple that mimics the effect of ocean air and a day in the sun. They’ve become favorites on TikTok and Instagram for their ability to deliver high-impact results with minimal technique. For anyone tired of overstyled hair or time-consuming routines, the hair waver promises a shortcut to “I woke up like this” hair.
Meet the hair waver: your summer hair MVP
At first glance, a hair waver looks like a cross between a curling iron and a crimper. The signature design usually features three cylindrical barrels, which clamp sections of hair into a soft, uniform wave. The result? Texture that’s loose, voluminous, and just the right amount of messy.
What makes hair wavers especially popular—particularly among Gen Z—is how quickly you can achieve a full head of mermaid waves. Most tools can style your hair in under 15 minutes, depending on length and thickness. You don’t need to be a beauty expert to use one, and the styling process doesn’t involve much more than pressing and releasing. Among the standout brands leading the wave renaissance are Mermade Hair, Amika, and Bondi Boost, all of which offer affordable options that look cute on your vanity and get the job done. Compared to luxury hot tools that can cost upwards of $600, most hair wavers clock in around $80—making them accessible and worth the investment for seasonal styling.
Testing the trend: my experience with the Mermade Hair Waver
I’ll admit it: I’m usually skeptical when a beauty tool goes viral. But after watching what felt like 30 back-to-back TikToks featuring Mermade Hair’s Pro Waver, I finally gave in. Retailing at $79, it promised fast, fuss-free styling—and I wanted to see if it could transform my pin-straight hair into something a little more carefree.
From the first use, I understood the hype. The tool heats up quickly and is simple to maneuver, though it’s a bit heavy in the hand. I didn’t need to spend hours watching tutorials or sectioning my hair into tiny pieces. Within minutes, I had soft, undulating waves that looked like they belonged in a campaign for a sun-drenched fragrance.
The real surprise? The waves lasted. Even through a night out in the city, my style stayed put—something that rarely happens with my ultra-straight strands. I tried two approaches: a uniform, polished wave pattern (a la TikTok girlies) and a messier, more Carrie Bradshaw look with mismatched sections and a looser finish. Both had their charm, but the lived-in version won me over for its downtown, low-maintenance feel.
Pros, cons, and one aching arm
While the Mermade Waver scored major points for ease and payoff, it wasn’t completely flawless. My main issue? The weight. The triple-barrel design means the tool is bulkier than your standard straightener or curling wand. After styling one side of my hair, my right arm felt like it had done a full barre class.
There’s also a bit of a learning curve when it comes to positioning. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally leave harsh indentations or miss a section. And because the tool gets hot, using it near your face or at the back of your head can be awkward at first. That said, after a couple of tries, I found a rhythm and could wave my full head of hair in under 15 minutes.
For those with shorter hair or less patience, a double-barrel or mini waver might be a better option. These lighter versions offer more control and are easier to travel with, though they may take slightly longer to create a full, voluminous effect.
Final verdict: Worth it?
Ultimately, the Mermade Hair Waver delivered everything it promised: easy, fast styling with Instagram-worthy results. While I won’t be ditching my low bun on rushed mornings, this tool has definitely earned a place in my summer rotation. It’s ideal for last-minute plans, beach weekends, or whenever you want your hair to look effortlessly cool with minimal effort.
Beach waves may not be revolutionary—but the return to something so breezy and unfussy feels refreshingly modern in a season where most of us are craving simplicity. Whether you’re embracing boho charm, festival vibes, or just looking for a new go-to style that doesn’t feel overdone, a hair waver might just be the tool your summer beauty routine is missing.
