Best Swim Caps for Long Hair

If you’ve got long hair, you probably already know how distracting it can be when you go swimming. If it’s not in your eyes, it’s in your ears, or even in your mouth! And sea and chlorinated water can have a detrimental on the appearance and health of your hair too.

The obvious solution is to wear a swim hat, but if you’ve got really long hair, it might not fit inside the cap and could end up being even more of a distraction.

For this review, we’ve tried and tested the best swim caps for long hair so you can finally tame those unruly tresses and protect your hair from salt water and pool chemicals.

Made from silicone, Latex, or Lycra, there are swimming caps to suit all styles and budgets, and each one will keep your hair out of your eyes. Some are 100% waterproof, while others are more like glorified hairbands, so you can choose the type that suits you best.

If you love to swim but find your long hair makes it hard to concentrate on what you are doing, you really need a swim cap made explicitly for long hair.

Best Swim Caps for Long Hair

1. Swim Elite 

Long hair can be distracting when you swim. It can get in your eyes and even your mouth. This is not one of the best waterproof swim caps. Instead, it’s designed to tame unruly hair, so you are free to concentrate on your swim.

Key Features

• Made from silicone
• Available in eight colors
• Expanded ear panels
• Universal size
• Comes with a FREE nose clip
• Suitable for men and women

This silicone swim cap for long hair is made from non-allergenic, odor-free silicone. It is very stretchy so it should fit all sizes of head, from small to extra-large. Available in eight colors, you can match this product to your swimsuit or your mood.

Pros

• Easy to put on
• Very comfortable
• Provides good coverage for long hair
• Nice range of colors

Cons

• Won’t keep your hair dry
• Some users report that that couldn’t hear very well while wearing it

This silicone swimming cap might not be 100% waterproof, but that’s not what it was designed for. Instead, it will help keep your long hair out of your face so you can swim without distraction. Comfortable and easy to put in, this is a great, well-priced swim cap for long hair.

2. Speedo 

Speedo makes top-quality swimwear and equipment. This well-priced swim cap isn’t explicitly made for long hair, but it’s more than stretchy enough to tame and protect your tresses.

Key Features

• Made from silicone
• Available in 27 colors/designs
• Soft and pliable for comfort
• Latex-free
• Suitable for men and women
• Universal fit

Whether you swim for fun, fitness, or sport, this waterproof swim cap will help protect your hair from sunshine, choline, and saltwater. Latex-free, it won’t cause itching or rashes and will not pull on your hair when you put on or remove your swim cap.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Typical Speedo quality
• Lots of cool colors and designs
• Very comfortable
• Good level of protection

Cons

• Not specifically made for long hair

These stylish swim caps are very popular. Not only will they tame your hair, but they’ll protect it too. With so many designs to choose from, the only difficulty will be picking the one you like the best!

3. DSANE

These waterproof long-hair swimming caps from DSANE are available singularly or in pairs. They all come with FREE nose and earplugs to provide complete protection from sea or chlorinated water.

Key Features

• Made from latex-free non-allergenic silicone
• Available in seven colors and lots of different color pack combinations
• Sold singularly and in pairs
• Shaped specifically for longer hair
• 3-D ergonomic design
• Thicker, textured edges for easier fitting and removal
• Lifetime guarantee

Made from non-toxic, allergy, and odor-free silicone, these long hair swimming caps are very easy to put on. They aren’t the cheapest model on review but, backed by a lifetime guarantee, it could be the last swimming hat you ever buy!

Pros

• Strong, flexible, and comfortable
• Watertight
• Free accessories
• 100% lifetime money-back guarantee
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Not the best choice of colors

These swimming caps are flexible, comfortable, and well-made. They’ve got more than enough stretch to accommodate really long hair. Providing you don’t mind the relatively non-descript colors and designs, these are very functional swimming caps for long hair.

