Hey ladies! In our previous blogs, we've shared a variety of easy and stylish summer braid hairstyles perfect for those who love natural, aesthetic looks.
26 Must-Try Goddess Braids To Stay Cool And Stylish This Summer
To most people, summer is all about having fun in the water—whether you're surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming.While these activities are fantastic for staying fit and having a blast, they can wreak havoc on your hair, especially if you’re sporting braids or natural curls. That refreshing water might feel amazing, but it often leaves our hair dry, brittle, and frizzy. Moreover, hitting the pool or beach with braids can lead to tangling, slipping, or an itchy scalp.
So why does this happen, and how can we protect our hair and braids while enjoying water sports? Let's dive into this new guide with HOTBRAIDS! We’ll explore what causes hair damage when swimming and share tips on how to protect your hair and braids while enjoying your time in the water.
Table of Contents
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What exactly damages your natural hair and braids when swimming?
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Which Braids Are Better for Swimming: Box Braids, Knotless Braids, or Twist Braids?
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Synthetic Braids vs. Human Hair Braids,Which Is More Durable and Tangle Less When Swimming?
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What Hair Products Are Recommended for Swimmers with Human Hair Braids?
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What Are the Essential Tips to Secure and Protect Your Braids Before Swimming?
What exactly damages your natural hair and braids when swimming?
We have discovered through extensive research that when we swim in pools, lakes, or oceans, several key factors contribute to the damage of natural hair and braids. These factors include:
Saltwater: Salt might seems natural but it absorbs moisture, leading to dehydrated and brittle hair, especially if you have braids that hold onto the water for longer periods.
Chlorine：The chlorine in pools strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This chemical can also cause your braids to become rough and frizzy.
UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can further dry out your hair and fade its color, especially when combined with the effects of chlorine or saltwater.
Contributing Factors of Build-up: Chlorine and salt can leave a residue on your hair and braids, leading to scalp irritation, dandruff, and an itchy scalp. This build-up can also make your braids look dull and lifeless.
Friction: The movement of your braids in the water, combined with the friction of water, can cause your braids to tangle, loosen, and even slide off. This friction can also lead to split ends and fraying, particularly if your braids are tight.
Which Braids Are Better for Swimming: Box Braids, Knotless Braids, or Twist Braids?
When choosing braids for swimming, it's important to consider more than just appearance and texture as you would on land. Water will soak into your hair and braids, adding extra weight and potentially increasing tension on your scalp. Unlike choosing braids for everyday wear, where looks and texture might be the priority, swimming braids should be selected based on factors like scalp comfort, bulkiness, drying time, and how you'll care for them during and after swimming. Your decision should align with both your personal preferences and the practical needs of maintaining healthy braids in a wet environment.
Knotless box braids are generally considered better for swimming compared to traditional box braids and twist braids for several reasons:
Scalp Comfort and Less Tension: Knotless box braids start with your natural hair before gradually incorporating extensions. This technique creates less tension on the scalp then traditional box braids, which is particularly beneficial when your hair gets wet and heavier from swimming. Less tension means reduced chances of hair pulling and scalp discomfort.
Less Bulk: Knotless box braids often have better result to lock the hair at roots but with less bulky feel, which makes them more comfortable and less cumbersome in the water.
Easier to Dry: Knotless braids are lighter and less dense, they tend to dry faster than box braids or twist braids, reducing the risk of mildew or mold.
However,box braids and twist braids are still popular for swimming because they are durable and can also be protected with proper care if ignoring the disadvantages that twist braids might unravel more easily in water,and box braids are mostly with press tension to scalp.
Despite their challenges, box braids and twist braids remain popular choices for swimming due to their durability. With the right care, both styles can be protected in water. It's important to note, however, that twist braids may unravel more easily, and box braids often apply more pressure to the scalp. To make traditional box braids and twist braids more swimmer-friendly, you can solve these issues with a few key adjustments:
For Traditional Box Braids:
1.Add proper tension on scalp when braiding：Apply the right amount of tension when adding braiding hair extensions to avoid strain on your scalp.
2.Keep the size and length of your braids manageable: Avoid using overly thick or long braids, as they can add unnecessary weight and tension.
For Twist Braids:
1.Secure the roots: Starting with 3-5 small braids before transitioning into twists. This will lock the hair in place.
