Shower caps are not just for the shower anymore. A new trend spurred by swampy summer weather has people seeking protection for their smooth locks.

With the cost and time that goes into the maintenance of straightened hair — whether weekly blowouts or expensive texturizing treatments — women are using shower caps to fend off humidity and rain's curling potential. The New York Times reports that on the fashion-conscious streets of New York City, women have been spotted donning the curious headgear like the whole world is their shower.

"I'd much rather embarrass whomever I'm with than arrive where I'm going with bad hair," one cap-wearer told the New York Times. "Blowouts are expensive."

Even celebrities are getting in on the look, like "Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco, who posted a selfie in a shower cap on Instagram.

Supermodel Joan Smalls showed hers off recently on Instagram.

Enough people are wearing them, in fact, that designers are launching whole new lines of shower caps, revamped for outdoor use. Shhhowercap sells a $43 multicolor model called The Laguna, which looks more like fine art than the crumpled thing you would find in a basket under your hotel room sink.

The trend hasn't quite caught on this humid summer in Minneapolis, but it might not be far off.

At Blowdry! on Lagoon Ave., women with a fresh 'do are encouraged to protect their hair on rainy days as they walk between the salon and the car, said owner Jessica Reipke. They sell polka-dotted shower caps for $10-$17.

And the Wow Bar, a salon in south Minneapolis sells upscale shower caps for $12 from a brand called Hydrea London. The eco-friendly material comes in a cheetah print.

"They're nice. They're not plastic," said receptionist Haley Walsh. "But I haven't seen anybody walk out with one on."

New York Times contributed to this report.

Sharyn Jackson • 612-673-4853

@SharynJackson