4. DSANE Extra Large

If you’ve got really long hair, dreadlocks, braids, or very wavy, curly hair, you may find that your hair doesn’t fit under a standard swimming hat. This hat is extra-large and should be big enough to accommodate even very voluminous hair.

Key Features

• Made from latex-free silicone
• Extra-large, 3-D design
• Available in ten colors
• Includes free nose clip and earplugs
• Very stretchy and flexible
• Backed by a lifetime guarantee

Measuring 29cm high x 32cm wide, this silicone waterproof swimming hat can stretch to twice this size to fit over even the biggest head of hair. It’s waterproof, so it will also protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater.

Pros

• Suitable for men and women
• Strong and durable
• Good choice of colors
• Perfect for big hair
• Waterproof

Cons

• Quite expensive

This isn’t the cheapest swimming hat on review, but if you’ve got a large head of hair, it’s the product you need to tame it and protect it. Plus, with a lifetime guarantee, you can buy this product with absolute confidence.

5. Synergy  

Swimming hats can be expensive, and who wants to settle for just one color? With these swim hat combo packs, you get ¾/5 caps in a range of vibrant colors, so you can match your hat to your swimming costume.

Key Features

• Made from Latex
• Sold in packs of three, four, or five hats in mixed colors
• Durable and very stretchy
• Watertight fit
• Very streamlined

While these swim hats aren’t made exclusively for long hair, they’re stretchy enough that they should fit over a large hard of hair. Made from Latex, these swim hats are very light and flexible and should be very durable too.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Latex is lighter than silicone
• Very snug fit to keep out the water

Cons

• Some people have a latex allergy

Latex swimming hats tend to have a distinct rubber-like smell that you don’t get with silicone. This can be controlled by washing your hat with warm water and washing up liquid, and a light application of baby powder.

That small chore aside, these are very good value swimming hats that are ideal for users with long hair.

6. The Friendly Swede

These flexible, well-made swim hats come in packs of two, making them excellent value for money. There are designs for adults and kids, and they’re all made for people with lots of hair that won’t fit under a regular swim hat.

Key Features

• Made from silicone
• Sold in pairs
• Odorless, non-allergic, and toxin-free
• Molded ear covers
• Reinforced edges for easier removal and a better fit
• Lifetime warranty

These swimming caps are NOT 100% waterproof. Instead, they’re designed to keep long hair under control while you swim. They aren’t tight enough to be 100% waterproof but should still provide a reasonable amount of protection against chlorine and seawater.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Nice range of designs
• Competitively priced
• Free from toxins and allergens

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof

If you’ve got long, unruly hair you want to keep out of your face when you are swimming, these well-priced unisex silicone swimming hats will help. But, if you want to keep your hair dry, this is not the product for you.

7. TYR  

Most swim hats are made of silicone, Latex, or some other kind of waterproof material. This swim hat is made from non-waterproof Lycra. It can be worn under a regular swim hat for added insulation or alone just to keep your hair from falling into your face while you swim.

Key Features

• Made from Lycra
• Available in six colors
• Very stretchy
• Unisex design
• Very fitted
• UPF 50+

These Lycra hats aren’t made for long hair, but they’re very stretchy, so they should fit over a large head of hair. Lycra won’t keep the water out, but it will protect your hair from the damaging effects of ultra-violet light. Wear under a latex or silicone hat if you want to keep your hair dry.

Pros

• One-size-fits-all
• Very comfortable
• Light and stretchy
• Attractive colors
• Streamlined design

Cons

• Not waterproof

This hat is an excellent alternative to treating your hair with sunscreen. It will also help stop your hair from getting tangled in your goggle or scuba mask strap. Light and comfortable, the one thing it won’t do is keep your hair dry. For that purpose, you’ll need a latex or silicone swimming hat.

8. TYR La Vengadora

A lot of swim caps are made in block colors. That’s fine for competitions, but if you swim for fun, why not have a fun swimming hat?! This one has eyes and teeth and looks like a scary skull as you power through the water.

