What causes Blue Lagoon hair?

The Blue Lagoon is rich in minerals like silica, sulfur, and algae. These components strip away the natural oils and proteins of our hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and a greenish tinge (especially for blondes like me!). However, with a little prep and aftercare, you can avoid it altogether!

How to fix Blue Lagoon hair: Steps for protecting your hair before you enter the lagoon

Pre-lagoon rinse: Before you get in the Blue Lagoon, rinse your hair with clean, lukewarm water. Water saturates the hair, reducing its ability to absorb the minerals present in the lagoon. You’re required to shower before entering the blue lagoon anyway, so step 1 is easy!

Oil your hair or work in a leave-in conditioner: Apply a little hair oil, serum, or leave-in conditioner after you shower and before you enter the Blue Lagoon. This creates a protective barrier between your hair and the minerals. I like products with nourishing ingredients like argan or jojoba oil, and use this nourishing Bumble and Bumble oil to great effect! By putting it in your wet hair before you enter the water, it fills your hair follicles and helps keep out the minerals. I actually do this before entering salt water as well, for the same reason of trying to keep my hair hydrated! It works like a charm.

Put your hair in a bun or a braid: Keeping your hair in a bun or braided can reduce its exposure to the water. It also makes Blue lagoon hair easier to manage when you get out of the water, preventing tangling and unmanageable knots.

How to fix Blue Lagoon hair: Steps for protecting your hair after you exit the lagoon

Post-Lagoon rinse: Immediately after leaving the lagoon, rinse your hair again with lukewarm water. This helps to remove mineral residue and restore the pH balance of your hair. You’ll wan to be sure to use lukewarm water and finish with a cold rinse (I do this EVERY time I shower actually, because using hot water can further strip away natural oils). Rinsing it with cold water to finish will help with shine, reduce frizz, and keep in some of the natural oils that you want to be there!

Use a clarifying shampoo: Use a clarifying shampoo (I LIVE AND BREATHE by this one from Moroccan oil) to remove any remaining mineral buildup. These shampoos are formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp, eliminating impurities and restoring balance. I like clarifying shampoos with gentle (but effective) ingredients like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar.

Apply a deep conditioning treatment: Definitely apply a deep conditioning mask or hair oil post-lagoon to help replenish moisture and repair damage. I’ve found that the best Blue Lagoon hair mask is this one from Unove! The keratin-PF in it (as well as other proteins and nutrients) fill the gap between hair cuticles and make my hair so silky!

For color, use a neutralizing hair mask or purple shampoo and conditioner: To combat the greenish tinge for blondes, you may want to use a neutralizing hair mask to counteract the unwanted color. I use violet or purple shampoos, conditioners, and and masks periodically as they neutralize brassiness and give your hair a more vibrant appearance.

Other things to know before you go and tips for the Blue Lagoon

• You need a reservation for the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is popular, so it’s next to impossible to secure your preferred date and time without pre-booking. Explore packages and book tickets here! Don’t wait to book because they fill up QUICK.

• Pack the essentials: a towel (though you can pay to rent one if needed, but why pay?!), a bathing suit, flip-flops, and hair care products (they do provide a couple of complimentary products there, but they’re not anywhere near enough for preventing Blue Lagoon hair!).

• Showering is mandatory before you enter the Blue Lagoon. To maintain the cleanliness of the lagoon, visitors are required to shower before they get the water. The showers are communal (locker room style).

• Try the included silica mud mask! The Blue Lagoon is famous for its silica mud mask, and there’s no fee (it’s included with your admission ticket).

• It’s tough to avoid crowds. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon either early in the morning or later in the day. You can also or opt for one of the more expensive packages, which gives you access to exclusive areas of the lagoon. I also recommend visiting Sky Lagoon in Iceland for a less crowded experience.