by Musa Amin
Want to look stylish and still be able to swim without your hair getting wet? If so, you’re in luck—braids can be the perfect hairstyle for swimming!
But despite the growing popularity of braided hairstyles, there are still many questions about how waterproof braids really are.
Can you really swim with them? Will the water damage your hair? In this blog post, we’ll answer all those questions and more. Read on to learn all about braiding your hair for swimming and what you need to do to keep your hair healthy and beautiful while taking a dip in the pool or lake!
Can You Swim With Braids
While it is possible to swim with braids, it is important to take some precautions to ensure that your hair remains healthy and protected. First, make sure that your braids are secure and will not come undone while you are in the water.
You may want to use a swimming cap or scarf to help keep them in place. Second, avoid chlorine as much as possible by wearing a swim cap or using a pool with little or no chlorine.
Finally, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming and gently towel dry it to avoid any damage.
Yes, you can swim with braids!
Yes, you can swim with braids! Braids are a great way to keep your hair out of your face and maintain a sleek look while swimming. There are a few things to keep in mind when braiding your hair for swimming:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Wet or damp hair will be more difficult to braid and may result in frizz or flyaways.
- If you have long hair, consider putting it up in a high ponytail before braiding. This will help keep your hair out of your face and make it easier to work with.
- When braiding, be sure to use products that will help protect your hair from the sun and chlorine. A leave-in conditioner or serum can help add extra moisture and protection.
- After swimming, undo your braids and gently comb through your hair with your fingers. This will help prevent tangles and keep your hair looking smooth and healthy.
Wet Box Braids Concerns
Cute black girl with braided twists wearing a blue and white shirt in the summer.
There are some more things you should be aware of even if your box braids were done flawlessly and you’re not concerned about them becoming frizzy or unraveling.
We’ll discuss a few typical problems that arise with box braids below:
- Heavy braids: Water immediately weighs down braids, which can be a serious issue. We must caution you that there can be a big weight difference between dry box braids and wet box braids, and some people may not be able to tolerate that extra weight.
- Chlorinated pool water: Chlorine is bad for your hair, even when it’s styled in a protective way, so avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water. Your hair may go from being hydrated and soft to being dry and crunchy due to the chemical. Additionally, if you swim in chlorinated water frequently, your hair may eventually weaken and start to break. After only one visit to one of these pools, some people see a change in their hair.
- Mold and mildew: Wet braids serve as a haven for these fungi. If you get your hair wet and don’t dry it completely, you can soon smell something unpleasant or see mold growing. Preventing mold and mildew growth in your hair is essential since once it starts, it can be challenging to eradicate.
How to take care of your hair after swimming with braids
After swimming with braids, it is important to take care of your hair to prevent damage and keep it healthy. Here are some tips on how to take care of your hair after swimming with braids:
- Rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. This will help to remove any chlorine or salt water from your hair.
- Gently towel dry your hair and then let it air dry. Avoid using heat styling tools on wet hair as this can cause damage.
- If your hair feels frizzy or dry after swimming, you can apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or oil to help replenish moisture.
- Be sure to shampoo and condition your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy.
Things To Consider Before Swimming With Braids
There are a few things you should consider before swimming with braids, such as:
- Your hair type. If you have thin or fine hair, braids may not be the best option for you as they can cause breakage.
- The type of braid. If you choose to swim with braids, be sure to use a style that won’t come undone easily, such as french braids or fishtail braids.
- The length of your hair. Braids can put a lot of strain on your hair, so if your hair is shorter than shoulder length, it’s probably best to avoid them.
- Your scalp health. If you have any scalp conditions, such as dandruff or psoriasis, it’s best to avoid swimming with braids as the chlorine in pool water can aggravate these conditions.
Conclusion
Swimming with braids is a great way to enjoy the pool and water activities without having to worry about your hair getting damaged. Braids are easy to maintain and can be styled in many different ways, so you don’t have to worry about your look when swimming.
Whether you choose box braids or cornrows, make sure that they are done tight enough so that they won’t fall out while swimming. Enjoy your summertime swims with confidence knowing that you can do so without worrying about damaging your hair!
