If Ariel had Wi-Fi under the sea, she’d be scrolling Keke Palmer’s pics and whispering “how is she prettier than me in my own movie?”
Listen, once upon a time, if you asked me to name an iconic redhead, I’d sing “Part of Your World” like I was auditioning for Broadway. But now? I don’t know her. Keke Palmer is the real Little Mermaid now — only with more glam, more volume, and probably a better skincare routine.
On April 8, our red-hot queen showed up at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in Los Angeles and gave us flaming fantasy realness. Her cascading ginger Long Mermaid Curls? Baby, they didn’t stop ’til they touched her hips. Styled by the curl wizard himself, Davontae’ Washington, the beachy, goddess-level waves had all the movement of ocean swells and all the drama of a telenovela finale.
Forget tight ringlets — this was luxuriously loose mermaid magic, paired with a sparkling, feather-flicking Oscar de la Renta gown that had more swish than a TikTok hair flip challenge. Ariel wore that glittery dress to get Prince Eric’s attention. Keke? She wore hers to snatch everybody’s soul.
Makeup? A soft glowy mix of champagne shimmer and cotton-candy pink, brought to you by glam queen Kenya Alexis. The eyes flicked with black cat liner so sharp it could cut seaweed, cheeks blushed like a romantic subplot, and lips kissed with a matching pinky-nude pout. Her nails? Oh, they were giving “underwater royalty who also has an Amex.”
Now let’s talk hair color — because Keke has been making ginger look like the new platinum. From copper coils to Myspace bangs with Hot Topic energy, she’s rocked every version of red hotter than Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in the Sahara. But this latest hue? A true gingery copper, and it’s her best look yet. Sorry, Ariel. This is Keke’s ocean now.
Let’s not ignore the fact that red is having a major main character moment in the 2020s. From cherry cola to straight-up spicy sriracha strands, celebs are giving us hair inspo that screams bold, baddie, and beach-day ready. If Keke’s curls are anything to go by, it’s time to let your own inner mermaid out. Yes, even if your only ocean is a kiddie pool.
Unleash Your Inner Mermaid: Replicate Keke Palmer’s Long Mermaid Curls!
Achieving Keke Palmer’s mesmerizing mermaid curls is easier than you might think. Here’s how:
- Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a generous amount of curl-enhancing cream to define your natural texture.
- Section and Twist: Divide your hair into medium-sized sections. Twist each section tightly and secure them against your scalp using bobby pins or clips.
- Dry and Set: Allow your hair to dry completely, either by air-drying or using a blow dryer with a diffuser. Once dry, carefully unravel the twists to reveal soft, voluminous curls.
For a visual guide, check out Keke Palmer’s three-step curl routine:
FAQs About Low Ponytails:
How do you create mermaid curls? Mermaid curls are achieved by creating loose, voluminous waves that resemble a mermaid’s flowing hair. This can be done using various methods, including curling irons, flexi rods, or twist-outs, depending on your hair type and desired look.
- What distinguishes beach waves from mermaid waves? Beach waves are typically tousled, effortless waves that give a windswept, sun-kissed appearance. In contrast, mermaid waves are more defined and voluminous, often resembling the flowing hair of a mermaid.
- How can I achieve loose waves in my hair? Loose waves can be created by using a large-barrel curling iron, wrapping sections of hair loosely around the barrel, and then gently brushing through the curls to achieve a soft, wavy look.
- Is it possible to get mermaid hair without using heat? Yes, you can achieve mermaid-like waves without heat by using methods such as braiding damp hair and allowing it to dry, or by using flexi rods or twist-outs to set the waves naturally.
For more insights into Keke Palmer’s curl routine, watch the following video:
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