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Sun exposure, salt water, chlorine and even sweat can damage your natural hair and believe it or not... your hair extensions too! Yes, you heard right. The best parts of summer can leave hair extensions a complete mess and a tangled disaster, especially if you're engaging in swimming activities. So before you ask "can you swim with hair extensions," read on for more advice.
Swimming is rough on hair extensions - pulling moisture from your strands, leaving them dry and prone to breakage. Chlorine pools can be the absolute worst if you frequent them, as the chlorine acts as bleach on hair. Now salt water raises the cuticle and dries hair. For instance, dreadlocks are created using a salt spray to help lock the dread so you can only imagine what salt can do to hair extensions. On the other hand, fresh water is the least damaging.
Given the hefty hair investment, this is certainly something worth preventing. Here is the best way to prevent damage and still enjoy the water:
- Wet your hair with fresh water. This keeps the chlorine or salt from being absorbed as deeply.
- After wetting your hair apply a generous amount of conditioner to the extensions. Avoiding the bonds.
- Put your hair in a braid. A swimming cap will give extra protection.
- Wash and condition your hair after exposure to salt or chlorine.
Important Tip: The shampoo you choose is important too. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and only wash the roots of your hair extensions. If you wear wefts extensions or tape-in hair extensions, make sure you shampoo and rinse under the extensions as well. Rinse with cool or luke warm water. Do not rinse with hot water and never use a volumizing shampoo on hair extensions.
Related Topic: Summer Hair Care Tips For Hair Extensions
