What type of crochet hair is good for swimming?

Since crochet braids have become a popular protective hairstyling option for many naturals, you may be wondering, "can I wear this style on vacation?” The answer: it depends on the type of hair that you use for your crochet braids.

If you went for the trendy twist out look using marley hair curled with rods and dipped in hot water, your style will most likely destroyed if you try swimming in it. On top of that, it will also be uncomfortable and heavy.

Never fear, naturalista! All hope is not lost. You can still have the joy of flaunting some awesome crochet braids on your vacay, you just have to go with a different hair type that can handle wear and tear from swimming.

FreeTress Bohemian brand hair is a better choice if you need hair that can withstand coming in and out of the pool. If you have a tighter curl pattern, you should do a full crochet braid installation rather than leaving any hair out. This way, you'll avoid spending too much time blending your hair texture with the synthetic hair. Remember this is your vacation time! Make things as easy and hassle-free as possible; you deserve a breather!

If you're interested in trying crochet braids, here are 6 Marley hair brands for crochet braids, all under $10. And if you already have crochet braids, here are 4 things you need to know about removing them.

Have you worn crochet braids before? Did you go swimming in them?

This article was written by Ariane for CurlyNikki.

What is crochet braiding you may ask? Crochet braiding is a technique most popularly used by people with naturally curly hair. It involves braiding the natural hair and crocheting synthetic hair extensions to their natural hair with a crochet hook or a latch.

The styling can take up to 2-4 hours depending on the style you want. Crochet braids come in straight, curly and all types of hair. They also call this technique “latch hook braids”.

This style is preferred because it is considered to be a protective style for hair since this method can help with the growth of hair if it is done correctly. It is also getting very popular for wearing in pools and swimming because of its non-damaging property.

Can you Swim with Crochet Braids?

Yes! A very popular question always asked by people is that are crochet braids safe to wear in water? Well, Crochet braids are widely in trend in today’s time.

They have become a popular vacation hairstyle because of the various pros it comes with. One major advantage of using synthetic hair over natural hair while swimming is that it dry almost instantly.

The synthetic curls don’t get ruined because of the water, so you don’t need restyling. As we know, the pool water contains chlorine which harms the natural hair so the crochet hair acts as a protector from the harmful effects of chlorine.

Your natural hair looks like a hot mess after a dip in the water but these crochet hair will look just as good as it looked before diving in the water.

Hair is an integral part of our overall personality; hence crochet braids have become so popular. With the help of crochet braids, you can go to the beachside or pools, look your absolute best, and swim your heart out without caring about ruining your beautiful curls.

The best crochet braids for swimming must be

• Highly water-resistant
• Tangle resistant
• Lightweight
• Quick in drying

Wearing crochet braids in water also depends on the hair that you use for your crochet braids. Most artificial hair can be destroyed if you try swimming in it. It can also be uncomfortable and bulky.

So it would be best if you go with the hair type that can handle the wear and tear from swimming because no one wants to fret over their hair on their much-deserved vacation!

1. FreeTress Synthetic Hair Braids Deep Twist

Freetress synthetic hair crochet braids are 22 inches long and come in a pack of 6 and weigh 1.95 pounds. Usually, 4 packs are enough to cover the head.

These braids can be worn with short length as well as big length, and even without a swim cap these braids remain just fine. These braids are very manageable because they can be combed so they don’t look like a mess.

You can blow dry the ends to make them look tidy and blow-drying also dries the moisture trapped under the ends. These are very easy to maintain, natural-looking and are very inexpensive.

Key Features

• Water resistant
• High temperature kanekalon synthetic fiber
• Can be curled by using the hot water roller techniques
• Look very full and thick
• These are not prelooped

2. FreeTress Synthetic Hair Crochet Braids Bohemian Braids

Freetress bohemian braids are made of kanekolan synthetic hair fiber. They come in the size of 20 inches and in a variety of colors. Freetress bohemian curls crochet hair are hands down the best crochet braids out there for swimming.

What makes these braids so good is that you can wear them with or without a swim cap. The curls remain the same and the hair doesn’t fall off after washing them.

These are very easy to manage and especially if you’re a beginner. This hair requires very low maintenance than any other style.

Key Features

• Soft and lightweight
• Easy to install
• Very low maintenance
• Not easy to separate
• Very full looking

 3. Outre Synthetic Hair Crochet Braids X-Pression Braid

Outer synthetic hair crochet braids are made with high-temperature fiber. They come in a pack of 6 with a length of 14 inches.

What makes this hair great for swimming is that this hair is so durable that it can be worn for over 6 weeks and you can wash them, bathe in them, sleep in them and they still look as good as new.

This hair is extremely low maintenance and you can cut them too if you want a shorter length. This hairstyle is so versatile that it can literally suit anyone.

These hair are extremely voluminous and do not get frizzy at all. They are soft to touch, lightweight and very easy to install.

