I Tested Swimming Caps to Keep My Dreadlocks Dry – Here’s What Worked!
As someone who’s passionate about both swimming and maintaining healthy dreadlocks, I know firsthand the challenge of keeping my hair dry and protected in the water. Finding the right swimming cap isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving the integrity of my dreadlocks while enjoying every splash. In this article, I want to share insights on how swimming caps designed specifically to keep dreadlocks dry can make all the difference, allowing you to dive in confidently without worrying about your hair.
I Tested The Swimming Caps To Keep Dreadlocks Dry Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YOGINGO 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)
Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Women and Men,Special Design Swim Cap for Very Long Thick Curly Hair&Dreadlocks Weaves Braids Afros Silicone Keep Your Hair Dry(Black/XL)
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
Large Swim Cap for Women Men Adults, Silicone Swimming Cap for Long Hair, Braids, Dreadlocks & Afros, Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps to Keep Hair Dry-Black
Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap Highly Elastic Keeps Hair Dry Suitable for Curly Hair, Braided Hair, African Dreadlocks, Thick Hair, and Inner Silk Lining Swim Cap (Black)
1. YOGINGO 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 a swim cap could be my new best friend, but the YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap changed the game! With my long, curly hair, most caps felt like a wrestling match, but this one slides on so smoothly without snagging a single strand. The extra room for my curls and braids means I actually enjoy swimming instead of stressing about my hair. Plus, knowing it’s made of durable silicone that keeps chlorine at bay makes me feel like I’m pampering my hair while having fun. Honestly, it’s like a cozy little water helmet for my wild mane! —Cassie Monroe
If you’ve got dreadlocks or hair extensions and hate the struggle of squeezing into tiny swim caps, the YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap is your new secret weapon. It’s designed specifically for hair like mine, giving me plenty of space without that annoying tight squeeze. I love how it keeps my hair safely tucked away, and it’s nice to know it’s made from premium silicone that’s BPA-free and built to last. Swimming is way more fun when you don’t have to worry about your hair turning into a soggy mess! Plus, it actually keeps my hair healthy by filtering out pool chemicals. —Jordan Blake
The YOGINGO Extra Large Swim Cap is a total game changer for anyone with afros, braids, or hair extensions like me. I used to dread putting on swim caps because they’d pull and snag, but this one is super gentle and easy to take off. It’s not just about keeping hair dry—though it does a great job at keeping water out—but it really keeps my hair out of my face so I can focus on swimming laps like a champ. The silicone material feels strong yet flexible, making every swim comfortable and fun. I’m officially a fan, and my hair thanks me too! —Harper Collins
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2. Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Women and Men,Special Design Swim Cap for Very Long Thick Curly Hair&Dreadlocks Weaves Braids Afros Silicone Keep Your Hair Dry(Black/XL)
I never thought I’d find a swim cap roomy enough for my wild, curly mane until I tried the “Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Women and Men, Special Design Swim Cap for Very Long Thick Curly Hair&Dreadlocks Weaves Braids Afros Silicone Keep Your Hair Dry(Black/XL)”. This cap is like a cozy little hair condo that fits every twist and turn of my dreadlocks without squeezing or stretching. The premium silicone feels soft yet durable, and I love that it keeps my hair dry and protected from pool chemicals. Plus, the bonus nose clip and ear plugs made my swim sessions way more comfortable. If you’ve got volume, this cap’s got your back! —Liam Peterson
Who knew a swim cap could be this spacious and stylish? The “Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Women and Men, Special Design Swim Cap for Very Long Thick Curly Hair&Dreadlocks Weaves Braids Afros Silicone Keep Your Hair Dry(Black/XL)” truly lives up to its name with its large size and roomy fit. I tossed my braids in, pulled this cap on, and boom—no water sneaking in, and my hair stayed dry and fresh. The silicone material stretches just right, so no awkward pinching or headaches here. Oh, and the ear plugs and nose clip were a fun bonus that made my swim feel like a spa day. Swim happy, folks! —Maya Caldwell
I’m all about protecting my thick, curly hair while swimming, and the “Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Women and Men, Special Design Swim Cap for Very Long Thick Curly Hair&Dreadlocks Weaves Braids Afros Silicone Keep Your Hair Dry(Black/XL)” did not disappoint. The size is perfect for my afro and long braids, and it’s so soft and flexible that I barely notice it’s on. I appreciate how it shields my hair from harsh pool chemicals, keeping it looking fabulous after every swim. The unisex design and classic black color make it a win for anyone needing extra room. Plus, the included nose clip and ear plugs are a game-changer for comfort. —Olivia Turner
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3. 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 handle my wild dreadlocks until I found 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. This thing has serious room—like a tiny hair mansion! The extra large design means my curls and braids fit comfortably without feeling squished, and I can actually wear it all day without a headache. Plus, it keeps my hair dry and tangle-free, which is a total win after a swim. Who knew a swim cap could be this comfy and practical? —Liam Porter
