Swimming with Style: The Truth About Wearing a Sew In While Taking a Dip

Are you dreaming of lounging by the pool without worrying about your hair getting wet? Or do you have a beach vacation coming up but can’t bear the thought of taking out your beloved sew-in? Well, you might be wondering: Is it possible to swim with a sew-in? The answer might surprise you. In this article, we will explore all the ins and outs of swimming with a sew-in and provide you with everything you need to know before taking the plunge. So, grab your floaties and let’s dive in!

The Pros and Cons of Swimming with a Sew In

When it comes to maintaining a sew in while swimming, there are definitely pros and cons to consider. On one hand, swimming with a sew in can be convenient, especially for those who love to swim frequently. On the other hand, it can also come with drawbacks and potential damage to your hair. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of swimming with a sew in.

The Pros:

1. Convenience: One of the main advantages of swimming with a sew in is the convenience factor. With a sew in, you don’t have to worry about taking your hair out before going for a swim or dealing with tangled wet hair afterwards. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you’re someone who loves to swim regularly.

2. Low Maintenance: Sew ins are known for their low maintenance nature, making them an ideal choice for those with busy schedules or those who simply don’t want to spend too much time on hair care. With a sew in, you don’t have to worry about constantly styling your hair before or after swimming.

3. Protection: Swimming can be harsh on natural hair due to the chlorine and other chemicals present in pool water. However, when wearing a sew in, your natural hair is protected from exposure to these chemicals and potential damage.

4. Versatility: Depending on the type of sew in you have installed, you can still achieve different styling options even when swimming. For example, a lace closure sew in allows for versatile parting options while underwater sports braids give off an athletic vibe perfect for beach activities.

The Cons:

1. Potential Damage: While sew ins offer protection from pool chemicals, they are not entirely immune from water damage themselves. If installed improperly or if not taken care of properly after swimming (not properly drying the hair or not using the right products), sew ins can become damaged and even cause breakage.

2. Tangling: Swimming with a sew in can also lead to tangling, especially if you have longer extensions. Chlorine and saltwater can cause the hair to clump together and become tangled, making it difficult to detangle afterwards.

3. Shifting: Another downside of swimming with a sew in is that it may shift or move around during swimming, particularly if not installed properly or tightly enough. This can become uncomfortable and may even lead to the hair becoming loose or falling out.

4. Limited Styling Options: While some types of sew ins allow for versatility while swimming, others may not offer as much freedom when it comes to styling options. For example, if you have a full lace sew in, you may not be able to style your hair in a high ponytail or bun while swimming.

In conclusion, there are both pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to swim with a sew in. While it may offer convenience and protection for your natural hair, it also has potential drawbacks such as damage, tangling, shifting, and limited styling options. It is important to carefully consider these factors before making your decision and take proper care of your sew in if you do choose to swim with it.

Is it Possible to Swim with a Sew In?

One of the most common questions among women who have sew in hair extensions is whether or not they can swim while wearing them. The short answer is yes, you can swim with a sew in. However, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration before taking a dip in the pool or ocean with your extensions in.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what type of sew in you have installed. There are different methods such as traditional sew ins, braidless sew ins, and vixen sew ins, which all have different levels of durability and water resistance. Traditional sew ins involve braiding and sewing the extensions onto your natural hair, while braidless and vixen sew ins use micro links or fusion bonds for attachment. Vixen sew ins are known to be the most durable and water resistant out of the three methods.

Pre-Swim Preparations

Before taking a plunge with your sew in, there are a few things you should do to ensure that your extensions are protected from chlorine or saltwater damage. First, make sure that your stylist uses high quality hair extensions that can withstand being exposed to water. This will prevent tangling and shedding during your swim. You should also wash and condition your hair prior to swimming to provide some extra moisture for your natural hair underneath.

It’s also recommended to style your hair in a protective style such as braids or twists before swimming with a sew in. This will help minimize tangled strands while swimming and make washing and detangling easier afterwards. Additionally, it’s important to invest in a good quality swim cap made specifically for protecting extensions from getting wet.

After Swim Maintenance

Once you’re done swimming, it’s crucial to carefully wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo immediately after removing your swim cap. This will help remove any chlorine or saltwater residue that may have built up on your extensions. After shampooing, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish any lost moisture from the swimming session.

It’s also important to let your hair air dry rather than using heat tools. Excessive heat can cause damage and drying out of your natural hair. When it comes to styling, avoid tight hairstyles such as ponytails or braids for at least a week after swimming to give your scalp a break from tension.

Long-Term Care for Swimming with Sew Ins

If you plan on swimming regularly with sew in extensions, there are some long-term care tips that you should keep in mind to maintain the health and longevity of your extensions. It’s recommended to get touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to ensure that the sew in is secure and any potential damage from chlorine or saltwater can be addressed by your stylist. You should also limit the amount of time you spend in the water and avoid activities that involve constant submerging of your head.

Another tip is to invest in hair products specifically designed for swimmers, such as sunscreen for your hair, swim shampoos, and leave-in conditioners. These products are formulated with ingredients that can help protect against chlorine or saltwater damage.

In summary, it is possible to swim with a sew in if proper precautions are taken before and after swimming. Choosing a durable sew in method, pre-swim preparations, and post-swim maintenance are all essential steps in ensuring that your extensions stay healthy while enjoying some time in the water. With these tips in mind, you can rock your sew ins without having to worry about them getting damaged by swimming activities.

1) Can I swim with a sew in?
Yes, you can swim with a sew in, but it is not recommended. Chlorine and salt water can damage the hair extensions and potentially shorten their lifespan.

2) How should I protect my sew in while swimming?
It is best to cover your sew in with a swim cap or scarf to protect it from getting wet. You can also use leave-in conditioner or a hair serum to create a barrier between your hair and the water.

3) Can I wash my sew in after swimming?
Yes, it is important to thoroughly wash your sew in after swimming to remove any chlorine or salt water residue. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner to keep your extensions healthy.

4) How often can I swim with my sew in?
It is not recommended to swim with a sew in more than once or twice during its lifespan. Repeated exposure to chlorine or salt water can cause damage and tangling of the extensions.

5) Do I need to dry my hair after swimming with a sew in?
Yes, it is crucial to dry your hair and extensions completely after swimming. Leaving them damp for too long can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors.

6) Will my sew-in weave get damaged if I go underwater?
It depends on the type of installation and quality of the extensions. If you have a secure installation and high-quality hair, going underwater should not cause any damage. However, it is still best to minimize underwater activities for the longevity of your sew in.

In conclusion, the question of whether you can swim with a sew-in weave has been a topic of debate among many women for years. After thorough research and analysis, it is evident that while technically possible, swimming with a sew-in weave can have potential risks and damage to both the weave and your natural hair.

It is important to consider the type of hair used in the sew-in weave as well as the quality of installation. Synthetic hair is not suitable for swimming and can easily become tangled or frizzy in water. On the other hand, high-quality human hair weaves may have better resistance to chlorine and saltwater but still require proper maintenance after swimming.

Moreover, the installation process plays a crucial role in determining if swimming with a sew-in is safe. A poorly done sew-in can loosen or cause breakage of your natural hair, making it more susceptible to damage from water exposure.

While it may be tempting to swim with a sew-in for convenience or vacation purposes, proper care and precautions must be taken beforehand. These include thoroughly detangling and moisturizing your hair before and after swimming to avoid matting and dryness, using protective products such as swim caps or wraps, and limiting the frequency of swimming with a sew-in.

It is also essential to listen to your hair

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.