When you’ve had dyed hair for as long as I have, you know the importance of having a good swim cap. The same applies when your hair is either bleached. I found this out the hard way several years ago. Besides other measures to protect my hair when swimming, I’ve since sought the best swim cap for dyed hair.
In 2016, I went and got my hair dyed red just before summer. At the end of summer – with many hours spent in the pool – I had patches on my hair where the dye had faded.
I met a colorist who explained to me that the different shades of color on my head were a result of chlorine which acts as a bleaching agent. It has the same effect on bleached hair.
Swimming in the ocean with dyed hair can also have some effect on your hair – though not as adverse as swimming in a chlorinated pool.
The salty water in the ocean can make your hair appear dull and lose its shine.
Since my hair fiasco that summer, I’ve never swam without a swim cap again.
Table of Contents
Best Swim Cap For Dyed Hair – Comparison Table
| Brand | Image | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TYR La Vengadora Swim Cap |   | . Hypoallergenic . 100% silicone . Hair stays mostly dry |
| Firesara Swim Cap |   | . One-size-fits-all design . Comfortable . Ear protection |
| Speedo Unisex Swim Cap |   | . Perfect for long hair . Easy to put on and take off . Lightweight |
| Lahtak Swim Cap |   | . Keeps hair dry most of the time . Comfortable . Durable |
| Speedo Silicone Swim Cap |   | . Resistant to tearing . Lightweight . Amazing stretch |
Importance Of Using A Swim Cap
The following are some of the benefits of using a swim cap if you have colored hair:
Reduce Chances Of Fading
Chlorine that is found in swimming pools can cause challenges if you have colored hair because it can make your dye fade faster.
This chlorine and other chemicals react with the proteins in your hair and take away the natural oils that protect it.
They can also change the color of the dye in your hair, making it look lighter or different.
This is where a swim cap comes in handy.
A good swim cap covers your hair completely and creates a barrier between your hair and the pool water.
This means that the chemicals in the pool water have a harder time getting to your hair.
The swim cap can help prevent the chemicals from stripping away your hair color and protect it from getting damaged.
It also stops your hair from absorbing too much water, which can cause your hair to swell and the color to fade.
Helps Hair Retain Natural Moisture
When you color your hair, the chemicals used can make your tresses more prone to dryness and brittleness by stripping away natural moisture and oils.
When your hair is dry and brittle, it loses its shine and healthy texture, appearing dull and lifeless.
Wearing a swim cap while swimming helps prevent excessive moisture loss from colored hair.
The cap acts as a barrier, reducing the direct contact between your hair and the pool or ocean water.
By minimizing exposure to the water, the swim cap helps your hair retain its natural moisture and oils.
It creates a shield against water absorption, maintaining hydration levels and preventing dehydration.
Easy Post-Swimming Care
Wearing a swim cap when you have colored hair can make taking care of your hair after swimming much easier.
The water and chemicals in the pool or ocean can make your hair all tangled and knotty.
It can be quite bothersome to handle afterward!
Wearing a swim cap helps keep your hair in one place and stops it from getting too wet.
This reduces the likelihood of your hair getting tangled, making it easier to manage once you’re done swimming.
After removing the swim cap, you’ll find that combing or brushing through your hair is much easier.
The swim cap prevents tangles, so you won’t have to spend as much time or effort trying to detangle your hair.
By using a swim cap, your hair stays fairly dry while swimming, which makes it faster to style or manage once you’re done.
Best Swim Cap For Dyed Hair
Using a swim cap is a good idea to keep your colored hair looking vibrant and lasting longer when you swim in a chlorine or saltwater pool, or in a water body like an ocean.
The following are five different types of swim caps that come in handy if you have colored hair:
TYR La Vengadora Swim Cap
TYR is a renowned brand in the swimwear and equipment industry, providing a diverse selection of swim caps tailored for various needs.
Their swim caps are made to last, feel comfy, fit well, and help you swim faster by reducing drag in the water.
This particular swim cap covers all the hair and is made using 100% silicone material that is waterproof.
This means that it’ll keep water out of your hair as you swim, therefore protecting it from the effects of chlorine and salt water.
The cap is very durable and you can use it for long hours without it getting worn out or being easily damaged.
This swim cap also has anti-slip features. Once you have it on, you won’t have to worry about it coming off as you swim.
While it offers full coverage and protection of your hair, it also reduces the drag in the water – improving your swimming speed in the process.
It is hypoallergenic – meaning you won’t have to worry about any allergic reactions when you have it on.
The cap is also very soft, which makes it comfortable to wear.
Pros
- Durable
- Made of top-quality silicone material
- Can be worn for long hours daily
- It’s hypoallergenic
- Reduces drag on the water as you swim
- It’s lightweight and very soft
- The cap is waterproof
Cons
- The cap can be a little tight for some users
Firesara Swim Cap
Firesara company produces swimming-related products such as swim caps, swim goggles, and swim training equipment.