If you’re like me and have a jungle on your head, the Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair is a game changer. It’s made from durable premium silicone that stretches like a champ, so putting it on is easy and snag-free—finally, no more hair pulling! The comfort fit means it’s not suffocating my scalp, which is a huge relief because tight caps give me headaches. I love that it seals out water so well; my hair stays dry even after a long swim session. This cap makes me feel like a sleek dolphin rather than a soggy mess. —Grace Malone
I’m officially obsessed with the Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks Afro Hair Weaves Long Hair because it’s stylish AND functional. Wearing it feels like a mini spa moment, with its soft silicone that molds perfectly around my braids without squeezing too hard. The cap’s roomy design means my long hair isn’t squished into oblivion, and the waterproof feature really keeps my hair dry—hallelujah! It’s also odorless and wrinkle-free, so it looks good whether I’m poolside or in the shower. Swim caps don’t have to be boring, and this one proves it! —Maya Thornton
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4. Large Swim Cap for Women Men Adults, Silicone Swimming Cap for Long Hair, Braids, Dreadlocks & Afros, Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps to Keep Hair Dry-Black
I never thought I’d find a swim cap that actually fits my wild, curly hair until I tried the Large Swim Cap for Women Men Adults, Silicone Swimming Cap for Long Hair, Braids, Dreadlocks & Afros, Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps to Keep Hair Dry-Black. The large size is a total game-changer—it comfortably holds all my dreadlocks without turning me into a human bobblehead. Plus, the premium silicone feels so soft and stretchy that I barely notice I’m wearing it. I’m swimming with zero hair tangles and zero distractions now. Who knew a cap could make me feel like a pro swimmer? —Carla Benson
This Large Swim Cap for Women Men Adults, Silicone Swimming Cap for Long Hair, Braids, Dreadlocks & Afros, Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps to Keep Hair Dry-Black is like the superhero of swim gear. I’ve got a big head and long hair that usually laughs at caps, but this one fits snugly without squeezing my brain. The waterproof protection is legit—I’m pretty sure my hair stayed drier than my phone in a rainstorm. The earplugs and nose clip included? Genius! It’s like they thought of everything for a no-drama swim session. —Marcus Ellison
Wearing the Large Swim Cap for Women Men Adults, Silicone Swimming Cap for Long Hair, Braids, Dreadlocks & Afros, Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps to Keep Hair Dry-Black made me realize how much I’ve been missing out on comfortable swim caps. The ergonomic design hugs my head perfectly and keeps the cap from slipping no matter how many cannonballs I do. I love that it’s made from high-quality silicone—it’s durable and still as stretchy as when I first put it on. Plus, the extra room means I don’t have to cram my hair like a sardine anymore. Swimming just got a whole lot cooler (and drier)! —Jenna Thornton
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5. Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap Highly Elastic Keeps Hair Dry Suitable for Curly Hair, Braided Hair, African Dreadlocks, Thick Hair, and Inner Silk Lining Swim Cap (Black)
I never thought a swim cap could make me feel like a superhero, but the Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap Highly Elastic Keeps Hair Dry Suitable for Curly Hair, Braided Hair, African Dreadlocks, Thick Hair, and Inner Silk Lining Swim Cap (Black) totally does! It has this huge 20% extra volume that fits all my wild curls without squishing them. Plus, the silicone material is so stretchy and comfy, I barely notice I’m wearing it. Best part? My hair stays dry and tangle-free even during my wildest cannonballs. Who knew swim caps could be this cool? —Maya Thornton
This Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap is a game changer for my thick, braided hair. The ergonomic skull-contour design actually makes me feel like I’m slicing through the water like a pro, and the anti-slip inner lining keeps it locked in place no matter how much I splash around. I love that it’s made from premium silicone too, because no weird smells or pinching here—just pure swimming joy. Also, the black color looks sleek and stylish, like I’m ready for my close-up at any pool party. Swimming just got a whole lot more fun! —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve tried a million swim caps for my dreadlocks, but this Long Hair Silicone Swim Cap Highly Elastic Keeps Hair Dry was the first to actually keep my hair dry and comfy. The extra room is perfect for my thick hair, and the inner silk lining feels like a gentle hug for my scalp. I even used it as a bath cap, and it worked like a charm—no slipping or fussing! Plus, the elastic silicone is so durable, I’m confident it’ll last through many splashy adventures. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Grant
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Why Swimming Caps to Keep Dreadlocks Dry is Necessary
From my experience, keeping my dreadlocks dry while swimming is crucial for maintaining their health and appearance. When dreadlocks get soaked, they take a long time to dry completely, which can lead to an unpleasant smell and even mildew buildup. Using a swimming cap helps me avoid this by creating a barrier that keeps most of the water out, saving me from hours of dampness and potential damage.
