Why Singers Should Drink More Water (and How to Do It Right)

When it comes to keeping your voice in good shape, there’s one drink that beats them all: plain, simple water. While teas, juices, and even fancy “voice care” drinks often get attention, nothing will help your singing voice quite like staying hydrated.

Why hydration matters for your voice

Your vocal folds work best when they’re surrounded by a thin, slippery layer of mucus. This natural lubrication allows them to vibrate freely and create sound without strain. But if you’re dehydrated, that mucus becomes thick and sticky. Suddenly, your voice may feel heavy, scratchy, or unresponsive.

Hydration isn’t just about singing, of course—your entire body depends on it. But singers notice the effects more quickly than most. A well-hydrated voice feels smoother, more flexible, and less prone to fatigue.

How to drink water for healthy vocal folds

How much water should you drink? Depends on whom you ask, but many people say 2 litres is a good rule of thumb. But it depends on a lot of different factors, like the weather, your activity levels, etc.

The trick is not just how much water you drink, but how you drink it. Chugging a litre in one go may make you feel “caught up,” but your body can’t absorb large amounts of water all at once. Instead, you’ll just be running to the bathroom more often.

A smarter strategy is to sip water steadily throughout the day. Think of it like topping up your hydration instead of flooding your system. Aim to take a sip every 30 minutes or so, especially if you’re talking a lot, singing, or spending time in dry environments.

Make hydration a singing habit

For many singers, drinking water isn’t just a health tip—it’s a performance strategy. If you know you’re rehearsing, recording, or performing later, make sure you’ve been sipping water steadily all day. That way, your voice will already be ready to go.

It’s a small habit with a big payoff: more comfort, more control, and less strain when you sing. So keep that water bottle nearby and let it become part of your singer’s toolkit.

Bonus tip: A glass of water is also great for practising straw phonation! Read more about straw phonation here.