Can You Swim with Box Braids?

However, swimming with box braids comes with concerns. Some hairstyles become dry and frizzy when getting wet for a long time. Box braids are one of those hairstyles that lose their shape and beauty due to dryness and frizziness. 

Now, the summer season is fast approaching. We will be talking more about swimming with box braids. What are the consequences, and how to take care of your box braids better? So that you will have your best summer experience in the pool or on the beach without any hair worries!

Box Braid, the Best Summer Hairstyle

If you are searching for a new hairstyle this summer, box braids should be on your list of considerations. It has been dubbed as the ultimate hairstyle that is perfect for travel, vacation, pool parties, and beach outings. 

It is normal to worry about the consequences of swimming with box braids. But the good news is you can swim with them when installed correctly. That’s right! You just need to make sure that they are installed correctly. They won’t get dehydrated and frizzy after your swimming session only if they are installed correctly.

Plus, they serve as a protection for your natural hair as they encase them within. Correct installation guarantees protection for your natural hair as the box braids won’t slip out. If you hate using swimming caps, this could be the perfect hairstyle you’re looking for. Who wears swimming caps with a bikini? 

3 Things You Must Remember When Choosing Box Braid Hairstyle

Install the box braids with sufficient tension before swimming. Avoid making it too tight that it could pull your hair out. This not only hurts your scalp but can also damage it.

Pull the hair taut as you braid down. After your swimming session, you could quickly notice a frizz if the box braids were not installed with sufficient tension.

Seal the box braids with hot water. Prepare boiling water before you start installing with box braids. Then, seal it afterward. Hot water is the best way to seal the box braids permanently. So that they will not unravel when they come in contact with the water; this could also help prevent frizziness after your swimming session.

Common Issues with Box Braids Hairstyle

Now that you already have the basics when installing box braids, does this mean you can be worry-free? Opppps, not yet! Perfectly installed box braids only guarantee worry-free of unraveling and frizziness.

Even though your box braids are perfectly installed, there are still concerns that are important to take note of. The following are:

Chlorinated Pool Water – This is the first and primary concern of swimming with box braids. Even though you are styling your hair in a protective style, the chemical in the pool water can still damage your hair. Chlorine strips away the natural oils of the hair. Thus, stripping away moisture, leading to dry and damaged-looking hair.

Some people immediately notice a difference in their box braids after swimming for the first time. Thus, your hair will eventually become weak and break when you regularly swim in chlorinated pool water.

Heavy braids – This is a warning to those who have box braids or are still planning to have them. There’s a massive difference in weight between dry box braid and wet box braid. Water weighs down the braids as you swim in the pool or at the beach. 

Do not forget that some people cannot tolerate the extra weight of the wet box braids. 

Mold and Mildew – these two occur when box braids are constantly wet. Taking preventive measures against these two is essential because they are hard to eliminate. Make sure that you always dry your hair properly after your swimming sessions. This is to avoid an unpleasant smell and mold growth in your hair.

>>> Read more: Two-Strand Twist With Extensions and Weave: Everything You Need To Know <<<

4 Helpful Tips When Swimming with Box Braids

1. Wet your hair

Take a shower to wet your hair before swimming. Getting your hair wet is the best way to protect your box braids from any damage. Chlorine in the pool or the salt water cannot fully penetrate your hair when they are wet. 

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil after wetting your hair.

Apply what is available between the two, and let it settle for 10 minutes before swimming. Leave-in conditioners offer protection to your hair by adding hydration and moisture.

Coconut oil can be your best friend. But they are not always available anywhere, like leave-in conditioners. Like leave-in conditioners, it offers protection by helping your scalp produce sebum to moisturize your hair. It also protects the keratin in your hair, making it wet and smooth.

Applying leave-in conditioner or coconut oil before swimming helps to protect your hair so that chlorine in the pool cannot easily penetrate and damage your hair.

3. Rinse your hair with clean water 

After swimming in the pool or the sea, you always want to make sure to wash your hair with clean water thoroughly. This is to wash out the chlorine or salt water that can make your hair dry and frizzy.

You may also moisturize your scalp by adding any oil. Such as Olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil. 

4. Dry your box braids thoroughly after rinsing your hair with clean water.

This is to prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew hair. This also avoids fungal growth that causes an unpleasant smell to your hair. 

You may air dry your hair by gently squeezing out excess water, then let your box braids rest freely until it gets dry. You may also use a hooded dryer which is the best way to dry your box braids. A hooded dryer dries your hair more quickly than air drying. 

Conclusion

Swimming with box braids is not something to be afraid of! Especially now that you already know what are the things that you should and you should not do. Always take preventive and protective measures for your box braids so that you can end the summer season without so much hair stress. 

So, stop wondering if you can swim with box braids! Instead, grab your swimwear and sunscreen and answer the beach’s calls!