Can wearing headbands during a workout damage hair?

There are a number of variables to consider with 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 instructions included with the product as this may vary from brand to brand. Generally speaking, we found a lot of headbands lie flat to dry in order to keep shape and size. We did find some options that could be dried on the tumble dry low setting.

How do I wear a workout headband?

There is a range of workout headbands on the market, 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.

How do I wash workout headbands?

Similar to drying a headband, the steps for washing a headband are worth checking for each product and brand, given the wide range of materials on the market. That being said, we found a range from machine wash cold to the gentle cycle to some requiring hand washing.

Do workout headbands make you feel hotter?

As Crafford points out, “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. ” With that in mind, for indoor workouts or in higher temps 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 for Women of 2022

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Commerce Photo Composite — Verywell / Chloe Jeong

There are multiple health benefits to exercise, but having the right gear can make a huge impact on the quality of your workout. For many women, keeping hair out of their faces during a sweat sesh is crucial to performing moves safely and effectively—which is where a quality headband comes in handy.

While there are plenty of headband options available, finding the right one may require some trial and error. We spoke with Liz Crafford, a CPT, CNC, and RRCA Run Coach, and she recommends trying “different styles to see which brands and sizes fit and feel best." She explains that not all headbands will fit the same (depending on your head shape), so picking one that fits your comfortably is essential. The material and ease of cleaning are also important.

We reviewed a variety of workout headband retailers and considered the product details, pricing, reviews, and return policies among other factors. The products in this roundup were included given how they excelled in all of the categories above.

Here are the best workout headbands for women on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband at Lululemon

Lululemon's Luxtreme fabric offers sweat-wicking and four-way stretch, and the velvet interior won't pull or frizz hair.

Best Budget:

Bondi Band Solid Moisture Wicking Sweatband at Amazon

It's ideal for running, walking, CrossFit, skiing, and just about every other workout at a wallet-friendly price.

Best for Sweat:

Sweaty Betty Power Headband at Sweatybetty.com

It wicks sweat and dries quickly, and its concealed ponytail opening makes its a convertible option for any hairstyle.

Best Seamless:

Nike Women's Seamless Headband at Nike.com

It offers great coverage and keeps flyaways at bay, all without pulling hair or leaving behind a crease.

Best for Bangs:

Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband at Lululemon

Its four-way stretch promises to keep back bangs, and reversible prints offer two headbands for the price of one.

Best Skinny Headbands:

Under Armour UA Mini Headbands at Amazon

These skinny headbands feature grippy silicone strips that keep them securely in place during activity.

Best for Ponytails:

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband at Amazon

Its contour shape guarantees full ear coverage, and a slit opening in the back makes it easy to secure a ponytail.

Best for Cold Weather:

Turtle Fur Fleece Headband at Amazon

Offered in multiple neutral and vibrant colors, this triple-layer headband delivers added warmth for any outdoor exercise.

Best Tie Style:

Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie at Dick's

Featuring a tie-style design, this wide headband offers great coverage and maximum adjustability for any workout.

Best Wide:

Alo Airlift Headband at Aloyoga.com

For a wider headband that keeps hair out of your face during high-intensity workouts, the Alo Airlift Headband is a sleek option.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Pros

Comes in multiple colors
Optimal stretch
Non-slip strip

Cons

Cannot adjust size
May not absorb sweat

If you’re looking for a high-quality headband during those extra sweaty workout sessions, take a look at Lululemon’s Fly Away Tamer Headband Luxtreme. The headband is made of their Luxtreme fabric, which is designed to wich away sweat while providing a four-way stretch. Extra Lycra fiber is incorporated for added stretch and to maintain shape. This headband will keep bangs back but won’t pull or rip your hair given the velvet strips inside.

Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low | Size: One size

Pros

Comes in multiple colors
Optimal stretch
Breathable material

Cons

Color may fade after washing
No grip strip

The Bondi Band is an affordable workout headband that offers strong protection during sweaty, high-intensity workouts. The 4-inch width band is 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.

