Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks

Have you got dreadlocks, long braids, afro hair, or super long hair? Then you will know how challenging it is to swim as your hair gets heavy when it’s wet. 

For most people who love to hit the pool or beach, a swim cap is a staple. This is true for those wanting to preserve and protect their hairstyle.

Yet for those with high volume hairstyles, it’s commonly been hard to find a swim cap that fits. As such, some entrepreneurs saw the need for a swim cap line that caters to people with dreadlocks or afro.Realizing that loving the water and maintaining natural hair was becoming a difficult chore, they unearthed a solution: Create a swim cap that would allow their dreads to fit snugly..

Do We Really Need to Protect Our Dreadlocks While Swimming?

We really wish that we could give you a straight answer, but it really depends on the situation. 

For instance, you can swim in the pool or the sea with dreadlocks and your dreadlocks will be fine. But it may require intense aftercare. This includes washing the full length of your hair to remove the chlorine or the seawater completely.

After that, you must squeeze all the excess water and let it dry.

Individuals with dreads know that this process takes hours to complete. Hence, it is impractical if you are going to a pool for some exercise before heading to work. And this is where wearing a swimming cap comes in.

What to Look For When Buying Swimming Caps?

There are a few different features that you need to consider when you are looking for a dreadlock swimming cap:

• Size
• Material
• Color
• Price

The very first thing you really need to consider when purchasing a swimming cap is the size. Always ask for the size guide when buying a swimming cap, especially if you have dreadlocks. Also, check for the amount of hair that can be placed inside the cap.

A cap that is too small could tear while a large cap could let water in and end up wetting your dreadlocks. 

In terms of materials, most caps are made of silicone or latex. We can’t say that any material is better than the other, but a good swimming cap depends on the fit, breathability, and other personal preferences.

When it comes to color, that is totally up to you. Meanwhile, the price for swimming caps normally ranges from $10 to $20.

Regardless, always look for the warranty policies. A company that offers warranties with its caps may replace a cap free of charge in case of damage.

How to Put on a Swimming Cap?

Putting on a swimming cap on your dreads can be really daunting at first, but it is straightforward and it gets easy with practice. Here’s what to do:

1. Take out all sharp objects from your dreads (e.g., hairpins).
2. Pull your hair up into a bun then sit it at the center back of your head.
3. Hold the cap open using both hands, palms facing inward.
4. Line the cap along with your nape.
5. Pull the cap over your neck, inserting your ear.
6. Pull the edge of the cap down to your forehead. Adjust if necessary.
7. Press the cap to remove any air inside. Go and swim!

8. NOTE: Make sure that your ears and nape are covered as much as possible. Otherwise, water may sip in.

The Best Dreadlock Swimming Caps

If you are looking for some product recommendations, you are in the right place. Listed below are some of the best swimming caps for people with dreadlocks:

Large Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids by The Dread Shop

Designed and created by the team at The Dread Shop, it is composed of thicker but smooth and soft durable silicone. Such a material minimizes static and makes putting it on pretty straightforward. It has a better and tighter fit that minimizes water seeping under the sides, keeping your dreads dry.

Is the large swim cap not enough to cover your dreads? Check out Extra Large and Long Hair Caps in their store.

JoRae Swimming Cap by JoRae Products

The JoRae adult swimming caps can be purchased in three different sizes: Medium, large, and extra-large. But this will depend on the volume and length of your hair.

You will need a snug fit for your swimming cap to keep your hair in place. Hence, we suggest the medium cap for medium hair length and the large cap for long and thick hair. Extra Large would be more fitting for very long or very thick hair, especially for people with dreadlocks. 

All caps come in a sealed bag and display a JoRae logo.

Swimming caps by JoRae are produced with 100% silicone, which is less likely to tear than swimming caps made from latex. It is also more elastic when it comes to taking them on and off your head. Therefore, it is more gentle on your hair.

Please note that the swimming caps are not designed to keep your hair completely dry. Swimming caps aim to protect your hair from the harsh elements of water.

Ladies Swim Cap Turban Style Shower Bathing Waterproof Vintage Retro Headcovers by All to Dress Store

You can wear this fashionable and premium Beemo Latex swim bathing cap with pride. The Retro Headcovers are great for a water aerobics class, beaches or resorts, laps, or any of your regular swimming.

