DIY Mermaid-Inspired Seashell Hair Pins for Oceanic Flair

Want to channel your inner mermaid? This seashell hair pin tutorial shows you how to craft delicate ocean-themed hair accessories. They add a maritime touch to any updo, making them ideal for beach weddings or for injecting a bit of mermaid glam into your daily look.

The DIY project requires only basic craft materials. You'll need metallic acrylic paint, paintbrushes, glue, embellishments, and mini seashells. Seashells can be found on Etsy, at craft stores, or collected from the beach if you're fortunate. You'll also want decorative items like flat-backed rhinestones, crystal beads, and pearl beads to adorn the shells.

Video: Seashell Hair Pins Pretty Enough for a Mermaid

This tutorial uses U-shaped hair pins designed for updo hairstyles such as buns, but you can adapt it with other accessories. For instance, to make a shell accessory for your bangs, use a bobby pin blank (a bobby pin with a flat disc for gluing items). Other possibilities include French hair barrettes or hair combs, which work well for statement pieces.

Regardless of the base you choose, these seashell hair accessories are sure to make a splash.

How to make Seashell Hair Pins:

1. Paint shells

Cover your work area with scrap paper. With a paintbrush, apply a generous coat of metallic acrylic paint to the inside of the shell.

Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour for thicker paint layers). Turn the shell over and paint the other side. Let it dry completely, about one hour.

2. Glue embellishments

After the paint dries, put a little glue on the inside of the shell. Add an embellishment according to your preferred style. For a pearl hair pin, for example, place a pearl bead on the shell. Flat-backed pearls from the craft store's scrapbook section also work.

Let it dry for one to two hours, or until the embellishment is secure. (Super glue takes about 24 hours to fully cure, but at this stage, you only need the glue dry enough to flip the shell over.)

3. Add hair pin

Put a small amount of glue on the top of the hair pin.

Press the hair pin onto the back of the shell.

4. Let dry

Allow to dry for at least 24 hours. This ensures the glue is fully set.

Once dry, your seashell hair jewelry is ready to wear! Try styling it with other pretty accessories, like hair rings or hair beads, for the ultimate mermaid-inspired beach hair look.