For years, swimmers with voluminous hair—braids, dreadlocks, and afros—were forced to “stuff” their hair into standard caps that often snapped or cut off circulation. The Soul Cap changed that. Marketed as the ultimate inclusive swim gear, it’s designed with a massive “bulb” at the back to accommodate hair that standard brands simply ignore.
But a bigger cap often means more trapped air and potential for leaks. Our team at SwimmingHQ tested the Soul Cap over a month of training to see if it lives up to its “95% dry” reputation or if it’s just a bigger version of the same old leaks.
Our Quick Verdict
The Soul Cap is a life-saver for volume, but it requires a specific technique to stay dry. It offers much better value than the Hairbrella for those with long hair, though it lacks a satin lining. If you want a reliable, heavy-duty cap that fits all your hair, this is our top recommendation for “The Volume King.”
Best For: Dreadlocks, box braids, afros, and waist-length hair.
Waterproof Rating: 7/10 (Unable to keep hair dry).
Waterproof Swim Cap Testing Series
At SwimmingHQ, we put the market’s top-rated “waterproof” caps through a rigorous pool test to see which ones actually keep hair dry. Explore our full hands-on results:
The Hybrid Choice: Hairbrella Swim Cap Review
The Volume King: Soul Cap Review (Reading Now)
Best Waterproof Swim Cap: Borkut 3D Cap Review
The Innovative Fit: Arena 3D Cap Review
Price & Value: High Quality, Low Hype
Compared to the $44 Hairbrella, the Soul Cap is much friendlier on the wallet while offering superior durability.
The Cost: Expect to pay $18.99 to $27.00 in the USA depending on the size (Medium to XXL).
Is it worth the money?
- Yes: For swimmers with braids, locs, or afros who need a durable, long-lasting cap that won’t snap. At under $30, its rugged silicone construction is built to last.
- No: if your #1 priority is keeping your hair dry, the Borkut 3D swim cap remains the undisputed king of the waterproof seal.
The Waterproof Reality Check: Does it Actually Leak?
Soul Cap claims a “tight seal against the hairline.” Our team put this to the test with swimmers with thick, butt-length braids:
The “Burping” Requirement
Because of the massive volume at the back, this cap traps a lot of air. We discovered that if you don’t “burp” the cap (squeezing out the air once it’s on), the air pressure will eventually pop the seal around your ears.
Result: It stayed 65% to 75%% dry during standard lap swimming.
The Dive & Backstroke Test
The Observation: During high-impact entries (diving) or backstroke, the extra volume at the back creates drag. This can cause the cap to shift slightly at the forehead.
The Verdict: It’s a lap swimming cap, not a “racing” cap. If you stay in your lane and avoid aggressive diving, your hair stays 70% dry.
Design: Sizing for Every “Soul”
One area where Soul Cap beats everyone else in our 2026 series is the sizing.
M & L: For long, straight hair or mid-length curls.
XL & XXL: This is the “Sweet Spot” for heavy locs and waist-length braids.
The Grip: The silicone is thicker than the Arena 3D Soft, giving it a much more aggressive grip on the skin to block out water.
Soul Cap vs. Hairbrella vs. Borkut 3D
Waterproof Seal: Borkut 3D is still the king of dryness for most people, but Soul Cap is the only one that can handle the volume of braided hair while maintaining an 7/10 seal.
Hair Protection: Hairbrella wins on “no-pull” thanks to its satin lining. The Soul Cap is pure silicone, so you still need to be careful with your edges.
Price: Soul Cap is the clear winner for value conscious swimmers with long braided hair.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible Volume: Fits the longest braids and thickest afros. | Pure Silicone: No satin lining; can still “tug” if not careful. |
| Durable: Thick, premium silicone that resists tearing. | Traps Air: Requires “burping” to maintain a waterproof seal. |
| Price Point: Much more accessible than luxury hybrid caps. | Bulky: Not hydrodynamic; creates drag for fast swimmers. |
Final Thoughts
The Soul Cap is the only cap that truly respects the volume of Black and POC hair types. Our team highly recommends it as a daily driver for anyone with braids or locs. Just remember: measure your head circumference first, and always squeeze out the air before you start your first lap.
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