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.”

The 10 Best Workout Headbands of 2023

The 10 Best Workout Headbands of 2022 — 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."

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

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.6

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.

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}

Courtesy of Bondi Band

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, like boxing or elliptical machines. 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.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Material: Lycra, spandex | Care: Hand-wash cold and lay flat to dry | Sizes: One size fits all}

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 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}

Sweaty Betty

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.

Price at time of publication: $14^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyamide, elastane | Care: Wash cool on reduced spin | Sizes: One size fits all}

Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Viscose, nylon, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Sizes: One size fits all}

Under Armour

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.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester | Care: Hand-wash only | Sizes: One size fits all}

Courtesy of 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.

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}

Turtle Fur Fleece Headband. Courtesy of Amazon

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.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Material: Acrylic Fleece | Care: Machine-wash | Sizes: One size fits all}

Dick's Sporting Goods

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.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand-wash | Size: 39 x 2.5 inches (but tie-style makes it adjustable)}

Alo Yoga

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 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}

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

Just as shopping for winter running gear or shoes for walking on ice, 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 12 Best Yoga Pants for Women of 2023

Best Overall

Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme

Best Budget

Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking 4” Workout Sweatband

Best for Bangs

Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband

Best for Sweat

Sweaty Betty Power Headband

Best Seamless

Nike Women's Seamless Headband

Best Skinny

Under Armour Women's UA Mini Headbands

Best for Ponytails

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband

Best for Cold Weather

Turtle Fur Fleece Turtle Band Headband

Best Tie Style

Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0

Best Wide

Alo Airlift Headband