I cut it off (so now what)

So last Friday I decided to cut of the rest of my relaxed ends. They were getting on my nerves making me think that i needed to go relax the rest of my head. I have ben rockin the afro-puff for the past week while on vacation but I cant do that for work (U.S. Navy) so I am considering braids for the next 6 months. The only question I have is how to keep my hair from breaking off especially at the hairline and how to keep them looking good while i am swimming 3-5 days a week. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

When I was wearing kinky twists I used the methods on this website

http://www.growafrohairlong.com/

Thank you,
I will try this method I am getting my braids this Sunday