Sadie Sink’s Mermaid Waves Get an Old Hollywood Makeover

Sadie Sink turned heads at a recent Stranger Things screening with a fresh take on the mermaid-wave trend: a glossy, sculpted shape that nods to Old Hollywood glamour while keeping the movement and texture of modern red‑carpet styling. The result feels both nostalgic and contemporary — a lesson in how classic techniques can be updated for 2025's softer, more wearable aesthetic.

What we saw on the red carpet

The look combined two distinct hair languages. On one hand were the long, loose mermaid waves that have become a signature for young stars — soft S-shaped bends that read effortless and youthful. On the other, there were clear references to Old Hollywood: a deep side part, refined curvature at the crown, and a polished, glossy finish that framed the face like a vintage screen siren.

• Deep side part to create asymmetry and a sculpted silhouette.
• Defined waves with stronger shape near the face, loosening toward the ends.
• High-shine finish that keeps movement but avoids frizz or fuzz.
• Minimal visible pins or accessories — the style feels modern because it’s unobtrusive.

Photographs from the event show a balance between structure and softness: the waves are deliberately formed but not rigid, and the hair has a healthy, almost lacquered sheen that elevates the style from casual to red‑carpet ready.

How the look is typically created

Recreating this hybrid mermaid‑meets‑Old‑Hollywood style relies on technique rather than heavy product. Below is a practical step‑by‑step approach you can follow at home or ask your stylist to use.

• Prep: Start with clean, towel‑dried hair. Apply a lightweight heat protectant and a smoothing cream if your hair tends to frizz. Blow‑dry with a round brush to create volume at the roots and a smooth surface.
• Create the part: Make a deliberate deep side part and set it with a light mist of styling spray so it remains sharp during styling.
• Form the waves: Use a large‑barrel curling tong or wand (28–38mm depending on hair length) to create loose S‑shaped waves. Alternate direction on each section to avoid a uniform curl pattern — wrap hair away from the face on the top sections for that Old Hollywood curve.
• Refine with a brush: Once cool, gently brush through the curls with a soft bristle brush to soften them into waves. For the face‑framing side, brush to create a slightly stronger curve and tuck the hair behind the ear if desired.
• Finish for shine: Apply a few drops of lightweight oil or shine serum through the mid‑lengths and ends — avoid the roots. Lock the style with a flexible‑hold hairspray so the waves retain movement.

Key tools are simple: a large curling wand, a round brush, a soft bristle brush (boar or mixed), and a fine misting hairspray. The technique — forming a defined face frame and allowing the rest to remain softer — is what gives the look its modern twist.

Adaptations for different hair types

This hybrid look is versatile. The approach changes depending on whether your hair is fine, thick, curly or short.

• Fine hair: Build body with a root‑lift mousse and use slightly smaller sections when curling to create the illusion of density. Dry shampoo at the roots before styling can add texture and hold.
• Thick hair: Work in thinner sections and use a smoothing balm to control bulk. A larger barrel gives the best, more relaxed wave for heavier hair.
• Curly hair: Enhance your natural pattern by stretching curls on damp hair with a blow‑drying round brush, then use heat on larger sections to form the Old Hollywood curve. Finish with a lightweight oil to tame frizz.
• Shorter lengths: For shoulder‑skimming hair, create compact, glossy finger waves or soft pin curls to echo the vintage shape. Avoid tiny curl sizes that can look too tight; opt for a looser bend.

Styling dos and don’ts

• Do prioritise hair health — the glossy finish looks best on well‑conditioned hair.
• Don’t overuse heavy serums at the root; they flatten the shape.
• Do work on cooled curls before brushing — this preserves the wave’s memory.
• Don’t pull the hair too tight when brushing; aim for movement rather than immobile perfection.

Key Takeaways

• Sadie Sink’s look married the soft movement of mermaid waves with the sculpted silhouette of Old Hollywood glamour.
• The style depends more on shaping and finish than heavy products — technique matters.
• Use a large barrel, brush‑through technique and a light shine product to achieve the right balance of movement and polish.
• Adapt the method to your hair type: build volume for fine hair and control bulk for thicker hair.
• This look is versatile — wearable for red carpet, weddings or edited everyday glamour with quick tweaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the style last?
With the right prep and a flexible‑hold hairspray, the waves should hold for most of the day and into the evening. Touch‑ups with a curling wand and a spritz of shine product will revive any flattened sections.

Can I achieve this look on very short hair?
Shorter hair can still reference the style through compact waves or finger‑wave techniques. The effect will be more vintage in miniature, so ask your stylist for adapted shaping rather than attempting large barrel curls.

Is heat styling necessary?
To get the polished Old Hollywood curve, some heat work is usually required. However, heatless methods that form an S‑shaped bend (overnight braids or wraps) can create a softer, less glossy version of the look.

Which products give the best shine without weighing hair down?
Lightweight hair oils, silicon‑free serums and shine mists are ideal. Apply sparingly through mid‑lengths and ends; avoid roots to keep volume.

Will this style work for layered hair?
Yes. Layers can add movement and prevent the waves from looking too heavy at the ends. Use smaller sections at the top for definition and larger ones through the lengths to blend layers into smooth waves.