Behind the Soul Cap Soul Cap, a British company run by blacks, makes towels and swim caps specifically for Afro hair. Its products are larger than the regular towels and caps. In fact, the caps — also branded as Soul Caps — come in various sizes, from Junior to Regular to XXL.
In this post
Why is Soul Cap banned?
Why is the swim cap banned? FINA banned the swim cap because it does not follow “the natural form of the head,” the Soul Cap co-founders told the BBC.
What do soul caps do?
Soul Cap makes caps to fit over and protect dreadlocks, afros, weaves, braids, and thick and curly hair. Afro hair is naturally drier than other hair because it has fewer cell layers. The sodium hypochlorite – or bleach – found in swimming pools can dry it out more, leading to damage.
What is the Soul Cap made of?
Premium Silicone
And your swim cap needs to match it.
| SOUL CAP | SOUL CAP JR (Medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Premium Silicone | 100% Premium Silicone |
| Dimensions | (H) 26cm, (W) 29cm (Opening) 20cm | (H) 23cm, (W) 24cm, (Opening) 18cm |
| Colours | Black, Burgundy, Navy, Green | Black, Burgundy, Navy, Green |
Does Soul Cap keep your hair dry?
Full protection for volume-blessed hair.
We all love the water – but we don’t love the chemicals. So we designed the SOUL CAP to keep the bad stuff at bay – keeping your hair safe and dry from the harsh effects of chlorine and saltwater.
Why do swimmers wear two swim caps?
The first one is used to cover their hair, as latex clings to the head better. The second silicone one doesn’t crinkle as much as latex, so it smooths any lingering bumpiness on the head. Without the second cap, there is more drag in the water because the first one could wrinkle.
Why did they ban swim caps for Afro hair?
Soul Cap tried to have its swim caps — which fit over Afros — approved for the 2021 summer Olympics. The governing Olympic body rejected the request, saying it didn’t conform to the “natural” head. Fortune 500 consultants explain why the decision is a teachable moment for other leaders.
Who created the Soul Cap?
In 2017, Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed-Salawudeen invented the Soul Cap, after they heard the story of a woman with afro hair struggling with her swimming cap, according to Soul Cap’s website.
Who invented Soul Cap?
It was created by schoolmates Toks Ahmed and Michael Chapman, who both did not learn how to swim until their late 20s.
Why are caps not allowed?
The company makes extra-large caps designed to protect thick, curly, and voluminous hair. The caps were barred by FINA on the grounds that to their “best knowledge, the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration.”
Is Soul Cap Black Owned?
Soul Cap, a Black-owned British company, created their extra-large swim caps to accommodate for diverse hair types, specifically for Black women with thick, curly hair.
How long do silicone swim caps last?
Silicone caps will last a long, long time with proper care. Some caps can be used regularly for over three years. Like latex caps, silicone swim caps are subject to puncturing by sharp objects, but they are more puncture resistant than latex caps.
How do Black swimmers protect their hair?
Always keep the hair moisturized. Use a light oil or creme moisturizer on a daily basis. 3. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo every time you are exposed to chlorine and follow up immediately with a moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing conditioner and finish up with a leave in conditioner.
Should I wet my hair before putting on a swim cap?
Wet your hair first.
Some cap materials, particularly latex, stick to dry hair strands. It’s not uncommon to see swimmers wet their hair before attempting to put a cap on. Others use a small amount of conditioner for the added benefit of providing some hair protection.
How do I keep my hair from getting wet while swimming?
5 Essential Tips to Protect Hair When Swimming
- Rinse your hair with clean water before and after swimming.
- Use natural oils to add a protective layer.
- Never leave pool water in your hair.
- Get a conditioner made for swimmers.
- Keep your hair dry and safe with a quality swimming cap to protect hair when swimming.
Do Olympic swimmers pee in the pool?
Nearly 100% of elite competitive swimmers pee in the pool. Regularly. Some deny it, some proudly embrace it, but everyone does.
Why do swimmers slap themselves?
Warm up, mental preparation, and initiation are all reasons swimmers slap themselves. Warm up is a crucial preparation for any swimmer to get their muscles ready and blood flowing. By slapping their muscles, it can optimize performance and help to prevent injuries. Slapping can help to prepare mentally too.
Do you cover your ears with a swim cap?
Wear a swimming cap to help protect your ears from getting wet while you are swimming. It is important to put the swimming cap on properly with the ears completely covered. To put the swimming cap on, place your hands inside the cap with fingers laced.
Why is the American flag backwards on Olympic swim caps?
The old caps had flags and names on each side — a forward-facing flag on the left and a backward-facing flag on the right. That flip-flopped design ensured that the stars side of the flag was always surging forward with the swimmer on the TV side of the pool.
What is a black swim cap?
Soul Cap was invented in 2017 in Britain by Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed-Salawudeen. While taking an adult swim class, the two noticed that Black swimmers might benefit from a swim cap designed with extra room at the crown to fit more voluminous natural hairstyles like braids, locs and Afros.
What is the swim cap rule?
According to the 2020 FINA Olympic rule book, it’s “permissible to wear two swim caps” during competitions. The rules also say that manufacturers of new swimwear and caps that include “a new design, construction, or material” must “submit the swimwear to FINA to obtain its approval” before being worn.