Fitness Gear Apparel The 10 Best Workout Headbands of 2022 The Lululemon Fly Away Tamer stays in place and wicks sweat during your workout By Melissa Forrester Melissa Forrester Melissa Forrester is a tennis player and former tennis coach who lives in Richmond, Virginia. She obtained a BA in English Literature from Trinity College. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 06, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Tara Laferrara, CPT Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Chloe Jeong 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." 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. 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. Here are the best workout headbands on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Budget: Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking Sweatband at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Bangs: Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband at Lululemon Jump to Review Best for Sweat: Sweaty Betty Power Headband at Sweatybetty.com Jump to Review Best Seamless: Nike Women's Seamless Headband at Nike.com Jump to Review Best Skinny: Under Armour UA Mini Headbands at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Ponytails: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Turtle Fur Fleece Headband at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tie Style: Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie at Dick's Jump to Review Best Wide: Alo Airlift Headband at Aloyoga.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme 4.6 View On Lululemon Pros Comes in multiple colors Optimal stretch Non-slip strip Cons Not adjustable 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. 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. Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Care: Machine-wash cold and tumble dry low | Sizes: One size fits all Best Budget: Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking 4” Workout Sweatband Courtesy of Bondi Band View On Amazon View On Bondiband.com Pros Comes in multiple colors Optimal stretch Breathable material Cons Color may fade after washing No non-slip strip 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. 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. Material: Lycra, spandex | Care: Hand-wash cold and lay flat to dry | Sizes: One size fits all Best for Bangs: Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Reversible Wide coverage Optimal stretch Cons No non-slip strip Expensive 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. In addition to this headband being designed with high-quality fabrics, 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. Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra elastane | Care: Machine-wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low | Sizes: One size fits all Looking for a Minimal Stress Workout? Try Low-Impact Exercise Best for Sweat: Sweaty Betty Power Headband Sweaty Betty View On Sweatybetty.com Pros Quick-drying Ponytail-friendly Comes in multiple colors Cons No non-slip strip Expensive 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. 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. Material: Polyamide, elastane | Care: Wash cool on reduced spin | Sizes: One size fits all The Best Cooling Running Gear for Hot Weather Best Seamless: Nike Women's Seamless Headband Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods View On Nike.com Pros Optimal stretch Wide coverage Doesn't crease hair Cons Might need some adjusting Limited colors 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. 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. Material: Viscose, nylon, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Sizes: One size fits all The 16 Best Dry Shampoos for Post-Workout Sweat of 2022 Best Skinny: Under Armour Women's UA Mini Headbands Under Armour View On Amazon View On Underarmour.com Pros Six-pack set Non-slip strip Highly portable Cons May lose stretch over time 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. 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. Material: Polyester | Care: Hand-wash only | Sizes: One size fits all The Best Winter Running Hats, According to a Running Coach Best for Ponytails: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Reflective accents Contoured fit Trail-tested guarantee Cons May be too wide for some May be too warm for hot temps 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. 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. Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Machine-wash cold on delicate cycle and air dry | Sizes: One size fits all Best for Cold Weather: Turtle Fur Fleece Turtle Band Headband Turtle Fur Fleece Headband. Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Turtlefur.com Pros Soft fabric Lightweight Cons May be too warm for hot temps No non-slip strip 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). 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. Material: Acrylic Fleece | Care: Machine-wash | Sizes: One size fits all The 9 Best Ear Warmers of 2022 Best Tie Style: Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's View On Academy.com Pros Comes in multiple colors Wide coverage Dri-Fit technology Cons Not very warm 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. 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. Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Size: 39 x 2.5 inches (but tie-style makes it adjustable) Best Wide: Alo Airlift Headband Alo Yoga View On Aloyoga.com Pros Lightweight Free shipping Non-slip strip Cons Expensive 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. 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 any hot yoga routine. Material: Signature, micro-performance, double-knit Airlift Fabric | Care: Hand-wash cold and lay flat to dry | Sizes: One size fits all The Best Cooling Running Gear for Hot Weather 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. 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. 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. 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.” 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. The Best Yoga Pants for Women That Fit Any Lifestyle Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit