While the USA Swimming 2024 Rulebook doesn't state anything about makeup or manicures, it does dictate that "it is not permissible to wear more than two caps," while competing. The swimming caps that athletes wear must also be approved by the federation for international competitions in water sports (FINA). This particular rule sparked controversy in 2021 when swimmers were barred from wearing caps from a Black-owned swimming-cap brand called Soul Cap, which makes headwear designed to fit natural, textured hairstyles like braids, locs, and Afros.
Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.
