For those with long hair, keeping it out of your face during a workout is crucial to performing moves safely and effectively. A quality headband will keep hair in place and wick sweat away. Liz Crafford, CPT, CNC, and RRCA Run Coach recommends trying “different styles to see which brands and sizes fit and feel best."
The type of material a headband is made of and how easy it is to clean are features to consider in addition to style and fit. A headband for wicking sweat will be very different than a headband designed to keep you warm. When reviewing workout headbands, we considered affordability, style of the band, care instructions, and material.
Reviewed & Approved
Our best overall selection is the Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband for its four-way stretch, sweat-wicking fabric, and soft, velvet interior to protect hair. The Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking headband is our best budget option that is quick-drying and comes in multiple sizes and colors.
Here are the best workout headbands on the market.
Lululemon’s Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme is our best overall pick because its a high-quality headband that stays put during extra sweaty workout sessions. The headband is made of their Luxtreme fabric, which is designed to wick away sweat while providing four-way stretch.
Best Overall
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme
Comes in multiple colors
Optimal stretch
Non-slip strip
Not adjustable
Extra Lycra fiber is incorporated for added stretch and to maintain shape, even after many washes. This headband will keep bangs back, but won’t pull or rip your hair, thanks to the internal velvet non-slip strip.
The headband comes in many attractive colors—from neutrals to patterns—so you can find the perfect one for your style, or stock up on a different one for every day of the week.
Price at time of publication: $12
Key Specs:Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Care: Machine-wash cold and tumble dry low | Sizes: One size fits all
The Bondi Band is an affordable workout headband that offers strong protection during sweaty, high-intensity workouts. The wide band comes in three different widths for adults: 2-, 3-, and 4-inch options. It’s made with lycra- and spandex-blend material, which is lightweight, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying—making it an ideal option for high-intensity exercise or warmer temps.
Best Budget
Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking 4” Workout Sweatband
Comes in multiple colors
Optimal stretch
Breathable material
Color may fade after washing
No non-slip strip
To top it off, this headband comes in a variety of fun colors and customers say it easily fits under hats and even helmets, making it an ideal option for snow sports, like skiing.
Key Specs:Material: Lycra, spandex | Care: Hand-wash cold and lay flat to dry | Sizes: One size fits all
Exercisers with bangs will love Lululemon’s Fringe Fighter. It’s made of a lightweight soft Nulu fabric that offers four-way stretch to keep hair back without tugging. This style was updated to meet customers’ needs and is now slightly wider to offer even more coverage.
Best for Bangs
Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband
Reversible
Wide coverage
Optimal stretch
No non-slip strip
Expensive
In addition to this headband being designed with fabrics of the same high-quality found in Lululemon leggings, it’s also reversible, so you basically get two styles for the price of one. The headband comes in multiple reversible colorways for some added style in your daily workout.
Price at time of publication: $18
Key Specs:Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra elastane | Care: Machine-wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low | Sizes: One size fits all
For anyone looking to get a solid sweat in at their next workout, Sweaty Betty’s Power Headband will keep your hair out of your face, even during particularly sweaty exercises. It promises four-way stretch, which makes it ultra-comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
Best for Sweat
Sweaty Betty Power Headband
- Quick-drying
- Ponytail-friendly
- Comes in multiple colors
The headband is made with Sweaty Betty’s famous Power fabric that dries quickly and wicks away sweat. Plus, there is a concealed hole in the back for anyone interested in looping a ponytail through the headband.
Although this pick is stretchy, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, it may be less grippy than other options on this list. We recommend it for more stationary exercises like indoor cycling and weightlifting. If you’re looking for a gripper headband for HIIT or sprints, you may want to look at other options.
Price at time of publication: $14Key Specs:Material: Polyamide, elastane | Care: Wash cool on reduced spin | Sizes: One size fits all
If you want a seamless headband that won’t pull your hair or leave a crease after exercise, Nike’s Seamless Headband may be the workout headband for you. Measuring 3 inches wide, this headband offers great coverage and can really keep flyaways at bay.
