ALBAWABA Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit, relax, and have fun, but it can be challenging to manage your hair while in the water. Whether you swim casually or are an avid swimmer, finding the right hairstyle is crucial to minimize damage and maintain comfort.
Here's a guide to the best hairstyles for swimming, blending practicality with style.
1. The Classic Bun
Why it Works:
- Keeps Hair in Place: A high or low bun secures your hair tightly, reducing the chances of tangling.
- Minimizes Chlorine Damage: By keeping your hair in a compact shape, less surface area is exposed to chlorine and saltwater.
- Versatile: Works well for all hair types and lengths.
How to Do It:
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun.
- Secure with a hair tie and, if needed, use bobby pins for extra hold.
2. Braids
Why it Works:
- Reduces Tangles: Braiding keeps hair strands neatly in place, preventing tangles and knots.
- Protects Hair: Less surface area is exposed to water, which can help prevent damage from chlorine and salt.
- Stylish and Functional: Braids look great and can be worn outside the pool too.
Popular Braiding Styles:
- French Braid: Starting at the crown, weave hair tightly down to the nape of the neck.
- Dutch Braid: Similar to a French braid but with the hair sections crossing under instead of over.
- Boxer Braids: Two tight French or Dutch braids starting at the hairline and extending down.
3. The Swim Cap
Why it Works:
- Ultimate Protection: Provides the best protection against chlorine and saltwater, reducing hair damage.
- Streamlined: Keeps hair out of your face and offers a smooth, hydrodynamic profile.
- Hygienic: Helps keep hair products out of the pool.
How to Wear It:
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail or bun.
- Stretch the swim cap over your head, starting at the forehead and pulling it back.
- Tuck any stray hairs underneath the cap.
4. Low Ponytail or Pigtails
Why it Works:
- Easy and Quick: Simple to style, making it perfect for quick pool sessions.
- Minimal Damage: Keeps hair controlled without pulling too tightly.
- Comfortable: Less pressure on the scalp, making it a comfortable choice for longer swims.
How to Do It:
- Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with a hair tie.
- For pigtails, part your hair down the middle and tie each section into low ponytails.
5. Twists
Why it Works:
- Protective Style: Keeps hair secure and protected from water damage.
- Reduces Tangles: Similar to braids, twists keep hair strands together, minimizing tangles.
- Quick and Easy: Easier to create than braids and still effective.
How to Do It:
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Twist each section from the roots to the ends.
- Secure each twist with a small elastic band.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair While Swimming
- Pre-Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier.
- Post-Swim Care: Always rinse your hair immediately after swimming to remove chlorine and salt. Follow up with a gentle shampoo and deep conditioner.
- Hydration: Keep your hair moisturized with regular deep conditioning treatments to combat the drying effects of chlorine and saltwater.
- Protective Oils: Applying natural oils like coconut or argan oil before swimming can provide an extra layer of protection.
