If you're a sun-chasing, ocean-loving person who has hair extensions—or you're thinking of getting some—you've likely asked yourself: "Can you swim with hair extensions?" After all, the joy of diving into the pool or sea without worrying about damaging your hair is a feeling worth protecting. The short answer is yes, you can swim with hair extensions, but it requires proper care. We’ve put together a guide on how you can enjoy a swim while keeping your extensions intact and your natural hair healthy.
Can You Swim With Hair Extensions?
Whether you're headed to the Côte d’Ivoire, St. Barthélemy, the crystal-clear waters of St. Kitts & Nevis or simply want to do some laps at your local pool, here's how you can enjoy your time in the water while taking care of your hair extensions. We'll cover the different types of hair extensions, how to protect them in salt water, chlorinated water, and more.
The Types of Hair Extensions You Can Swim With
Not all types of hair extensions handle water equally, and knowing your extension type is the first step in protecting them from potential damage.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
These are some of the most popular options for those who want seamless, natural-looking hair. While they can withstand water, the bonds of your hair extensions can weaken over time with prolonged water exposure. Tape-in hair extensions need extra care when swimming because the adhesive can break down in salt water, chlorinated pools, or seawater.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
These are a great way to add length and volume temporarily, but they should not be worn while swimming. If you're heading to Trinidad & Tobago or Cape Verde for a beach holiday, clip-in extensions are a good idea to add after your swim but take them out before taking a dip.
Micro Rings and Nano Rings
These types of extensions are more durable and handle water exposure better than tape-ins. However, like with any extensions, too much exposure to salt water or chlorinated pool water can lead to tangling, dryness, and potential problems with the bonds.
Genius Weft Hair Extensions
Wefts are another common choice for long-lasting extensions. These, too, can handle some water, but they require extra care and maintenance, especially if you're regularly swimming in pool water or the sea.
Synthetic Fibres vs. Human Hair Extensions
Synthetic extensions are more prone to damage when exposed to water. Human hair extensions, especially high-quality ones like Slavic hair, tend to fare better, but they still need proper care to avoid becoming a tangled mess. We’ve all seen what seawater can do to our hair – and that’s without the extensions.
The Best Way to Protect Your Extensions
Swimming in salt water, chlorinated pools, or even fresh water can all cause damage to both your extensions and your natural hair.
Salt Water
When you're at the beach in St. Lucia, Sri Lanka, or the Cayman Islands, it's hard to resist jumping into the ocean. However, salt water can dry out your extensions, especially if you have human hair extensions. The natural oils in your hair can be stripped away, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. Ocean water can also lead to tangling, which is a common concern.
Follow some simple steps to protect your extensions in salt water:
- Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming. This way, your extensions won’t absorb as much salty water.
- Apply coconut oil or olive oil to your hair to help create a barrier against the salt.
- Plait or braid your hair or put it in a high bun to minimise water exposure.
- Rinse your hair immediately after swimming and follow up with a sulphate-free shampoo and leave-in conditioner.
Chlorinated Water
If you're hitting up a chlorinated pool, be aware that chlorinated water can cause even more significant damage than salt water. The harsh chemicals can weaken the bonds of your hair extensions and cause them to slip. Additionally, chlorine can alter your hair colour, especially if your extensions are coloured. Take a look at our post about swimming with dyed hair.
The best option to protect your hair from chlorine is to wear a swimming cap. While not the most glamorous, it’s the safest bet for keeping your hair dry. We even sell ones that match our swimsuits. If you prefer not to wear a cap, follow the same steps as for saltwater: wet your hair with clean water first, apply natural oils and rinse and condition your hair immediately after swimming.
Fresh Water
Swimming in lakes or rivers may seem safer, but even fresh water can lead to potential problems like tangling or dry hair. Always follow up with proper care, including using a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle wet hair.
How to Care for Your Hair Extensions Post-Swim
After you’ve taken a dip in the pool water or ocean, it’s essential to follow a hair-care routine to keep your extensions looking their best. Here’s the best way to care for your extensions after swimming:
Always rinse your hair with cool water after swimming to remove salt, chlorine, or dirt.
Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo to gently cleanse your extensions without stripping them of moisture. You want to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients that can dry out your extensions and your own hair.
After shampooing, use a leave-in conditioner or a regular conditioner to hydrate your hair. Products that contain coconut oil or olive oil are especially good for restoring moisture to your extensions.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your extensions, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Wet extensions are more fragile, so be gentle to avoid breakage.
The summer season can be harsh on both your natural and extended hair. Prolonged sun exposure can dry out your extensions, so always try to cover your hair when basking in the sun.
Travelling with Hair Extensions
Whether you're lounging on the beaches of the British Virgin Islands, enjoying the waters of Sri Lanka, or catching waves in the Dominican Republic, you'll need to take care of your extensions while travelling. Here are a few travel-friendly tips for ensuring your beautiful hair stays in top shape no matter where you go:
Bring along travel-sized versions of your favourite leave-in conditioner, mild shampoo, and detangling tools.
If you’re planning to do a lot of water activities, like snorkelling, a swimming cap will be your best friend. If you prefer not to wear one, at least tie your hair up in a high bun to limit its water exposure.
If you're going to a humid or hot destination, keep in mind that your extensions may need more frequent care to avoid drying out or tangling.
Can Water Damage My Hair Extensions?
One of the most frequent questions people have is whether water exposure can cause significant damage to their extensions. The good news is that with proper care, you can swim without ruining your extensions. However, without taking precautions, water exposure—whether from pool water, salty water, or even clean water—can weaken your extensions, leading to shedding, tangling, or breakage.
Can You Swim With Hair Extensions?
The short answer is that yes, you can swim with hair extensions, but it’s important to understand the best way to protect them. Whether you're exploring the warm waters of St. Vincent & Grenadines, Western Sahara, or the more exotic shores of Congo-Brazzaville, you can enjoy your swim without damaging your extensions by following these simple tips. With the right products, like sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating leave-in conditioner, as well as protective measures like wearing a swim cap, you'll keep your hair looking fabulous throughout your travels.
So, next time you're booking a trip to St. Martin, the Cayman Islands, or even Antigua & Barbuda, head to the beautiful beach with confidence—just remember to take care of your extensions when you're done!