Best Seamless
Nike Women’s Seamless Headband
Optimal stretch
Wide coverage
Doesn’t crease hair
Might need some adjusting
Limited colors
The seamless construction makes this workout headband ultra-comfortable, and the design provides added stretch, allowing you to move in all directions without feeling discomfort.
Key Specs:Material: Viscose, nylon, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Sizes: One size fits all
If you prefer skinny headbands, Under Armour’s Mini Headbands keep hair back without bulkiness, and are only 0.4 inches wide. They feature grippy silicone strips that keep it in place during activities of all kinds (even plyometrics), but they’re still soft and stretchy enough to remain comfortable during wear.
Best Skinny
Under Armour Women’s UA Mini Headbands
Six-pack set
Non-slip strip
Highly portable
May lose stretch over time
Perhaps the best perk of this set? They come in seven color combinations and they’re sold in a pack of six—so you’ll have a steady rotation of headbands to wear all week.
Price at time of publication: $10
Key Specs:Material: Polyester | Care: Hand-wash only | Sizes: One size fits all
For anyone with long hair, the TrailHead Ponytail Headband is a great option. Crafted with a combination of polyester and spandex, the headband is sweat-wicking, breathable, water-resistant, and offers a grippy four-way stretch.
Best for Ponytails
TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband
Reflective accents
Contoured fit
Trail-tested guarantee
May be too wide for some
May be too warm for hot temps
A contoured shape measuring 3 inches in the front and 4 inches over the ears provides full coverage. Plus, a slit opening in the back makes it easy to wear a ponytail securely. And thanks to the shape and warmth of the headband, it can be worn under a helmet and may be ideal for snowsports and winter weather runs.
A final perk? You can test the headband without commitment and return it if you don’t like it thanks to the brand’s trail-test guarantee.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Machine-wash cold on delicate cycle and air dry | Sizes: One size fits all
For anyone exercising in colder temps, look no further than Turtle Fur’s Original Fleece Headband. Made with Turtle Fur’s classic fleece, this one-size-fits-all, triple-layer headband delivers added warmth. The headband also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which can help protect you when you’re exercising in the snow (which is highly reflective and may increase the likelihood of sunburns).
Best for Cold Weather
Turtle Fur Fleece Turtle Band Headband
Soft fabric
Lightweight
May be too warm for hot temps
No non-slip strip
The headband can be worn alone or under a winter sports helmet, and the stitching along the edges makes it a durable choice. Plus, it’s machine-washable and comes in multiple vibrant colors.
Price at time of publication: $14
Key Specs:Material: Acrylic Fleece | Care: Machine-wash | Sizes: One size fits all
If you want to mix things up with a tie-style headband, Nike’s Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0 delivers both quality and comfort. Available in a wide range of bright colors, this headband is made using Nike’s Dri-Fit technology, which will keep you dry even during intense HIIT workouts or long runs.
Best Tie Style
Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0
Comes in multiple colors
Wide coverage
Dri-Fit technology
Not very warm
The headband is 2.5 inches wide and 39 inches long, giving great coverage around the head to keep hair back. Thanks to the tie-style adjustment feature, it’s easy to find a customized fit for various head shapes and sizes.
Key Specs:Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Size: 39 x 2.5 inches (but tie-style makes it adjustable)
For a wider headband that keeps hair out of your face during high-intensity workouts, the Alo Airlift Headband is a sleek option. Made of Alo’s signature, micro-performance, double-knot Airlift fabric, it’s super lightweight and sweat-wicking.
Best Wide
Alo Airlift Headband
Lightweight
Free shipping
Non-slip strip
Expensive
The headband has a cinched center detail and no-slip grips to keep the band in place without pulling your hair. It also comes in a variety of colors and would be a great addition to wear to any hot yoga routine.
Price at time of publication: $24
Key Specs:Material: Signature, micro-performance, double-knit Airlift Fabric | Care: Hand-wash cold and lay flat to dry | Sizes: One size fits all
What to Look For in a Workout Headband
Materials
Finding a headband with materials that meet your needs is critical. Whether you’re taking on high-intensity sports that require a sweat-wicking headband or you’re braving the cold and looking for a product that provides warmth, pick fabrics, and styles that provide the specific qualities you need for the sport you intend to use the headband for most frequently.
