Can You Swim with Hair Extensions?

Swimming is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, so can you swim with hair extensions? The answer is yes but it can pose challenges for those with hair extensions, so there will be must-do rules you need to follow to avoid damaging them. After reading this article, we make sure that you can enjoy swimming while keeping your hair extensions looking healthy and fabulous!

How Water Affects Your Extensions

Swimming in various water environments can affect your hair extensions to different degrees, with some being more damaging than others.

In Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical used in swimming pools. It can strip away natural oils and moisture from both your hair and the extensions themselves. It may also infiltrate the bonds of fusion, keratin, or tape-in extensions. This weakens their structure, increasing the chances of slipping, shedding, and premature removal. 

In addition, chlorine can react with the pigments in both natural hair and colored extensions, causing fading, brassiness, or unwanted color changes (especially problematic for blonde or light-colored extensions).

In Saltwater

Can you get hair extensions wet in saltwater? While less severe than chlorine, saltwater still contributes to moisture loss, making hair and extensions feel rough and prone to breakage. Additionally, saltwater can affect the adhesive used for tape-in extensions, potentially causing them to loosen or fall out. Saltwater can also contribute to color fading over time, especially if your extensions are not rinsed properly after swimming.

In Freshwater

Freshwater is generally the gentlest on extensions. The absence of harsh chemicals or salt makes fresh water gentler on the bonds or tapes used to attach hair extensions. This reduces the risk of loosening or premature removal of extensions. However, prolonged exposure can still contribute to some dryness. That’s why you should follow some guides to protect your hair extensions from potential damage.

How to Protect Your Hair Extensions When Swimming?

Actually, you can swim in all types of water I mentioned above, but it’s important to take precautions and follow proper care routines to minimize damage and maintain the health and appearance of your extensions. Here are some tips for swimming with hair extensions:

Before Swimming

• For temporary hair extensions such as Halo, clip-ins, just take them off before swimming
• Wear a Swim Cap: A swim cap can act as a protective barrier between your hair extensions and the water, reducing the risk of exposure to chlorine, salt, and other impurities.
• Rinse with Fresh Water: Rinsing your extensions with fresh water before entering the pool or ocean can help minimize the absorption of chlorine, salt, or other impurities.
• Apply Protective Products: Use a leave-in conditioner or a protective spray formulated for swimmers to provide an extra layer of protection against chlorine, saltwater, and UV rays. Apply a few drops of natural oil like argan or coconut oil, focusing on the ends to provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent dryness.
• Strategic Styling: Braid your hair to minimize tangling and make post-swim detangling much easier.

While You’re Swimming

• Minimize Submersion: The less time your extensions spend underwater, the better your extensions are. Try these options:

• Just Dip, Don’t Dunk: If you just want to cool off, dip in and out instead of fully submerging your head.
• Keep Your Head High: When swimming, practice styles that keep your head mostly above water (like the backstroke or freestyle with a snorkel).

• Rinse Strategically:

• Chlorine Pools: If possible, rinse your hair with clean water every 15-20 minutes of pool time. This helps dilute the chlorine and reduce its buildup.
• Saltwater: A quick freshwater rinse after exiting the ocean or sea minimizes salt residue and helps start the detangling process.

• Handle with care:

• Avoid Tugging: Don’t aggressively pull at your hair or extensions while wet, as they’re more prone to breakage.
• No Tight Ponytails: If you must tie your hair up while wet, opt for a loose style to avoid extra tension on the bonds.

• Swim Cap Assistance: If you’re wearing a swim cap, periodically tuck any stray hairs back into the cap to keep them protected.

Post-Swim Hair Care

Proper after-swim care is absolutely crucial to reverse the effects of the water and restore your hair and extensions to their best condition. Here’s the step-by-step routine:

• Immediate Rinse: As soon as you get out of the pool or ocean, thoroughly rinse your hair with clean, fresh water. This helps remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities.

• Gentle Cleansing:

Clarifying shampoo: Use a gentle clarifying shampoo designed to remove chlorine, salt, and product buildup. Focus on the scalp and roots, while gently rubbing the suds down your hair. (How frequently you swim determines how often you should use clarifying shampoo.)

Moisturizing shampoo: On days when you don’t use a clarifying shampoo, opt for a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo to restore hydration. 

• Deep Conditioning Extravaganza:

• Rich Mask: Apply a deep conditioning mask, paying extra attention to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Leave it on as directed (usually 5-20 minutes).
• Warmth Encouraged: For maximum penetration, wrap your hair in a warm towel while the mask does its magic.

• Careful Detangling:

• Wide-Tooth Comb: Start with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.
• Detangling Products: Use a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner formulated for extensions to ease knots.
• Work in Sections: Detangle small sections at a time, starting at the ends and moving upwards.

• Gentle Drying:

• Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot hair gently with a microfiber towel to avoid frizz and minimize stress on the extensions.
• Air Dry When Possible: Limit heat styling as much as possible. If you must blow-dry, use a low heat setting and a heat protectant spray.

Additional Notifications

Here are some additional tips that you need to take note of to properly maintain your extensions when swimming

• Schedule a checkup with your stylist within a week or two of swimming, especially if you swam frequently or noticed any tangling or slippage. Since stylists have specialized tools and techniques to address early signs of damage and reinforce bonds if needed.
• Don’t overuse haircare products. After-swim care is crucial, but overuse of heavy conditioners, leave-in treatments, or styling products can leave residues that attract impurities, weigh down extensions, and stress bonds. You should focus on gentle cleansing and lightweight moisture when not using clarifying products.
• Use some swim-friendly hairstyles, such as braids, twists, and multiple mini-buns, or use hair accessories like scarves to control wet hair.
• Consider choosing waterproof extensions, such as microlink/beaded extensions, with beads made from materials like silicone or plastic, creating a strong and watertight connection.

Conclusion

So, that’s all about “Can you swim with hair extensions”, actually swimming won’t break the bonds in your hair extensions, but it’s still advisable to avoid getting your extensions wet for longer than a few hours at a time. More importantly, you need to choose high-quality hair extensions to ensure that your hair is minimally affected when swimming. 

Luxshine Hair is a reliable choice for those who love swimming but want to use hair extensions. We’re one of the most reputable Vietnam hair vendors. Visit our blog for more tips about extensions and hair care, or contact us via WhatsApp at (+84) 862 552 088 to avoid missing any great deals.