Glasses, a swimsuit or swimming trunks, a towel - this is not a complete list of what a swimmer needs. You will also need a special hat that protects hair. It is not easy to pick up this accessory; you can get lost in the modern variety of models. How to choose a swimming cap? What are the requirements for the product? All this is described below.
Why is she needed
How to choose a hat for swimming in the pool (river, sea, lake and so on)? To begin with, it is important to understand why this accessory is needed. So what are its functions?
- Reliably protects hair from bleach, which serves to purify water.
- Keeps warm in the body.
- Saves hair from getting wet, prevents the penetration of water into the ears.
- Hair does not interfere with swimming.
This product has many useful features. In addition, a hat is necessary in the pool so that the hair does not pollute the water.
Latex
This accessory is made of various materials. For example, there is a latex cap for swimming. Low price - perhaps the main advantage of such a product. Latex models are rapidly losing popularity. This is primarily due to the fact that they are made from unpleasant to the skin and thin material.
It is difficult to put on and take off a latex hat; it can cause an allergy, damages hair. It is also worth noting the fragility of the product. The latex model is only suitable for a short-haired swimmer. It is not suitable for protecting long hair.
Silicone
Which product is suitable for long hair? Silicone swimming cap is a great choice. These models are elastic, easy to stretch. They are comfortable to use, easy to remove and put on, dry quickly. Silicone products have a pleasant, durable texture. They are durable, but it’s better not to combine them with hairpins that can pierce the material. Adherence to the head provides thickening along the edges.
It is silicone hats that will appeal to those for whom it is important not only comfort and convenience, but also appearance. It offers customers a wide range of colors and patterns. These products are preferred by professional athletes.
Silicone accessories also have a drawback. The tight fit of the cap to the head can cause discomfort, become a source of headache.
Fabric
How to choose a swimming cap for those who are not suitable for silicone and latex products? You can pay attention to fabric accessories, which are also steadily gaining popularity. In their manufacture, the same materials are used from which bathing suits are created. Lycra, polyester - possible options.
Fabric hats are famous for their durability. They can be used with any hairpins without any fear. These products are soft, comfortable to wear. They are easily removed and put on, while the hair is not electrified and does not suffer. Also, it should be noted that these hats are affordable. The model range is quite wide, different colors and patterns are offered.
The main function of fabric accessories is to hide hair. They let water through, which can be called their main drawback. Caps do not provide reliable protection of strands from bleach. In addition, they dry for a long time.
Fabric products are a great choice for those involved in aqua aerobics. However, it is worth considering that they are not suitable for competitions. The products have a rough surface, which negatively affects the speed of movement in water.
Combined
How to choose a swimming cap, which has more advantages than disadvantages? In recent years, combined models have come into fashion. They are fabric products coated with silicone on the outside.
Such models are good because they hardly let water through. Only at the edges can the hair get slightly wet. Combined products are practical, do not require complicated maintenance. They are pleasant to wear, easy to put on and take off. The durability of such products is highly rated.
Combo caps are a great choice for training. However, silicone models are still more suitable for competitions. Their main disadvantage is the high cost. However, the durability of the products redeems it.
Key selection criteria
How to choose the right cap for swimming? To do this, you need to have an idea of the main selection criteria.
- The hat must hide all the hair on the head. Then the strands will not interfere while swimming. It will also help not to freeze, as wet hair leads to a rapid loss of heat. Finally, this is a mandatory hygiene requirement in the pool.
- The product must hide the ears. It is important that they are protected from water.
- The hat should preserve the health of the hair, protect them from the damaging effects of bleach. Swimming should be beneficial, not harmful.
Professional swimmers should also consider ergonomics. An accessory that reduces the friction of water during movement is suitable for them.
What should be the size of the swimming cap
It is important not only what material the accessory is made of. Another factor is of great importance. How to choose the size of a swimming cap? First of all, it is worth understanding that these products are children and adults. The latter are distinguished by a large volume.
The volume of the product is different for different models. Therefore, the best way to choose a suitable hat is fitting. The accessory should not press, cause discomfort. It is necessary to make sure that it is easily put on and removed.
Children's models
How to choose a baby hat for swimming? Children's models are smaller in volume. The best way to choose an accessory is to try it on, but this is not always possible. In this case, measure the circumference of the child’s head, and then divide the result in half. Next, you need to measure the side of the cap (you can ask the seller for a ruler or a centimeter tape), multiply the resulting figure by 1.7-1.8.
If the child has long hair or a large head, a baby hat may not be suitable for him. In this case, it is better to take the smallest product from adult models for it. Among them there are also small-sized and large-sized.
How to wear
If the size of the swimming cap is chosen correctly, then putting it on is easy. But it’s better to practice at home.
- You need to take the product with both hands. The hands are turned so that the palms look to the side. Then you should push the material about 15-20 cm (depending on the diameter of the head circumference).
- Next, you need to lean forward, attach the front inner edge of the model to the forehead. It’s convenient to help yourself with your thumbs.
- Then you should distribute the cap over the entire surface of the head. Using fingers, you need to fill out knocked strands. The accessory should cover the hair below the edge on the back of the head, hide the ears.
- For maximum comfort you need to “smooth” the product. Movement should be light.
- Before putting on the cap, long hair can be pulled together with an elastic band or bundled at the crown. It is better to refuse to use hairpins with sharp edges, invisible. All of these products can damage the material.
- It’s not easy to brush your hair when the hat is already on. It is better to immediately try to remove the bangs and protruding tips under it. Do not put the product on loose strands. Hair will be knocked out during swimming, and the cap can slip off the head.
- Earrings are best removed when donning an accessory. This is especially true for long products that will interfere and cause discomfort. In addition, the rejection of jewelry guarantees the safety of the material.
Professional swimmers put on a hat in a very original way. They first pour water into the product, and then stick their heads into it. Water flows out, no air bubble forms in the cap. Putting a cap on a child, it is better to moisten his hair first. The resulting bubble needs to be slightly slammed. Due to this, the product will not slide off the head in water.
How should the seam be positioned? There are two options - from the forehead to the back of the head or from ear to ear. Both methods are considered correct, this does not affect the swimming process.
How to care
Caring for a swimming pool cap depends on what material it is made of. However, there are general rules.
- After each use, the product must be washed. This must be done with cold, clean water.
- Dry the accessory in a straightened form. At the same time, sunlight should not fall on it, it should be located away from heat sources.
- The hat must not be allowed to come into contact with sharp objects. This list includes a variety of hair clips, pins, earrings.
The latex product must be treated with talcum powder after drying.
Reviews
You can also focus on reviews when choosing a swimming cap. Negative feedback is mainly received from latex models. The reviews indicate their impracticality and fragility. Such products are recommended only to those who are used to changing caps often, as they are affordable.
Textile products are preferred by those who value their own comfort while swimming. They are also often chosen by parents for children. Silicone and combination products are valued above all by those for whom reliable hair protection from bleach and other destructive factors is in the first place.