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Best Shower Caps

Updated November 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Simply Elegant Adjustable Large Shower Cap
Simply Elegant
Adjustable Large Shower Cap
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

An adjustable shower cap that will keep your hair dry and won't pinch your scalp.

Pros

Adjustable drawstring to accommodate all users. Eco-friendly. Resists mildew. Waterproof to keep hair dry.

Cons

Expensive compared to the other products listed here.

Best Bang for the Buck
Betty Dain Fashionista Collection Mold-Resistant Lined Shower Cap
Betty Dain
Fashionista Collection Mold-Resistant Lined Shower Cap
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Fun Pattern
Bottom Line

A large, well-made shower cap that keeps your hair dry and looks great too.

Pros

4 stylish designs. Mold-resistant and waterproof. Quality construction. Won't leave a mark on your forehead.

Cons

This cap is too large for some.

Kitsch Luxury Shower Cap
Kitsch
Luxury Shower Cap
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Most Attractive
Bottom Line

An attractive turban-style shower cap stylish enough for poolside use.

Pros

Features a cute tropical print and does its job to keep hair dry. Fits snug around the scalp without squeezing.

Cons

Expensive compared to other shower caps.

Donna Premium Collection Super Jumbo Shower Cap
Donna Premium Collection
Super Jumbo Shower Cap
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

The best option if you're looking for a very large shower cap.

Pros

Large enough for long and big hair. Waterproof. Comfortable elastic band. Covers your hair without flattening it.

Cons

Not for you unless you need a very large shower cap.

GRACE & COMPANY Luxury Shower Cap For Women
GRACE & COMPANY
Luxury Shower Cap For Women
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Best for Long Hair
Bottom Line

Consider this water-resistant shower cap with an expandable pocket to fit all of your hair.

Pros

Features a leak-proof flexiband that provides a secure fit. Accommodates most head sizes and hair lengths. Washable and reusable.

Cons

Some reports of cap fitting a little too snugly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
191
Consumers
Consulted
14
Hours
Researched
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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.

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When coloring your hair at home, use a shower cap to prevent the product from staining your clothes or skin. Use a disposable one because you’ll likely have to throw the shower cap away afterward.

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.
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If you’re attempting to protect a recent blowout from getting drenched in the shower, choose an extra-large shower cap so your style doesn’t get crushed and ruined.

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.