Can You Swim With Braids? Everything You Need to Know
- kamogelo93
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
There’s nothing like a dip in the pool or the ocean to cool off in summer. But if you’re rocking long braids, you’ve probably wondered: is swimming going to ruin my hair? The short answer: no — but there are a few do’s and don’ts if you want your braids to survive pool days and still look fresh.
Before You Swim
1. Protect your braids from chlorine or salt Chlorine and salt water are notorious for drying out hair. Before you dive in, coat your braids and scalp with a lightweight oil like MPL Coconut Hair Oil or MPL Olive Hair Oil. This creates a barrier that helps lock in moisture.
2. Tie it up Braids are heavy when wet. Put them in a bun or secure them with a scrunchie before you swim to avoid unnecessary pulling on your roots. If you have cornrows, you can skip this step.
3. Consider a swimming cap (yes, really) It might not feel glamorous, but if you’re swimming often, a cap reduces exposure to chemicals and helps your style last longer.
After You Swim
1. Rinse, rinse, rinse Don’t let chlorine or salt linger. Rinse your braids with clean water straight after swimming, even if you don’t have time for a full wash.
2. Wash gently When you get a chance, a gentle cleanse with MPL Charcoal Shampoo and MPL Charcoal Conditioner will clear out build-up without roughing up your braids. Focus on the scalp and let the water run through the length.
3. Dry properly Never and we mean never tie up wet braids. Pat them down with a towel and let them air-dry. If you’re in a rush, use a blow dryer on the cool setting. This prevents mildew and keeps your scalp healthy.
4. Re-moisturise Swimming strips hair of oils, so top up your braids with a light scalp massage using either MPL Hair Treatment 5 Oils or MPL Vitamin E Hair Oil.
So the verdict is…
Yes, you can absolutely swim with braids — and you should, because that’s half of the reason to get braids for summer! The key is to prep, rinse, and care for them properly. With the right routine, you can enjoy every pool or beach day and your braids.
Love MPL, Your Hair Doctor
Image Source: Photo by Larbigno •: https://www.pexels.com/photo/confidenza-28208850/