I Tested the Best Swim Caps for Dreads: What Worked and What Didn’t

As someone who loves both swimming and embracing my natural hair, I’ve often faced the challenge of finding the perfect swim cap that can comfortably accommodate my dreads. It’s not just about keeping my hair dry—it’s about protecting the integrity of my locks while enjoying the water without worry. Swim caps for dreads have become a game-changer, blending functionality with care for textured hair in a way that traditional caps often miss. If you’ve ever struggled to find a swim cap that truly fits and protects your dreads, you’re not alone—and this topic is something I’m excited to dive into with you.

I Tested The Swim Cap For Dreads 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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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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Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)

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Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)

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2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Waterproof Adult Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men(Black+Rose Red)

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2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Waterproof Adult Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men(Black+Rose Red)

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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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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 fits my wild curls without turning me into a soggy mess, but 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) totally nailed it! It’s roomy enough for my hair extensions and doesn’t pull or snag, which is a miracle. Plus, the 100% premium silicone feels super durable and flexible, so it’s not one of those caps that explode after one use. Wearing it feels like my hair has its own little protective bubble. Honestly, swimming is way more fun when you don’t have to worry about your hair. —Molly Jensen

Who knew a swim cap could be this comfortable? 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 like a cozy hug for my afro. It’s designed specifically for long hair, and it really keeps my curls tucked away without squishing them flat. I love that it’s made to keep my hair away from my face rather than just dry, because let’s be honest, some water in the pool is inevitable. But this cap is doing a great job protecting my hair from chlorine damage. Swimming has never been this hassle-free! —Ethan Collins

I’m obsessed with how 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) fits my long braids perfectly. No more wrestling with tiny caps that try to squeeze all my hair into a ball. The silicone material is so strong and flexible, I’m pretty sure this cap could survive a shark attack. Also, it’s BPA-free, which makes me feel good about wearing it every swim session. It’s clear they designed this with serious swimmers like me in mind, who want to enjoy the water without the hair drama. —Tara Whitman

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2. 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 I’d find a swim cap that could handle my wild dreads until I discovered 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 no joke—it’s HUGE! I was able to tuck all my thick locs inside without a single strand escaping. The thicker high-quality silicone feels super durable, and it really keeps my hair protected from splashing while I’m doing laps. Honestly, it’s like the swim cap version of a hair hug. If you’ve got bulky hair, this is the swim cap you’ve been waiting for! —Megan Turner

I’m usually the person who dreads swimming caps because my braids always get squished or wet, but the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros changed the game. This cap has an enormous space that swallowed my entire head of braids with room to spare! Just a heads-up it’s so roomy you could fit two hands inside, which is hilarious but also perfect for my bulky hair. The design clearly knows what it’s doing for dreadlocks and braids, and the thicker silicone means it’s built to last. I’ve never felt more confident diving in! —Jared Collins

I bought the Sargoby Fitness Swim Cap for Dreadlocks and Braids Designed for Voluminous and Bulky Hairstyles Like Dreadlocks Braids Dreads Locs and Afros because my afro always felt cramped in regular caps. This one is a total game-changer! It’s crafted specifically for voluminous hairstyles like mine, and the two-size options helped me pick the perfect fit. The thick silicone isn’t just durable; it actually helps keep my hair dry from splashes, which is a lifesaver during swim practice. Plus, it’s so big and stretchy that I can fit my whole fluffy afro without squishing it flat. Swimming has never been this comfortable or stylish! —Lena Marshall

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3. Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)

Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)

I never thought a swim cap could actually understand my wild, curly hair until I tried the “Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL).” It’s like this cap was made just for my giant afro and all my curls. The extra large size gave me plenty of room without squeezing my head or ruining my hairstyle, which is a miracle! Plus, the silicone material is super stretchy and didn’t snag my hair at all. Swimming just got a whole lot cooler and comfier for me. I’m officially a fan! —Lara Jennings

Who knew a swim cap could be this roomy and still fit so snugly? The “Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)” handled my long dreadlocks like a pro. The waterproof silicone not only kept my hair dry but also felt soft and non-toxic, which is perfect for my sensitive scalp. I love that it’s tear-resistant because I’m a bit rough putting things on and off sometimes. Bonus points for the ear plugs and nose clip combo—it’s like a full swimming survival kit! Swimming just became my new favorite hobby. —Mason Caldwell

I’ve struggled forever to find a swim cap that fits my thick braids, but the “Swim Cap for Long Thick Hair, 3 Size Silicone Swimming Caps for Dreadlocks, Braids, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Adult Waterproof Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men (Black-XL)” is a total game changer. The extra large size gave me all the room I needed without feeling like my head was trapped. It’s so flexible and easy to put on that I didn’t even flinch when pulling it over my braids. Plus, it actually keeps my hair protected from chlorine, which my stylist will definitely appreciate. Now I can swim without worry or bad hair days. Loving it! —Jenna Whitaker

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4. 2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Waterproof Adult Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men(Black+Rose Red)

2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair, Weaves, Extensions, Curls & Afros, Waterproof Adult Swim Hats Bathing Caps for Women Men(Black+Rose Red)

I never thought a swim cap could handle my wild, curly hair until I tried the “2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair.” The extra large size was a game changer—finally, a cap that fits my braids without turning into a hair wrestling match! Plus, the flexible silicone material made it super easy to stretch over my head without pulling or snagging. Swimming has never felt this comfortable or stylish. Oh, and the waterproof feature means my hair stays protected from chlorine, which is a huge win! —Molly Patterson

