15 Best Workout Headbands for Athletes & Running Reviewed

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Best Workout Headbands for Athletes & Running + TOP 15 Reviews 2024

Are headbands still a thing?

Yes!!

Headbands are NOT just for 80’s Tennis Stars. (Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, I’m looking at you!)

Headbands are incredibly useful, and serve you well in several situations, which is likely why they are so popular with tennis players, basketball players, weightlifters, CrossFit Athletes, and Runners worldwide.

I aim to cover the three most popular reasons one might wear a headband, what goes into the best workout headbands, and present 15 of the best running headbands with reviews so you find the one that is perfect for you.

Which of these 3 Distinct Headband Purposes Fits Your Needs?

fitness exercising active woman with headband

1. Sweat management

Probably the most popular reason to wear a headband is to manage sweat. This goes for athletes, bike riders, folks who ride motorcycles, runners and more.

Basically, anyone that wants to keep sweat from running into their eyes is after this type of headband.

If you need to deal with perspiration look for the following characteristics in headbands.

Thin

They are made from thin material, which dries quickly. Another benefit of this material is you can wear a thin headband under a baseball cap, motorcycle or bike helmet.

Sweat wicking and odor control Technology

Headbands designed for sweat also need to account for the unpleasantness aspects of sweat, including making stuff stink and making you feel wet, hot and sticky.

A good sweatband should be able to absorb moisture, dry faster than SpongeBob in a tanning bed, and resist the growth of funky germs and bacteria that live off of sweat and create odor. Ewww.

Wide

The best headbands for sweat management are usually wide, to provide enough fabric to mop up sweat and hold your hair in place.

A thin band simply does not have enough substance to soak up any significant amount of sweat.

2. Hair Management

Some folks need a headband to simply keep the hair off their face. Not everyone wants or needs a wide or bulky sweatband, some folks just need to keep their bangs up off the forehead and anchor fly-always in the hair that have a tendency to land in your eyes or stick to your face.

If you like a nice, light, barely there headband that controls your hair, look for these properties:

Thin width – The thinner the headband, the less you will notice you are wearing it. These may come in darker colors that blend in even more and are discreet.

Grip – This style headband does best with some kind of rubberized or silicone grip on the underside. The grip allows the headband to stay in place as you move.

Silicone is preferred because it stays put without pulling the hair, like rubber may.

3. Warming

If you run, hike, bicycle or ski in cool weather, this is the type of headband you need.

Layered warming fabric

Certain fabrics hold heat in, while others are cooling. Fleece is a popular fabric for warming headbands because it holds our body heat against you, keeping your head and ears perfectly toasty.

Ear contours

A good warming headband is contoured to adequately cover the ears, which are vulnerable in cold or windy conditions. Look for a contoured cut that covers your ears.

Make or Break Traits to Find Your Perfect Goldilocks Headband

street workout pull up

Size

The number one headband complaint is that it is too tight. The number too complaint is that it is too loose.

I think we can all agree there is nothing worse than getting a headband that just slides off, or is so tight it gives you a headache.

I mentioned in the reviews which headbands are good for large noggins, and those better suited for more petite craniums.

Width

If the band is too thin, and you sweat a lot, you may find sweat dripping into your eyes even with a sweatband on.

If you perspire even just a little, a wider headband may be the best choice.

Feel

The texture of the headband fabric is important. You want a headband that is soft and comfortable, not rough and scratchy.

Imagine being in the middle of a heavy barbell lift and your forehead begins to itch from the irritating material of the headband.

You have no hands free to scratch it; you must endure till the lift is finished. Not cool. It is worth it to spend a little more for quality fabric.

