3 No-Fuss Hairstyles To Try While Swimming
You’re planning for a day of fun in the sun and some splashing around in the pool or the sea. You’ve got the swimsuit of your dreams picked out, the perfect pair of sandals ready for the boardwalk, and an epic beach tote that you can’t wait to carry. But what you might have overlooked in all the excitement of planning your warm-weather wardrobe was your hairstyle.
If you’re planning to swim, then it’s a good idea to arrange your hair so it won’t get in your way. And if you’re a competitive swimmer, you know how important it is to do everything possible to avoid that disruptive drag that can otherwise slow you down. So what are some of the best hairstyles to wear while you’re swimming? Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind. They’re smart choices because they won’t weigh you down or leave your hair hanging uncomfortably down your back.
Braid a Bun
A braid is a great choice if you’re going swimming — and so is a bun. So why not combine the two and rock a braided bun in the water? The beauty of this style is that it provides just as much reliable support as the one-piece swimsuit you love to wear while you’re getting those laps in every morning.
To achieve this look, begin by pulling your hair back in a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Then braid your hair and secure the ends with another band. Next, start winding the braid around until you create a bun. Finally, secure it with several large bobby pins to ensure that it doesn’t budge. Wearing this hairstyle is an effortless way to look chic and keep your hair completely off your neck and back. You’ll stay fresh and cool all day long—and bonus points for the fact that you won’t even have to worry about dealing with tangled hair after you’re done swimming!
Double Braids
If you have thick or long hair, it can be a little trickier to figure out what to do with it when you’re swimming. Ponytails tend to come loose unless you secure them so tightly that you give yourself a headache in the process. And often, a single braided ponytail is not enough to do the job. Thankfully, there’s an option that provides just as much stability and security as what you expect of an underwire swimsuit: the double braid.
Achieve this look by creating a half ponytail. Just gather a small section of hair from the top and pull it back near your temples. Secure it with an elastic band. Then divide the hair that hangs in the back into two uniform sections. Create two snug braids, ensuring there are few or no loose strands, so you don’t have to worry about tucking hair back into the braid or dealing with strays while you’re focusing on your swim. Secure each braid with an elastic band.
Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail is not only a practical choice for your aquatic adventures but also a cute option that is at once on-trend and timeless. If you aren’t familiar with the style, it’s essentially a traditional ponytail separated into small “bubbles” with elastic bands. The look is fun and simple, yet just a little more complex than the usual ponytail. So if you’re dreaming of a new style to complement that swim skirt in your closet, this is definitely one to try.
Part of its appeal is in its simplicity. All you need to do is pull your hair back into a taut ponytail, either in the middle of your head or higher up. Secure it with an elastic band, and use a little bit of serum if you need to take any flyways. While many bubbles are voluminous, you want to make sure that your hair is on the sleeker side for swimming. With thicker bubbles, you risk your ponytail loosening and looking a little less polished. Now it’s bubble creation time. Beginning a few inches from the top of your ponytail, wind another elastic band around a small section. That’s your first bubble. Then do the same thing again, repeating the process through the entire length of the ponytail. Then secure it with an elastic band at the bottom.
The right hairstyle can make all the difference to your performance, whether you’re a competitive swimmer or just enjoying some laps in the peaceful early hours of the morning. Any style that keeps your hair out of your face and eyes and off your neck is sure to be a comfortable and effective choice. Not only that, but you’ll stay cooler if you’re swimming outside in the sunlight. And if you’re pressed for time, a simple ponytail is always a safe choice.