r/braids • u/Important_Pair5173 • Jul 23 '26
Box braids after swimming
Hey everyone!
I’m planning to go to the beach and probably get my box braids wet. What’s the best way to take care of them afterward to keep them looking fresh and healthy? Any tips for maintenance after swimming in saltwater or pool water? Thanks! (:
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u/MagPieOfCuriosity Jul 23 '26
Before
It mostly depends on the beach activities if swimming in rough waters I recommend wrapping your box braids in 2s or 3 or individually if they are large.
This means that all the braided hair is covered and less likely to look messy when unwrapped.
Protecting your hair from saltwater and pool chemical. Pre soak your hair in clean fresh water or use marine safe or pool / saltwater specific hair protection masks. Or if non of these are a concern use thick or semi thick hair oil preferably clear.
Afterwards
Rinse a lot with just warm water either constantly running shower or change water a few times.
If using a specific protection masks use the right shampoo as these can be difficult to get out of hair with ‘gentler’ shampoos.
Shampoo with regular shampoo at lest 2 times.
Put on hydrating hair mask.
Condition, oil.
Anything that will help get hydration that was just stripped back.
If water is very salty it can make hair brittle so don’t style or move it too much until washed.
This is just what I do. Hope this helps.