Many people wear swim caps when swimming in pools to help protect their hair from the damaging effects of chlorine. Chlorine is added to pool water to kill germs and bacteria, but it can also be harsh on hair, causing dryness, brittle strands, and color fading over time. So how well do swim caps actually work to form a protective barrier between your hair and the chlorinated water? Here’s a closer look at how swim caps are designed to protect hair and how well they live up to that promise.
How Do Swim Caps Work?
Swim caps are designed to form a tight seal over your hair and scalp to limit the amount of water that can seep underneath and saturate your hair while swimming. Most swim caps are made from materials like latex, silicone, lycra or neoprene that have stretch and flexibility to conform closely to the shape of your head. The elastic band around the edge helps create a snug fit so not as much chlorinated water can seep underneath the cap. Some caps come with chin straps as an additional measure to achieve a more secure fit around your head. The goal is to minimize contact between your hair and the pool water as much as possible.
Do Swim Caps Completely Prevent Hair Damage?
While swim caps are effective at reducing chlorine exposure, they do not completely prevent all damage. Some amount of water will still permeate under the cap over time. How well a cap protects depends on several factors:
– Tightness of fit – The tighter the seal around your head, the better protected your hair will be. Caps that are loose fitting allow more water to seep underneath.
– Hair thickness – Fine, thin hair allows more water to saturate through to the scalp than thick, coarse hair.
– Hair length – Long hair is more vulnerable, especially the ends, since they are more difficult to tuck up under the cap snugly.
– Frequency and duration of swimming – Frequent swimming and longer workout sessions mean extended exposure to the water and chlorine which can decrease the cap’s protective effects over time.
So while swim caps are helpful for reducing chlorine contact, they do not completely prevent all damage, especially with frequent or prolonged swimming. Some chlorinated water will still reach your hair over time.
How Does Chlorine Damage Hair?
To understand why swim caps are needed, it helps to know how chlorine specifically damages hair. Here’s an overview of the chemical effects:
Dries Out Hair
Chlorine is very drying to the hair and scalp by nature. It strips away the natural oils that help keep hair smooth and hydrated. Without these oils, hair becomes brittle and dry.
Fades Color-Treated Hair
The oxidizing effects of chlorine can cause color-treated hair to fade more quickly. Blondes and redheads may notice their bright hues turning brassy and dull over time. Brunettes also commonly experience fading. The damage is cumulative, so hair continues to degrade with repeated exposure.
Can Lead to Discoloration
With enough repeated exposure, chlorine can interact with hair protein and alter the actual pigment to create a greenish tint in both natural and color-treated hair. This effect is intensified if hair is already porous or damaged.
Damages Follicles and Causes Breakage
Chlorine weakens and damages the hair follicles, leading to breakage, especially along the lengths and ends of hair over time. Hair may feel gummy and take on a straw-like texture when wet.
So chlorine wreaks havoc on hair in multiple ways if left unprotected. That’s why swim caps are recommended to help mitigate the damage.
Tips for Getting the Most Protection from Swim Caps
To maximize the protective effects of your swim cap, here are some useful tips:
Look for Tight Fit
Choose a cap made from thin, stretchy material that will cling closely to your head and create a tight seal all around your hairline. Latex or silicone caps are ideal. Avoid loose fitting options.
Secure Long Hair
If you have long hair, tuck the ends up under the cap rather than letting them flow freely to prevent the most vulnerable part of your hair from constant water exposure.
Consider Double Capping
Wear two caps for extra protection – put a latex cap closest to the hair to prevent absorption, then layer a neoprene cap over top to fully seal out water.
Rinse Before and After
Rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming to dilute any chlorine residue that may have penetrated the cap.
Deep Condition Regularly
Frequently apply a deep conditioning hair mask to replenish lost oils and moisture to protect your hair.
Avoid Too Much Sweat
If caps make you sweat heavily during vigorous exercise, the moisture generated can also damage hair under the cap over time.
The Effectiveness of Different Swim Cap Materials
Swim caps come in a variety of materials, each with their own level of effectiveness. Here is how the main options compare:
Latex
Latex swim caps provide the tightest seal against the head to limit water exposure. The stretchy latex conforms closely to the shape of your head and is easy to tuck all hair up under. Many competitive swimmers favor latex for the most streamlined fit. The main downside is latex caps can cause allergic reactions in some wearers.
Silicone
Silicone caps offer stretch similar to latex without the risk of allergic irritation. They are considered nearly as effective as latex while still being very comfortable. The seal may not be quite as tight, but silicone still protects hair very well overall.
Nylon/Lycra
Caps made of nylon or lycra offer a nice balance of comfort and protection. They are light and allow the scalp to breathe. The fit is not as tight as latex or silicone, but thicker lycra styles especially still provide decent hair protection.
Neoprene
Neoprene caps are thick and durable, although somewhat less stretchy than other materials. Often worn over another cap, neoprene offers thermal insulation to help maintain body heat in cool water. The thick material seals out water very effectively.
Comparison
Here is how the cap materials stack up:
| Material | Protection Level | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | Highest | Moderate |
| Silicone | High | High |
| Lycra/Nylon | Medium | High |
| Neoprene | Very High | Low |
As seen, thin latex and silicone provide the best combination of hair protection and comfort for most swimmers.
Alternative Options for Hair Protection
In addition to swim caps, a few other options can help shield hair from chlorine exposure:
Leave-In Conditioners
Applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming coats and protects the hair shaft. Focus on the most vulnerable ends of hair. Rinse out after swimming.
Protective Swim Shampoos
Specialty shampoos contain ingredients that help seal and defend hair from chlorine. Coat hair thoroughly before entering the pool.
Pre-Swim Oils
Massage hair oil like coconut or argan oil through dry hair before swimming to act as a barrier to chlorine absorption. Concentrate on the ends.
Clarifying Shampoos
Using a clarifying shampoo after swimming helps remove any trapped chlorine or chemicals that may remain on the hair and scalp after rinsing.
These options can provide additional defensive layers when combined with a swim cap for the most effective protection.
The Bottom Line
While not a foolproof solution, swim caps are the most practical first line of defense against chlorine damage for regular swimmers. Opt for a tight fitting latex or silicone cap and secure long hair underneath for optimal protection. Take additional measures like pre-swim conditioners and post-swim clarifying shampoos as needed. Be diligent about deep conditioning treatments to combat dryness. With these best practices, swimmers can enjoy time in the pool while minimizing harsh effects on their hair.