2.Opt for a protective styles before swimming:Gathering your twists into a bun or braid. This helps reduce movement and friction in the water.
Synthetic Braids vs. Human Hair Braids,Which Is More Durable and Tangle Less When Swimming?
Synthetic braids:
Less Absorbent: Synthetic fibers typically absorb less water than human hair, which can mean less weight when swimming.
Tangle-Prone: However, synthetic hair is more prone to tangling and can become matted especially when exposed to chlorine or saltwater.
Human Hair braids:
More Natural Movement: Human hair braids moves more naturally in the water, which can result in fewer tangles compared to stiffer synthetic options.
Absorbs More Water: This type of hair will absorb more water, which could lead to tangles if the braids are not well maintained.
Durability and Maintenance: Human hair braids are more durable but require more maintenance post-swimming to restore its natural texture and condition.
What Hair Products Are Recommended for Swimmers with Human Hair Braids?
If you are a swimmer go for human hair braids, it's important to choose products with specific ingredients that protect and maintain the hair.
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo:Sulfates can strip natural oils and moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and brittleness, especially after exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
- UV Protection:UV rays can cause damage to your hair, leading to dryness and color fading. UV-protective ingredients help shield your hair from sun damage.
- Chlorine-Removing Agents:Chlorine can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Products with chlorine-removing agents help to cleanse and protect your hair.There are various of swim hair products available to choose from.
- Natural oils and Moisturizing Ingredients:Swimming can strip moisture from your hair, so it's essential to use products that restore and lock in hydration.Natural oils such as Argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are excellent for moisturizing and protecting hair.They help to seal the hair cuticle and provide protection against chlorine and saltwater.
- Protein Treatments:Protein helps to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage, especially important for chemically treated or damaged hair.
- Antioxidants:Antioxidants help to protect your hair from environmental damage, including from chlorine and UV exposure.
How Long Should I Wait to Swim After Getting Braids?
You can swim immediately after getting braids, but we often recommended to wait at least a day or two, allows your braids to settle, reducing the likelihood of them loosening or frizzing prematurely. Additionally, waiting a bit helps your scalp adjust to the tension from the braids, which can be especially important if your braids are tight.
However, if you're planning to swim right after getting braids, be sure to protect them by thoroughly conditioning and moisturizing your hair, and using a swim cap to minimize exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
What Are the Essential Tips to Secure and Protect Your Braids Before Swimming?
- Refresh your hair:Make sure your hair is clean and refresh before swimming,this can help reduce the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs and extra build-up.
- Moisturize with leave-in conditioner:Use a leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment to help protect and moisturize your braids. This can create a barrier against chlorine and saltwater.
- Opt for a protective hairstyle:Ensure your braids are securely fastened and neatly done. Wrap your hair with a wig net is a good option recommend.
- Wear a silicone swim cap:Wear a swim cap to minimize exposure to chlorine and saltwater. Silicone swim caps are generally more effective at keeping water out compared to latex caps.There are various sizes available to accommodate different requirements for both short and long braid styles.
How to Prevent Frizz in Braids After Swimming?
Wash and Condition: Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming,wash and condition with swim products to remove chlorine or salt.
Dry Braids carefully: Gently pat your braids dry with a towel,or blow dry with a low heat,avoid rubbing and high heat, which can cause tangling and breakage.
Scalp care: Use light oils or leave-in conditioners to keep your hair and scalp moisturized. Products with natural ingredients are preferable.
How often should I wash braids if I swim regularly?
If you swim regularly, it's important to maintain the cleanliness and health of your braids. Here's a recommended washing routine:
Rinse and Condition After Every Swim
Rinse with Fresh Water: After each swim, rinse your braids thoroughly with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities. This step helps prevent buildup and keeps your hair healthy.
Use a Diluted Shampoo: Consider diluting your shampoo with water to make it easier to apply and rinse out of your braids.
Use UV Protection hair products:UV protection shampoo and conditioners are recommended for swimmers who regularly swim outside.
Conclusion:
Now that you've mastered the key strategies to protect your natural hair and human hair braids from the drying and itching effects of pool and ocean water, why wait? Dive right in and enjoy the water with your braids! At HotBraids, we offer a variety of human braiding hair textures that are not only stylish but also functional for the active individual. They're the perfect solution for swimmers looking to maintain a cornrowed look without exposing their natural hair to potential damage from pool chemicals or saltwater.
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!