Can You Swim With Tape-In Extensions? All You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered if you can go swimming with tape-in extensions? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who have invested time and money in getting these popular hair extensions have at least once felt puzzled by the thought of damaging them while enjoying a water time.

Today, we’ll help you answer the old-aged question: can you swim with tape-in extensions? To keep it short, yes, but only if you follow the tips outlined in this post to ensure the health and appearance of your hair extensions will not be badly affected. Keep scrolling down to find out how this can be possible!

1. Can you swim with tape-in extensions?

Hair extensions shouldn’t stop someone from pursuing their hobby of swimming. Fortunately, the fact that tape-in extensions are designed to be waterproof means they won’t fall out in the water. However, you should be aware that hair extensions can be damaged during your swimming sessions. Therefore, it’s important to understand the potential dangers so we can find ways to minimize them.

The most significant risks that swimming can pose to your hair extensions come from chlorine and saltwater.

• Chlorine: Chlorine is a harsh chemical commonly used in swimming pools to keep the water clean. However, it can strip the natural oils from your hair, leading to hair dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Another problem is that chlorine can cause discoloration, so people with lighter hair colors should take caution when swimming.
• Saltwater: When exposed to saltwater, your hair can be dehydrated and thus become dry and prone to tangling. Additionally, salt buildup on your extensions can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage over time.

2. Tips for protecting your hair when swimming with tape-in extensions

Now that we are aware of the damage potentially caused to your hair extensions while swimming. Let’s dive into the second part of our answer to the question “Can you swim with tape-in extensions?” to find out what can you do before and after your swimming sessions to protect your extensions.

2.1. Hair care before swimming

Brush your hair

The first step you should take before diving into the water is brushing your hair. It sounds simple yet effective, as it helps prevent your strands from tangling or matting in the water. You don’t want this to happen during your water time, as detangling hair afterward can cause unnecessary stress on your extensions, leading to breakage and damage.

Wet your hair with clean water

Dry hair is like a sponge, which hungrily absorbs any water surrounding it. If you dive into the swimming pool or ocean when your hair is dry, it will suck up as much chlorinated water as possible, which is unwanted, right?

So how can you reduce the amount of harmful water that your extensions are going to absorb? The solution is simple: You just need to rinse your hair with clean water before swimming. By saturating your hair shaft with clean water, it will absorb less toxic water during your swim.

Apply natural oils

Natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil should be included in your hair care routine before swimming. They will not only provide moisture to your hair but also create a protective layer that helps prevent chlorine or saltwater from penetrating into your strands.

Wear a swim cap

As the main is to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater, it’s best to minimize exposure to these harmful factors in the first place. A good-quality swim cap is designed to help you do that. Before diving into the water, you should tie or braid your hair carefully and put it in a swim cap. Make sure it fits securely, so water won’t reach your hair.

2.2. Haircare after swimming

If you want to confidently answer “Yes” to the question “Can you swim with tape-in extensions?”, you shouldn’t ignore the tips on hair care after swimming below.

Rinse your hair with clean water

As soon as you are out of the water, you should rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove any build-up. Some people may wait to go home to shampoo their hair, but chlorine and saltwater can further penetrate into their strands during that time, making it harder to get rid of afterward.

Shampoo and conditioner your hair

Only rinsing your hair with water is not enough to remove residue of chlorine or saltwater, so don’t forget to wash your hair with shampoo. Gently massage your hair, focusing on the scalp and the roots. Then apply conditioner to provide moisture to your strands. Keep in mind that you should use conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends only, as you don’t want your tape-ins to loosen and fall off when exposed to conditioner.

Apply haircare products

As exposure to chlorine or saltwater can make your hair dry and brittle, it’s essential to provide moisture treatment to your extensions. Specialized products such as hair oils and serums will help deeply moisturize your tresses, reviving their smoothness and shine.

Let your hair extensions air dry

As heat can cause damage to your hair, it’s best to avoid blowing dry your hair using a hairdryer. Instead, you should let your hair extensions air dry naturally. If you do need to use a hairdryer, choose the lowest heat setting possible.

Read more: Can you shower with tape in extensions?

Conclusion

In this post, Macsara Hair helped you find the answer you need for the question that concerns those who wear tape-in extensions: “Can you swim with tape-in extensions?” By following the advice given on proper hair care before and after swimming, we hope you can enjoy your time in the water while ensuring your hair extensions will stay healthy and gorgeous.

Don’t miss out on our future posts! Follow us for more tips, tricks, and expert advice on achieving your dream hair.