swimming caps... pros and cons?

Good point about pre-wetting hair. I remember hearing also that it helps make it easier to put on caps (silicone never a problem anyway, but with latex caps, it definitely makes a difference). I sometimes remember, but often not. As for women who are afraid to get their hair wet, I've seen the same people I think: hair all coiffed, make-up, even perfume. This, btw, isn't unique to swimming. I also see people with similar mindsets walking on tracks and treadmills all made up, hair perfectly in place. And I too wondered about it. But it occurs to me that many of the women who seem afraid to mess up their appearance are in a sense feeling like strangers in a strange land. Many grew up with the message drummed in that little girls were supposed to sit still and be clean. Now their doctors are telling them that their health is at risk if they don't exercise. But exercise was something they learned to dread and avoid. So they come to the gym or the pool not wanting to leave their comfort zone because they haven't learned to play and get dirty and have fun. I wasn't much of an athlete as a kid, but I always enjoyed being outside, swimming, walking, later running, and given that my hair has never wanted to stay in place anyway, even in the best of circumstances, I figure what have I got to lose! ;) Are these the same women you see shopping at the supermarket at 10am on Sundays looking like they're going on a first date?

Good point about pre-wetting hair. I remember hearing also that it helps make it easier to put on caps (silicone never a problem anyway, but with latex caps, it definitely makes a difference). I sometimes remember, but often not. As for women who are afraid to get their hair wet, I've seen the same people I think: hair all coiffed, make-up, even perfume. This, btw, isn't unique to swimming. I also see people with similar mindsets walking on tracks and treadmills all made up, hair perfectly in place. And I too wondered about it. But it occurs to me that many of the women who seem afraid to mess up their appearance are in a sense feeling like strangers in a strange land. Many grew up with the message drummed in that little girls were supposed to sit still and be clean. Now their doctors are telling them that their health is at risk if they don't exercise. But exercise was something they learned to dread and avoid. So they come to the gym or the pool not wanting to leave their comfort zone because they haven't learned to play and get dirty and have fun. I wasn't much of an athlete as a kid, but I always enjoyed being outside, swimming, walking, later running, and given that my hair has never wanted to stay in place anyway, even in the best of circumstances, I figure what have I got to lose! ;) Are these the same women you see shopping at the supermarket at 10am on Sundays looking like they're going on a first date?