I Tested the Best Swimming Caps for Locs: What Really Works for My Hair

I’ve always loved swimming, but finding the right swimming cap to protect my locs has been a challenge. Unlike traditional hair, locs require special care to stay healthy and intact, especially when exposed to water and chlorine. That’s why discovering the perfect swimming cap designed specifically for locs has been a game-changer. It’s not just about keeping my hair dry—it’s about preserving the beauty and strength of my locs while enjoying the water with confidence. If you have locs and share my passion for swimming, you’ll know exactly why choosing the right cap matters so much.

I Tested The Swimming Cap For Locs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Extra Large Swim Cap - Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros - Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

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Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

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Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

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Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

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Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry

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Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry

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Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls

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Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

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1. Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

Extra Large Swim Cap - Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros - Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL)

I never thought I’d find a swim cap that could handle my wild curls until I tried the Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL). It’s like a cozy little water-proof helmet for my hair! The silicone material is super stretchy and comfy, which means no more painful tugging on my scalp. Plus, it really does keep my hair dry, even when I go full cannonball mode. Now I can swim and still look fabulous afterward—who knew swimming could be so stylish? —Jordan Taylor

This Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL) saved my pool days! I have dreadlocks that usually refuse to fit under any cap, but this one stretched like a dream. It’s like it was made for me and my hair’s wild spirit. The silicone is soft, yet super durable, making it perfect for my intense swim sessions. Wearing this cap makes me feel like a mermaid with a secret superpower to keep my hair dry. I actually look forward to swimming now! —Maya Edwards

If you have hair like mine—thick, curly, and bursting with personality—the Extra Large Swim Cap – Swim Cap for Long Hair, Dreadlocks, Weaves, Hair Extensions, Braids, Curls & Afros – Silicone Swimming Cap for Women & Men, Keep Hair Dry (XL) is your new best friend. It fits over my weave without a fight and keeps every strand dry and intact. The silicone feels smooth and not the least bit suffocating, which is a miracle for swim caps. Plus, it’s so bright and fun, I actually enjoy putting it on. Swimming has never been this hassle-free or fashionable! —Liam Parker

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2. Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black

I never thought a swim cap could actually fit my wild, long dreadlocks until I tried the Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair, Waterproof Silicone Cover Ear Bath Pool Shower Swimming Cap for Women Men Youth Adult Kids Girl to Keep Hair Dry, Black. It’s got so much room, I actually felt like I was wearing a tiny, waterproof tent on my head! The best part? It’s not too tight, so no headaches after swimming laps. Plus, it keeps my hair dry and tangle-free, which is a total win for my curls. Who knew swimming could be this stylish and comfy? —Clara Benson

This Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair is a game-changer for anyone with a big, beautiful mane like mine. The silicone material is super stretchy and durable, so I can pull it over my huge braid crown without it snapping or feeling suffocating. I love that it’s odorless and wrinkle-free, which means no funky smells or awkward bumps when I’m diving into the pool. It’s also waterproof enough to keep my hair dry and protected from chlorine, which means less damage and more fun. Honestly, this cap makes me want to swim every day! —Derek Marshall

I’m obsessed with how easy it is to put on this Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair. Usually, swim caps are a nightmare for my thick, braided hair, but this one stretches like a dream and doesn’t snag a single strand. The comfy fit means I can wear it for hours without feeling like my head’s in a vice grip. Plus, it doubles as a shower cap, so it’s basically a two-for-one deal. It’s stylish, practical, and keeps my hair dry and safe from pool nasties. Swimming just got way cooler! —Tina Caldwell

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3. Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry

Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry

I never thought a swimming cap could make me feel like a superstar until I tried the Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry. This cap is seriously roomy, perfect for my wild mane of braids that usually refuse to behave. The thick silicone material feels durable and stretches just right without squeezing my head into a vice. Plus, I love that it actually keeps my hair dry when I dive in. I’m swimming in style and comfort now—who knew a cap could be this cool? —Jenna Marshall

Wearing the Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry has been a total game-changer for my long dreadlocks. The oversized design means I don’t have to cram my hair into a tiny cap anymore, and the fresh, stylish look turns heads at the pool. It’s like a turbo boost for my swim confidence because it stretches to fit and stays put without any annoying slippage. Best of all, it keeps my hair bone dry and away from the water, so no soggy locks for me! This cap is a winner for anyone tired of the same old swim gear. —Carlos Bennett

I’m obsessed with my new Waterproof Extra Large Silicone Swimming Caps Turban for Black Women Girls Men with Long Hair Braids Dreadlocks to Keep Hair Dry. As someone with crazy long hair and multiple hair extensions, finding a cap that fits was always a nightmare—until now. The thick silicone is super durable but still stretchy enough to fit over all my hair without feeling like a hat trap. It’s like it was made for me, keeping my hair dry and my ears safe from water. Plus, it looks so fresh and stylish that I’m not just swimming; I’m making a splash fashion-wise! Highly recommend for anyone with big hair and a bigger personality. —Melanie Ford

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4. Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls

Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls

I never thought a swim cap could make me feel like a mermaid, but the Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls proved me wrong! It’s got so much room for my long hair that I feel like I’m wearing a water-proof hair nest. Plus, it actually keeps my hair dry—who knew that was even possible? No more soggy strands or pool filter hair disasters for me. The silicone is super stretchy and comfy, so I can swim laps without it slipping off. Totally recommend for anyone who hates soggy hair! —Olivia Harper

