The 6 Best Workout Headbands for Women of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking 4" at Amazon

"Ideal for running, walking, crossfit, skiing, and just about every other workout option out there."

Best for Ponytails: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail at Amazon

"With a hole cut out specifically for ponies."

Best Wide: Sweaty Betty Anna Headband at Sweaty Betty

"Wide enough to cover your hair and keep it out of your face."

Best for Cold Weather: The North Face Ear Gear at The North Face

"Keeping your ears warm while also letting your head breathe."

Best UV Protection: Coolibar UPF 50+ Unisex Headband at Amazon

"Built-in sun protection blocks up to 98 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays."

Best Printed: Nike Printed Headbands at Zappos

"Cute, affordable prints that can be mixed and matched."

Best Overall: Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking 4” Workout Sweatband

Over 1,000 4+ star reviews make Bondi Band’s Workout Sweatband an Amazon favorite. Not only is it ideal for running, walking, crossfit, skiing, and just about every other workout option out there, but it’s super absorbent so you won’t have to worry about sweat dripping down your face when you’re trying to concentrate on more reps. Made out of lycra spandex, it’s designed with moisture-wicking in mind—as well as breathability—because there’s nothing worse than a too-tight band not allowing your head to cool off or giving you a headache mid-motion. Plus, this material dries 10 times faster than cotton and it fits comfortably under all types of headgear and helmets. It’s also wider around the front and thinner in the back for the ultimate no-slip grip and they even offer a line of hypo-allergenic, organic headbands for anyone with sensitive skin needs.

This model comes in over a dozen colors so you can grab a different color to match your gear. Reviewers love that this absorbs a lot of sweat, and is thin so it doesn't add a lot of volume.

Best for Ponytails: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband

If you prefer working out in ponytails rather than with your hair up on top of your head, TrailHeads makes the perfect style for you—one with a hole cut out specifically for ponies. It’s crazy warm given the soft polyester fleece material and fits securely over your ears (measuring 2.5” at the front and widening to 4” over the ears) so you won’t freeze up during athletic activities outdoors. Another bonus? It comes in a variety of colors. Plus, if it doesn’t fit well for any reason, you can return your purchase and receive an immediate replacement or refund with no questions asked. How’s that for customer service?

Best Wide: Sweaty Betty Anna Headband

Really thin headbands can have a tendency to slide off, but overly thick styles can also bunch up and do the same. Meet Sweaty Betty’s Anna, which falls somewhere in between. The back pleat stretches to fit your head while the lycra sweat-wicking fabric is wide enough to cover your hair and keep it out of your face (a plus for most!), and it also covers the ears, which helps ward off a chill when you are hitting the streets.

Most reviews are also quick to point out that this band stays exactly where you need it to and the material is super soft—always a plus so as to not pull or rip at your locks like elastic headbands can.

Best for Cold Weather: The North Face Standard Issue Ear Gear

TNF Standard issue ear gear — Courtesy of The North Face

When you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or doing any other sports in the snow the most important thing is warmth. Which is why you need ear gear that’s made of thick fleece like this one. And even if the elements are determined to get in the way of your runs (like rain, snow, or sleet), North Face’s “FlashDry” technology will make sure your band dries in no time to get you back on the slopes.

And while this might not have any bells or whistles, it gets the job done of keeping your ears warm while also letting your head breathe. Besides fitness purposes, this also works for men and women who want to keep their ears warm but don't want to mess up their hair.

Best UV Protection: Coolibar UPF 50+ Unisex Headband

When you plan on being outside under the hot sun all day biking, hiking, or kayaking it’s important to protect your head (as well as the rest of your body) from UV rays. Luckily Coolibar's UPF 50+ Unisex Headband does just that. The built-in sun protection blocks up to 98 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays, while the “UCmax" fabric regulates heat so you can keep on going without feeling like your head’s burning halfway through the fun. It's manufactured with "Cooltect" technology that accelerates moisture wicking, keeping sweat far from your face.

The machine-washable headband has flatlock seams that minimize friction against the skin, preventing skin irritation. It's a unisex, one-size-fits-all design and comes in white or beige colors.

Best Printed: Nike Printed Headbands Assorted

Nike Printed Headbands 6-Pack — Courtesy of Nike

When group or music-based fitness classes are part of your everyday routine and you need to be able to hear an instructor or spin to the beat, over-ear bands aren’t always optimal. Skinny ones can oftentimes be better and in Nike’s case, cuter. Their printed headbands (that come in a million different color patterns) can be mixed and matched depending on your mood—or your yoga look—and they’re super affordable. So even if you happen to lose one (or a few) at the gym, they’re easily replaceable.

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