One of the manufacturer’s key strengths lies in its commitment to producing comfortable swim gear.
This swim cap has a one-size-fits-all design – meaning both kids and adults can use it.
It’s unisex and is designed to keep all the water out of your hair. It fits very well and doesn’t cause a hassle when you have to put it on or take it off.
The cap has an ergonomic design that makes it fit in well without causing any discomfort when swimming.
It is designed for ample ear protection and keeps your ears dry throughout your swimming session.
The swim cap is made using quality silicone which is odorless and does not wrinkle.
The cap is very elastic, which makes it even more comfortable and durable due to its thick margin.
Due to its full coverage, you won’t have to worry about the adverse effects of chlorine or salty water on your dyed hair.
Pros
- Reduce drag and minimizes resistance
- Fits comfortably
- Has a one-size-fits-all design
- Durable
- Offers ear protection
- Has full coverage of your head, covering all the hair
- Has a thick margin
- It’s wrinkle-free
Speedo Silicone Long Hair Swim Cap
This swim cap is specially designed for swimmers who have long hair.
It offers complete coverage of the head and hair, thus keeping water out as you swim.
It is waterproof – meaning the hair remains dry throughout.
The cap also doesn’t slip out as you are swimming.
It contains no latex so you won’t have to worry about any allergic reactions.
This cap is made of 100% silicone material that is sturdy and durable.
You can use the cap for long sessions without concerns about it easily wearing out or tearing.
It is light and won’t have any drag effect which can affect your swimming speed.
It’s mostly ideal for swimmers who are aged 15 years and above for a more comfortable fit, without worrying about it coming off.
The silicone permits the head to “breath” – meaning you won’t experience any discomfort when you have the cap on.
The cap stretches and can even fit hair whose volume is double the cap’s size.
You can put it on and take it off easily without worrying about it snagging your hair.
Pros
- Ideal for long hair
- Made using good silicone material
- Has a comfortable and secure fit
- It’s lightweight
- Durable
- Smooth texture
- It’s hypoallergenic
Cons
- The cap doesn’t keep some users’ hair 100% dry
Lahtak Swim Cap
This cap is very big, allowing complete coverage of long hair.
You can use it if you have medium to long hair that requires complete coverage as you swim.
It’s also ideal for people with long braids, dreadlocks, weaves, big afros, and hair extensions.
It comes in sizes that fit both adults and children with long hair.
There are a variety of colors to choose from.
The cap has a loose-fit design that is more comfortable and doesn’t press down on your hair – which can result in headaches and discomfort as you swim.
The cap offers maximum protection of the hair, keeping it dry although not 100%.
It’s made using good quality silicone that is good for your skin because it’s hypoallergenic.
The cap is also very thick, which makes it durable and can be used for long durations without tearing.
Additionally, this cap is adjustable – meaning you can have a tighter fit by squeezing out the excess air in it once you have it on.
Pros
- It’s durable
- Made of 100% pure silicone
- Hypoallergenic
- Offers maximum coverage
- Easy to wear and take off
- It’s adjustable
- Available for both children and adults
- Has various colors to choose from
Cons
- In some cases, the hair can get partially wet
Speedo Silicone Solid Swim Cap
This cap is made from silicone material and is ideal for keeping water away from your hair as you swim.
This is because the material is waterproof.
If you suffer from a latex allergy, then you’re assured this is an allergy-free cap.
It covers all of your hair keeping the chlorine or salty water away from it.
The cap, therefore, helps to protect dyed hair from fading.
The material used to make this swim cap is very light.
Moreover, the cap is easy to wear and remove without tugging or knotting your hair which can be very uncomfortable.
It comes in a one-size-fits-all design and is most ideal for adults.
Pros
- It’s lightweight
- Easy to wear and remove
- It’s hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Durable
Cons
- The cap can be a little tight for some users
Types of Swim Caps
Long gone are the days when you could only get one boring type of swim cap.
I remember back when I was growing up there was no variety and we all had to wear the same type of swim cap that barely covered our hair – let alone keep it dry.
Now there is variety – not only in the material the caps are made from but also in the colors and designs as well.
Spandex (Lycra) Caps
Lycra caps are designed to give you a softer and more comfortable fit.
They’re great if you prioritize feeling good in the water over going for maximum speed.
Recreational swimmers and those with long hair often prefer Lycra caps because they offer extra room and flexibility.
The best part is that they come in a wide range of cool colors and designs, so you can express your own style and have fun while swimming.
Downside
Now, spandex caps are the caps that you wear if you don’t mind getting your hair wet.
This is because the spandex material is not waterproof.
It’s porous, thus allowing water to get through.
This means it’s not the best cap to use when you want to protect your hair from chlorinated water or the ocean’s salty water.
They are better off used to keep the hair away from your face.
They also offer protection from harmful UV rays that can damage it.
You can opt to wear this cap if the pool you’re using has strict rules requiring all swimmers to wear a swim cap before they can access it.
The spandex material stretches easily – making it easy to wear and remove without knotting your hair.
