7 Best Headbands for Running &#8211; 2024

Buff UV

The Buff UV running headband is built for active sports: from runners to yogis. These running headbands offer hair and sweat management with COOLMAX PRO quick-dry fabrics that wick away moisture and block UV rays while keeping you cool. Buff adds a Polygiene treatment to resist odors with bonded seams to reduce irritation.

Nike

These headbands are one of Nike's exceptional quality products. The Nike Printed models are made of form-fitting fabric; it will securely hold hair away from the face for a long duration of time.

Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, if you have long hair you will love the Trailheads ponytail headband. This headband allows you to slip your hair through its ponytail holder, so it stays securely on your head during all of your runs and workouts.

Although the Self Pro headband is marked for men, it is important to note here that women can use this one too. This headband is designed to stop sweat in its tracks and keep you cool and dry whenever you wear it!

BLOM

The BLOM company is a reasonably new enterprise setting out to re-imagine the running headbands using principles of style, comfort, and versatility. Beginning in 2015, the company created the versatile Blom Multi for all kinds of women. With immediate sold-out success, the company continues to develop products with the same principles as their prototype — these Multi coming in 12 different ways for each of your needs.

The UA Graphic mini models are incredible for athletes who need to hold their hair back and out of the face. These running headbands are available in fun colors to fit your style, and they are sold in packs of six so you will always have a headband when you need one. The design of the Graphic Mini is small, simple, and useful.

Carhartt

Even though this option comes from one of the biggest names in workwear and not running gear, we found it's an excellent option for running that offers warmth, moisture wicking, durability, and value.

Carhatt

By Brian Price

Nov 09, 2016

Last updated:

Feb 15, 2023

Table of contents

In Depth Review Top 7

Buff UV
Nike
Trailheads
Self Pro
BLOM
Under Armour
Carhartt

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Fit

You would think that is simple to choose a running headband that fits your head, but it is not that easy if you want to get the best performance out of it.

Make sure the headband is the perfect size so it doesn’t interrupt your workout session by constantly needing readjusting because it is too big, or that it causes you headaches because it is too small.

Headbands usually come in one-size presentation, and probably, you will not have to worry too much about the size, but always have in mind that everyone’s head is different.

The fitting size of sweatbands will vary based on the manufacturer, so look for a product that will work for you. Check out the sizing guide if possible, and try on the product before purchasing to make sure it is a good match for you.

Poorly fitting sweatbands may slide and distract you during your workouts, or provide too much compression on your head and cause discomfort. Make sure your product will fit in well with the rest of your running gear!

Style

The style can be very important when you are planning to buy the perfect headband.

You want to feel great when you are wearing your headband, if that happens, it can bring a positive effect on your workout routines. You feel great, it makes what you do great!

Try using colors that contrast with your skin tone and your hair color. If you run at night, a reflective headband will suit you perfectly; if you do intense running, a thicker and more absorbent headband should be considered; if you run every day, you may need an easy-to-clean headband.

Style is important to many people, but don’t sacrifice function for form. Make sure that your sweatband is made of a durable material that will not stretch or deform over time. Another factor is to look at is breathability.

Breathability is important for a sweat-absorbing item, as large amounts of sweat can cause unwanted odors. Look for products made with synthetic fibres and ventilation features that will keep you cooler for longer. Natural fibres tend to trap heat in and not wick moisture away quite as well.

Durability

We all are looking for the best deals, but sometimes lower prices, unfortunately, mean lower quality.

The material of the headband is very important, if you sweat a lot, you will be interested in getting a headband made of a fabric that provides sweat control.

Think about the conditions you will be facing while running with your headband; if it's winter season, you may want to get a headband that is wide enough that you can cover your ears with it, but in the summer you may want a headband that is thin but sweat resistant and provides a cooling effect.

You want to choose a high-quality headband if you need something that will outlast the rigors and constant use involved is consistent running. High quality of material and great resistance.

Thicker headbands tend to work a bit better with wicking sweat away. Thin bands can work for flyaway-taming — if they don’t slip, but they may not always draw the sweat away from your head like thicker materials often will.

Some manufacturers offer a moneyback guarantee based on the expected lifetime of a product. If you are worried about durability, read product reviews ahead of time and follow the care instructions that are provided with your order. Taking care of your sweatbands properly will increase their lifetime significantly. Typically, it should last at least 12 months.

Breathability

When it comes to running headbands, it is important to pay close attention to the breathability provided by all of the headbands we took into consideration.

Whether you are getting a running headband for the summer or winter season (or both), breathability is of utmost importance.

In the summer, you will make sure you get a breathable headband that will wick away sweat and ensure that you stay cool and dry. Headbands designed for the cold winter months will also need to be able to keep you warm while remaining breathable.

