How to Style Side Bangs for Swimming: The Ultimate Guide

Summer days and indoor pool sessions offer the perfect escape, but for anyone with a fringe, the water presents a unique challenge. You have perfected the swoop, the volume, and the angle of your cut, only to have it plastered to your forehead the moment you dive in. Learning how to style side bangs for swimming is not just about aesthetics; it is about comfort, visibility, and maintaining the health of your hair against harsh pool chemicals or saltwater.

Whether you are swimming laps for exercise or lounging poolside at a resort, your side bangs do not have to be a burden. With the right preparation, styling techniques, and post-swim care, you can keep your fringe looking chic and manageable. This comprehensive guide explores the best waterproof hairstyles, protective measures, and expert secrets to ensure your side bangs survive the splash zone.

The Pre-Swim Prep: Creating a Protective Barrier

Before you even consider how to pin or braid your hair, the first step in learning how to style side bangs for swimming involves preparation. Hair is porous, meaning it absorbs water like a sponge. If the first water your hair touches is chlorinated pool water or salty ocean water, your strands will absorb those drying elements immediately. This is particularly damaging for bangs, which are often heat-styled and more prone to breakage.

To combat this, professional stylists recommend soaking your hair with fresh, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool. By saturating the hair shaft with clean water, you leave less room for the chemically treated water to penetrate. Once the hair is damp, apply a leave-in conditioner or a natural oil, such as coconut or argan oil. This creates a hydrophobic barrier, effectively sealing the cuticle and providing a slip that makes styling much easier.

For side bangs specifically, apply a slightly heavier amount of conditioner to the ends. This weight helps keep them together rather than letting them float apart in the water. This pre-swim ritual is essential for maintaining the integrity of your cut, ensuring that when you do style them, the hair remains pliable and less likely to snap under the tension of clips or ties.

The French Braid Fringe: Secure and Stylish

One of the most effective methods for styling side bangs for swimming is the French braid fringe. This technique creates a secure structure that keeps shorter layers woven tightly into the longer sections of your hair, preventing them from escaping and getting in your eyes mid-lap. It is a classic look that transitions seamlessly from the pool to a casual lunch without needing a complete redo.

To achieve this, start by parting your hair deeply to the side, following your natural bang line. Grab the section of hair that constitutes your side bangs and divide it into three smaller strands. Begin French braiding across your forehead, moving toward the ear on the side where your bangs naturally fall. As you braid, pick up small sections of hair from the hairline and the crown, incorporating them into the plait. This "anchoring" technique ensures the bangs are locked down tight against the scalp.

Once you reach the temple or just past the ear, you can secure the braid with a small, snag-free elastic band or continue braiding down the length of your hair if it is long enough. For swimming, it is advisable to use bobby pins to secure the tail of the braid behind your ear, crossing them in an X shape for maximum hold. This style not only keeps your vision clear but also creates a beautiful wave pattern in your bangs once you unravel it after your swim.

The Twisted Pin-Back: Quick and Effortless

If braiding is not your forte, the twisted pin-back is a fantastic alternative for managing side bangs in the water. This style relies on torque and tension to keep the hair in place and is significantly faster to execute. It works exceptionally well for shorter side bangs that might slip out of a loose braid but are too long to be left alone.

Begin by dampening your bangs with fresh water or a texturizing spray to give them some grip. Gather your side bangs into one section and begin twisting them away from your face. The key here is to twist tightly at the root but slightly looser at the ends to prevent breakage. As you twist, direct the hair backward towards the crown or the side of your head, depending on the length of your fringe.

Once twisted, push the twist slightly forward to create a small amount of volume—this prevents the "plastered" look that often happens with swim caps. Secure the twist with two or three bobby pins. For swimming, use matte-finish bobby pins as they have better grip on wet hair than glossy ones. Slide the pins in with the ridged side facing the scalp to ensure they stay put during vigorous movement.

The Slicked-Back Wet Look

Embracing the "wet look" is a high-fashion approach to swimming hair. Rather than fighting the water, this style works with it. This is arguably the most trend-forward answer to how to style side bangs for swimming, often seen in editorial shoots and on runways. It requires a specific product cocktail to ensure the hair stays slicked back and does not frizz up as it dries in the sun.

Start by combing your side bangs back and away from your face, blending them with the rest of your hair. You will need a water-resistant gel or a heavy pomade. Apply a generous amount of product to your roots and the length of your bangs. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly, ensuring every strand is coated. The goal is to create a sleek, uniform texture that holds its shape against water resistance.

For added security, you can pair this look with a low bun or a high ponytail. The tension from the ponytail will help pull the bangs back. If your bangs are on the shorter side and threaten to pop up, use a flat, creaseless clip to hold them down while the product sets, or keep the clips in if you are just lounging. This style minimizes tangling and keeps your forehead completely clear, which is ideal for serious swimmers.