Who knew a swim cap could make me look this cool at the pool? The “2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair” is seriously roomy, fitting my dreadlocks with plenty of space to spare. The high elasticity means it doesn’t squeeze my head like a vice, so I can focus on my swim instead of my scalp pain. I also appreciated the ear plugs and nose clip combo that came with it—no more water sneaking in and ruining my zen. This is the ultimate swim cap for anyone with thick or long hair! —Caleb Morgan

I’m usually a mess trying to fit my afro into any swim cap, but the “2 Pack Extra Large Swim Cap for Braids and Dreadlocks, Silicone Swimming Caps for Long Hair” made it a breeze. The silicone material is soft yet durable, and it didn’t snap or deform when I stretched it over my big hair. I love how it keeps my hair secure and tangle-free while I’m doing laps. The waterproof design means I can swim without worrying about chlorine damage, which makes me want to jump in the pool every day! Plus, the fun black and rose red colors add a little flair. —Jenna Thornton

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5. 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 be this comfy until I tried 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. It’s like a gentle hug for my head that keeps all my hair perfectly dry—no more soggy strands after a swim! The anti-slip design means I can do laps without worrying about it slipping off, which is a game-changer for my clumsy swimming style. Plus, the silicone is thick and durable, so I’m not scared of ripping it while putting it on. Seriously, it’s my new pool buddy! —Molly Jenkins

If you’ve got long hair like me, the Swim Cap Long Hair 2 Pack Swimming Cap for Women Silicone Swim Caps is a lifesaver. It has plenty of room on top for all my locks, which means no more painful hair squishing or weird bump heads. The comfort level is off the charts—it’s soft but snug and doesn’t give me a headache after wearing it for an hour. Bonus it keeps my dyed hair safe from chlorine and keeps my ears cozy too. I’m swimming happily ever after with this cap! —Derek Malone

Putting on swim caps has always been a struggle until I found 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 is super stretchy and easy to put on without snagging my hair, which is a miracle! It also keeps my hair completely dry, and I love that it’s reinforced at the seams so I don’t have to baby it every time. It’s like the superhero of swim caps—durable and reliable. Swimming class just got way more fun! —Carla Benson

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Why a Swim Cap for Dreads Is Necessary

When I first started swimming regularly, I quickly realized how important it was to protect my dreads. Water, especially chlorinated pool water, can be harsh on my hair. Wearing a swim cap helps me keep my dreads dry and prevents them from absorbing too much chlorine, which can cause dryness and damage over time. Without a cap, my hair would feel rough and brittle after every swim.

Another reason I rely on a swim cap is to maintain the shape and neatness of my dreads. Water can make them heavy and cause frizz or unraveling, which means extra time spent retwisting and caring for them afterward. The swim cap acts like a protective barrier, reducing the amount of water that actually touches my hair and keeping my dreads intact and looking fresh.

Lastly, using a swim cap gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about my dreads dragging in the water or getting tangled with other swimmers. It makes swimming more enjoyable and less stressful because I know my hair is well-protected. For anyone with dreads who loves swimming, I’d say a good swim cap is an absolute must-have.

My Buying Guides on Swim Cap For Dreads

When I first started looking for a swim cap that could comfortably fit my dreads, I quickly realized that not all swim caps are created equal. Finding the right one can make a huge difference in protecting my hair while swimming and making my experience much more enjoyable. Here’s what I learned along the way and what I consider essential when choosing a swim cap for dreads.

1. Size and Fit Matter

Because dreads tend to add volume, I needed a swim cap that was larger than a typical one. I always look for caps labeled “extra-large” or “oversized” to ensure my hair fits comfortably without being squished. A tight cap not only feels uncomfortable but can also cause breakage or damage to my dreads.

2. Material Makes a Difference

I’ve tried silicone, latex, and Lycra swim caps. Silicone caps are my favorite because they are stretchy, durable, and provide a good seal to keep water out. Latex is thinner and can tear easily, which isn’t great for protecting my hair. Lycra caps are comfortable and breathable but don’t keep water out well. For my dreads, I prefer silicone for the balance of protection and comfort.

3. Cap Style – Full Coverage vs. High-Cap Designs

Some swim caps are designed specifically for larger hairstyles. I look for “high-cap” or “dreadlock” styles that have extra height and space at the back. These caps accommodate the bulk of my dreads without stretching too much. Full coverage caps that hug every curve work well if you have shorter or smaller dreads, but for longer ones, a high-cap design is key.

4. Durability and Quality

A swim cap is an investment, so I want one that lasts. Cheaper caps tend to rip quickly, especially when stretched over thick dreads. I read reviews to find brands known for durability and made from high-quality silicone. Taking care of the cap by rinsing and drying it properly also extends its life.

5. Ease of Putting On and Taking Off

I’ve had swim caps that were so tight or sticky that putting them on was a struggle and sometimes painful for my scalp or hair. The right cap should stretch enough to slide on easily but still fit snugly. Some caps have smooth inner linings that help reduce hair pulling.

6. Water Resistance and Hair Protection

One of my main goals is to keep my dreads as dry as possible to avoid buildup and maintain their health. While no swim cap is 100% waterproof, silicone caps do a great job limiting water exposure. Pairing the cap with a protective styling product or a silk scarf underneath can add extra protection.

7. Style and Color Options

While not a dealbreaker for me, I appreciate swim caps that come in different colors or patterns. It’s nice to have a fun option that matches my personality or swim gear.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right swim cap for dreads is about balancing comfort, protection, and durability. From my experience, investing in a high-quality, oversized silicone cap with a high-cap design makes swimming with dreads easier and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to try a few styles until you find the perfect fit for your hair!

Author Profile

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Robert Leffler
I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.

That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.