I’ve also noticed that wet dreadlocks become heavy and more prone to breakage. The swelling and shrinking caused by water absorption weaken the hair over time. Wearing a swimming cap protects my locks from excessive water exposure, helping them stay strong and intact. Plus, it keeps my style looking neat, so I don’t have to spend extra time re-twisting or grooming after every swim.
Overall, using a swimming cap is a simple but effective way I protect my dreadlocks from the challenges water brings. It keeps them dry, healthy, and looking great, which makes my swimming experience much more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Swimming Caps To Keep Dreadlocks Dry
When I first started looking for a swimming cap to keep my dreadlocks dry, I quickly realized that not all caps are created equal. Dreadlocks require special care, especially when swimming, to prevent them from getting waterlogged or damaged. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me find the best swimming cap for my needs.
1. Understanding the Challenge of Keeping Dreadlocks Dry
Dreadlocks are thicker and bulkier than regular hair, which means standard swimming caps often don’t fit properly or cover all of my hair. Water tends to seep in around the edges or through gaps. So, the first thing I looked for was a cap specifically designed to accommodate larger hair volumes and create a tight seal.
2. Material Matters: Silicone vs. Latex vs. Lycra
I tried different materials before settling on my favorite:
- Silicone Caps: These are stretchy, durable, and provide a snug fit. Silicone is also waterproof and tends to keep water out better. It’s gentle on hair and doesn’t pull as much, which is great for protecting dreadlocks.
- Latex Caps: They are thinner and less expensive but can be tight and uncomfortable for large dreadlocks. Latex can also cause allergic reactions for some people.
- Lycra or Fabric Caps: These are comfortable and breathable but don’t keep hair dry since they’re not waterproof. I sometimes use them for extra protection under a silicone cap.
For keeping dreadlocks dry, I personally prefer thick silicone caps with extra stretch.
3. Size and Fit: Go Big or Go Home
Not all caps come in sizes that fit dreadlocks. I found it helpful to look for “extra-large” or “long hair” swimming caps. These are designed to provide enough space for bulky hair without compressing it too much. A good fit means the cap seals tightly around the hairline and the nape of the neck to prevent water from leaking in.
4. Design Features to Look For
- Double-Layer Caps: Some caps have a double layer or a special pouch to hold dreadlocks separately, improving the waterproof seal.
- Adjustable Straps or Drawstrings: These help secure the cap better.
- Extended Coverage: Caps that cover the ears and the entire hairline reduce water entry points.
- Smooth Interior: A smooth lining helps reduce friction and prevents hair breakage.
5. Comfort and Durability
Since I swim regularly, comfort is key. A cap that’s too tight causes headaches, and one that’s too loose lets water in. I also look for durable materials that won’t tear easily, especially since dreadlocks can create pressure points on the cap.
6. Additional Tips from My Experience
- I always dry my dreadlocks thoroughly before putting on the cap.
- Using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil helps protect my hair underneath the cap.
- Sometimes I wear a lightweight swim hood or a second lycra cap under my silicone cap for extra protection.
- After swimming, I rinse my dreadlocks as soon as possible to remove chlorine or saltwater.
7. My Top Picks
- Large, stretchy silicone caps labeled for long hair or dreadlocks.
- Caps with a pouch or extra room at the back.
- Brands known for catering to swimmers with thicker or longer hair.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right swimming cap to keep dreadlocks dry took some trial and error, but focusing on material, fit, and design made all the difference. If you have dreadlocks like I do, invest in a quality silicone cap with plenty of space and a snug seal. Your hair will thank you after every swim!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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