Key Features

• Easy hot water set for neat ends
• Low maintenance
• New loop design
• Extremely durable
• Natural look and soft touch

4. Senegalese Twist Crochet Hair

These are micro Senegalese twist crochet hair made with high-temperature kanekalon synthetic fiber. It comes with 8 packs comprising 30 roots per pack.

They are 18 inches long and come in various colors. It needs 6-8 packs to cover one head. What makes it a good option for taking a swim because of its durability.

They are extremely lightweight and naturally shining, smooth and wavy and very easy to install. The hair tips can be curled by using a roller in hot water.

 Key Features

• Micro Senegalese twist crochet hair
• High-Temperature Kanekalon Synthetic Fiber
• Available in a variety of colors.
• These are naturally shining and smooth wavy braids.
• Water resistant

5. Befunny Pre Looped Mini Havana Mambo Twist Crochet Hair

These Befunny Mini Havana Mambo crochet braids are made of synthetic high-temperature fiber. These are heat and water-resistant.

They come in a pack of 20 roots with a length of 18 inches. They come in various colors. These braids are pre-looped so they are very easy to install, which can save a lot of time.

These are odorless and don’t unravel easily, which makes it a good reason to get them if you’re going to wear them for swimming. These are super soft and very natural-looking. They can be reused if care is taken properly.

Key Features

• Synthetic High-Temperature Fiber
• Heat Resistant
• It comes With Beads and A Crochet Hook.
• Soft braids with durable hair ends
• Super Light

6.  Packs Goddess Locs Crochet Hair

These are 100% synthetic high-temperature fiber with curly ends. It weighs 0.15 lbs and comes in a pack of 6 with 24 strands per pack with 20-inch length and comes in various sizes and colors.

These braids are tight and neat with a fluffy center. These are very well-groomed and are very easy to install. Since these are pre looped and so tightly braided, these don’t unravel and become frizzy even if you go in the pool with them.

The hair looks just as it looked before. These are easy maintenance and are very good for beginners to try on. It comes with free presents like hair beads and hooks needles.

Key Features

• Pointed and tight ends
• Excellent quality, smooth.
• Individually pre-looped.
• Comes with Crochet and latch hook, easy to work with the install.
• odorless

7. Passion Twist Hair Water Wave Synthetic Braids

These are synthetic hair made with low-temperature kanekalon fiber with a hot water setting. It comes in a pack of 7 with 22 strands per pack with a length of 18 inches.

It comes in a lot of colors. It weighs 80g per pack. These passion twist hairstyles are a must-have for going on a vacation on beaches and tropical islands.

These braids look just as good in the water as they do on land. If taken care of properly, these can last a couple of months without getting spoiled. You cannot go wrong with these silky, faux-lock styles especially on a vacation.

Key Features

• Handmade, super soft & lightweight
• No smell & harmless to skin
• Natural & stylish looking bohemian curls
• Easy to separate and save time for braiding
• Long-lasting and easy to maintenance

Buyer Guide to Select the Best Crochet Braid for Swimming

Pools contain chlorine, which is very harmful to curly hair because it’s so drying. Even though chlorine is not suitable for any type of hair, it’s even worse for curls because curls are already drier than straight or wavy hair.

Crochet braids do not get your natural hair wet, it is lightweight and water-resistant. So you would only need to focus on having fun and not managing your hair.

This buying guide is curated for you all to understand the factors that should be considered before making your purchase.

1. Durability

Crochet braids are usually in their best shape until six weeks. But it also depends on the materials used to make the hair. The perfect crochet braids will not lose color and remain frizz-free for a long time.

Higher quality crochet braid will be pricier than the lesser quality one. But it will stay in shape for much longer, too.

2. Length

Crochet braids come in a variety of lengths like 14 inches, 18 inches, 22 inches, 28 inches etc. you can select any size that is comfortable for you. Buying a longer length and cutting it shorter is not advisable. Please consult your hairdresser for better guidance.

3. Fixing

Crochet braids are very easy to install. You need to braid your natural hair and then start latching the hooks of crochet hair into your natural hair. Almost all brands give free needles, rings and hooks to make the process easier for you.

4. Color

Crochet hair comes in a plethora of colors like Black, Chocolate Brown, Light Brown, Beige, Tan, etc. You need to buy the right color for your hair so you can achieve the perfect look. Consult a professional hairdresser so you are adequately guided according to your hair color and skin tone.

Comparison of Above listed Crochet Braids for Swimming

Final Words:

So wearing crochet braids for swimming is an excellent choice because not only does it keep your natural hair safe from the water but also looks extremely good on you! Wearing crochet braids, no matter what style, requires the same technique.

They are comfortable, lightweight and water-resistant and they are very easy to maintain. You don’t need to spend your time combing your hair, or washing them or taking care of them because crochet hair does it all. And these remain as good in the water.

You can wear them with a swim cap or without, you can wear them long or short, you can wear them as you like and with a little care like trimming the ends once a while and blow-drying it, the braids can look as good as new for a very long time. So select your braid wisely and have fun swimming!