Want Perfect Mermaid Hair? Try These 7 Game-Changing Tips

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Being a mermaid is magical, but all that time in saltwater and chlorinated pools can take a toll on your hair. Whether you are performing underwater, swimming recreationally, or simply embracing the mermaid lifestyle, your locks deserve special attention. Salt, sun, and chlorine can leave hair dry, brittle, or discoloured if not cared for properly. Luckily, with a few ocean-friendly tricks, you can keep your mermaid hair healthy, hydrated, and shimmering.

How to Protect and Care for Your Mermaid Hair

Whether you are splashing in the sea or training in a pool, caring for your mermaid hair takes a little intention - and the right routine. These tips will help you protect your strands before, during, and after your swims, while staying kind to the ocean too.

Before You Swim

1. Rinse, Condition, and Braid

Pre-swim care is all about protecting your hair from drying agents like salt and chlorine. One of the easiest and most effective steps you can take is to rinse your hair with fresh water before entering the ocean or a pool. This saturates your strands, reducing their ability to absorb salt or chemicals.

Applying a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight hair oil creates a barrier that helps lock in moisture and block out drying elements. Protective hairstyles like braids, buns, or a secure ponytail can prevent excessive tangling and reduce breakage caused by friction and movement while swimming. If you are wearing a mermaid tail or headpiece, securing your hair well beforehand can make post-swim detangling far easier.

2. Choose Ocean-Friendly Prep Products

Look for reef-safe and biodegradable formulas made with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. These not only nourish your mermaid hair, but also ensure you are not washing harmful chemicals into the water. Pre-swim products that hydrate and protect while also being eco-conscious are a win for both your hair and the ocean.

3. Protect Coloured Hair from Fading

For those with coloured or highlighted mermaid hair, fading and brassiness are common problems. Salt and chlorine can strip hair dye and cause discolouration over time. Using UV-protective products and colour-safe formulas before you swim helps preserve your tones. Rinsing and conditioning your hair immediately after swimming is also essential to keep colour fresh.

Need an amazing new place to take your tail? Check out: 10 Exceptional Destinations for Mermaid Swimming

During Your Swim

4. Be Gentle in the Water

While you are swimming, there is not much you can do to actively treat your hair - but there are habits you can adopt to minimise damage. Avoid excessive handling of your hair underwater, as this can cause knotting and breakage. If you are performing, try to move gracefully and keep your hair flowing naturally rather than whipping around.

5. Consider a Cap or Hair Wrap

Wearing a swim cap might not feel very mermaid-like, but for training sessions or long periods in the water, it can provide serious protection. If you want to maintain a whimsical aesthetic, look for silicone caps with mermaid prints or use decorative hair wraps made from gentle fabrics like bamboo or silk. These help reduce exposure to chlorine and friction from movement.

After You Swim

6. Rinse and Rehydrate Immediately

Once you are out of the water, rinse your mermaid hair with fresh, lukewarm water as soon as possible. This helps wash away salt, chlorine, and sand before they can dry out or damage your strands. Follow with a sulphate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner to gently cleanse without stripping natural oils.

7. Use Oils and Detanglers the Right Way

Deep-conditioning masks made with argan oil, avocado, or shea butter are perfect for restoring hydration. Natural oils like coconut or olive oil can also help lock in moisture - just apply sparingly to mid-lengths and ends. For detangling, use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends up. Detangling sprays made with natural, alcohol-free ingredients can make post-swim haircare easier and more effective.

Would you love our very own tail? Read this: Choose the Perfect Mermaid Tail: Tips on Durability & Comfort

Bonus Mermaid Hair Tips

Maintain Vibrant Mermaid Colours

Purple or blue toning products can help neutralise yellow or orange tones that appear after multiple swims. Limit sun exposure by wearing wide-brimmed hats or stylish head wraps when not in the water. Regular trims every 6–8 weeks help keep your hair looking fresh, especially if you are in the water often.

Nourish Hair from Within

Healthy mermaid hair starts from the inside out. Drink plenty of water every day, especially before and after swimming. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and biotin supports strong, shiny hair. Foods like salmon, avocado, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are great for hair health. Supplements can also help, as long as they are sustainably sourced - especially those with marine-based ingredients like fish oil or collagen.

Care for Performers and Tail-Wearers

If you perform in costume or wear tails regularly, your hair may be under extra stress. Headpieces, crowns, and masks can cause tension on the scalp and breakage. Use padding or fabric between your hair and any hard elements, and avoid wearing accessories for extended periods. Detangle gently after each swim and consider clarifying treatments if you swim often in chlorinated pools.

Go Reef-Safe with Every Product

Choosing haircare products that are biodegradable, reef-safe, and free from harmful chemicals is one of the simplest ways to protect the ocean you love. Avoid silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can harm marine ecosystems. Look for certifications like "reef-safe," "biodegradable," and "cruelty-free," and support brands that prioritise ocean health.

Mermaid hair is part of the magic of mermaiding - but keeping it healthy takes care, intention, and the right habits. By preparing your hair before you swim, protecting it while you are in the water, and restoring it afterward, you can enjoy your aquatic adventures without sacrificing your strands.

Ready to Learn More?

Want to take your mermaid life to the next level? Explore SSI's Mermaid courses to discover expert tips, certification courses, and magical underwater training that celebrates your mermaid spirit - and your hair.