Swimming caps designed for natural black hair finally permitted by Fina (2024)

FAQs

Swimming caps designed for natural black hair finally permitted by Fina? ›

A swimming cap made specifically for natural Black hair has received official approval from the worldwide governing body for competitive swimming. Soul Cap is a covering made especially to protect hair that's thick, curly, braided or otherwise textured — which is often difficult to fit into smaller swim caps.

Swimming and natural hair – chlorine and saltwater can play havoc with your locks. This is because it can be extremely drying to afro hair, which can lead to a multitude of issues such as damaged hair and breakage.

No, unfortunately not. Swim caps are not designed to keep your hair dry but to reduce drag and for hygiene reasons.

A swimming cap for afro hair has been approved for use in top-level competitions. The specialised covering - designed for thick, curly hair and styles such as dreadlocks, weaves and braids - was banned from last year's Olympics.

Swim caps are worn for various reasons: they can be worn to keep hair out of the swimmer's face, reduce drag, protect hair from chlorine or sun damage, keep hair dry, keep the head warm, or (sometimes in combination with earplugs) to keep water out of the ears.

Technically, it's true. Pool and sea water are bad for your hair. Pool water includes Chlorine, a type of bleach that dissolves the oils that keep your hair cuticles together. Sea water includes Salt, which tends to dry out your hair.

To combat this, saturate your hair with water and apply a little bit of conditioner to your hair before getting in the water. Since your hair is already wet, it will absorb less of the water that you're swimming in.

It's easier for the material of the cap to slide on when your hair is wet. If it's dry, the cap may painfully tug or pull on strands of hair. Tip: Sprinkling baby powder in your swim cap can help keep it from pulling on your hair when you take it off (and make it smoother to put on, too).

If you don't want to wear a cap, try any waterproof headband on its own. A headband can help keep your hairstyle in place so you won't have to worry about loose strands getting wet.

Swim caps can provide an extra layer of protection against water entering your ears. Choose a cap that covers your ears entirely and fits snugly without causing discomfort. For the best fit, consider getting a custom-made swim cap that is designed specifically for your head shape and size.

What is the black swim cap controversy? ›

The International Swimming Federation, the group that oversees the sport's major competitions, dropped its opposition to a type of cap designed for Black hair, a year after critics of the policy said it was culturally insensitive and created an unnecessary barrier to the sport.

In 2019, Russia was officially banned from the Olympics by the World Anti-Doping Agency for four years, but that ban was shortened to two years after Russia appealed. For the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the IOC banned Russia and Belarus from participating due to their involvement related to the war in Ukraine.

Unfortunately, cultural differences and racial bias make it challenging, which is why Black-owned manufacturer SOUL CAP was established. The company understood the need for a way to address varying hairstyles for aquatic competition, the former which can include dreadlocks, weaves, braids and afros.

One reason for wearing one cap on top of another is to keep longer hair out of the swimmer's face.

Getting chlorine on a few strands of hair can still damage your hair, especially the ends of it. But it's better than soaking all of your hair in chlorinated water. When it comes to hair protection for swimming, swim caps are your best bet.

This may be obvious, but afro and curly hair textures do not mix well with chlorine. Especially if you've taken the plunge (pun absolutely intended) to colour your hair this summer! In the pool, it can cause damage and, in the seawater, it can cause dryness. Both of which you'd want to avoid at all costs!

“When the natural oils are stripped, the hair becomes less water-resistant and even more prone to damage and breakage.” The stripping of natural oils can be particularly damaging for those with curly and afro-textured hair, according to Luke Carthy, founder of Black haircare company, Afrodrops.

What happens to black hair when it gets wet (like in the rain), that makes you ladies avoid the rain so much? If it's straightened with a flat iron vs. with a relaxer, getting it wet will make it curly again. And usually a lot of time at the salon or at home goes into straightening our hair.

Shrinkage is caused by the absorption of water which causes the hair cuticles to expand and elongate due to the weight of the water. "Once the water begins to evaporate, shrinkage occurs," says Powell.