With its enhanced design, this vintage-style bathing cap allows you to have a more exciting time while doing your water aerobics. It has sort of a feminine retro vibe but it can also provide comfort for hours. Plus, it can protect your hair from chlorine and bacteria while keeping your head dry and warm.

The Retro Headcovers are a great fit for most head sizes. It’s also easy to put on and off, so you can swim comfortably and confidently.

Jumbo Shower Cap for Braids, Locs, and Extensions by Im A Tress Shop

The Jumbo Shower Cap is 100% waterproof and it is simple and easy to use.

It comes with an adjustable drawstring to let you easily tie your hair. It also has velcro buttons to allow your hair to fold over without hanging out the back.

Swim Cap for Long Hair by Aqua Stockings

Fully redesigned for form and function, the Aquastocking doubles as an extra-large shower cap and extra-large swim cap for dreadlocks, braid, afro, thick hair, and extensions.

Aqua Stockings were produced and customized to meet the demands of men and women who require protection for their hairstyles and keep their hair healthy.

When going to the beach, walking to the pool, getting in the shower, or getting caught in the rain, there is a substantial amount of effort put into not getting the hair wet. With the Aqua Stocking swim cap, this is no longer a problem. That’s because it provides a secure fit and ultimate protection of your hair.

The Aqua Stocking swim caps are extremely durable, eco-friendly, odorless, and non-toxic. It also comes in a reusable lightweight package for convenience and travel.

NOTE: Large-size swim caps will fit adults and children with hair going past the shoulders, while the extra-large swim caps will fit adults with hair going past the waist.

Extra Large Swim Cap by Dread Empire

A custom-designed swim cap that is meant to fit dreadlocks, extra long hair, or braids, Dread Empire’s extra-large swim cap is made of 100% silicone. Meaning, it is soft and less prone to static so you can put it on and off with ease.

They can be stretched to fit over the head but be careful not to tear the silicone with sharp objects or by overstretching it.

This Extra Large swim cap is fit for heads with dreads that extend past the middle of your back. If you require less volume, then you may want to consider the Large or Medium/Large Swim Cap for locks.

Extra Large Swim Caps by Lahtak

The swimming cap comes with an extra-large size that fits for people with very long and curly braids, dreadlocks, or afro.

It has a unique lab creation for a loose-fit design, no tighter than a headband, to avoid pressing your hair bun or ponytail to your head. No sliding off, no more headaches. 

Lahtak swimming cap easily slides onto your head holding it gently. And with its luxurious colors, it will always be easily seen either in the swimming pool or in the open water.

Although all swim caps don’t keep your hair dry 100% of the time, proper use of Lahtak Swim Caps for long hair can help you gain this benefit for the most part.. You just have to adjust the cap’s tightness by squeezing the air out of the cap and getting a perfect seal.

The Lahtak swim cap is 100% allergy-free, waterproof, and made of silicone so it can’t be easily torn or broken. The company stands behind its quality of service and offers a 90-day money-back guarantee.

If you don’t like their swim cap, they will return your money upon your request.

Swim Cap for Dreadlocks by Fire Sara

You ought to know by now that no swimming cap can ensure that your dreads will be dry 100%. Thus, Fire Sara promises that their swim cap does best in keeping hair clean and head cozy.

Manufactured from silicone, the swimming caps are super flexible and they cover your hair and ears well. That way you can enjoy your swimming without worrying about your hair and ears — no matter how long, thick, and curly your hair is.

It is also made with non-slip materials and easy to put on and make you feel good. Unlike latex, the non-toxic, eco-friendly, and skin-friendly silicone will keep its shape and not tear. The extra strong silicone expands twice its size, blending it with the benefit of less drag.

You won’t have to worry about the overpressure or water getting inside your ears or nose. Added with the swim cap are ergonomic non-pinch nose clips and three-tiered earplugs.

On top of that, the swim cap, nose clips, and earplugs will come all with a no-hassle lifetime warranty.

Final Thoughts

Extra large swimming caps are excellent for keeping your dreadlocks out of harm’s way when swimming. After all, most people with dreads don’t have the time to wash, dry, and re-style their hair every time they hit the pool or the beach.

Swimming with a hair cap ensures to give the protection needed for your dreads against chlorine. Nonetheless, you should use the best dreadlock shampoo, conditioner, and any hair care products that will help maintain your dreadlocks.