Can You Swim with Box Braids?

Is it possible to swim with box braids? This is a million-dollar question for those who have box braids or are simply curious—technically, yes, of course! People can swim and enjoy the pool or beach regardless of their haircut.

Swimming with box braids, on the other hand, raises problems. When wet for an extended period of time, some hairstyles become dry and frizzy. Box braids are one of those hairstyles that lose shape and beauty as a result of frizziness and dryness. 

The summer season is almost approaching. We'll talk more about swimming with box braids later. What are the repercussions, and how can you better care for your box braids? So you can enjoy your summer in the pool or on the beach without having to worry about your hair!

Box Braid, the Best Summer Hairstyle

If you're looking for a new hairdo for the summer, box braids should be on your list of options. It has been dubbed the ultimate haircut for travel, vacation, pool parties, and beach vacations. 

It is natural to be concerned about the effects of swimming with box braids. The good news is that you can swim with them if they are properly fitted. That's correct! You only need to ensure that they are properly fitted. Only if they are properly placed will they get dehydrated and frizzy after your swimming session.

Furthermore, because they enclose your natural hair, they protect it. Correct placement ensures that the box braids do not fall out of your natural hair. If you dislike wearing swimming hats, this could be the ideal haircut for you. Who wears swimming hats while wearing a bikini?

3 Things You Must Remember When Choosing Box Braid Hairstyle

Before swimming, tension the box braids sufficiently. Make it as tight as possible without pulling your hair out. This not only irritates but also damages your scalp.

As you braid your hair down, keep it taut. If the box braids were not set with enough tension, you might notice a frizz after your swim session.

With hot water, seal the box braids. Prepare boiling water before beginning to attach box braids. After that, seal it. The best approach to permanently seal the box braids is with hot water. So they don't unravel when they come into touch with water; this may also assist avoid frizziness after your swimming session.

Common Issues with Box Braids Hairstyle

Is it safe to say that now that you know the fundamentals of box braid installation, you can relax? Oh no, not yet! Only perfectly installed box braids ensure that there will be no unraveling or frizziness.

Even if your box braids are expertly installed, there are a few things you should be aware of. The following are examples:

Chlorinated Pool Water - This is the first and most important issue to consider when swimming with box braids. Even if you arrange your hair in a protective style, the chemicals in the pool water can still cause harm. Chlorine depletes the hair's natural oils. As a result, moisture is stripped away, resulting in dry, damaged-looking hair.

After swimming for the first time, some people notice a difference in their box braids. When you swim in chlorinated pool water on a frequent basis, your hair will eventually get fragile and break.

Heavy braids - This is a caution to individuals who have box braids or are thinking about getting them. There is a significant weight difference between dry box braid and moist box braid. As you swim in the pool or at the beach, water weights down your braids. 

Remember that some people cannot stand the added weight of the damp box braids. 

Mold and mildew form when box braids are consistently damp. Because these two are difficult to eradicate, taking preventive actions is critical. Always be sure to thoroughly dry your hair after swimming workouts. This is done to prevent an unpleasant odor and mold growth in your hair.

4 Helpful Tips When Swimming with Box Braids

1. Wet your hair

Before swimming, take a shower to damp your hair. Getting your hair moist is the greatest approach to prevent harm to your box braids. When your hair is wet, chlorine from the pool or salt water cannot fully penetrate it. 

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

Apply whatever is available between the two and wait 10 minutes before swimming. Leave-in conditioners protect your hair by hydrating and moisturizing it.

Coconut oil can be a lifesaver. However, they are not always readily available, such as leave-in conditioners. It provides protection, similar to leave-in conditioners, by assisting your scalp in producing sebum to hydrate your hair. It also protects your hair's keratin, keeping it moist and smooth.

Applying leave-in conditioner or coconut oil to your hair before swimming helps to protect it from the chlorine in the pool, which can easily infiltrate and harm it.

3. Rinse your hair with clean water 

After swimming in the pool or the sea, you should always properly wash your hair with clean water. This is to remove the chlorine or salt water that might cause your hair to become dry and frizzy.

You can also use any oil to hydrate your scalp. Olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil are examples. 

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

This is done to prevent the growth of mold and mildew hair. This also prevents fungal growth, which generates an unpleasant odor in your hair. 

You can let your hair air dry by gently squeezing out excess water and allowing your box braids to lie freely until it is dry. You may also use a hooded dryer to dry your box braids, which is the ideal way to do it. A hooded dryer will dry your hair faster than air drying. 

Conclusion

Swimming with box braids is not a scary prospect! Especially if you already know what you should and should not do. Always take preventive and protective measures for your box braids so that you may finish the summer without having to worry about your hair. 

So, no longer question if you can swim with box braids! Instead, take your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to the beach!