Since the lockdown started, many of us have relied on running to escape the house for our daily fix of endorphins. We're cooped up inside rubbing shoulders with our families all day and resenting our housemates for dirty dishes piled in the sink, which that glorious blast of fresh air can dutifully wipe away.
However, you want to enjoy your venture outside and not stoke the frustration with hair flapping in your face, sweat stinging your eyeballs and weather bringing you down. Luckily, whether you're gearing up to your first jog or a big race, there's a running headband for you. Read on for the best no slip headbands, suitable for women and guys, long and short hair, and both summer and winter running.
Quick List - Top Headbands for Runners
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There are masses of runner's headbands you can buy and each has their own functionalities, materials, benefits, and downsides. We know choosing the right one can be difficult when you're drowning in options, so we've pooled our resources, gathered up all the information we could find and created our jam-packed buying guide.
Unlike the rest of your running outfit, you don't necessarily have to inspect each and every material a headband is made from. Rather, it's the properties of the fabrics you'll want to focus on. Here are two to keep an eye out for.
Moisture-wicking, also known as sweat-wicking, plays an instrumental role in the the comfortability and usefulness of many runner's headbands. These fabrics are formed from high-tech polyester that draws sweat away from your face to stop salty drops irritating your eyes as you run.
Where fabrics like cotton absorb moisture and become heavier and unpleasant, sweat-wicking disperses liquid to the front of the headband, which drys rapidly and keeps you nice and fresh. Each headband should state whether it has been specifically created with moisture-wicking fabrics.
Breathability refers to the headband's ability to absorb and release air through itself, allowing it to breathe. Picture the motion of your own breathing – in and out – it works the same.
Breathable fabrics strike a balance between keeping you warm while preventing overheating that can produce too much sweat and stuffy conditions. Air travels through the material to keep you fresh while avoiding nasty odours left by stale sweat, so you can enjoy your run.
Furthermore, when you strap on your new headband, jog down to your local park and get ready to smash your personal best, the last distraction you need is your headband shifting up and down. Look out for products that offer adjustability, whether that's a good amount of elasticity or a fastening.
A final consideration is a band that fits with your hair. One of the biggest frustrations for anyone with long hair is loose locks flailing around, slapping your shoulders and dealing punishment to your face. The good news is that some headbands solve that pesky problem by with a slot or contour at the back for your ponytail.
Different running headbands will be designed for wear during certain seasons, usually by the width or coverage and the material. However, you may want to choose a selection depending on your faith in the UK's seasonal consistency. There aren't many countries where you carry an umbrella around on a scorching day 'just in case', after all.
Running in the cold shows real dedication but you don't need to suffer icy sweat, wild hair and frozen ears. You can find headbands suitable for all weathers, but winter warmer products cover the forehead and top of your head while wrapping around your ears, giving you a cosy feel.
When the sun's shining, you can pull out thinner headbands designed for hot weather that handle every basic function needed to enjoy yourself out on the trails.
Once you've flopped down on the sofa after a testing run where you pushed yourself so hard that you're dripping in sweat, you really don't want to drag your running gear to the sink to wash. Unless hand washing doesn't bother you!
Study the product specifications before you buy and check if the headband is machine washable, and for even easier care, whether it can be thrown in with your other clothes on a regular cycle.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | VBIGER Stretch Sports Headband |Pack of 3 | ![]() | The Swiss Army of Headbands | |
2 | Halo Headbands Halo II Headband Pullover Sweatband | ![]() | Features a Long-Lasting Patented Sweat Seal | |
3 | Joe Young Fleece Warmer and Ear Muffs Headband|Pack of 4 | ![]() | Stay Warm and Comfortable on Winter Jogs | |
4 | Buff Coolnet UV+ Headband | ![]() | A Hi-Tech Band With Added UV Protection | |
5 | Trailheads Trailheads Women's Ponytail Headband | ![]() | Ponytail Compatible With a Contour Fit | |
6 | Red Dust Active Men's Headband Sports Tie | ![]() | Tie This Breathable Headband to Your Perfect Fit | |
7 | Ronhill Women's Running Headband | ![]() | A Bestselling Fleece Headband That Lets You Give a Little Back | |
8 | Sweaty Betty Anna Running Headband | ![]() | Stylish and Ultra-Light With a Comfortable Fit | |
9 | Under Armour Men's Performance Headband | ![]() | Thick, Comfortable and Absorbent | |
10 | Sumind Non-Slip Elastic Sport Headband|Pack of 9 | ![]() | Simple and Practical Headbands in a Range of Colours |
Our coveted number one spot goes to this fantastic set of three runner's headbands. It's hit almost every spot from our buying guide, and stands out in the functionality, price and quality categories.
