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: Which One Is Actually Better?
If you have thick, curly, long, or styled hair, standard swim caps from Speedo or Arena rarely fit. That is why two specialty brands dominate search results: Soul Cap and Hairbrella.
While both target swimmers who need more room than traditional caps provide, they use completely different designs to solve the problem. Here is how they compare based on real pool testing.
| Feature | Soul Cap | Hairbrella Swim Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | 100% Premium Silicone | Water-resistant PVC outer + Satin lining |
| Best Hair Types | Dreadlocks, long braids, afro hair, extra volume | Natural curls, styled blowouts, sensitive edges |
| Real Dryness Level | ~50% – 70% dry (edges get damp) | ~60% – 75% dry (in calm water) |
| Submersion Performance | Good for active swimming & lap training | Best for low-impact swimming, pool lounging & aqua aerobics |
| Hair Protection Method | High-volume room prevents compression headaches | Satin lining prevents friction, dryness, and hairline breakage |
1. Design & Material: Pure Silicone vs Satin Lining
The biggest difference between these two caps lies in how they feel against your hair:
- Soul Cap is a classic silicone cap scaled up in size. It has a smooth exterior and a spacious dome available in sizes up to XXL. It provides high durability and creates a traditional silicone seal around your forehead and ears.
- Hairbrella combines a waterproof outer membrane with a soft satin lining. Because satin causes almost zero friction, it won’t pull on delicate edges, dry out natural curls, or ruin expensive salon treatments.
2. Performance in the Water: Laps vs Casual Swimming
When it comes to actual water resistance during swimming:
- Soul Cap performs better for continuous swimming and lap training. Because it is silicone, it cuts through the water with minimal drag. However, because the fit accommodates extra volume, small air pockets can form near the neckline, allowing minor seepage during flip turns.
- Hairbrella is designed primarily for splash protection and head-above-water sessions. While the band seals snugly, the loose outer construction creates noticeable water drag. If you dive or swim aggressive freestyle laps, water pressure can push past the seal.
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
- Choose Soul Cap if: You have long dreadlocks, thick box braids, or heavy extensions and need a durable, streamlined silicone cap that fits all your hair without snapping.
- Choose Hairbrella if: You want to preserve a blowout, protect sensitive edges from friction damage, and primarily do aqua fitness, pool lounging, or relaxed swimming.
Looking for the middle ground? If you want room for long hair without the loose drag of Hairbrella or the neckline leakage of oversized silicone, the Borkut 3D Ergonomic Cap is still the king of dryness for most people, it offers a pre-molded 3D shape that holds a hair bun securely while sealing tightly against the ears and neck (~90–95% dry).
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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