It is important to invest in a sweat resistant headband that will keep you cool and dry because if you overheat, it will negatively affect your performance.

Take a look at the weather you will be wearing your headband in and consider whether or not you are someone that sweats excessively. If you sweat more than the average person you will definitely want to go for a headband that can handle that.

Best Running Headbands

1. Buff UV

Where to buy

Size

It offers a good bit of coverage while still fitting snuggly and securely.

Style

The design is simple, so it's comfortable to wear. Additionally, there are almost 100 different prints available, so you will find one that fits you and your style perfectly!

Durability

You will be protected both by the sun with the 95% UV protection and from physical irritation with the minimal seams. The fabric is suitably very flexible and adjusts to the form of your head, and the headband is wide enough to cover your whole forehead. It has a comfortable but snug fit, meaning that it won't move during your activities, whichever they may be.

Breathability

This headband will make sure you are always comfortable! The COOLMAX PRO material is enhanced with Polygiene technology, enabling it to wick moisture away, dry quickly, control odors, and let your skin breathe.

Value

The headband is inexpensive and perfect for casual athletes. Amazon offers some great deals on these headbands, but the Buff website also has some great sales. This headband will hold out through your sweatiest workouts and comes in a variety of eclectic prints.

2. Nike

Where to buy

Kohl's

These headbands are one of Nike's exceptional quality products. The Nike Printed models are made of form-fitting fabric; it will securely hold hair away from the face for a long duration of time.

Size

The elastic material consists of 65% polyester and 35% spandex. The stretchy material will form to the shape of your head while the rubber grips on the bottom will hold the headband in place. Since these headbands are sold in packs of six, you will never be without one.

Style

The wide headband gives a sporty look with both bright and subtle colors. With each 6-pack containing six different colors, you can change your headbands every day depending on your mood.

Durability

According to user reviews, these headbands are really durable and hold their shape for quite some time.

Breathability

Thanks to their moisture-wicking capabilities and lightweight material, they are really breathable and will stay cool and dry.

Value

This option easy to afford. Since they are machine washable, you can wash and wear them again as often as you need.

Kohl's

3. Trailheads

Where to buy

Size

This option is designed to fit over your ears, so they can keep them warm and still fit securely. As far as size, this headband is designed to contour to the shape of your head, so you get a secure and comfortable fit.

Style

If you are looking for a stylish headband that is also functional, you will love to hear that this one is available in several color options to choose from. While it does not offer any unique patterns, it is available in 12 different colors.

The loop design makes it easy to slip your ponytail through—which makes this one perfect for those of you with long hair.

Durability

Since this headband is made of polyester and fleece material, it is a perfect fit for cooler weather. It has exceptional moisture-wicking properties that will ensure you stay warm and dry.

Although we are in the summer season, this headband is a good one to have around for the day following a stormy night or even those early morning jogs.

Breathability

Although the Trailheads headband is designed to keep you warm, it is still breathable and offers excellent moisture-wicking capabilities to ensure you don’t get overheated and your headband doesn’t get soaked.

Value

This option is a little pricey, but it is a must-have if you have long hair!

4. Self Pro

Where to buy

Size

This headband fits similar to a sweatband and will cover your forehead to ensure that it collects all of the sweat. This prevents it from rolling down into your eyes and also helps you stay cool and dry.

Style

It's available in several colors and patterns to choose from. It fits snuggly and securely and is both a flexible and light option.

Durability

When it comes to durability, this headband is built to last for the long haul. It is made of high quality, durable materials, and fabric that can withstand constant exposure to sweat for long periods of time.

Breathability

This option is really breathable and capable of withstanding long term exposure to sweat over time. It is made of lightweight fabric that will allow for optimal ventilation.

Value

If you are on a budget or want to get the best bang for your buck, you should definitely check these out. They come at a great price and are sold in packs of 3.

5. BLOM

Where to buy

Size

The moveable knot and pleated design give you options in how you wear the headband. You can fold the headband in half or thirds for variations in width. It can be more of a turban to keep you warm in winter or a narrower headband for summer days.

Style

With nearly 30 color options, you will be able to find a headband to fit your style. They only come in solid colors, and a few have varying colors between the knot and the band.

Durability

This athletic running headband is designed for runners and athletes in mind, so it is safe to say that it is a really durable headband to invest in.

Breathability

It's made of premium quality fabric, a rayon viscose material as soft as silk, which brings you maximum comfort by wicking away even the last drop of sweat.

Value

These running headbands are worth the money, and you can wear them for so many occasions. If you like wide headbands, this is the one for you because it comes in a variety of colors and you'll be able to wear it for everyday duties and workouts.