Utilizing Accessories: Headbands and Swim Caps

Sometimes, the best way to style side bangs for swimming is to utilize physical barriers and accessories. Swim caps are the gold standard for protection, but they can be tricky with bangs. To wear a swim cap without ruining your side bang style, sweep your bangs to the side and pin them flat using flat clips rather than bulky bobby pins. Put the cap on front-to-back, holding the bangs in place with your forehead as you stretch the cap over your head. This keeps the bangs flat and prevents them from crumpling.

For a more casual, resort-style look, opt for a wide fabric headband or a silicone grip band. Cloth headbands are excellent for keeping hair off the face while sunbathing or wading, though they may slip during diving. Look for headbands with a silicone lining on the inside; these grip wet hair much better than standard cotton bands. Position the headband right at the hairline to catch the shortest layers of your side bangs.

Another rising trend is the use of stylish swim turbans. These provide full coverage like a swim cap but are designed with fashion in mind, often featuring ruching or knots. You can tuck your side bangs completely inside the turban, protecting them from UV rays and water simultaneously. This is the ultimate low-maintenance solution for those who want to avoid styling altogether while in the water.

Post-Swim Care: Restoring the Swoop

Knowing how to style side bangs for swimming includes the crucial aftermath: getting them back to their bouncy, voluminous state. Chlorine and salt can leave hair feeling crunchy and stiff, making it difficult to restyle. As soon as you exit the pool, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water. If you cannot shower immediately, bring a spray bottle of fresh water to dilute the pool chemicals in your hair.

When you are ready to restyle, wash your bangs with a clarifying shampoo to remove mineral buildup and chlorine. Follow with a hydrating conditioner. To restore the signature "swoop" of your side bangs, you must blow-dry them while they are soaking wet. Do not let them air dry, or they will set in an awkward, flat position. Use a round brush to blow-dry the bangs in the opposite direction of where they naturally fall, then sweep them back over. This "confuses" the root and creates maximum volume and movement.

Protecting Color and Texture

Side bangs often frame the face and are the most visible part of your haircut, meaning any damage or color fading is instantly noticeable. Swimmers with colored hair, especially blondes or redheads, need to be extra vigilant. Chlorine can react with hair toner, turning cool blondes green or stripping the vibrancy from red hues.

To prevent this, consider using a UV-protective hair spray or cream on your bangs before swimming. These products act like sunscreen for your hair, preventing the sun from bleaching out your color and drying out the texture. Additionally, regular deep conditioning treatments are non-negotiable for frequent swimmers. Focus the treatment on the delicate front pieces of your hair to keep your side bangs soft and manageable, ensuring they cooperate when you try to style them for your next swim.

Quick Tips for Poolside Fringe Management

• Pack Extra Pins: Bobby pins disappear mysteriously; always keep a small tin in your beach bag.

• Use a Microfiber Towel: Blot your bangs dry gently; rubbing them with a coarse towel causes frizz.

• Carry a Wide-Tooth Comb: Detangle gently starting from the ends to avoid snapping fragile wet hair.

• Avoid Metal Clips: Metal can rust or heat up in the sun; stick to plastic or coated accessories.

• Tighten the Ponytail: A higher, tighter ponytail helps pull side face-framing layers back naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will chlorine ruin my side bangs?

Chlorine strips natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness and potential breakage, which is often more visible on bangs. However, by wetting your hair with fresh water before swimming and using a leave-in conditioner, you can significantly minimize this damage.

2. How do I keep my side bangs out of my eyes without clips?

French braiding the fringe along the hairline is the most secure method that doesn't require clips. Alternatively, using a strong-hold waterproof gel to slick them back can work, though it changes the texture of the hair until washed.

3. Can I wear a swim cap with side bangs?

Yes. To prevent weird creases, sweep your bangs to the side and pin them flat with a seamless clip or bobby pins before putting on the cap. Put the cap on from the forehead backward to smooth the bangs down rather than pushing them up.

4. What is the best product for swimming with bangs?

A leave-in conditioner spray with UV protection is ideal. It detangles, protects against chlorine absorption, and shields hair from sun damage. Coconut oil is a great natural alternative for creating a water barrier.

5. How do I fix my bangs after swimming if I don't have a blow dryer?

If you are air-drying, comb your bangs into the desired shape while they are soaking wet. Periodically run your fingers through them or use a crease-free clip to hold them in the side-swept position until they are mostly dry to prevent them from drying wildly.

Conclusion

Mastering how to style side bangs for swimming is all about preparation and choosing the right technique for your activity level. Whether you opt for the security of a French braid, the elegance of a slicked-back look, or the protection of stylish accessories, you no longer have to sacrifice your style for a dip in the pool. By implementing these protective measures and styling hacks, you can enjoy the water with confidence, knowing your fringe will remain healthy, secure, and effortlessly chic.