"Mermaid braids are a protective, low-maintenance style created by braiding the top lengths of your hair and letting the rest flow into loose curly or straight strands," explains Palacios.

Though mermaid braids seem like a perfect protective style for summer, like any variation of the goddess trend, they can work year-round and deserve a spot on your permanent mood board.

Meet Mermaid braids, a protective style I predict is going to be the most requested look for winter. ... Here are a few mermaid braid ideas I’ve been loving lately. 1. Highlights.

"Mermaid braids are popular right now because it is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking chic," says hairstylist and author Kee Taylor. "It also is a protective style ...