Sadie Sink's Mermaid Waves Get an Old Hollywood Makeover

At a recent screening of the latest season of Stranger Things, Sadie Sink turned heads with a refreshingly sophisticated take on the long-hair trend. Her signature mermaid waves were given an Old Hollywood twist — think vintage glamour reinterpreted for modern red carpets: glossy, defined waves sat low and luxe rather than tousled and beachy. It’s a timely reminder that long hair can be both youthful and impeccably polished.

What made the look stand out

The charm of this style lies in the contrast: the length and natural movement of mermaid waves combined with the precision and sheen of classic Hollywood styling. Instead of the undone, lived-in texture we often associate with mermaid waves, this approach emphasised structure — smoother sections, sculpted wave patterns and a reflective finish that read as elegant under event lighting.

Key visual elements that created the effect:

• A clear wave pattern with defined S-shaped curves rather than loose, beachy bends.
• High shine that suggests careful smoothing and heat control.
• Subtle volume at the roots, but weighted, draping waves through the lengths for a sleek silhouette.
• A side-to-side balance that frames the face without overwhelming it — ideal for camera-ready appearances.

How to recreate the Old Hollywood mermaid wave

You don’t need professional tools to emulate this polished take at home, but there are some technique and product choices that make a big difference. Follow these step-by-step fundamentals for a durable, glossy result.

• Prep. Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a heat-protectant serum or spray and a small amount of a smoothing cream to control frizz.
• Dry strategically. Blow-dry using a round brush to create smoothness and lift at the roots. For very fine hair, use a volumising mousse at the roots before drying.
• Create the waves. Use a 1–1.25 inch (25–32mm) curling iron or wand. Work in uniform sections, wrapping hair away from the face to form consistent S-shaped waves. Alternate the direction of wraps only if you want softer texture — for a true Old Hollywood look, keep the direction uniform for each side of the head.
• Pin to set. After curling each section, clip the curl into a loose pin curl until cool. This step creates longevity and helps the wave sit smoothly.
• Sculpt and smooth. Once cooled, unclip and gently brush through with a soft-bristle brush or use your fingers to shape the waves into an ‘S’. Apply a small, light serum to the lengths for reflective shine; avoid the roots to stop greaseiness.
• Finish and hold. Use a flexible hold hairspray to keep movement while locking the shape. For extra precision, a fine-tooth comb can be used to define the wave ridges near the face.

Products and tools that help

While you can adapt this look to what you already own, certain product types consistently produce the smooth, glossy finish that defines Old Hollywood styling:

• Sulphate-free smoothing shampoo and conditioner — to keep lengths hydrated and frizz-free.
• Heat protectant with a smoothing element — protects while adding surface slip.
• Lightweight shine serum or spray — applied sparingly to avoid flattening the wave.
• Medium-hold hairspray — to preserve movement without making the hair crunchy.
• Barrel curling iron (25–32mm) and soft-bristle brush — the pairing that helps sculpt smooth waves.

Why this works for red-carpet and everyday styling

The hybrid look is versatile because it borrows the best of two worlds. Mermaid waves read as youthful and romantic, flattering long hair’s natural flow and movement. Old Hollywood refinement adds structure and photogenic shine, ensuring the hair reads well on camera and under bright lights.

For celebrities and guests on the red carpet, the polished finish resists frizz from humidity and sweat, yet keeps the movement that gives photos life. Off the red carpet, the approach can be softened — reduce the number of pinned sections and brush less thoroughly to reintroduce a touch of effortless texture.

Who suits this hybrid wave?

This style suits most face shapes and hair lengths that fall at least to the shoulders; longer lengths enhance the mermaid effect. It’s particularly effective for:

• Oval or heart-shaped faces — where the weight of the waves can frame the cheekbones.
• Medium-to-thick hair — which holds the sculpted wave easily.
• Those looking to elevate long, untreated hair for formal events without a radical cut or colour change.

Key Takeaways

• Sadie Sink’s look blends the flowing dimension of mermaid waves with the structure and shine of Old Hollywood styling for a camera-ready finish.
• Achieve the effect by forming uniform curls, setting them to cool, and brushing gently to sculpt defined S-waves.
• Use lightweight serums and medium-hold spray to maintain shine and movement without stiffness.
• The style is adaptable: soften for daytime wear or sharpen the finish for formal events.
• It’s a universally flattering approach for long hair and a smart option when you want glamour that still feels modern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are mermaid waves, and how do they differ from beach waves?
A: Mermaid waves are long, flowing waves with a sense of length and continuity — they emphasise the hair’s length and movement. Beach waves are typically looser, more textured and deliberately undone. The mermaid wave meets Old Hollywood when the wave pattern is more defined, polished and glossy.

Q: Can fine hair pull off this Old Hollywood mermaid wave?
A: Yes. The key for fine hair is volume at the roots and properly set curls. Use lightweight volumising products at the roots, create curls with a medium-sized barrel, and don’t over-brush — this preserves both lift and definition.

Q: How do I stop the style from going flat by the end of the evening?
A: Proper setting is essential — pin curls until fully cool, then use a flexible-hold hairspray to lock the shape while maintaining movement. Carry a small comb or a travel-size spray to refresh the wave if needed.

Q: Is it better to use a wand or a curling iron for this look?
A: A barrel curling iron with a clamp gives more control and a smoother finish for Old Hollywood waves. A wand can work but requires careful wrapping to ensure uniformity and shine.

Q: How do I maintain the hair’s shine without weighing it down?
A: Choose a lightweight shine serum or spray and apply sparingly to mid-lengths and ends only. Avoid heavy oils near the roots, and consider a weekly nourishing mask to keep lengths conditioned without excess residue.