Can You Swim With Box Braids?

Can you swim wearing box braids? This is a million-dollar question for those who have box braids or are simply interested about them—technically, yes, of course! People may swim and enjoy the pool or beach, regardless of their haircut.

However, swimming with box braids raises issues. Some hairstyles get dry and frizzy after being wet for a long period. Box braids are one of the hairstyles that lose their form and elegance as they dry and frizz. 

The summer season is quickly coming. We'll speak more about swimming with box braids. What are the implications, and how can you take better care of your box braids? So you can enjoy your finest summer experience at the pool or on the beach with no hair problems!

Box Braid, the Best Summer Hairstyle

If you're looking for a new hairdo this summer, box braids should be considered. It has been termed the ultimate haircut, ideal for travel, vacation, pool parties, and beach trips. 

It is fair to be concerned about the risks of swimming with box braids. The good news is that, when properly implanted, you can swim with them. That's correct!  You only need to ensure that they are placed appropriately. They will not get dehydrated or frizzy after your swim exercise if they are properly placed.

In addition, they protect your natural hair by encasing it. Correct installation ensures that the box braids do not fall out of place, protecting your natural hair. If you dislike wearing swimming hats, this may be the ideal haircut for you. Who wears swim hats with a bikini?

3 Things You Must Remember When Choosing Box Braid Hairstyle

Before swimming, make sure the box braids are tight enough. Avoid making it so tight that it pulls your hair out. This not only aches, but it can also harm your scalp.

Pull your hair taut as you braid down. If the box braids were not put with enough tension, you may feel a frizz after your swim.

Seal the box braids with hot water. Prepare boiling water before beginning to attach box braids. Then seal it thereafter. Hot water is the most effective approach to permanently seal the box braids. So they don't unravel when they come into touch with the water; this may also assist avoid frizziness after your swim practice.

Common Issues with Box Braids Hairstyle

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

Even if your box braids are expertly put, you need be aware of a few issues. The following are:

- Chlorinated Pool Water - This is the most important consideration while swimming with box braids.  Even if you're wearing a protective style, the chemicals in the pool water might still harm your hair. Chlorine removes the natural oils in the hair. Thus, moisture is stripped away, resulting in dry and damaged-looking hair.

- Following their first swim, several people notice an instant improvement in their box braids. As a result, swimming in chlorinated pool water on a frequent basis causes your hair to weaken and break.

- Heavy braids - This is a caution to individuals who have or want to have box braids. There is a significant weight difference between dry and wet box braid. Water weights down the braids when you swim in the pool or on the beach. 

- Remember that some people are unable to endure the additional weight of the wet box braids. 

- Mold and mildew arise when box braids are consistently damp. Taking preventative actions against these two is critical since they are difficult to remove. Make careful to dry your hair correctly after swimming workouts. This is to prevent unwanted odors and mold growth in your hair.

4 Helpful Tips When Swimming with Box Braids

1. Wet your hair

Take a shower to get your hair moist before swimming. Getting your hair damp is the most effective approach to prevent your box braids from harm. When your hair is wet, chlorine from the pool or salt water cannot permeate it completely. 

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

Apply what is available between the two, then let it sit for 10 minutes before swimming. Leave-in conditioners preserve your hair by providing hydration and nourishment.

Coconut oil can become your best buddy. However, they are not always readily available, such as leave-in conditioners. It, like leave-in conditioners, provides protection by encouraging your scalp to generate sebum, which moisturizes your hair. It also preserves the keratin in your hair, keeping it hydrated and silky.

Applying leave-in conditioner or coconut oil before swimming protects your hair from chlorine damage.

3. Rinse your hair with clean water 

After swimming in the pool or sea, you should always properly wash your hair with clean water. This is done to remove any chlorine or salt from your hair, which can cause it to become dry and frizzy.

You may also hydrate your scalp by using any oil. These include 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 avoid the formation of mold and mildew hair. This also prevents fungal development, which generates an unpleasant fragrance in your hair. 

You may air dry your hair by gently wringing out excess water, and then let your box braids lay freely until they are dry. You may also use a hooded dryer, which is the ideal method to dry box braids. A hooded drier dries your hair more faster than air drying.

Conclusion

Swimming with box braids is nothing to worry about! Especially now that you know what you should and shouldn't do. Always take preventative and protective steps for your box braids to ensure that the summer season ends without too much hair stress. 

So stop worrying if you can swim in box braids! Instead, take your swimsuit and sunscreen and head for the beach!