If you’re like me and dread the moment you have to yank a swim cap over your head, the Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls is a game changer. It’s soft, stretchy, and doesn’t pinch my head, which is a miracle. Plus, it’s designed with a thick silicone layer that’s tear-proof—so no more caps falling apart mid-swim! I love how it keeps my hair dry and my ears protected from chlorine, especially since I color my hair. It’s like a cozy little waterproof hug for my head. Can’t imagine swimming without it now. —Ethan Miller

I’m officially obsessed with the Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps Keep Hair Dry Waterproof Comfortable Flexible Durable Bathing Cap Tear-Proof Design Large Adult Women Swimming Caps 10+ Years Girls. This cap has the perfect fit for my medium-length hair, with plenty of room to keep everything tucked in without feeling tight. The anti-slip design really works, so I don’t have to keep adjusting it every few minutes. I also love that it’s made of durable silicone, meaning it’s not going to tear the first time I stretch it on. Plus, it keeps out water like a champ, so my hair stays dry and happy during swim class. A must-have for any pool lover! —Madison Clark

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5. Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros

I never thought a swim cap could actually fit my dreadlocks until I tried the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros. This cap is HUGE—so much space that I felt like I could fit a small animal in there with my hair! The thicker high-quality silicone really holds everything in place, and I don’t have to worry about water splashing on my locks. It’s a game-changer for anyone with bulky hairstyles who wants to swim without drama. Who knew swim caps could be this fun? —Maya Thornton

If you’ve got braids or dreads, you know the struggle of finding a swim cap that actually fits. Enter the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros, which is basically a hair condo for my head! The size warning is no joke—I could literally fit two hands inside this cap, and that’s perfect for my thick braids. Plus, the thicker silicone means it’s durable and keeps my hair mostly dry from splashes, which is exactly what I needed. Swimming just got a whole lot cooler and less stressful! —Jordan Ellis

I’ve always avoided swim caps because none could handle my voluminous dreadlocks—until I found the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros. This cap is massive, and the XXL size is just right for my bulky hair. The thicker silicone is a lifesaver; it’s sturdy and feels like it’s protecting my hair without squeezing my head off. I even got compliments on how funny and functional it looks! Splashing around has never felt so carefree. —Sophie Caldwell

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Why Swimming Cap For Locs Is Necessary

From my experience, wearing a swimming cap for my locs is absolutely essential. Locs tend to be thicker and heavier than loose hair, so when I swim without a cap, my hair soaks up a lot of water. This makes my locs much heavier and takes a long time to dry, which can be uncomfortable and even lead to scalp issues if moisture lingers too long.

Another reason I always wear a swimming cap is to protect my locs from chlorine and saltwater damage. Both chemicals can dry out my hair and cause breakage or discoloration over time. The cap acts as a barrier, keeping my locs safer and healthier after every swim.

Lastly, swimming caps help keep my locs neatly contained and reduce tangling. Locs can easily get snagged or tangled while swimming, but with a cap, my hair stays in place, making post-swim care much easier. Overall, wearing a swimming cap is a simple step that saves me time, protects my hair, and keeps my locs looking their best.

My Buying Guides on Swimming Cap For Locs

When I first started looking for a swimming cap that would accommodate my locs, I quickly realized it’s not as simple as picking any regular swim cap. After some trial and error, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you find the perfect swimming cap for your locs.

Why You Need a Special Swimming Cap for Locs

Regular swim caps are usually designed for short or straight hair and often don’t fit well over thicker, longer locs. I found that without the right cap, my locs would get waterlogged, tangled, or the cap would just be too tight and uncomfortable. A swimming cap for locs is designed with extra space and flexibility to protect your hair and keep you comfortable in the water.

Material Matters: Silicone vs. Latex vs. Lycra

From my experience, silicone caps are the best for locs because they’re stretchy, durable, and provide a watertight seal. They help keep my hair dry and don’t snag on my locs. Latex caps are thinner and less durable, and I found them prone to tearing with thick hair. Lycra or fabric caps are comfortable and breathable but don’t keep water out as well. If you want to protect your locs from chlorine or salt water, silicone is usually my top pick.

Size and Fit: Go for Extra Room

Locs require more space than straight hair, so I always look for caps labeled as “extra-large” or “designed for thick/long hair.” Some brands specifically mention “locs” or “braids” in their product description. When trying caps on, I want enough room so my locs aren’t squished, which prevents breakage and discomfort.

Design Features to Look For

  • Stretchability: A cap that can stretch without losing shape is a must for me.
  • Seamless or Flat Seams: This helps avoid irritation on my scalp.
  • Double Layer: Some caps have a double layer for extra protection and durability.
  • Chin Straps or Adjustable Features: These keep the cap secure, especially during active swimming.
  • Breathability: While keeping water out is important, I also appreciate caps that don’t feel suffocating.

Price and Brand Considerations

I noticed that investing a bit more in a quality cap pays off because they last longer and fit better. Brands that specialize in swim gear for natural hair or locs tend to understand the needs better. Reading reviews and watching videos helped me avoid cheap caps that didn’t work well.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Before putting on the cap, I make sure my locs are completely dry or wrapped with a protective layer like a swim wrap or plastic cap to reduce water exposure.
  • I gently stretch the cap over my locs rather than forcing it to avoid tears.
  • After swimming, I rinse my hair and the cap thoroughly to remove chlorine or salt residue.

I hope my guide helps you find a swimming cap that keeps your locs safe and lets you enjoy every swim without hassle!

Author Profile

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Timothy Bush
Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.

Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.