What Is a Shower Cap?
A shower cap is a type of head cover that offers an impermeable layer between your hair and external elements, mostly water. We all know not every shower means washing your hair. This is where a shower cap comes into play. Mostly featuring an elastic, a shower cap is made from water-resistant materials like plastic or nylon. It is snug around the hairline and does not let any water get in while you shower. Even though the name suggests that a shower cap is only useful in shielding your hair from unwanted shower spray, there are various other ways you can make use of a shower cap, even make a style statement!
From Our Celebrity Expert, Olivia Elgart:
"Shower caps are a classic bathroom item, but did you know their uses are heavily underrated? I know! I didn’t think they would have a use apart from keeping your hair dry. But Rachel Grant has four surprising uses for them: she uses them as a remote control cover for when she’s traveling, an ice pack (handy!), a camera protector for when it rains and even doubling it as a hair tie if you really need it. Who knew you could do so much with an item you have right at home?"
What Is a Shower Cap Used For?
Showering
If you just want a body bath and do not want to wash your hair, a shower cap will be your best friend. If you try showering without one, there is no way some of the sprays would not wet your hair no matter how much you try. To shield your hair from the water, especially if you intend on rocking the blow-dry from the day before, a shower cap is a must-have.
Protect your hairstyle
This is an obvious one. If you plan on keeping your hairstyle intact, you will definitely need the aid of a shower cap to avoid getting water or moisture in. The lesser obvious use of a shower cap to protect your hairstyle will be outside the shower. Wondering how? A shower cap can be of great use as you get ready for your date or night out with your hair already done.
Hair colour
There are two ways a shower cap is useful when it comes to hair colour. Wearing a shower cap during your shower helps protect your hair from water exposure which means your hair colour will last longer. The second, more practical use of a shower cap is when you are dying your hair. Dying your hair can be a very messy process with the colour getting everywhere including your neck, clothes, and face. To avoid this, put on a shower cap post-application to keep your hair in place.
Conditioners and masks
Shower caps work like magic when you put on a hair mask or go for deep conditioning. After you apply the product, wear a shower cap which will serve two purposes. First, it will keep your hair in place and you would not get product all over your clothes and neck. Second, and perhaps inconspicuous, is the heat that the shower cap entraps when worn. This heat encourages the product to absorb more for better results.
Reduce damage while sleeping
Do you wake up with a bird’s nest over your head? This is because when you move around in your sleep, your hair gets scuffed up and damaged. A perfect, but not very elegant solution to this dilemma is to wear a shower cap to sleep. It will keep your hair in place, protect it from damage and breakage, and keep your hairdo (if you have one) intact for the morning.
Cleaning
Not the most conventional use of a shower cap, however, very practical is to wear it during cleaning. Cleaning involves a lot of dust, dirt, bacteria, and debris which easily latch onto your hair and will need to be washed later. A shower cap will protect your hair and would not bring up an unexpected hair wash day.
What Is a Shower Cap Made Of?
A variety of materials are used for the manufacture of shower caps. Typically, materials that are water-resistant and skin-friendly are used. Plastic, nylon, lycra are some of the most common materials used. Elastomeric polymers like rubber and rubber-like, pliable materials such as neoprene are also popular due to their flexibility and comfort. Some high-end shower caps are made of silk as well.
Factors to Look Out for in Shower Caps
Design
The design may not be the most important factor when it comes to shower caps. However, if you intend to use your shower cap long-term, you do not want to get bored of a plain, ordinary shower cap. To keep things exciting and fun, shower caps are available in various colours, patterns, and materials. Go for something which suits your style statement especially if you plan on wearing your shower cap outside the shower too.
Durability
Durability is a factor that is only pertinent to reusable shower caps. Disposable or one-time-use shower caps are not meant to last therefore, durability is inconsequential.
To ensure maximum durability, both the quality of the cap and its maintenance play significant roles. Go for a shower cap that is stitched well, the elastic on the end must be thick and should not lose its elasticity over time, and the material must be mould-resistant. To avoid mould buildup, make sure that the shower cap dries fully between uses.
Size
The size of a shower cap is very crucial in determining its functionality. A smaller than required size will be uncomfortable to wear and might leave behind harsh marks on the skin. A bigger size will obviously defeat the fundamental purpose of a shower by allowing water in or falling off.
Getting the perfect size depends on two factors namely your hair length and volume, and your head size. Most shower caps offer a size guide that includes measurements of the shower cap both unstretched and stretched.
Frequency of use
The intended frequency of use of a shower cap will affect both the quality and cost. If you only plan to use a shower cap occasionally, for example, on vacation, then cheaper options like latex shower caps will be more viable. For everyday use, a higher-quality shower cap made of durable materials like silicone, silk, and neoprene is recommended.