TOP 15 headbands for Men & Women Reviewed 2024

Self Pro Men’s Headband

Self Pro Mens Headband 2-Pack Guys Sweatband & Sports Headband for Running, Crossfit, Working Out and Dominating Your Competition - Performance Stretch & Moisture Wicking (Black)
  • ✅ STOP SWEAT - Even massive amounts of sweat are no match for our super light headband for men. Seriously, you’ll experience less sweat coming down your face and neck when using this sweatband. Keeps hair out of your face while exercising, keeping you focused and comfortable. Even use under hats you wear every day, to keep them from getting ruined by sweat stains.
  • ✅ FEELS LIKE WEARING NOTHING - We get it. Comfortable solutions for controlling sweat are hard to find. Look no further. Once you wear our band, you’ll want to keep it on all the time. in fact, you really do forget you are wearing it. Lightweight with perfect one-size-fits-all technology to put very little pressure on your head while staying right where you put it. Feels like you aren't wearing anything at all.
  • ✅ VERSATILE AND COMFORTABLE - Whether you choose to wear your band around the home and under your hat, for exercise, hot yoga, sports, mowing your lawn, or even in the bath to keep your hair from getting wet, this is one of the most versatile and useful pieces of clothing you will ever own. Keeps it shape, cleans and air-drys easily, while doing the best job of keeping you dry and comfortable all day even during the most intense workout.
  • ✅ STYLISH AND PRACTICAL - Tired of feeling like you are wearing a heavy piece of cloth on your forehead? Our not too tight, not too loose, perfect width design is much more comfortable than the traditional sweat bands. Soft and stretchy material is perfect for any kind of exercise or just a bad hair day; keeping you stylish even when you’re not working out.
  • ✅ GREAT GIFT IDEA - Our one-size-fits-all band is great for everyone (yes, even the ladies). One customer even bought it for their 7 year old son to keep his hair out of his eyes during gymnastics. We all know someone who works out, plays ball, or loves a unique active wear look. Give them a gift they’ll love for years to come.

Review: Self Pro is made from a light thin material that wicks sweat away. It is thin enough to wear under a baseball cap or helmet, and the bad is wide, about three inches, and the bad is on the large side, and fits large heads, or people with a lot of hair, well.

Pros

  • Thin sweat wicking material – fits under hat/helmet.
  • Wide band – catches al sweat.
  • Washable and dries fast.

Cons

  • Logo peels with washing.

Takeaway

Best workout headbands in the budget price range, as useful as more expensive headbands.

Halo II Headband Sweatband

Halo II Headband Sweatband Pullover, Black
  • MAXIMUM ABSORPTION-63% Nylon 23% Polyester 14% Lycra -Dryline fabric absorbs, wicks, dries quickly, and eliminates odors through the infusion of silver ions into the fabric
  • SWEAT STOPPING SWEATBAND-This headband doesn't just absorb sweat, our patented silicone SweatSeal channels sweat back and away from the eyes, face, and glasses
  • MEN OR WOMEN'S HEADBAND-This lightweight pullover headband features our newest, breathable, soft fabric making this the most comfortable athletic headband you will ever wear- Anatomical design tapers for perfect ear clearance
  • NON SLIP GRIP TECHNOLOGY-Will not slip; holds the band in place and keeps your hair back during the most extreme workout
  • STOP THE BURN-No more burning eyes from salty sweat

Review: These high performing Halo II headbands have Sweat seal technology, which is a thin yellow silicone strip that catches sweat before it drips into your eyes or glasses and channels it away from your face. The material is thin, sweat wicking and made with anti odor technology.

Pros

  • Grippy silicone strip holds band on and moves sweat away from the face.
  • Dryline material wicks sweat dries fast and prevents odor.
  • Thin enough to wear under a hat.

Cons

  • This popular brand is plagued by knockoffs, be sure and order from a reputable dealer.

Takeaway

One of the best headbands for running due to its ability to channel sweat away from your eyes.

French Fitness Revolution Fitness Headband

Mens Headband - Guys Sweatband & Sports Headband for Running, Crossfit, Working Out and Dominating Your Competition - Performance Stretch & Moisture Wicking
  • ALL-SEASON HEADBAND: Protect your face, forehead and hair a year long thanks to this double layered headband for men and women! Made in Europe, from lycraspandex, it keeps sweat away from your eyes and fits comfortably on your head.
  • COOLMAX STRETCHY FABRIC: Its stretchy fabric is Coolmax certified and ensures a perfect fit, whatever sport you are practicing. It ensures sweat absorption, moisture wicking, quick drying, lightweight and natural soft feel.
  • SPORTS HEADBAND: It can be used for any workout or sport. It’s perfect for running, working out, yoga, exercising, fitness, gym, crossfit, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, tennis… Take it to the next level and push your body to the limit every day and everywhere!
  • PERFECT FIT: This moisture wicking headband will stay comfortably on your head during your working. It won’t slip whatever sport you are practicing. It can fit every head size and shape. This sweatband is available in several colors, so you can choose your favorite one.
  • BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE: Our product not only has thermoregulation properties, but is also non-slippery and high sweat-absorbent, which makes you worry free while performing and boosts your confidence. Your energy will peak, when you need it most. Let us take care of your comfort while exercising.

