Whether you have voluminous or dry hair, it’s important to wet your hair before putting on a swim cap. The cap is designed to fit over wet hair, so dry hair will cause more friction. If your hair is dry, you should spend more time moisturizing it.
Wet your hair before putting on a swim cap
It may seem counter-intuitive, but wetting your hair before putting on a swim hat may make the process easier. The softer material of a swim cap will hold your hair in place and form a better seal on your head. Olympic swimmers even press their swim caps against their hair while diving into the water to make sure the cap fits properly.
Swim caps should be kept on your head, but not too tightly, or they won’t stay on your head. Many swim hats have chin straps to help keep them in place. These caps provide a small layer of protection against the corrosive effects of chlorine, and they also keep the head warm during colder months. Swimming caps also minimize the amount of hair that gets trapped in filters.
It’s also a good idea to moisturize your hair before going into the water. Not only will it protect it from chlorine and salt water, but it will also keep your hair from absorbing water. The swimming cap will also protect your hair and make it easier to put on and remove. Lastly, make sure to comb your hair while it’s still damp, to remove knots and reduce the risk of painful pulling.
Whether you choose to wear a swim cap or not, it’s a personal preference. Many people who swim regularly opt for this accessory because it keeps their hair out of the pool’s chlorine. Besides keeping your hair moisturized, swim caps also help you become more hydrodynamic and faster when you’re in the pool.
Avoid silicone
Swim caps made of silicone are very slippery, which can irritate your skin and cause rashes. To prevent this, avoid silicone when putting on a swim cap. Moreover, silicone can be difficult to remove from your head if your hair is long. For this reason, it is important to carefully check the materials of swim caps before you buy them.
The best swim caps are made of materials like latex and Lycra, which are breathable and comfortable. They are also designed to protect your hair from chlorine and bacteria. They are also thick and will protect your ears from sand, mud, and debris. For long haired swimmers, bubble caps may be a good choice. Since they are made of thick rubber, they are also perfect for open water swimming.
The silicone swim cap is popular with competitive swimmers because of its durability and flexibility. Silicone does not rip as easily as other swim caps, which means you can avoid removing it during competitions. However, it does not prevent water from getting inside. It may also lead to damaged hair.
Silicone swim caps are usually expensive, so be sure to purchase a quality swim cap. They are also more expensive than latex caps, but you can usually get discount prices if you buy them in bulk.
Avoid latex
When putting on your swim cap, remember to rinse it off as soon as possible after use. The residual chlorine from the water can wear the material, causing premature wear. Also, avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as heat can break down latex. The right care can prolong the life of your cap and save you money. However, be aware that latex swim caps can tear and stretch, so it’s important to know how to take care of them properly.
When choosing a swim cap, look for one that is made of silicone instead of latex. Silicone caps are thicker and tend not to tear as easily as latex. Moreover, they tend to keep your head warmer in cold water. Silicone swim caps can be found in a variety of colors and have a shinier finish. Silicone swim caps tend to be more expensive than latex swim caps.
One of the major disadvantages of latex swim caps is that they can pull your hair. To avoid this problem, opt for caps made of softer materials, like silicone and LYCRA. Some swimmers even layer a rubber cap over a LYCRA one to avoid this problem.
Other options for swimming caps are made of rubber, which is lighter than latex. However, they don’t stretch as well as latex and can become hot in warmer water. As a result, they shouldn’t be used if you have a latex allergy.
Beau Cormier is a former NCAA I swimmer, US Open National finalist, and swim nerd. When not swimming or working for a data company, you can find him running the trails of the Pacific Northwest with his wife and dogs.