Material: Lycra, spandex | Care: Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry | Size: One size

Pros

Quick-drying
Ponytail-friendly
Comes in multiple colors

Cons

No gripping power
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 during high-intensity exercise. It offers four-way stretch which makes it ultra-comfortable and easy to wear. It's 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.

Material: Polyamide, elastane | Care: Wash cool on reduced spin | Size: One size

Pros

Great stretch
Wide coverage
Doesn't leave a crease

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, the Nike Women’s Seamless Headband may be the workout headband for you. Measuring in at 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.

Material: Viscose, nylon, spandex | Care: Hand wash | Size: One size

Pros

Reversible
Wide band
Great stretch

Cons

No grip strip included
Expensive

For women with bangs, the Lululemon Fringe Fighter is made of a lightweight soft Nulu fabric that offers four-way stretch to keep hair back. This style was updated to meet customers' needs and is now slightly wider to offer even more coverage. Not only was this headband designed with high-quality fabrics, but 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 | Size: One size

Pros

Six-pack set
Stays firmly in place
Affordable

Cons

Hand wash only
May lose stretch over time

If you prefer skinny headbands, Under Armour's Women's Mini Headbands keep hair back at only 0.4 inches wide. They feature grippy silicone strips that keep it in place during activity, but they're still soft and stretchy enough to remain comfortable during wear. Perhaps the best perk of this purchase? 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.

Material: Polyester | Care: Hand wash only | Size: One size

Pros

Reflective accents
Contour fit
Trail-tested guarantee

Cons

May be too wide for some
May get too warm

For anyone with long hair, the TrailHead Women's 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. A final perk? You can test the headband without commitment thanks to a trail-tested guarantee.

Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle and air dry | Size: One size

Pros

Soft fabric
Lightweight
Affordable

Cons

May get too warm
No grip strip

For anyone exercising in colder temps, look no further than the Turtle Fur Original Fleece Headband. Made with Turtle Fur’s classic fleece, this one-size-fits-all, triple-layer headband delivers added warmth. It 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 it comes in multiple vibrant colors.

Material: Acrylic | Care: Machine wash | Size: One size

Pros

Comes in multiple colors
Wide coverage
Dri-Fit technology

Cons

Not very warm
Need to tie to fit

If you want to mix things up with a tie-style headband, then 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. The added length can also be easily adjusted.

Material: Polyester, spandex | Care: Hand wash | Size: 39 x 2.5 inches

Pros

Lightweight and sleek
Free shipping
No-slip grips

Cons

Expensive
Hand wash only

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.

Material: Signature, micro-performance, double-knit Airlift Fabric | Care: Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry | Size: One size

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 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 4-inch wide fabric, it keeps hair in place—but it's also super lightweight and sweat-wicking. The material is also fast drying to keep you comfortable during intense workouts.

What to Look for in a Workout Headband

Materials

Finding a product with materials that meet your needs is critical. Whether you’re taking on high-intensity sports that require a sweat-wicking headband or you are braving the cold and looking for a product that provides warmth, certain fabrics and styles provide different qualities.

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.

Style

With a broad range of styles available, one should think about why they need a headband. Do they want something that simply holds bangs back, or is a ponytail-specific headband more helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wearing headbands during a workout damage hair?

There are a number of variables to consider with 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 instructions included with the product as this may vary from brand to brand. Generally speaking, we found a lot of headbands lie flat to dry in order to keep shape and size. We did find some options that could be dried on the tumble dry low setting.
How do I wear a workout headband?

There is a range of workout headbands on the market, 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.
How do I wash workout headbands?

Similar to drying a headband, the steps for washing a headband are worth checking for each product and brand, given the wide range of materials on the market. That being said, we found a range from machine wash cold to the gentle cycle to some requiring hand washing.
Do workout headbands make you feel hotter?

As Crafford points out, “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.
” With that in mind, for indoor workouts or in higher temps 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.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!