Key Features

• Made from 100% odor-free, non-allergenic silicone
• Very stretchy and durable
• Attractive, distinctive design.
• One-size-fits-all
• Suitable for men and women

This swim hat from TYR is not made explicitly for people with long hair, but it’s big and stretchy enough to accommodate a full head of long hair. The cool design means this hat will appeal to kids, but adults will love it too. Fitted properly, this hat should keep your hair dry.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• High level of waterproofing
• Hardwearing
• A nice change from solid design hats
• Glows under blacklight!

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Not the largest swim hat on review

Users with larger heads report that this hat runs a little small. It’s still wearable, but it feels tighter than other hats.

That said, it’s stretchy enough for people who have dreadlocks, so any sizing issues seem to relate to circumference and not volume, which is good to know if you’ve got long hair.

9. Speedo Unisex

If you are a serious swimmer, this is the swim cap for you. It’s made specifically for people with long hair and has a streamlined profile to help you power through the water more efficiently. This hat is made by Speedo, who are swimwear and equipment experts.

Key Features

• Made from 100% latex-free silicone
• Odor and allergen-free
• Snug but spacious to accommodate long hair
• Unisex design
• Available in five solid colors
• Snug and very waterproof

This hat is the same as item #2 but made specifically for longer hair. Like all Speedo products, it’s good quality, robust, and won’t disappoint. It is, however, a little more expensive than some other lesser-known brands.

Pros

• High-quality product
• Made to last
• Light and flexible
• Keeps hair dry
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Limit choice of colors
• Quite expensive

Speedo makes specialist swimming equipment. Easy to use, comfortable to wear, and long-lasting, this swim cap is ideal for regular swimmers who don’t want their gear to let them down.

10. COPOZZ 

Kids love fun designs, and some adults do too! These silicone swim hats from COPOZZ have some of the best graphics around and will liven up any swim session. They’re made of hardwearing silicone, so the designs won’t fade either.

Key Features

• Made from 100% silicone
• Nine unique designs
• A range of sizes
• Odorless and hypoallergenic
• Highly elastic

Do you want to look like a shark, fish, or a cat(?) the next time you go swimming? Then these are the hats for you. With designs for kids and adults, these hats look good and work great. They’re not designed to be 100% waterproof but will keep your hair out of your face while you swim.

Pros

• Fun designs
• Sizes for kids and adults
• Unisex
• Light and comfortable

Cons

• Not completely waterproof
• Not all designs are available in all sizes

If you are bored with stuffy, serious-looking swim hats, this is the one for you. With lots of fun designs and a range of sizes, you should find the perfect hat for you and every other member of your family.

11. Speedo Fabric

Fabric swimming hats aren’t designed to keep water out. Instead, they tame unruly hair, keep it out of your face, and make sure it doesn’t get tangled in your goggles or scuba mask strap. This speedo fabric swim cap is light, stretchy, and very comfortable.

Key Features

• Made from Lycra
• Non-slip elastic headband
• Five colors
• Lightweight and fast-drying
• Can accommodate long hair
• Latex-free

This hat can be worn on its own or under a silicone or latex swimming hat for extra insulation and warmth. It provides a reasonable level of UV protection and is breathable too.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Suitable for users with long hair
• Bold colors
• Typical Speedo quality

Cons

• Won’t keep your hair dry
• Not explicitly made for people with long hair.

Worn alone or under a latex or silicone swimming hat, this cap will control your hair and stop it from getting snagged on your goggles. However, it’s not even remotely waterproof, so chose a different product if you want to keep your hair dry.

12. TYR Sport 

Silicone is arguably the best material for swimming hats. It’s hypoallergenic, very stretchy, odorless, and strong too. This hat from TYR is explicitly made for swimmers with long hair who want to keep their hair dry and tangle-free.

