When you think of bathing, you probably think of luxurious bath accessories like scented shower gel or pretty bath bombs. I bet you haven’t thought about another less-exciting bath essential: a shower cap. But the best shower caps will help preserve that hairstyle you spent hours  styling by protecting it from moisture while you shower.
translate? Your hair will be less frizzy, and just think how much time you’ll save by not brushing your hair after a shower!
Washing your hair every day can strip your hair of some of the beneficial oils it needs, so the best way to protect your hair from moisture until your next wash is to wear a shower cap. When you think of shower caps, you might picture the ones your grandma used to wear, but shower caps are trendier than ever (promise!).
But as my grandma used to say, practice makes perfect. Go ahead and find tried-and-true, highly rated, and even stylish shower caps you can buy right now.
Kitsch shower caps come in a variety of cute prints, like this pale pink floral pattern, that will suit most head shapes and hair lengths. The chin strap is comfortable and stretchy, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Rave review: “I really like the thickness of this hat and that it has an elastic band in the back so it’s stretchy enough but still holds all my hair without being too tight.”
Have you ever been annoyed with wearing a shower cap because it keeps slipping, getting wet and making your baby’s hair frizzy and curly? With Shhhower Cap, you don’t have to worry about this problem anymore. The shower cap has a non-slip silicone grip that keeps it securely in place and keeps the hairline dry.
Rave review: “I know it’s expensive, but it’s worth it. It will definitely be the last one you buy. It’s durable, fits well, and stays clean.”
If you are looking for a shower cap that fits snugly and is comfortable, this collection is for you. It has a two-layer design that effectively keeps your hair dry and prevents moisture from seeping in. Plus, four shower caps cost less than $12, so this collection is a great buy if you don’t plan on wearing them every day. The small size also makes it suitable for those with short hair.
Rave review: “I’ve been using cheap, flimsy plastic shower caps that have lost their elastic. I finally decided to treat myself to a good one – these are it! They feel luxurious and keep my hair protected.”
If you have long hair, you’ll love this more traditional shower cap. It’s roomy enough to accommodate Rapunzel’s thick mane. Plus, this inexpensive shower cap comes in a variety of cute prints.
Rave review: “This shower cap is absolutely amazing! I’ve never been able to find one that covers all my hair and stays in place, but this is the best!”
If you have ever struggled with how to braid your hair or other complicated hairstyles into a shower cap, this shower cap is your solution. This spacious shower cap is perfect for all hair types and styles. It is comfortable to wear and the adjustable drawstring allows you to adjust the size for a snug, comfortable fit.
Rave review: “My daughter has very thick braids that go all the way down to her waist. She has 4C hair, which means she has a lot of braids! The ponytail she puts all her hair in is about 7 inches in diameter. We used to use large plastic bags to cover her hair because we didn’t have the right kind, but it didn’t work very well. I bought her this one and she loves it. She can put it on herself and it lifts her hair off her back for easy combing. It’s easy to use, dries quickly, and keeps her hair dry and out of the way.”
If you care about the environment and are mindful of your purchases, then this shower cap is definitely the best choice for you. It is made from recycled materials and organic cotton and even comes with a reusable travel case for storage.
Rave review: “I bought this product because it keeps my hair dry, it’s soft and doesn’t feel plastic at all. It’s also very convenient to use in the shower.”
If you’re ready to take full advantage of a deep conditioner, you’ll need to add a heating cap to your beauty cabinet. The heat helps the conditioner penetrate your hair follicles. Simply pop the shower cap in the microwave for about a minute to provide your hair with gentle heat for 30 minutes.
Rave review: “Love it! So much more convenient than using my hooded blow dryer because I can put it on my head and walk around. I’m a busy mom, so this is perfect for me since I never have time to deep condition during the week.”
This shower cap is similar to a silk pillowcase. The soft satin lining ensures that your hair does not come into contact with rough surfaces while in storage, preventing breakage and damage. The shower cap also features an adjustable drawstring so you can tighten or loosen it for the perfect fit.
Rave review: “Gone are the days of layering those silly little plastic wigs! This keeps my hair dry and really pretty! The black silk goes great with the purple.”
If your skin is intolerant to latex, the Grace & Company shower cap is made of latex-free, breathable and durable fabric that keeps your hair dry without causing sweating. The shower cap also comes with an adjustable bow that can be adjusted as desired to make the shower cap fit tighter.
Rave review: “This hat is amazing. It keeps my long hair dry. I can even cover my ears and listen to a podcast in the shower. No water gets in at all. Thanks so much – I have eczema along my hairline so I can’t wash my hair too often. I’m planning on buying another one so when one is wet I have a dry one.”
This three-piece set allows you to have one for home, one for travel, and a spare for emergencies like cooking or cleaning. The Goody Shower Cap fits most hair sizes without leaving your head feeling tight.
Rave review: “I’ve been using these simple but durable shower caps for a few years now. They’re big enough without driving me crazy like bulky backcombing. After all, I only need them for showering and I don’t need anything fancy, so they’re perfect for my needs.”
There’s no rule that says you can only wear a shower cap in the shower. Need to run an errand in the rain? Wear one to protect your hair from getting wet. The bow and cute print make this a stylish must-have for your nights out.
Rave reviews: “This shower cap is so cute and gives me retro island vibes! I felt so stylish I forgot I had it on haha. It keeps my hair covered and I don’t have to worry about it getting wet, it works great!”
Straight from one of our favorite hair drying salons, we created a terry shower cap that not only effectively keeps out moisture, but also has a comfortable elastic band on a cotton lining. Although it’s not too fluffy, it’s roomy enough to securely hold even long hair.
Rave review: “I absolutely love this shower cap. I don’t wash my hair every day, so I thought this terry cloth cap would keep my hair dry while I shower. It really does the job and doesn’t leave unsightly marks on my forehead. Great value for money!”
Shower day can be boring, but this funny shower cap (who knew shower caps could be so funny) is sure to make you smile. It’s more than just cute and silly. This waterproof cap is also great at keeping moisture out while keeping you looking stylish.
Rave reviews: “It’s so comfortable! It’s not too tight and it holds my hair in so I don’t have to worry about it falling out when I shower! And it’s so cute!!”
Shower caps are mainly used to keep your hair dry in humid environments, such as while showering. It locks in moisture and prevents frizz, thereby maintaining the shape of your hair. You can also use a shower cap for deep conditioning or to keep your hair dry during other activities, such as using a sauna.
When buying a shower cap, you should consider the size you want. Do you have long hair, short hair, or a hairstyle that requires more space? Taking your answer into account will help you narrow down your choice, as shower caps come in different sizes.
You want to make sure that the wig you buy fits snugly enough to prevent water or moisture from seeping in and ruining your hairstyle. But you also don’t want the wig to be too tight and uncomfortable every time you use it.
Some shower caps are so fragile that they can only be hand washed, while others can be thrown straight into the washing machine. Since shower caps are often wet, some may develop mildew unless the cap itself has antibacterial properties.
Therefore, when purchasing a shower cap, you need to consider your preferences regarding how often and how you will wash it.
Yes, shower caps are primarily used to keep your hair dry while you bathe or shower, but they can also protect your hair from odor and sweat while you cook or clean your home. Before you choose a shower cap, make sure it is suitable for the activity you will be wearing it for.
Jasmine Gomez is the Lifestyle & Business Editor at Women’s Health, where she tests and writes about the best products for home, sleep, travel, and more. She has a master’s degree in digital journalism and has written for Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Mamás Latinas, Bustle, and more. When she’s not online shopping, she enjoys cooking, aerobics, karaoke, and traveling to palm-fringed destinations.