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.