Swim caps are a necessary part of your gear kit if you swim regularly. While they come in many varieties, they have just one purpose. If you want to protect your hair, use a swim cap. Be aware this is not a foolproof solution, but it can be particularly useful if you color, perm or straighten your hair.
Types
Swim caps provide a layer between you and the water. Most swimming pools are chemically treated to ensure they are hygienic. But those chemicals that keep the pool clean can cause tremendous damage to your hair, especially if your hair is already treated by chemicals. Swim caps come in a variety of materials; latex, silicon and lycra are the most common types available.
Misconceptions
A swim cap will not completely protect your hair. Expect that your hair will be wet when you leave the water, though typically only around the edges, depending on your cap type. Lycra is not water-resistant, so it allows the most water to touch your hair. Silicon and latex are more water-resistant.
Features
When wearing a swim cap for hair care purposes, look for a cap that comfortably covers your entire head. If you have very long hair, wear your hair up at the crown to ensure as much of your hair as possible is away from the edge of the cap. This not only avoids sections of hair coming out and covering your vision, but it also ensures you protect as much hair as possible.
Benefits
If you wear a swim cap, you minimize the damaging chemicals that can reach your hair. In addition, you keep your hair out of your face so you can see properly and won't accidentally hit the edge or a lane line.
Theories/Speculation
Since a swim cap by itself won't completely protect your hair, you can add a few things to keep your hair damage-free. Hair soaks up the water to which it is exposed. If you enter the water with wet hair beneath your cap, you minimize the water that is soaked up from the pool. In addition, if you coat your hair with conditioner, you further protect your hair. However, coating your hair with conditioner may cause you swim cap to creep up during your swim, interfering with your workout.
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