A reflective strip on the back keeps you safe on night ventures, non-slip and moisture-wicking absorbs and disperses sweat while holding snug on your head, and its elasticity up to 48 cm should give everybody the best fit. Chuck in the three stylish designs and you have yourself a winner!
Halo created their patented sweat seal to prevent pesky perspiration pouring down your face and into your eyes and mouth. It also boasts antimicrobial properties to keep you fresh, and you can count on its longevity for years to come as it holds shape, form and stretch, even as time gives it a beating.
We'd recommend this high-performance headband to serious runners or those who don't mind spending more for top-end products that do exactly what they promise. The wide range of colours and patterns add yet another reason to buy!
Stave away the chill on those early morning jogs and keep your ears toasty with this headband composed of 95% fleece and 5% polyester. Many reviewers comment on the product's great insulation – it's essentially a cosy jumper for your head!
There's no worry of overheating though, as fleece is known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties and breathability, so it'll keep the sweat at bay, too. Plus, non-slip material holds your band in place no matter your exertion, while your hair stays well clear of your face. All of this for a very reasonable price, too.
Buff created this popular headband that utilises some very high-tech fabrics – as the name suggests, it blocks 98% of UV rays, alongside natural silver salts to prevent the growth of bacteria, and exceptional heat management and moisture-wicking properties.
It comes in a multitude of quirky of colours as well as black, so you can match it to every part of your running kit. Season-wise, it's cleverly designed to perform just as you need it to all year round, as it can be pulled and adjusted to cover your ears if needed.
Running in the cold can be a drag, especially if your ponytail is flapping around and hitting your cold face. Luckily, Trailheads have created a comfortable headband to save your day. You can slip your hair through its ponytail slot while ear warmers keep frostbite at bay.
The brand recommends this product for use not only in winter, but for cooler spring or autumn jogs too, thanks to its breathability. A great buy highly rated for its practicality, as well as the thoughtful addition of reflective sections to enhance your visibility when running at night.
This breathable, moisture-wicking headband lets you tie a knot behind your head rather than pulling it over and relying on elasticity. It's more expensive than other headbands on the market, so you'd need to decide whether springing for adjustability is worth the money.
As well as being perfect for those who favour high-intensity running sessions, this accessory is ideal if you're worried about size and fit. Go snug, tight or loosen up to stay comfortable – it's up to you!
Ronhill are an outstanding brand with a rich 50 year history dedicated to improving the performance of runners. Every purchase you make sees funds raised towards the Breast Cancer Campaign, so it's money well spent.
This headband has a snug fit (available in two sizes) that covers your ears in a lightweight fleece to keep the wind out and your headphones in, as well as a ponytail contour. Plus, if you love a nighttime run, one of the two colour choices has reflective properties.
As on-trend as they are, Sweaty Betty know a thing or two about running gear. This headband mixes sweat-wicking, lightweight polyester with plenty of elastane for stretch, and breaks the mould with a thinner band at the back of the head for enhanced breathability.
The width of the band does lend itself more to chillier outings on the pavements or trails, but when the weather does inevitably turn, your forehead and ears will be snug and fully covered.
If you're looking for a brand you can trust then look no further than Under Armour. This headband lines up with their sure fire stamp of quality, and is available in four colours. You don't need to worry about irritating perspiration thanks to its sweat-wicking and fast-drying material.
Though affordable and lightly elasticated, you'll want to heed caution with this headband if you have a large head as reviewers bemoan its tightness – unless you love a tight fit, of course!
If you're hunting out affordability without sacrificing quality, then we've found a great option for you. You get plenty of bang for you buck with this set of nine elastic headbands that come in a range of great colours.
Made with breathable fabric and silicone grips to prevent slips, they'll keep wayward hair from ruining your run, although their very thin width may not be sufficient for very long or thick hair. Grab this product if you're looking to kit your family out or want options to match your outfit.
If you love running, we've got you covered. Our team has compiled some brilliant articles to help you find the gear that supports your adventures, whether it's a good pair of trainers or the right water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated.
Shall your hair never frustrate you and your sweat never blind you again! Running can play such a great role in your life and we hope this article helped you find the right runner's headband for you whatever time of year you're heading out.
Author: Danny Mitchell
No. 1: VBIGER|Stretch Sports Headband |Pack of 3
No. 2: Halo Headbands|Halo II Headband Pullover Sweatband
No. 3: Joe Young|Fleece Warmer and Ear Muffs Headband|Pack of 4
No. 4: Buff|Coolnet UV+ Headband
No. 5: Trailheads|Trailheads Women's Ponytail Headband
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