Put on a swimming cap without pulling your hair (for women)

Swim caps primare use is to create less resistance in the water as well as to keep the hair out of the swimmer's face while swimming. They also help to keep the hair dry and protect them form the pool's chemical but they cannot do that completely. Most of them are made of either latex or silicone, which tend to stick to dry hair. Putting on a swim cap without pulling or snagging hair is a challenge. So, here are some tips that can help you avoid the discomfort and prevent you from damaging the cap.

• Stretch it wide to avoid pulling your hair. If you're putting a cap on by yourself, make sure your hair is already twisted or gathered close to your head. Put your hands inside the cap and stretch it open as wide as possible. Lower it onto your head, let the front catch on your forehead, and then pull it down to cover the rest of your hair.
• Get your hair wet. Since the cap slides more easily over wet strands of hair, take a shower before putting on your cap. You can also coat your hair with leave-in conditioner to further protect it. Always wetting your hair before putting on your swimming cap will save lots of time, pain, and broken caps.
• Ask a friend for help. A friend's assistance can help stretch the cap out wide enough to avoid catching any hair as you fit it over your head. You should hold the front of your cap at your forehead while your friend uses both hands to stretch the cap open and pull it over your head.
• Try a different cap. If you've been using latex caps, try a silicone or even a lycra one. They're made of softer material and may not pull your hair as much. Some swimmers even layer a rubber cap over a lycra one. The lycra cap easily contains their hair and makes it easier to put on the latex or silicone cap.
• Treat your cap gently. Swim caps are somewhat delicate, and a small rip or hole will quickly turn into a big one. Avoid using your fingernails when pulling on the cap, and if you need to tug it into place do so gently. A little care when putting on and adjusting your cap makes a big difference. After a bit of practice, you'll figure out how to quickly and cleanly put on a swim cap without pulling your hair.

Image source: [1]

via SwimOutlet