Review: This headband is made of thin, washable, sweat wicking material. It is 4” wide at the forehead, and 1.5 inches wide in the back.

It is thin enough to wear under a hat or helmet, and wide enough to keep bangs out of your face without looking like a dork.

Pros

  • Swat wicking, thin and breathable.
  • SPF of 40.
  • Double layer fabric, reversible.

Cons

  • Takes a bit longer to dry than single layer headbands.

Takeaway

Best workout headbands for short hair and bangs.

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband | Fleece Earband | Winter Running Headband - Black
  • THE ULTIMATE IN PONYTAIL COMPATIBILITY - the stylish, innovative, integrated loop design of this running headband for women provides a “snug solution” for ponytail wearers by holding your hair securely in place.
  • CHOOSE YOUR COLOR(S) - We offer a wide variety of fleece and binding colors to complement your winter wardrobe; from mild to wild, we’ve got you covered.
  • CONTOUR FIT - The contoured shape provides full ear coverage, keeping you warm and delivering added protection where it’s needed most. This fleece ear band for women measures 2.5” at the front and widens to 4” over the ears. The poly / spandex binding stretches and recovers to ensure the ear warmers provide a snug, comfortable fit. One size fits most.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY - Soft, polyester fleece of this winter headband insulates while wicking moisture to keep you warm and comfortable throughout your workout. Machine wash cold; lay flat to dry.
  • TRAIL-TESTED GUARANTEE – Your complete satisfaction is our goal. If you’re not happy with your purchase, let us know and we’ll provide a replacement or refund with no fine print and no time limit—nothing but our commitment to doing whatever it takes to satisfy our customers.

Review: This headband is one single layer of fleece that covers the ears and accommodates a ponytail.

This headband is ideal for ladies who engage in cold weather sports and activities.

Pros

  • Warm fleece, covers ears.
  • Accommodates a ponytail in the back.

Cons

  • Ponytail placement is low, some do not prefer this position.

Takeaway

Best headbands for thick hair, long hair.

 

Turtle Fur Double-Layer Bang Band, Chelonia 150 Fleece Headband

Sale
Turtle Fur Double-Layer Bang Band, Chelonia 150 Fleece Headband,Black,One Size
  • DESIGNED FOR ADVENTURE: The contoured shape of this ear warmer headband is perfect for any outdoor activity. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, running, hiking or out walking the dog your ears will be warm.
  • UNIVERSAL FIT: Designed with just enough stretch and with the perfect coverage for men and women, one size fits most.
  • SOFT & WARM: Our Chelonia 150 Fleece is one of the softest and warmest fleeces you'll ever find. The classic 100% polyester fleece is quick drying and itch-free making it perfect for a cold weather headband that hugs your ears.
  • EASY CARE & PACKABLE: Machine wash in cold water, and just toss it in the dryer with no heat to have it clean and fresh for your next adventure. Easily throw in your bag or jacket pocket as you head out the door.
  • HELP THOSE IN NEED, #PROJECTWARMTH: Share a photo wearing your Turtle Fur product and tag us in it. Use #projectwarmth in the caption. We'll see it and send one hat or cold weather accessory to someone in need.

Review: This super soft headband is made from two layers of fleece, which will keep your ears warm and feel very comfortable to wear.

It is contoured, and wider on one side than the other so it will cover your ears while jogging, skiing, snowboarding or any cold weather sport.

Pros

  • 2 layers of fleece, moderately warm.
  • Covers ears.
  • Machine washable.

Cons

  • Make sure you purchase from a reputable vendor to avoid getting a fake.

Takeaway

Best headbands for working out or engaging in other cold weather, outdoor activities.

 

 

 

 

 

Women's Nike Swoosh Sport Headbands 6PK

Sale
NIKE Swoosh Sport Headbands 2.0, University Red/Game Royal/Volt, One Size Fits Most
  • Jaquarded Elastic band with added silicone holds hair in place for secure fit
  • Jaquarded Swoosh logo. for visible brand recognition
  • Total relaxed opening 44cm Width 3/8, 1cm
  • Sold as single

Review: Nike designed this 3/8 inch headband to stay put and keep hair out of your face while running, jogging, or at the gym.

