9 Best Running Headbands, According to a Seasoned Marathon Runner
The best running headbands are an often overlooked piece of gear—but they really shouldn't be. These small but mighty accessories are great to wear while running: Not only do they keep hair off your face, but they can also catch and absorb sweat before it drips into your eyes. And it can prove extremely useful depending on the weather: In the winter, a wool or fleece running headband keeps your ears warm on cold weather runs, and in sunny conditions, an extra-wide style protects your scalp and forehead from the sun.
As a seven-time marathon runner with frizzy hair and lots of flyaways, I almost always wear a running headband. Other than the above features, I’ve noticed that small things, like a headband that stays in place, doesn’t sit tightly on your ears, and is comfortable to wear with a ponytail or braid, all make a big difference when you’re going on long runs. In fact, many of the best running headbands are so lightweight and comfortable that you don’t even notice they're there. (It’s kind of like finding a great pair of workout sneakers, an inconspicuous running fanny pack, or wearing the best running shorts; they perform without you having to fixate on them.)
Below, you’ll find the best running headbands to buy right now, all tested by runners, and top-reviewed on the market—including the ever-popular Lululemon one.
Our top picks:
- Most Popular: Lululemon Women’s Fly Away Tamer Headband, $12
- Best for Sweaty Runs: Buff Headwear CoolNet UV Ellipse Headband, $15
- Most Warm: Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Headband, $25
- Best Adjustable: Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie Headband, $10
- Best Bulk Pack: Tough Headwear Store Elastic Sports Headband, $12
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Courtesy of brand1/9
Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband
Made of sweat-wicking, four-way-stretch fabric similar to the best-selling Lululemon leggings, this headband keeps hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes while running. A velvet strip on the inside helps keep it in place without pulling on your hair.
- Pros: Machine-washable, inexpensive
- Cons: Runs small, best for smaller heads
- Review: Great headband! Highly recommend! This headband is comfortable and helps keep sweat and hair out of my eyes while running. —vballgirl2415, reviewer on Lululemon
Save when you shop on the best running headbands with these Lululemon promo codes.
- Courtesy of brand2/9
Lululemon Cardio Cross Trainer Headband
This thin headband is best for humid summer runs or treadmill-bootcamp classes, thanks to the stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric that’s specifically designed to prevent smells. Like the Fly Away Tamer headband, it features an interior velvet strip to keep it in place.
- Pros: Machine-washable, stretchy enough to fit a variety of heads
- Cons: Limited color variety
- Review: I bought a headband from Lululemon years ago and it was very thick, which limited what I could use it for because it becomes quite hot to wear. I saw these thinner ones and gave it a go thinking it’d resolve that one problem with the other one (which is also amazing!). It did. I ended up ordering this thinner headband in half a dozen colors. I am a huge fan. Highly recommend. I wear it while sleeping to keep my hair/grease out of my face, during cardio, weight lifting, cleaning, etc. It ROCKS! —cfh62368, reviewer on Lululemon
Save when you shop on the best running headbands with these Lululemon promo codes.
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Buff Headwear CoolNet UV Ellipse Headband
A favorite among trail runners, Buff headbands are designed to be versatile, and this full-coverage one has a wide front and narrow back that makes it comfortable for both low and high ponytails. The CoolNet style is made of a polyester material with cooling technology and UV protection, making it the best running headband for long days out in the sun.
- Pros: Machine-washable, great for ponytails, comes in a variety of colors
- Cons: Handwash recommended
- Review: Love it! It’s nice and light with small grips on inside so it doesn’t slip as much. Made from 1 recycled plastic bottle so I feel good spending the $. —Alana Hamilton, reviewer on Amazon
- Courtesy of brand4/9
Turtle Fur Chelonia 150 Classic Fleece Double-Layer Headband
This cold-weather headband from Vermont brand Turtle Fur will keep your ears warm when running in the winter months. The 100% polyester, double-construction fleece is soft and wind-resistant, and the wide, three-inch band stays in place, no matter how active you are.
- Pros: Machine-washable, inexpensive, lightweight
- Cons: Should be washed after every use to eliminate odors
- Review: This product is thick, soft, and seems to be made of quality fabric. I did some research and this seems to be the best product for the price. I usually have issues with headbands staying on my head during a workout, but this one isn’t a problem. Will definitely be buying more of these in the future. —Nicole G, reviewer on Amazon
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Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Headband
Another great winter option, this running headband is thin, soft, and extra breathable thanks to merino wool’s natural moisture-wicking properties that absorb sweat without trapping odors. The lightweight construction will keep your ears and head warm even in the windiest conditions.
- Pros: Can go many wears without washing
- