How to Act Like a Mermaid at School

Mermaids are popular in folklore, television, and movies. Their beauty and mysterious qualities are part of what makes the idea of them so alluring. Although you can’t live underwater, you can display some mermaid-like qualities while at school. You can dress like a mermaid and wear accessories, like a seashell necklace. Then, learn about mermaids so that you can act the part confidently at school.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Dressing Like a Mermaid

1
Choose ocean colors. Wearing the colors of the ocean will allow you to be reminiscent of a mermaid without breaking school dress codes. Bright blues and greens are associated with the ocean, as well as anything turquoise or aqua. You don't have to stick to just those colors though. A hint of purple or orange will give your outfit a tropical look. If you are a minimalist, whites and cream whites work well too. And if you are an edgy girl and cannot live without black, just wear it. Being a mermaid means staying true to yourself. If you don’t have those colors and can’t go shopping, try compensating with accessories and overall positivity.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Look at pictures of ocean life and try to copy some of those vivid colors and patterns.
2
Wear a seashell or fish scale shirt. Feminine mermaids are shown as wearing seashells to cover their chests. Although it wouldn’t be a good idea to wear nothing but large seashells to school, you can find a shirt that imitates the effect by printing an image of seashells on a T-shirt. If you don’t want to go for a seashell look, you can also wear a shirt with an iridescent fish scale pattern. Another option is to wear sea themed leggings, or fish patterned tops. You can even go online to find patterns to make your own!^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can also find sweaters, jackets, and dresses with these patterns.
Mermaid-style skirts are typically form-fitting along the legs and then fan out around the lower calves. Look for this style of skirt in the color of your choice, though a deep blue or purple skirt would be most fitting. Pair this skirt with a seashell or fish scale shirt, and you will have a complete outfit. If you don’t own one, or don’t want to wear one, you can try just a flowing skirt. Just wearing colors and styles that correspond to your role in the ocean can really help your mermaid look!^{[3]XResearch source}
Because the mermaid look has become popular in recent years, mermaid themed merchandise has become easier to find. Look for a pair of mermaid tail leggings or pants. The leggings will essentially look like they have been covered in iridescent fish scales. Wear the leggings with a dark blue shirt and your look is set. If you don’t want to, try soaking colored pencils in water for about a minute. Then you can use them to draw on scales. If anyone notices the small patch of scales, cover them up and hurry away.^{[4]XResearch source}
Typically, you should avoid wearing a mermaid costume to school. If you have a school play or dress up day, however, a costume would be acceptable. Purchase a mermaid tail online, put on a nude-colored shirt, and then wear seashells as a “bra.” Just be sure that your costume is in accordance with your school dress code. You could also try this out if you plan to make a mermaid show. You can even DIY your tail!^{[5]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Getting the Mermaid Look

1
Grow your hair long or wear a wig. Mermaids are famous for their long, beautiful tresses. If you want to commit to the mermaid look, consider growing your hair out. You can also choose to wear a wig or hair extensions. Extensions come in all colors, so you can add a streak of blue or purple to your hair to give you an otherworldly look. Don't sacrifice the integrity and health of your hair though. Mermaids are known for healthy hair and, damaging your hair with heat tools, dyes and extensions won't help. There are a lot of different ways to achieve a similar look for both straight, wavy, curly and kinky hair. Be unique and stay true to yourself!^{[6]XResearch source}
- Make sure your school allows dyed hair before adding color to your hair.
2
Add salt spray to your hair. Salt spray will make your hair look as if you’ve just left the beach. You can purchase salt spray at a beauty supply store, or make your own. To make your own, simply mix a 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sea salt, 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of argan oil, and 2 to 3 drops of an essential oil into a spray bottle. You can add some coconut oil/milk/water for a tropical feel and extra moisture, since the sea salt dries the hair out a bit. Spray it into your hair as you work your hands through your hair.^{[7]XResearch source}
- A good choice for an essential oil would be lavender.
- You can also use avocado oil in place of argan oil.
Paint your nails in ocean colors. Blues, greens, and purples, are good choices for nail polish. You can also look for an iridescent nail polish that will be reminiscent of fish scales. If you are particularly creative with nail polish, you can paint a fish scale design onto your nails.
4
Coordinate your makeup with your outfit. A subtle blue tint on your lips or in the outer corner of your eye will accentuate your outfit. If you want your look to be very obvious, add some glitter to your eye makeup. You can also add highlighter to your cheeks to make your face appear shiny like fish scales. However, you don't have to wear makeup if you don't want to. Mermaids are known for having clear, healthy skin, and a natural glow, not green glitter and blue lips, which is just a recent trend. Try applying some good quality oil on your face, especially when going swimming, it will give you a glowy, ethereal look.^{[8]XResearch source}
- For a costume, you could draw fish scales onto your face.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Accessorizing

1
Choose mermaid-like shoes. Take your look a step further by wearing mermaid shoes with your outfit. A simple pair of glittery flats are easy to find and will pair well with a mermaid themed outfit. Or, you can look for a pair of shoes with a fish scale design.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You can also paint fish scales onto a basic pair of fabric shoes.
Purchase a shell necklace, bracelet, or earrings. If this isn’t possible, go to the beach and find a small shell. Sometimes, there are small holes in the shells that are big enough to let a chain through, but small enough so that it doesn't crack the shell. If not, you can drill a small hole in the shell to make a necklace.
Look for hair clips in the shape of sea creatures. Starfish, dolphins, fish, and seahorses are all very popular. Use the clips to pull a section of your hair back.^{[10]XResearch source}
Carry around your personal items in a purse that looks like a seashell. If you don’t like carrying a purse, look for a seashell backpack. Or, you can use a seashell pencil case or wallet.^{[11]XResearch source}
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Learning about Mermaids

1
Read about mermaids. Start with the ancient myths about mermaids. Mermaid myths come from all over the world, from Russia to Greece. Then move on to the realms of mermaid fiction. For example, Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" is widely considered to be the definitive mermaid tale.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Besides Andersen, take a look at Oscar Wilde's "The Fisherman and his Soul," H.P. Lovecraft's "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," and Alice Hoffman's Aquamarine.
2
Watch movies and TV shows about mermaids. Begin with Disney's version of The Little Mermaid. Splash is a live-action film that shows the trials of turning into a mermaid every time you get wet, making it a good how-to-guide for acting like a mermaid. These are some examples, but there are plenty of mermaid films and shows out there to choose from.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Aquamarine is another good choice.
- Consider checking out Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and She Creature.
Explore the mermaid life even further by checking out Weeki Wachee Springs, the famous mermaid park in Tampa, Florida. They have special camps for young children that want to get fitted for mermaid tails and practice swimming, mermaid-style. If Florida is a little too far for you, see if there is a mermaid camp closer to your location.^{[14]XResearch source}
At a place like Weeki Wachee, you can attend a show with their specially trained mermaid performers. Weeki Wachee is, however, not the only location in the world that performs mermaid shows. If you can’t find a mermaid show within a reasonable distance, look up past shows on YouTube.^{[15]XResearch source}
A true mermaid would be concerned about the destruction of her habitat. Join an environmental protection club or a pollution awareness campaign. Research the dangers of overfishing and oil spills. If you live near a beach, take part in clean-up projects.^{[16]XResearch source}
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If I want to use glitter eye shadow for a photoshoot, do you have any tricks on how to keep it set in place?
Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys.
Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Answer
In order for glitter to stay in place during a photoshoot one would use a base on your lid beneath the glitter. You could use eye paints, concealers, or cream eyeshadow.
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If I go in the water, wouldn't that change me?
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Yes, unless you have your charm with you.
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Can you recommend any books that will help me learn to act like a mermaid at school?
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Use this article -- people aren't writing books on this topic as it would be hard for publishers to take it seriously.
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Tips

Appreciate your natural beauty. Mermaids are always confident, but never cocky or arrogant.
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Practice your singing. Mermaids are known for their beautiful voices. If your voice is naturally good, show it off when you're listening to the car radio or hanging out in the choir room.
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Dye your hair an ocean color. Aqua, Seafoam, Bright blue, etc.
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Warnings

Make sure your mermaid outfits don't conflict with the school dress code.
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Don’t show too much skin in your outfits. Mermaids are supposed to be cute and elegant, not particularly sexy.
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