Final Verdict
Lululemon’s Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme (view at Lululemon) is a great headband choice for any style workout. Designed with the brand’s Luxtreme fabric, it features a four-way stretch material that keeps hair out of your face during exercise.
Another great option is the Bondi Band (view at Bondi Band) which offers great coverage at an affordable price. With three width options, it’s customizable for all hair types and densities while also being super lightweight and sweat-wicking. The material is fast drying to keep you comfortable during intense workouts.
Care
When considering a product, it’s important to think about maintenance and care. For many, being able to quickly wash a product at home after use is crucial in keeping it in good shape and creating ease of use. So if a quick-wash option is high on your list of prerequisites, consider steering clear from headbands that are handwash-only.
Style
With a broad range of styles available, think about what type of headband will likely work best with your hairstyle. If you have bangs or lots of hair, you may want to prioritize headbands with a no-slip grip to keep everything in place. But if you have thinner hair, you may be able to get away with wearing skinny headbands.
Or opt for a ponytail-specific headband if you often wear your hair in that style when you workout.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A health and wellness enthusiast, researcher, and writer, Melissa Forrester is careful to only recommend products that actually work to her readers. Melissa understands the importance of selecting and investing in the proper equipment to help elevate your performance and achieve your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can wearing headbands during a workout damage hair?
- There are a number of variables to consider when determining whether a headband can damage your hair during a workout. Take a look at the style of the headband and think about your own hair. For example, if you have sensitive hair, then perhaps a seamless design or headband without added gripping may be a more gentle option to consider.
- How do I dry a workout headband?
- It is important to check the care instructions included with the product when figuring out how to dry your headband, as this may vary from brand to brand. Generally speaking, we found that a lot of headbands need to lie flat to dry in order to keep shape and size. There are, however, some lower-maintenance options that could be dried on the tumble dry low setting of your dryer.
- How do I wash workout headbands?
- Similar to drying a headband, the steps for washing a headband will often vary from headband to headband, based on the materials they are constructed of. That being said, our list of headbands includes a range of washing instructions for each, from machine-wash cold to gentle cycle to handwash-only.If easy care is very important to you, make sure you read all care instructions carefully before selecting a product.
- How do I wear a workout headband?
- There is a range of workout headband styles on market, and some are meant to be worn differently than others. But generally speaking, you should wear it just behind the hairline and ears, depending upon the width. It’ll go around your head to keep your hair back.
- Do workout headbands make you feel hotter?
- According to Crafford, wearing a headband while you work out could make you feel hotter, depending on the material you select. “Since most heat during exercise is expended through your head, depending on how much surface area of your head the headband covers, your temperature could rise,” she says.With that in mind, for indoor workouts or when exercising in higher temperatures she recommends “choosing a minimalistic headband that will keep back the flyaways, your hair in place, and keep you focused on your workout.”
There are a number of variables to consider when determining whether a headband can damage your hair during a workout. Take a look at the style of the headband and think about your own hair. For example, if you have sensitive hair, then perhaps a seamless design or headband without added gripping may be a more gentle option to consider.
It is important to check the care instructions included with the product when figuring out how to dry your headband, as this may vary from brand to brand. Generally speaking, we found that a lot of headbands need to lie flat to dry in order to keep shape and size. There are, however, some lower-maintenance options that could be dried on the tumble dry low setting of your dryer.
Similar to drying a headband, the steps for washing a headband will often vary from headband to headband, based on the materials they are constructed of. That being said, our list of headbands includes a range of washing instructions for each, from machine-wash cold to gentle cycle to handwash-only.
There is a range of workout headband styles on market, and some are meant to be worn differently than others. But generally speaking, you should wear it just behind the hairline and ears, depending upon the width. It’ll go around your head to keep your hair back.
According to Crafford, wearing a headband while you work out could make you feel hotter, depending on the material you select. “Since most heat during exercise is expended through your head, depending on how much surface area of your head the headband covers, your temperature could rise,” she says.
