Styles that work best
Any protective style will be your best bet. Probably a style that won’t get in their way much and is pulled back and away from the face.
Natural hair (especially if hair is very short)
By this, we mean just the hair in its natural afro state. Whether buzzed or just really short, this is one way they might choose to wear their hair.
Cornrows, braids or locs (Especially for mid-length to longer hair)
Cornrows, in particular, lay flat on the head, which would keep them out of the way during water activities. Many braided styles can be braided to the scalp, too.
Braids vary so much in style, from ones that stay adhered to the scalp to free flowing braids, thick to slim. There are styles that include the person’s natural hair only, and styles that add other hair for added styling, fullness and to keep style in tact. How long they last also varies. From one week, three weeks, to two month, it really depends on the style.
Personally, a braided or cornrow style that is more functional makes the most sense to wear. Also, something that relies more on their natural hair would allow them to wash it easier and then re-do the style once it needs a refresh, which will be more often than not if it’s constantly getting wet, isn’t in a cap, etc.
If I were swimmer, I’d opt for a style that’s
- Simpler
- Can be undone often so I can wash my hair properly
- Meant to last 1-3 weeks vs. a month or more
To me personally (Colette) that would also mean:
- A lighter hair style, not heavy on the head
- Little to no extensions and added hair
- A style with fewer braids and probably thicker ones
- Preferably, a style that lays flat on the scalp.
Locs
Locs are a permanent natural hair style and a great choice for a swimmer. They’re durable and can be washed as normal.
Bun or ponytail
Whether with natural hair or braided, a bun is a great low manipulation style to keep hair out of the way and contained for swimming.
Examples of great Black swimming styles
Cornrows are a prime choice for a swimmer!
These twin feed-in braids are a great practical style for a Black swimmer.
These fulani braids (a style withpatterns created close to the head that then taper out) look fabulous!
Look at all the wonderful style selections in this photo! From thick, sturdy braided style to braided styles close to the scalp, and short natural hair. They’re all great options. x
Styles to avoid or wear seldom
Natural hair, unbound (mid length to long)*
Going into the water with free hair when they’re past a certain length (let’s say a finger), is a big, big, detangling mistake.
*But! That’s absolutely the swimmers prerogative if they want to do this. Maybe they’ve got excellent detangler and patience! Someone who is always swimming, surfing, etc. might not be so keen on doing this all the time, though vs. the occasional swimmer.
Young Michael Jackson with wet, free-flowing natural hair
Small-braids and/or complex braided styles or extensions
A style that involves tons of braids and/or synthetic hair wouldn’t be practical, in my opinion. While protective, they’re less about function and more about style. Plus, sometimes these styles are meant to last for several weeks to a couple months.
Gabrielle Union in micro braids.These small and plentiful micro braids would not be a practical choice for a swimmer.
As a swimmer, you need to wash your hair more often than not, which will make the braids not last as long and get frizzy, especially at the scalp. It’s also a style that usually requires someone to do it at the salon and takes several hours.
Unless your character is just that skilled and has a lot of free time or doesn’t mind getting their hair done super often, it doesn’t feel like the wisest way for one to spend their time and/or money.
Relaxed hair
For one, chemically straightened hair can’t get wet in the beginning. Also getting it wet plus sweat from exercise etc. will revert the curls to their natural state. Not as quick as non-chemically straightened hair, but you’ll still be dealing with frizz and the undoing of your work rather quickly.
Straightened hair (chemical free)
Curls revert back to their natural state when wet. It’d be a constant battle of hair straightening if a regular swimmer kept their afro hair straight. I’d question if they found this worth their time. Now, if they had an extended period where they wouldn’t be getting their hair wet, they might go for it to mix things up.
For more style ideas, I suggest looking up images of Black swimmers and surfers and taking inspiration. You can look on google or see article features about Black surfers. Here’s a few more for you!
Avuyile Avo Ndamase (South African surfer) wears natural hair short here.
A surfer with locs. Great choice!
Surfer Dominique Miller wearing a bun. Another style that just makes a lot of sense!
~Mod Colette and Mod Lydie
