Buying guide for Best shower caps
Shower caps are a lifesaver when you need a shower or a soak but don’t want to risk ruining your previously styled hair. Exposure to even a little bit of moisture is enough to frizz up follicles in an instant. If you shampoo your hair infrequently because it’s curly or coarse, a shower cap keeps your mane dry so you can thoroughly wash the rest of your body.
A quality shower cap is mold resistant and easy to clean, and, depending on your personal style, it features the right fabric or pattern for you.
Considerations
Before buying a shower cap, consider your hair and your needs.
Hair
If you have a lot of hair, you want a shower cap that’s large enough to cover all of it. For those with thin hair, a tight seal is essential to prevent hair from slipping out.
Needs
If you require a shower cap to cover your hair while you enjoy a long, hot bubble bath, a simple model will do. For showers, a snug fit is vital to prevent moisture from getting through and frizzing up your hair. Waterproof material and a tight fit are necessary for those who intend to protect their styled locks. If you want a shower cap to use while bleaching or coloring your hair, you might opt for a cheaper disposable style in case the hair chemicals alter the cap's color.
Shower cap features
While a shower cap is a reasonably basic bathroom accessory, there are a few features to be aware of while browsing different models.
Size
Shower cap sizes vary from child-sized models to oversized caps designed to fit people with lots of hair. A shower cap should fit comfortably around the head and have an elasticized band to keep it in place and prevent moisture from getting to your hair.
Fit
An adjustable band is useful for those who may sport different hairstyles and need to alter the fit to accommodate updos or voluminous styles. The elastic band that helps to keep a shower cap on your head should fit well, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it leaves a noticeable mark.
Waterproof
Most shower caps are made of waterproof materials, but double-check that you’re buying a cap that will indeed block water from seeping through or you won’t get much use out of it.
Mold resistant
Opt for a shower cap that resists mold and mildew growth.
Style
You can choose from a variety of shower cap designs from cute polka dots to bright colors to floral prints. Remember, you’ll only be wearing it in the bath or shower, so go ahead and choose a funky pattern.
Price
A good-quality shower cap will cost you well under $25. The priciest models are durable and typically have unique patterns and designs (such as a turban-style cap). On the lower end of the price scale are disposable caps sold in bulk.
Tips
- Clean your cap regularly. Even those that are mold and mildew resistant benefit from a wash now and then.
- Hang the cap to dry. After your shower or bath, hang your shower cap to air-dry.
- Go eco-friendly. Those concerned about environmentally friendly materials should skip caps made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and opt for models made with polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA) instead.
FAQ
Q. How often do I need to wash my hair?
A. It depends on your hair’s natural texture, your daily habits, and other factors. Folks with coarse, curly hair may prefer to wash less frequently to prevent hair from drying out and to reduce the time needed for styling. Those with fine hair may find it necessary to wash more frequently because of rapid oil buildup. If you’re often involved in sweaty situations (physical work or daily exercise) you may be more comfortable washing every day or every other day. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors may find that exposure to pollutants requires daily washing.
Q. Can I sleep with a shower cap on?
A. We don’t recommend sleeping with a shower cap on every night since the waterproof material isn’t breathable. Your hair won’t dry properly overnight and friction may cause the cap to break. However, a shower cap is a great option for nights when you want to wear a restorative mask to condition your hair deeply without getting product on your pillow and sheets.
Q. My hair is still getting wet with a shower cap. What’s going on?
A. Check that the band is snug enough and that there’s a decent seal. If that isn’t the problem, it may be that the shower cap is simply not big enough to cover all your hair.
