Man works at popular Iceland tourist destination. Then he issues a warning about the Blue Lagoon: ‘So many people were having to cut off their hair’
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its warm geothermal water and mineral-rich mud.
But there’s one downside visitors don’t always expect: what the water can do to their hair. A TikTok creator who says he works at the spa explained what can happen if guests submerge their hair in the lagoon.
Aran (@aranisagoodboy) has racked up over 12.9 million views with his warning to visitors.
What Happens to Hair in the Blue Lagoon Water?
“I work at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland,” he begins. “And I don’t understand how people keep having to cut off all their hair after getting out of the blue lagoon.”
According to Aran, staff repeatedly warn guests that the mineral-rich water can severely damage hair. Yet, many visitors ignore the advice.
“We tell you guys very, very clearly that it will destroy your hair, and we offer free hair protection,” he says.
He explains that the problem became so common that his job at one point involved standing by the lagoon and reminding guests to cover their hair.
Even after those warnings, he says, visitors continued to complain about severe damage.
“And apparently that still didn’t work,” he says.
According to Aran, the spa installed additional signage and offered free hair-protection products in an effort to prevent the issue.
“We have a bunch of stalls with free hair protectant, hair nets, things like that,” he says.
He claims some guests still ignored the precautions and later reported needing to cut off their hair after swimming.
“People continue to complain that they go into the blue lagoon and then have to leave and cut all their hair off,” he says.
He adds that wigs are also vulnerable to damage in the lagoon’s water.
“One woman got super upset cause she went in with this super expensive wig that she just bought,” he says. “It will get messed up because of the nature of the water.”
Aran ends the video with a warning to future visitors.
“If you come to the blue lagoon, please do not go in with your hair and expect it to come out fine,” he says. “Cause it will get destroyed.”
Are His Claims True?
According to the official Blue Lagoon website, the reality is much more nuanced.
While minerals such as sulfur, silica, and magnesium can be beneficial for skin, they may be irritating to hair. If a person submerges their hair in the water for too long, it can lead to dryness or matting.
However, these effects are usually temporary and typically disappear after two or three washes. Additionally, simple measures like applying conditioner beforehand and rinsing hair with fresh water immediately after can help minimize the risk of damage.
A closer look at Aran’s TikTok account also raises questions about the authenticity of his claim that he currently works at the Blue Lagoon. In other videos, he claims to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, a Staples employee, and a medical student, among many other things. His content appears to be fictional and intended for entertainment.
Commenters Share Their Experiences
In the comments section, some viewers questioned the claims in Aran’s video. Others shared their experiences at the spa.
“Blue Lagoon hair damage isn’t even permanent,” wrote one user. “Cutting your hair off over it is an overreaction.”
“My hair not being destroyed at the blue lagoon bc I’m not an idiot,” wrote another, attaching a photo of them at the spa with their hair tied.
“Omg when I went I remember all the signs, put hair protector, and extra conditioner after and my hair was fine!” shared another. “Ppl gotta listen.”
@aranisagoodboy #bluelagoon ♬ original sound – ARAN
The Mary Sue has reached out to the Blue Lagoon and Aran via email for comment.
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