The bands have a silicone strip to secure them in place. Nike makes these in all colors, including black white and grey, so they may be worn by guys or gals.

Pros

  • Silicone grip keeps them in place.
  • Larger band, suitable for adult females and males.
  • This discreet band- does not scream “I am wearing a headband!”.

Cons

  • These come in a 6 pack of multiple colors, cannot order just one color.

Takeaway

Effective hair management, for guys and gals, one of the best headbands for running.

ASICS Thermopolis Lite 2-n-1 Headwarmer

ASICS Thermopolis Lite 2-n-1 Headwarmer, Black/Heather Iron, One Size
  • This item is reversible
  • ASICS exclusive Thermopolis LT fabric
  • Double layer construction
  • Contoured ear coverage
  • Contoured ear coverage

Review: This Asics Thermopolis lite is made from two layers of contrasting fabric, so it is reversible, and the fabric is wide enough to cover your ears and keep them warm while running in cold weather. They sat on well, with little fuss.

Pros

  • Covers ears and keeps them warm.
  • Stays put while jogging.
  • Reversible so you can switch up colors.

Cons

  • Ideal for cool weather but not freezing under 38 degrees weather.

Takeaway

Best running sweatband for keeping your ears warm while jogging on a cool morning.

 

JUNK Brands Americana Collection Headbands

JUNK Brands Never Surrender Big Bang Lite Headband, Grey, One Size, NEVERSURRENDER-BBL
  • TECHNICAL FABRIC. JUNK’s Big Bang Lite Headbands are made from our Technical T-Shirt fabric. Our Technical T-Shirt fabric is a breakthrough technology specifically designed to keep you cool while emulating a super comfortable t-shirt feel. This is the best athletic headband you'll ever wear! This JUNK Headband is one size fits most.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT, SINGLE PLY with UPF 50+ PROTECTION. This headband is lightweight but has wicking features to help pull the sweat away from the skin and quickly dry. Our BBL is breathable, soft and has a cooling feeling against the skin. This headband is perfect for a hard, intense workout, an afternoon run, or a pick up game of basketball or football. This sweatband is lightweight enough to fit perfectly under your helmet for a cycling ride or a baseball game.
  • NON-SLIP. JUNK Brands sweatbands are made to not slip. Wear these athletic bands half on your hairline and half on your forehead. This will ensure the headband doesn’t slip and will keep the sweat out of your eyes.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE. These headbands will not fade, stretch or shrink. Wear this headband during your workout to wick sweat from your skin. Once you complete your workout, we suggest you lay your headband out flat to dry. Machine wash recommended once a week. Our athletic headbands are sublimated to ensure quality.
  • JUNK Brands is a Northwest Arkansas based headband company that specializes in designing, manufacturing and distribution of amazing headbands. JUNK Brands is dedicated to making the BEST Headband in the World. At JUNK we live in a culture of empowerment. Empowerment of the brand, product, customer and employees. We accomplish this by demanding excellence and overcoming conventional thinking. We truly believe JUNK is exactly what you need to get that step closer to your ultimate goal.

Review: The Junk brand is anything but Junk, and is a favorite of many CrossFit athletes, and for good reason.

This band is wider at the front, securing hair and bangs out of your face. It speedily absorbs and expels sweat, and dries quickly.

It is made from “Technical T-Shirt fabric, which means it is as comfortable as a t-shirt, with the tech specs of moisture wicking and odor control.

Pros

  • Absorbs sweat and dries fast.
  • Wide band covers forehead, hair and bangs, securing them in place and out of your face.
  • A Bunch of really cool designs.

Cons

  • The design may distort after being placed on your head.

Takeaway

NOT a bunch of Junk but one of best workout headbands for CrossFit.

Great workout headband for sweat!

Nike Women's Running Headband

Review: These headbands cold weather running headbands feature reflective logo and stitching and are a few inches thick, to manage hair and keep it away from your face while jogging.

Pros

  • Warm-fleece lined.
  • Dri-fit technology means they will sweep away sweat and keep your face dry.
  • Reflective details, helps others see you while you are jogging.

Cons

  • Pricey.

Takeaway

Best running headbands for women in chilly weather.

Adidas Interval Slim Headband

Review: This Adidas headband is thin, at ¾ inches, and made from a low profile terry cloth sweat wicking material.

The terry cloth absorbs sweat, but does not look like the classic 80’s style terry cloth- it is much flatter, and the band much narrower than those.