Key Features

• Made from 100% silicone
• Available in six colors
• Extra volume design to accommodate longer hair
• Odorless and non-toxic
• Increased thickness at edges for easier fitting and removal

Available in five vibrant colors (and black!) means that this range of hats should suit almost every swimmer. They’re made for adults but may also be suitable for older kids, especially if they have long hair.

Pros

• Hardwearing
• Nice range of colors
• Flexible fit
• Comfortable
• Competitively priced

Cons

• Solid colors only – no patterns

TVR silicone swim hats are easy to put on and take off and won’t pull your hair. Worn properly, it will keep your hair dry and protected from chlorine and saltwater. They’re strong and well-made and ideal for swimmers with long hair.

13. NewYu Fitness

Providing you like the color royal blue, you’ll probably love this well-made, super-strong, and very waterproof swim hat. It’s designated as a product for women but, really, it’s more than suitable for men too. Made from silicone, this is a very comfortable, hardwearing swim cap.

Key Features

• Made from 100% silicone
• Shaped to accommodate long hair
• Headphone-friendly ear panels
• Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
• Strengthened edges
• Pleasing royal blue color

The expansion panels over the ears mean that this swim cap can be worn with earphones. But, because no swimming hat is 100% leak-proof, you should only use waterproof headphones. This hat is light, comfortable, and fits like a dream!

Pros

• Light and flexible
• Very comfortable
• Long-lasting
• Great fit

Cons

• Only available in one color
• Quite expensive

This good-looking hat is only available in one color, so bad luck if you don’t like royal blue. That one small drawback aside, this is an excellent swimming hat made for women with long hair, but that men can wear too.

14. Swim Elite 2-in-1

This cleaver swimming cap is two products in one. It’s reversible and can be worn with either side outermost. It’s not the cheapest swim hat on review, but it’s basically buy one, get two!

Key Features

• Made from 100% pure silicone
• Available in four designs: blue/black, pink/black, pink/purple, purple/black
• Odorless, non-toxic, and allergen-free
• Supplied with a storage bag
• Wrinkle-free design

This hat is not made for people with very long hair. In fact, according to the manufacturer, it’s best for people with short to medium-length hair. That said, silicone is so stretchy that it should still be able to accommodate longer hair, especially for kids or adults with smaller heads.

Pros

• Reversible, two-color design
• High-quality materials
• Low profile design
• Very waterproof
• Easy to put on and remove

Cons

• May not be suitable for people with very long hair

Silicone swim hats are easy to put on and remove, even if you have long, wet hair. This product from Swim Elite fits snugly over your ears and should keep out water while keeping your hair out of your face as you swim.

15. Aegend 

Unlike Latex, silicone is odorless, non-toxic, and won’t cause allergic reactions. This 100% silicone swim cap is not specifically for long hair, but the contoured, ergonomic 3D design means that this swim hat should work perfectly even if you have long hair.

Key Features

• 100% silicone construction
• Expanded panels over ears
• Reinforced, curved edge to make it easier to put on and take off
• Very waterproof
• Stretchy to accommodate longer hair

Keep your hair dry and protect it from salt water and chlorine with this latex-free silicone swim hat. It’s light, stretchy, and made to last. It’s very flexible, and that makes it easy to put on and take off, and it won’t pull your hair in the process.

Pros

• Ergonomic, comfortable design
• Suitable for men and women
• Made to last
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Doesn’t fit very low at the back of the neck

This swim hat is quite short at the back, so you’ll need to take extra care tucking your hair up and under this hat to keep it completely dry. But, providing you do, this hat will protect your hair and stop it from getting wet.

Key Information

Please consider the following before buying or using a long hair swim cap:

Why you should wear a swim cap

If you’ve got long hair, and unless you tie it up or back, your long locks will probably float around your face while you swim.

That’s no big deal if you are enjoying a leisurely head-up swim, but if you swim for fitness or just with a little more purpose, your long hair can soon become a major distraction. A swim cap will keep your hair out of your face, so you can swim without impediment.