This is also a disadvantage because this means they easily come off especially when you’re busy swimming.
Neoprene Caps
These swim caps are made using a similar material as that of wet suits and are ideal for swimmers who are involved in long-distance races in open water.
Neoprene caps are a go-to choice for swimmers exploring colder waters or open water environments in cooler climates.
Thanks to their remarkable ability to provide thermal insulation, these caps keep body heat intact and ensure your head stays warm throughout your swim.
The durable neoprene material and secure fit make them reliable partners for thrilling aquatic escapades.
So, if you’re gearing up for a dip in chilly waters, don’t forget to grab a neoprene cap.
It will elevate your comfort, shield you from heat loss, and enable you to fully embrace the wonders of your aquatic adventures.
The cap is very easy to wear and take off – meaning it won’t cause any damage to your hair.
The advantage of this cap is that it comes with a strap that keeps it in place.
This means it won’t move around as you engage in long-distance swimming.
Not Intended To Keep Hair Dry
Neoprene caps offer some protection against water, but they aren’t meant to keep your hair completely dry.
When you’re swimming vigorously, water can still find its way inside the cap.
If you want to prioritize keeping your hair completely dry, it’s a good idea to consider other types of swim caps, like silicone or latex caps.
These caps are designed specifically to keep your hair dry and are a better choice if that’s your main concern.
Silicone Caps
These are by far the most popular and functional swim caps that most swimmers who use pools go for.
Silicone caps are a popular choice for swimmers because they are durable and flexible.
These caps fit snugly on the head, even during intense swimming, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting them.
They have a smooth surface that helps you glide through the water faster and with less effort.
These caps can handle regular use and exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals – as well as saltwater -without tearing.
Silicone caps are the best option if you suffer from a latex allergy.
They are also very easy to put on and take off thus causing little damage and knotting of the hair in the process.
Because of their thickness, silicone caps insulate the head and keep it warm.
The silicone material is waterproof making this the most ideal cap to keep water out of your hair.
Latex Caps
These are some of the oldest swim caps that have been in use for years.
Latex caps are designed to be thin and lightweight, allowing swimmers to move more freely in the water.
This means you can swim with greater flexibility and agility, which can improve your performance in the pool.
The snug fit of latex caps is another advantage, as it keeps the cap securely in place, even during intense and fast-paced swimming sessions.
These caps also help keep your hair compact and out of your face.
Latex swim caps are not exactly the most durable because they tear easily compared to silicone caps.
Moreover, because they’re thin, they don’t offer any form of insulation for your head especially when you’re swimming in a cold pool.
It’s important to know that not everyone can use latex caps because some people might have allergies to latex.
These allergies can cause different reactions, like mild skin irritation or more serious symptoms.
If you think or know that you have a latex allergy, it’s really important to find other swim cap options that will keep you safe and comfortable in the water.
The final thing to note is that while latex swim caps offer some level of protection against water, they cannot guarantee that your hair will remain completely dry.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Swim Cap
There are several factors you should look out for if you are planning to buy a swim cap.
Every individual has their own unique needs.
The Material
There are four materials that swim caps are made of namely latex, silicone, spandex, and neoprene.
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
You have to keep in mind what your needs are.
If it’s to keep water off your hair, then silicone is the best.
If it’s to just hold your hair and keep it away from your face, then go for spandex or latex swim caps.
The best material for outdoor long-distance swimming is neoprene.
Hair Volume
What is the volume and length of your hair?
This is a very important factor to consider when you are buying a swim cap.
If you have medium to long hair then you have to go for silicone caps that won’t tag it when you’re putting it on or removing it.
These caps expand easily while covering your head and there are even designs available for very thick and long hair.
For thin hair, you can go for the spandex cap that stretches to cover your whole head.
The latex cap would work too if you don’t have any allergy to the material.
Type of Swimming Activity
The neoprene caps are the best for long-distance swimming out in the open.
They’re best suited for such extreme conditions which require ample insulation from the elements, especially cold.
The silicone cap is the best if you’re swimming in a treated pool.
It’s waterproof and keeps most of the water away from your hair to avoid any effects from chlorine or salt water.
You can use latex or spandex if you’re not worried about water coming into contact with your hair.
Conclusion
I learned earlier on that I need to find the right swim cap for my thick and voluminous hair that I dye often.
What works for me is a good and durable silicone cap.
You have to keep in mind what your needs are before you purchase one.
If you are looking for the best swim cap for dyed hair, this write-up has listed several options that you can go for.
The jury is still out on whether there is a swim cap that can keep hair completely dry.
My advice is to try out a silicone swim cap as your best bet if your hair is dyed, bleached, or highlighted.
This will at least protect your hair from getting patches of faded areas, and also save it from looking dull and lifeless.
It also protects your hair from getting dried out and becoming easily prone to breakage.
Whether you’re swimming for leisure, fitness, or competition, these swim caps are designed to meet your need of protecting colored hair.