Do headbands keep sweat out of eyes?

'Yes!” says Alice Barraclough, commissioning editor at Runner’s World. “Workout-specific headbands tend to be made from sweat-wicking material and they're great for keeping both sweat and wispy stray hairs out of your face.”

What is the best material for workout headbands?

“When looking for a workout headband, the best materials are moisture-wicking, lightweight, breathable, and quick drying,” says Katherine Finder, Head of Design and Brand Management at Kohl’s. “As for the best types of fabric for a workout headband, I would look for spandex, polyester and/or nylon.” Barraclough adds, “It's also important to look for headbands without seams and made from a seamless construction, because no one wants unwanted dents or markings on their forehead hours after their workout has finished.”

The 9 Best Workout Headbands in 2023

Workout headbands are a must for keeping sweaty hair out of your face, but finding ones that stay put can be difficult. While there are many (we're talking thousands) of headbands on the market, only some were created to withstand your toughest workouts while keeping sweat away and protecting your hair. We asked trainers what their favorite headbands are so you can find the perfect match for your locks.

Keep reading to find the best workout headbands.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband at Lululemon

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Best Adjustable:

Treadbands All-Terrain Tieback at Treadbands.com

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Best Budget:

Goody Ouchless Comfort Headwraps at Walmart

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Best Multi-Purpose:

Lunair Twist Comfort Headband at Lunairwellness.com

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Best for Flyaways:

Junk Big Bang Lite at Junkbrands.com

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Best Turban Style:

Loza Tam Turban Headband at Lozatam.com

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Best SPF Protection:

Perspective Fitwear Don't Sweat It Tech Headband at Perspectivefitwear.com

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Best Eco-Friendly:

Kooshoo Twist Headband at Kooshoo.com

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Best for Cold Weather:

Aktiv Viking Headband at Aktivstyle.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ

4.6

View On Lululemon

As a Latina woman with curly hair, Nathalia recommends any headband with a grip. “They do a good job of staying in place and keeping flyaways down,” she says. However, she cautions using silicone grip bands, which can damage hair. “Lululemon headbands usually come with a velvet grip on the inside that does a good job of staying in place without breaking the hairs,” she says.

Price at time of publish: $12

View On Treadbands.com

For someone with a small head, like me, Treadbands All-Terrain Tieback is the answer to my problems. First, it has a soft, grippy strip inside that helps it stay in place, and second, it is fully adjustable to head size since it ties up. You can wear it with the tie in front for a pin-up style, or you can tie it in the back. The patterns are gorgeous, and I particularly like my marbled one.

Price at time of publish: $18

View On Walmart View On Ecosmetics.com View On IHerb

Nicci Robinson, a personal trainer with the Fit Body App, says these headwraps are part of her workout uniform. “I often sweat during my workouts, and my hair gets quite frizzy, so I need something that will help soak up the sweat and keep my flyaways at bay. These headbands are lightweight and breathable. I honestly do not work out without a headband on. It is a part of my workout uniform,” she says.

Price at time of publish: $10

View On Lunairwellness.com

Designed for comfort for your head and ears, Lunair’s headbands caught my eye due to their addition of buttons on the sides. These buttons let you loop a face mask around them, taking pressure off of your ears. They make matching masks and headbands with countless patterns, such as my lovely Cheetah print version. Lunair’s headbands and masks are made with unique technology to help protect against bacteria and odor.

Price at time of publish: $2

View On Junkbrands.com

ACE certified personal trainer, Sean Alexander, says “hands down, no contest, the absolute best headband for keeping hair out of my face while I workout is Junk. With the high-quality stretch material and tapered fit of their Big Bang Lite style headband, they aren’t just stylish; they’re also incredibly effective at doing their job.”

Price at time of publish: $17 in black

View On Lozatam.com

Loza Tam was founded by yogi Tomara Watkins, whose eye for beauty and passion for giving back shines through her creations. I use the Turban Headbands for keeping my hair out of my face during inversions and backbends. They are made of Dutch cotton and lined with satin to protect your hair from breakage. My favorites are the Matte Black and Lapis versions. When you buy from Loza Tam, you support highly-skilled women entrepreneurs in Ghana to provide for their families.

Price at time of publish: $21

Perspective Fitwear’s Don't Sweat It Tech Headband

View On Perspectivefitwear.com

I own two of the Don’t Sweat It headbands, and they are perfect for sweaty HIIT sessions or runs. They can be worn two ways, with the gathered tie at the front, which I prefer, or at the back. They stay in place without squeezing your head and feel silky smooth on your skin. Perspective is a San Diego-based company that uses eco-friendly fabric that degrades in a landfill setting within three years.

Price at time of publish: $20

View On Kooshoo.com

Kooshoo, which means “feeling good” in Norfuk, is plastic-free and made from organic fairtrade cotton. All of their products are biodegradable, made with safe and non-harmful materials, and use ethical manufacturing. The super-soft, easy-to-wear twist headband is a favorite for yoga, pilates, and hiking. I also love their hair-friendly scrunchies and hair ties.

Price at time of publish: $25

View On Aktivstyle.com

This cold-weather pick is a crocheted wool headband with fleece lining. It’s soft and super toasty, so I can still get my hikes and walks in when it’s below zero. Aktiv was founded by Colorado natives who spent time living in Norway. The Scandinavian's penchant for wool and warm clothing inspired them to make all kinds of outdoor and indoor fitness clothing, perfect for those who love to hike or who live in Northern climates.

Final Verdict

When we’re in the middle of an intense workout, the last thing we want is our headband to slip and our hair to fly every which way. That’s why we’re giving top honors to Treadband’s All-Terrain Tieback; Its soft, grippy interior keeps it perfectly in place while the adjustable tie allows for the perfect fit every time. Speaking of staying in place, we’re also big fans of Lululemon’s Fly Away Tamer Headband, which uses a velvet grip as opposed to silicone to prevent it from damaging or tugging at the hair. Plus, the brand’s Luxtreme fabric is ultra stretchy and wicks away sweat. And finally, Tactical’s Big Bang Lite headband is another must, designed specifically to help keep you cool with the comfy, soft feel of your favorite tee.

Meet the Expert

Christine Bullock is a fitness trainer and lifestyle expert. She’s the brains behind the Evolution 20 fitness series and is the co-founder of Kayo Body Care, a clean skincare and personal care brand. Currently, she serves on Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board.

What to Look For in A Workout Headband

Silicone vs velvet grips

Most workout headbands have grips on them to ensure they stay put while you’re running, cycling, or working out. Silicone grips have a stronger hold but can damage your hair. However, velvet bands are much gentler and less prone to snagging. Consider the intensity of your workout before selecting.

UPF protection

If you run or workout outside, a headband can help to protect the delicate hair and skin on your scalp from the sun and UV damage. While covering your parting and scalp up with a band will offer some protection, some headbands (such as those from Perspective Fitwear) do come with additional UPF 50+ protection, too.

FAQ

Do headbands keep sweat out of eyes?

'Yes!” says Alice Barraclough, commissioning editor at Runner’s World. “Workout-specific headbands tend to be made from sweat-wicking material and they're great for keeping both sweat and wispy stray hairs out of your face.”
What is the best material for workout headbands?

“When looking for a workout headband, the best materials are moisture-wicking, lightweight, breathable, and quick drying,” says Katherine Finder, Head of Design and Brand Management at Kohl’s. “As for the best types of fabric for a workout headband, I would look for spandex, polyester and/or nylon.”

Barraclough adds, “It's also important to look for headbands without seams and made from a seamless construction, because no one wants unwanted dents or markings on their forehead hours after their workout has finished.”