Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Dan
Diving with a mustache can be tricky, we give you the tips to get a good seal, before resorting to a full-face snorkel mask.
A snorkel mask is the most important piece of equipment you need before venturing into the world of snorkeling. The fit of the snorkel mask needs to be correct, else an incorrect fit can lead to water leaking, or it can be painful if the mask is too tight. The quality of the mask also matters as a good quality mask will be durable and long lasting.
To prevent water leakage, the snorkel mask must fit right. The snorkeling mask fits over the nose of the snorkeler and makes an air-tight seal under the nose, around the forehead, and on the sides of the face.
If the mask is too long or wide, the seal will not be formed, and if the mask is too small, it might have to be stretched to fit on the face, causing pain and discomfort.
Facial hair, especially mustaches and beards, can interfere with that seal, letting water sneak in during your dive. Luckily, there are some effective workarounds.
Some of the ways to prevent leakages when the snorkeler has a mustache
1. Shave the area just underneath the nose
This would work for a snorkeler who has a thick mustache and a wide upper lip. Hence shaving the area right underneath the nose will not compromise how the snorkeler would like to look, and the mask can form a nice seal underneath the nose and the sides of the face.
For those with a thick mustache, shaving or trimming a small patch directly under the nose can make a big difference. This area is key to forming a tight seal. A subtle trim of the mustache area below the nostrils and the lip area, can create a bare area on which the mask may seal. it usually won’t affect your overall look, but it can greatly improve mask performance.
2. Use a sealing agent
This is a silicone based sealing grease that comes in a tube. Apply it on the portions of the mask that come in contact with the mustache. This will seal the mask securely and strongly with the mustache.
The right amount of grease to be added can be figured out with a few tries. The idea is that a layer of wax and mask have a better chance of sealing than the hair and mask. This can reduce leaking, but might not prevent it altogether.
Avoid using petroleum jelly like Vaseline as a sealing agent. You may have heard people talking about this. Petroleum products might reduce the shelf life of the mask, by interacting with the silicone of the skirt and causing it to deteriorate. You need a food grade, hypoallergenic silicones that are safe to use on silicone mask skirts. When applied to the moustache they will help you create a better sealing surface for the mask skirt.
Top Selections Explained:
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Trident Mask Seal Stick: A convenient stick applicator designed specifically to improve the seal of diving masks, particularly useful for divers with mustaches.
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OTRIEK Mask Sealer and Mustache Wax: A dual-purpose product that acts both as a mask sealer and mustache wax, ensuring a better seal for those with facial hair.
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Aqua Mask Seal: A silicone-based formula that enhances the seal between the mask skirt and face, preventing water leakage. amazon.com+1amazon.com+1
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Sea & Sea Silicone Grease, 4.5g: A compact silicone grease ideal for lubricating and maintaining diving equipment, ensuring longevity and performance.
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Gear Aid Silicone Grease, 0.25 oz: A versatile lubricant that conditions and protects rubber components, suitable for various diving gear applications.
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Trident Food Grade Silicone Spray, 8 oz: A spray-form lubricant that protects and lubricates all rubber products, offering UV protection and preventing material degradation
3. Try thinning out the mustache
A bushy mustache tends to disrupt the seal more than a thinner one. Lightly thinning your mustache and pairing it with a sealing agent can significantly reduce leaks without requiring a clean shave.
4. Go old school
Buy traditional snorkeling equipment, which is a pair of goggles and a snorkel. A snorkel is a tube that has a mouthpiece that connects to the mouth and the free end surfaces above the water.
This equipment is straightforward and works perfectly well for snorkeling with or without a mustache, with a thin or thick mustache, or with a beard.
However, the traditional snorkel comes with a host of disadvantages:
- The snorkel tube in the mouth is uncomfortable. It causes a lot of discomfort in the jaw and breathing through the mouth is counterintuitive.
- A large wave over the snorkel’s free end can cause water to enter into the mouth and can cause gagging.
- The nose clip that prevents breathing through the nose under water is uncomfortable.
5. Remove the mustache altogether
It might not be your favorite option, but it is the most reliable. Many seasoned divers simply shave their mustache before a dive trip, especially if they know it will help avoid leaks and distractions underwater.
6. Buy a full face snorkel mask
Full face snorkel masks remove the disadvantages stated above because the mask covers the entire face and not below the nose. The mask forms an air tight seal around the sides of the face preventing water from entering in.
When buying a full-face mask, look for:
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High-quality silicone skirts to ensure durability and a secure seal. Hence, it is important that the skirting of the mask is made of good quality material.
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Comfortable, adjustable straps to avoid pressure points and prolong the mask’s life.
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Proper sizing to ensure a snug, leak-free fit. A loose fit can cause leakage while an increasingly tight fit can cause the mask to be stretched and deteriorate over time.
Full-face snorkel masks can be a game-changer for divers with beards or mustaches. These masks cover your entire face, creating a seal around the edges instead of under the nose. Since your facial hair stays inside the mask, it doesn’t interfere with the seal as much.
Top Traditional Masks for Beards & Mustaches
1. Scubapro Synergy Twin Trufit Mask
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Why it’s great: Dual silicone skirts (one soft, one firm) adapt to various face shapes, helping maintain a strong seal—even with facial hair.
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Pros: Extremely comfortable, durable frame, wide field of vision.
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Beard Tip: Apply a thin silicone sealing grease around the mustache area for even better results.
2. Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask
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Why it’s great: Made from ultra-soft silicone that forms to your face with minimal pressure—ideal for beards and mustaches.
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Pros: High visibility lens, flexible fit, premium materials.
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Pricey, but long-lasting and comfortable.
3. Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Mask
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Why it’s great: The inverted teardrop shape provides excellent downward visibility, and the soft silicone skirt molds well over facial contours.
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Pros: Good seal even with trimmed mustaches; ideal for both diving and snorkeling.
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Why it’s great: The wide, single-lens frame gives maximum visibility, and the “Freedom Fit” technology minimizes leakage around facial hair.
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Pros: Great for wider faces and bushier beards, easily adjustable straps.
Full-Face Snorkel Masks (Good for Facial Hair)
These are not for scuba diving (only snorkeling), but they solve most beard/mustache seal issues:
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Why it’s great: Top-tier full-face snorkel with a secure fit that seals around facial hair instead of across it.
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Pros: Easy breathing, GoPro mount included, dry-top snorkel to keep water out.
6. SEAC Unica Full Face Snorkeling Mask
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Why it’s great: Reliable seal even with moderate beards or mustaches, anti-fog design.
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Pros: Easy to breathe, panoramic lens, soft silicone skirt.
7. WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V3
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Why it’s great: One of the most comfortable and well-reviewed masks for snorkelers with facial hair.
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Pros: Strong dry snorkel system, wide view, excellent fit around larger faces and beards.
