Hair Extensions and the Ocean

 

I have a couple questions regarding hair extensions and the beach.  I've worn them to the beach before but am looking to have a better outcome then the previos year.  I will be going to the beach (NJ) for a week.  I enjoy swimming in the ocean daily and spending lots of time out in the sun.  I have bohyme weft extensions installed with LG.  Last year, I wore my hair in braids whenever I went swimming to avoid tangling.  Sometimes I applied a little leave in conditioner before braiding me hair or after coming out of the ocean.  It was the Nuetrogena Shine Therapy leave in conditioner.

 

After swimming I would always take a shower and wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner.  (I believe it was Redken All Soft.)  For whatever reason my hair never seemed clean.  It seemed like when it dried there was a film on it and it just didn't feel clean.  It was also humid, which I know didn't help, but even when I returned home, out of the humidity my hair still felt filmy and unclean.

 

I am looking for recommendations on products that I should use while on vacation for my hair as well as any tips for swimming in the ocean with the extensions.

 

Should I continue to braid them prior to swimming?

 

What's a good shampoo and conditioner (not too $$) that works well for after swimming in the ocean that moisturizers and cleanses?  (Or should I use a clarifying and regular shampoo?) 

 

Is there a seperate product I should use before/after being out in the sun all day that protects hair from sun damage?

 

Sorry this is so long but I am really looking for some advice because my hair seemed to be a real mess after the beach last year and I ended up needing new ones soon after!