Can You Swim with Hair Extensions? Everything You Need to Know

Can You Swim with Hair Extensions? Everything You Need to Know

Who doesn’t love summertime? Your Caribbean cruise is booked, beach trips are coming up, and pool days are calling your name. If you’re rocking hair extensions this summer, you might be wondering, “Can you swim with hair extensions?” The good news is, yes, you can! But it all depends on the type of extensions you have and learning how to swim with hair extensions without causing any damage. 

Whether you wear clip in, tape in, or weft extensions, taking a few extra steps before and after swimming can keep your hair looking fabulous and free from damage. Our extension experts at Big Kizzy are here to guide you through swimming with extensions all summer long! We’ll cover why extra care is crucial, which extension types are safe for swimming, and pro tips to protect your hair while you make a splash. Let’s dive in!  

Why You Need to Take Extra Care When Swimming with Extensions 

Model wearing Big Kizzy hair extensions

So, can you go swimming with hair extensions? As we mentioned earlier, you can! But it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your extensions before going swimming.   

If you don’t take proper care, your hair extensions may be prone to:   

  • Chemical Damage: Chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on your extensions, which can cause dry and brittle strands.  

  • Attachment Bond Weakening: Especially for tape in or keratin bond extensions, prolonged exposure to water can loosen the adhesive (no one wants to see their extensions floating in the pool or swept away in the waves!).  

  • Tangles and Matting: When your hair is wet, it’s more prone to tangling. After a swim in the water, this could lead to knots and potential breakage.  

  • Color Fading: Before jumping into the water, think about the possibility of your extension color fading or becoming discolored from the ocean or pool water.  

Can You Swim with Clip In Hair Extensions?  

If you’re curious, “can you swim with clip in hair extensions?” The short answer: no. The same goes for other temporary extensions like halo or band style, ponytail, or anything with clip in attachment points. This is because they can easily fall out and the clips can tangle your strands, which means a big knotty mess. Take them out before diving into the water! 

Can You Swim with Weft Hair Extensions

Now, what about the question, “Can you swim with hair extensions that are sew in or beaded weft?” If you have these in, yes, you can take a dive into the ocean or pool while you have them in. These methods are very secure with their application methods, so they’ll absolutely stay put when swimming. 

Can You Swim with Tape In Hair Extensions?  

Another common question we hear is, “Can you swim with tape in hair extensions?” In this case, yes, you can! Since tape in extensions are semi-permanent extensions, they’re much more secure in your hair than temporary clip ins. But it’s important to remember the steps to take to keep your hair safe when swimming with extensions, which we will cover in more detail next.  

How to Swim with Hair Extensions to Avoid Damaging Them 

Model wearing Big Kizzy hair extensions

Now that you know the answer to, “Can you swim with extensions in your hair?” Let’s get into the specifics of how to keep your hair safe and sound when you’re having fun in the water this summer!  

  • Wet Your Hair Before Going Swimming: Doing a quick pre-rinse of your extensions in a cold-water shower reduces the amount of chlorine or saltwater your extensions will absorb.   

  • Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: Lock in moisture by applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before you head out to the pool or beach. This helps to create a protective barrier and prevent damage!  

  • Try Protective Hairstyles: Braid your hair or tie it in a ponytail or bun to keep the tangling at bay and reduce the strain on your strands while you swim (also check out these cute summer hairstyles for your extensions!).   

  • Use a Swim Cap for Extended Swim Sessions: Consider wearing a swim cap if you’re going to be swimming laps or underwater swimming for an extended time, like snorkeling.  

  • Rinse and Wash Your Hair After Swimming: Right after you finish swimming, head over to the beach or pool showers and rinse your hair. This helps to remove any chlorine or saltwater from your tresses right away to minimize the effect it may have on your extensions. Then you can wash them properly when you get home!  

Can you swim with hair extensions? Yes! As long as you follow the above tips, you’ll be good to go! Now all that’s left is to stock up on all of the essentials for application, removal, and hair care for your extensions. Visit our Big Kizzy website to keep your hair looking its best all summer.