Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for women. It's a tough yet low-impact cardiovascular endurance workout that strengthens muscles. Plus, it's loads of fun. The one major issue? Swimming in pools can dry out your hair, leaving it prone to damage through split ends and breakage. Of course, there's a simple solution, and as it turns out, it's not just for hair health. Swim caps help to keep your hair out of the water and safely tucked into a cap. They can also help to keep earplugs in, pools cleaner, and the scalp protected. And for those competing, swim caps help to eliminate drag and cutting time. While there are all types of swim caps on the market, there are some that simply rise above the rest. Here are our favorites. Speedo Adult Silicone Swim Cap Made of rugged silicone, this cap is durable, fits well, and has smooth edges that help to reduce hair breakage and offer a better fit overall. Plus, silicone tends to have fewer wrinkles, which in turn helps to reduce drag in the water, which helps you achieve faster laps and better time. Additionally, they’re hypoallergenic, which is a major bonus for keeping irritation at bay. Comfortable, durable, and itch-free? We’re here for it. Pros: Made from 100% silicone for durability, fit, and quality Contoured shape for comfort and drag reduction Multiple colors and prints available Cons: Not the best for long or extra thick hair Can be tricky to remove from your head Aegend 2-pack Swim Camps Just need a swim cap or two that’ll keep your hair, scalp, and ears protected, but don’t want to fork over too much? This 2-pack will have you covered, quite literally. Generously made to fit over long hair, this cap is asymmetrically designed and made from thick silicone. Tear-resistant and odorless, it’ll pop down over your head and ears, keep your hair protected, and at a two-for-one price tag, it remains affordable, too. Pros: Made with quality in mind but at a fraction of the cost Cushioned ear contact points for comfort Cons: Better for larger heads Not fully waterproof if not properly adjusted Dsane Extra Large Swimming Cap for Long Hair This cap is perfectly roomy for bulky, longer-than-average hair. Ideal for braids, extensions, dreadlocks, Afro hair, and otherwise super-long manes, this is a premium quality cap that keeps hair completely protected. Made from premium silicone, it’s waterproof, toxin-free, and won’t tear or pull at skin or roots. And although it is tight — as a swim cap should be — even with a heavy head of hair, this cap fits securely around the scalp line and won’t cause headaches. Pros: Easy to put on and it stays on Will not pull at hair or skin Completely waterproof, leaving hair dry and protected Cons: Make sure to pull down far enough in order to fully protect hair It’s not the most streamlined look Swim Elite Swim Cap for Long Hair When it comes to getting the right fit for a swim cap when you have longer hair, the issue folks usually face is that the cap rides up. It’s simple: with more hair, there’s less room, and with less room, the cap can ride up. This can cause hairlines to get wet, water to leak inside, and ears to go completely unprotected. This cap solves those pesky issues. Made specifically for long hair, this cap also sports a handy scoop that essentially goes down and over the ear, hiding the lobe and fully protecting the ear. The result? A streamlined swim cap that has full coverage and stays put. Pros: Ergonomically designed and made from stretchy, durable silicone for full coverage Includes a nose clip with cap purchase Streamlined fit for drag reduction Cons: Fits a bit tight for all-day wear Takes some experimenting to get the fit just right Speedo Silicone Elastomeric Swim Cap Designed specifically for fitness swimmers, this swim cap has an elastomeric fit, offering the best in elasticity and stretch. That elasticity and stretch translate to better compression and comfort, making the overall fit best for swim drills, meets, and water fitness classes. Quick and easy to put on and take off, the cap features a textured interior that won’t pull out hair or snag skin along the sensitive cap line. With a full range of color and pattern choices, we’re loving this swim cap option. Pros: Excellent design for competitive or fitness swimmers No smell and non-toxic material Ideal for smaller heads due to the tighter fit Cons: Not the best for thicker, fuller, or longer hair Best to wear with goggles strategically placed to keep the cap from rolling Frequently Asked Questions How long do swim caps last? The longevity of a swim cap depends on a few factors. First, the material. If it’s made from a more durable material, such as a high-quality silicone, you’ll get more wear out of it. Secondly, repeated and frequent use cuts the life span of a cap dramatically. Therefore, if you’re a frequent swimmer, you’ll need to replace a cap more often. And finally, how you care for your cap also speaks volumes about how long it’ll last. With proper care, a cap can last anywhere from a month or two to around three years. That’s a huge difference, but as we said, a cap’s life span depends on a few key factors. How do you properly care for a swim cap? Think you can just pop your cap off and toss it in your bag and go? Think again. With lack of care, swim caps will degrade and rip, rendering them useless. Best care practices include rinsing the cap after each use with fresh, non-chlorinated water. Additionally, allow it to completely dry, even using a soft cloth to get every last drop of moisture. And for proper storage, make sure the cap is in a cool, dry space that won’t see any direct sunshine. Related posts: The Best Festive Dog Hats The Best Dog Head Wraps The Best Female Dog Diapers