Selena Gomez attended the 2026 Emmy Awards with long, flowing mermaid waves. Her hair reached well past her shoulders, a length she has not worn in recent years. The style marked a shift from her usual shorter cuts and sleek updos.
The look featured loose, cascading curls that framed her face. Stylists used a center part to balance the volume on both sides. The waves fell in soft, continuous ripples rather than tight coils.
Mermaid waves require a specific styling technique to achieve the look. Hair is wrapped around a curling iron and then brushed out gently. A light hold spray keeps the shape without making the hair stiff.
Gomez paired the hairstyle with a sleek, strapless gown. The contrast between structured clothing and soft hair created a balanced red carpet appearance. Her makeup stayed minimal, drawing attention to the length and movement of her hair.
Long hair has made a comeback on recent red carpets. Several celebrities have abandoned short bobs for extended, wavy styles. This shift signals a broader change in beauty trends for the upcoming season.
Maintaining mermaid waves throughout an event takes effort. Hair must be pinned in sections before styling and sprayed again before walking the carpet. Touch-ups between photos help prevent frizz and loss of shape.
Fans can recreate the look with a one-inch curling iron and a wide-tooth comb. Starting from the mid-lengths and working downward avoids flattening the roots. A final mist of flexible hold spray locks in the waves for hours.
