Our Top 6 Recommeded Hairstyles For Swimming

The summer is in full swing and most of us are finding time to have a little fun in the sun. Whether you are staying close to home having a staycation, or taking a trip out of the state or out of the country, the need for some cooling off while frolicking in the hot weather is just what most of us want to stay sane, focused and healthy.

A wonderful way to stay fit while cooling off is getting wet and that can be through a pool or hitting one of the many coastal regions and getting in the water.I just left Cali and although the water looked inviting I wasn’t in the mood for fooling with my hair.

To be honest I hadn’t prepared it properly and was just rocking my tried and true wash and go. Wash and go’s always work for me but during vacation it was more of a hassle than it was worth so getting in a pool or the ocean was not in the cards.

Here are basic rules for all lengths of natural hair wearers to take prior to taking a dip:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly with tap water to help combat the chlorinated or salt water penetrating the strand
2. Apply a heavy oil like coconut oil* to your hair liberally.
3. Apply a cheap but good conditioner.
4. Put your hair into a protected style to steer clear of tangles.

Believe it or not, swimming in pools with chlorine or in the ocean with salt can be detrimental to your tresses. I do know there are styles that are more convenient to water lovers in the natural hair world that seem to make the experience better with less work and tangles to deal with before and after your dip.

You need to prepare before you take a dip and repair your hair after it to keep your hair damage-free. In addition to that would be picking the right hairstyles that allow you to enjoy the water but not at the expense of your hair. Here are a few suggestions:

Finger coils- If you no longer have a typical TWA or it’s longer on the top with tapered sides then finger coils will keep those pesky tangles away. They are super cute too so give them a try.

Wearing a swimming cap – not really a style but it will better protect your hair with one than without one. Also, your hair will fit better under a swimming cap than with longer hair so take advantage of your cropped mane and enjoy.

Buns- Buns are great and not-so-great during water play. They are elegant, simple, easy and flirty but will all of your hair in one big bun it can get tangled up something awful if you dunk your head in the water or swim.

If you are just keeping it above water or hanging out in the hot tub bun it up and do it sexy!  Pull out a few hairs near your ears and twirl them around your fingers for a flirty bun that you can do either messy, high, side, or to the back. (Perfect for long hair as well)

Braided Ponytails– What a great way to get your hair out of your face and protected without taking too much time to create! A braided ponytail is better than a regular ponytail because you are less likely to get tangled hair as looser natural hair will tangle in a pool or from sea water.

It can be one big ponytail or three or four braided and banded together in one scrunchy. Make sure to use a ouchless scrunchy or ouchless barrett to hold your hair.  (Perfect for long hair)

Flat / Two-strand Twists – A great style for the summer and perfect for water play. Your hair will be detangled, separated and either in loose twists or detangled, close to your head in flat twists. Either style will keep your hair stylish and protected while you swim and enjoy yourself.

If using flat twists remember to use more than a few as more twists will keep smaller sections of hair detangled better than bigger sections of your hair like just a flat twist around the edges.

Bantu knots- always a cute and favorite style for summer, bantu knots are perfect for keeping your hair tangled free, and removing those fragile edges from the chlorine and seawater.

Keep them tucked and twisted and keep your hair from being in your face. Probably the best style for swimming in my opinion. All these styles can be used on more than one length so experiment and figure out which ones work best for you. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming and wash immediately and deep condition every time, your hair will thank you for it!