Ladies, Hair Help ?

I have long, thick hair, and I just give it a braid (not French, just regular) and then tuck it up inside my swim cap. Unfortunately, I've had trouble with the cheap-o caps they use at races -- they don't hold all my hair and try to come off while I'm swimming. So I wear my silicon cap underneath their cap, and that usually works fine. Plus, if their cap comes off, it's not big deal, and I just tuck it inside my wet suit and keep swimming.

With the braid, I can still wear my helmet without and problems, and I can pull my braid though the back of my running hat.

My only complaint is that my braid rubs along the back of my top while I'm running, and after 6 miles it turns into a massive dreadlock. But that's a small price to pay.

Some people have recommended a ponytail, using several elastics every couple of inches from the top to the bottom, but I found that doesn't let me tuck my hair into my swim cap as easily.

Here's a picture .


Also, if you're like me and you worry about the effect of all that swimming on your hair, you might try slathering it with conditioner before you put on your cap. I've found that keeps my hair relatively healthy, even with all the chlorine.