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8 Headbands That Tame Frizzy Hair and Wick Away Sweat
Runners appreciated how these bands kept flyaways from tickling their faces.
Fall is here again, and that also means peak racing and training season is upon us. Unfortunately, that also includes blustery wind and gusts that can whip long hair all over the place. There’s nothing more annoying than hair flying in your face and sticking to your forehead, which is why it’s worth investing in a reliable headband (read: no slippage, not too tight, and comfortable) to keep loose strands in place. The right headband can also do a great job of sopping up sweat during your runs, preventing it from running down your face and burning your eyes.
The Best Headbands
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→ For more advice on What to Wear, use the Runner’s World gear generator 🏃♀️🏃♂️
How We Selected
Not all headbands are built to withstand the pounding of the pavement or sweaty miles that most runners log. To find the best headbands among the many options out there, we looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources. We then took into account size, fabric, comfort, and grip. Finally, we consulted reviews written by people who’ve bought these headbands on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below.
For more ways to tame your mane, check out our favorite blow dryers and hair ties.
Pros
- Stylish
- Won't fall off
Cons
- Must be handwashed
This Alo headband is stylish thanks to the cinched detailing, which you can position in front or in back. It also has no-slip grips that keep the headband from moving around when running. I also love the fabric, which is a soft double-knit. You do need to hand wash these though, so if that’s not your jam, you may want to consider other options.
Pros
- Good value
- Silicon grips keep them in place
Cons
- May be too thin for some hair
These Nike headbands are thin and simple. As someone with fine hair, some of the thicker headbands can slip off more easily. But these stay in place. They also have silicone strips to provide extra grip. And these are a great deal: With six headbands featuring different designs in a pack, you get both variety and value.
BUFF Standard CoolNet UV+ Multifunctional Headwear
Pros
- Very comfortable
- UV protection
Cons
- A bit bulky
Buff makes great headbands that can do more than just hold your hair back. These multipurpose bands can be used as a gaiter, mask, and multiple iterations of headwear. They come in a bunch of fun colors and patterns, and even offer UV protection.
TrailHeads Ponytail Headband
TrailHeads Ponytail Headband
Pros
- Keeps ears warm
- Won't fall off
Cons
- Fits a bit snug on large heads
When it gets cold out, this headband will keep your ears warm. It has a wide band that both helps it to stay in place and completely covers your ears, and is made from a moisture-wicking material.
What really makes it unique though, is the slit in the back that allows you to stick your ponytail through, which helps to keep both your hair and the band in place.
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband
Pros
- Classic design
- Many color options
Cons
- May not fit all heads
This Lululemon headband has a velvet strip on the inside to keep it in place. One Lululemon-headband-obsessed runner noted the Fly Away Tamer “is a little thicker compared to the thinner ones they have, and it has a breathable material that absorbs the sweat.” The band has a secure, non-movable fit.
Blom Original Headband
Pros
- Comfortable
- Cute ruched look
Cons
- Material not moisture-wicking
If you prefer more “coverage” with your headband, you will love these ones from BLOM. These headbands are a #1 bestseller on Amazon. (If you need proof, they have a 4.5 star rating, and over 6,000 reviews.) They’re more of a “turban” style, and made of a soft viscose material. While the comfort of the material is nice, it’s not necessarily sweat-wicking. Still, these bands offer lots of versatility, as they come in 35 colors and can be worn 14-plus ways. Each one comes with a style card to show you all the different ways you can wear it.
TreadBands All Terrain Tieback
Pros
- Fits all head sizes
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Ties can bounce around
If you prefer a headband that you can tie yourself, you’ll love TreadBands. They are 2.5 inches wide, so neither too thick nor too thin. The biggest benefit is that because you tie it yourself, it’s easily adjustable. This is a boon to people with all different head sizes. And it has a foam rubber neoprene strip that helps keep the band in place.
Athleta Vital Headband
Pros
- Very moisture -wicking
- Rubber grips prevent movement
Cons
- Fewer color choices than other bands
These Athleta headbands come in a few neutral and basic colors, so they can go with nearly any outfit, but there aren't as many choices as with some other bands. Performance-wise, they’re made with heavy sweaters in mind, thanks to moisture-wicking nylon/polyester/lycra fabric. The Vital Headband also has rubber grips lining the inside to keep it in place and manage flyaways.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
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