Pros

  • Thin band, low profile terry cloth.
  • Ideal for smaller or petite heads.
  • Embroidered logo, will not peel or fade.

Cons

  • Runs small, great for teens and women.

Takeaway

Best workout headbands for smaller folks.

Pearl Izumi - Ride Transfer Lite Headband

PEARL IZUMI - Ride Transfer Lite Headband, Black, One Size
  • Model/Year 2015
  • PRO Transfer Dry fabric powered by Minerale provides optimal moisture transfer, dry time and odor absorption
  • Reflective elements for low-light visibility

Review: This Pearl Izumi headband is made from a thin sweat wicking material infused with mineral polyester, which inhibits odor and causes the headband to dry quickly.

The headband is a uniform width of a little over 2 inches.

Pros

  • Mineral polyester material prevents odor and dries fast- excellent airflow and breathability.
  • Reflective logo allows others to see you better.
  • Suitable for large heads.

Cons

  • Does not work as well in high humidity environments.

Takeaway

The best sweatbands for keeping you cool and dry whether on the road, track, trail or at the court.

BUFF Headband

Review: The buff headbands are known for their cute designs, UV protection, and extra wide width.

The material is soft and comfortable, not tight and constricting like narrow bands that give you a headache. Great for managing sweat, and keep hair and bangs under wraps.

Pros

  • Seamless, one continuous tube of polyester fabric.
  • Very high UV protection, ideal for covering forehead and hair when outdoors.
  • Moisture-wicking anti bacterial anti odor fabric.

Cons

  • Material of this model is thinner than previous years models.

Takeaway

Super Cute! Best sweatbands for keeping your hair and bangs out of your face while working out.

Under Armour Women's Mini Headbands

Under Armour Women's Mini Headbands, Cobalt /White, One Size Fits All
  • Soft elastic mini headband with interior silicone strip adds extra grip to keep headband in place
  • Moisture wicking fabric helps keep you cooler & drier
  • Sold in sets of six so you always have a headband when you need one
  • Women's one size fits all

Review: The UA Mini headbands, designed for women, are a mere 3/8 inch thick and have a silicone band to hold them in place. The UA logo sits at the front, while these thin bands hold stray hair in place as you exercise.

Pros

  • Sold in a pack of 6.
  • Fits the average size adult woman well.
  • Silicone on the underside keeps a band in place.

Takeaway

Perfect for keeping fly-away’s out of your face while jogging, easily one of the best running headbands for women.

Sweaty Bands Non-Slip Fitness Headband

Sweaty Bands Womens Girls Headband - Non-Slip Velvet-Lined Sports Hairband - Dog Days
  • "OMG...They Don't Slip!" – Sweaty Bands headbands are velvet-lined for the ultimate non-slip grip – without pulling your hair or causing headaches.
  • Stretchy elastic to fit a variety of head shapes for optimal comfort.
  • Sweaty Bands are the perfect hair accessory for your healthy, active lifestyle. The sweat wicking fabric keeps sweat out of your eyes. From your morning workout, to afternoon errands, to a night on the town, these will complement any outfit for any activity. You will forget you have it on!
  • One of a kind designs – Unique patterns designed in Cincinnati, OH. They come in 100s of styles to keep you looking stylish in any setting.
  • Easy Care - We recommend hand wash, drip dry for best results. Do not put them in the dryer!

Review: Sweaty bands are popular, fashionable, and best of all, functional. They are made with a 1” thick strip of fabric that has a band of elastic connecting the ends.

The underside of the fabric is lined with velvet and stays put, and won’t slide around on your head as you move.

Pros

  • Velvet underside, stays put.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Many different fabrics/colors/patterns to choose from.

Takeaway

The Super-cute stay-put headband for fashion forward female athletes.

Columbia Men's Fast Trek Headring

Review: This Colombia headband is thick, but not too thick and can be worn under a hat in needed. It is a double layer of fleece, and is cut to cover your ears.

Pros

  • Has the High-quality stitching and craftsmanship Columbia is known for.
  • Two sizes available to get the best fit for you.
  • Help keep head and ears warm in cold or windy conditions.

Cons

  • Not overly stretchy.

Takeaway

This headband will keep your ears nice and warm while performing just about any outdoor activity.

Did we leave anything out? Please let us know in the comments below what YOUR favorite headband is. We read each comment and love to hear from our readers.