braiding natural hair

I wouldn't worry about that if you're only going to keep them in for a couple of weeks, what I'd be more worried about is the fact that you can't really wash your hair and all that chlorine will be trapped in your braids for one or two weeks x

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Best thing to avoid the chorine issue is to wet your hair thoroughly before you get in the pool in the shower at the side or something as chlorine absorbs into the hair but finds it harder if the hair is already wet x

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kirstyx1888xmac wrote:

hi ladies

my friend has offered to braid my hair for me as i am going on holiday next week and i will be in and out of the pool all day.

i already have long hair so im not getting any hair added just my own hair braided and beads on the ends.

question is this safe for your hair? my own hair is quite damaged from bleach. i read that braids can cause traction alopecia on damaged hair. is this only if you add hair?

i dont want to do anything that is going to make my hair worse.

thanks in advance

Briads can cause traction alopecia only if they are improperly installed too tight. You should be fine if yu have a skilled braider who knows how to braids properly..

As for swimming in braids, I have a pool and swimm with braids and extensions with no issues provided I take some extra care before and after getting out of the water.. Amanda is right you should wet your hair with fresh water before swimming. Your hair is a sponge, and it will absorb the freash water making it difficult for your hair to absorb the water from the pool.

Tips for swimming: (this works regardless of whether you are wearing a extensions or not)

Pull your hair into a ponytail. ETA: Braid the ponytail in a loose braid. Use a holder or barrette to keep the braid from coming loose.. This will keep your hair under control and help minimize tangles and matting.
Rinse your hair THOROUGHLY with fresh water before you get in the pool/ocean. Your hair is a sponge, and it will absorb the fresh water which will help to minimize the amount of pool/salt water that the hair shaft will absorb.
If you will not be washing your hair IMMEDIATELY after swimming (sun bathing, etc), rinse your hair thoroughly when you get out of the water.. I usually follow-up by smoothing a moizturizing or leave-in conditioner on my hair, combing it through and putting the hair back in a ponytail. (you don't have to use an expensive conditioner for this.. an inexpensive conditioner (like Suave) will do)
Use a good clarifying shampoo such as Nexxus Aloe Rid after swimming. This shampoo will remove the chlorine and salt from the hair shaft. Follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioning routine..

Edited by Divavocals - January 21 2007 at 3:22pm

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