Some swim caps are also waterproof, so they’ll help protect your hair from the ravages of salt and chlorinated water, both of which can damage your hair and even change the color of some hair dyes.

Snug-fitting Latex and silicone swim hats are best for this purpose.

If you are a competitive swimmer or a triathlete, you may need to wear a swim hat for hygiene and identification purposes during races. If you’ve got long hair, it’s best to have your own in case the ones supplied don’t fit properly.

Finally, swimming hats also protect your ears from water. Water in your ears can cause a condition called swimmer’s ear, which is very painful and can take several weeks to heal. While earplugs are the best way to keep water out of your ears, a swimming cap provides an extra layer of protection.

Some of the reviewed swimming hats are supplied with earplugs.

What size swim cap

Adult swimming caps are generally one size and are designed to stretch to accommodate a range of head sizes. Swim caps for kids are usually sized by age.

The fit can vary by model and manufacturer, so read any available reviews to see if the hat you are thinking of buying comes up true to size or small. Also, be aware that even a hat that looks small will stretch to over twice its original size.

What materials are swim caps made from

Swimming caps are mostly made from three types of material:

• Silicone
• Latex
• Lycra

Silicone is the most common material and arguably the best. It’s flexible and stretchy, waterproof, and free from odors and allergens.

Silicone hats tend to be the thickest, but we’re talking fractions of millimeters, so this is not really an important consideration.

Latex swim caps tend to be thinner. They usually fit very snugly, making them more streamlined than silicone hats. Latex hats are popular with competitive swimmers. However, some people are allergic to Latex, and it also tends to have a strong rubber smell, which may transfer to your hair.

Lycra hats are NOT waterproof. They make a useful extra layer under a silicone or latex hat or can be worn on their own just to control your hair. Lycra hats are more breathable and also provide good protection from UV light. However, they will not keep your hair dry.

How to wear a swimming cap

To wear a swimming hat for long hair, first, you need to tie your hair up and put it in a bun or braid on the top of your head. Make sure you gather in the hair at the nape of your neck too. Use bands and not hairpins so you don’t puncture your hat.

Then, put your hands inside your swim hat and gently push it outward to stretch it. Expand the cap, so it is slightly larger than your head. Lower the hat down over your head and remove your hands. Adjust the sides to make sure they fully enclose your ears and the back of your neck.

Remove the hat by gently taking hold of an edge, like the one next to your ears, and pulling it up and over your head. Dry your swim hat before putting it away to prevent odors.

Will swim caps for long hair make you swim faster?

Maybe! Wearing a swimming hat may make you more streamlined, which will help you move through the water with less resistance.

However, any such improvement will be minor at best.

You are more likely to swim faster in a swim hat because, with your hair out of the way, you’ll be free to focus on things like breathing properly and correct stroke technique.

This will have a significant impact on your swimming speed. That said, if you keep having to stop to adjust your swim hat, you may end up swimming more slowly. That’s why your swim hat must fit correctly.

Bottom Line

You don’t HAVE to wear a swim hat to enjoy swimming, but if you’ve got long hair, the benefits of wearing one far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

A good swimming cap will keep your hair out of your face, leaving you free to swim without distraction. With no hair in your eyes or mouth, you can just get on with the job of swimming (and breathing!) without impediment.

A swim hat also makes it much easier to put your goggles or dive mask on, the straps of which have an annoying habit of getting tangled in long hair.

Waterproof swim hats, like those made from Latex or silicone, can help protect your hair from the damage caused by saltwater or chlorinated pool water. Salt and chlorine can dry out your hair, make it brittle, and even change the color.

Some people also put conditioner on their hair and then put on their swim cap so they can enjoy a beauty treatment while they swim.

Whether you are looking for your first ever swim cap, or a replacement for your old one, you’ll find what you need in our reviews. Armed with the information in this article, you’ll have no problem choosing the best swim cap for long hair.

For more expert product reviews visit our home page Outdoor World Reviews.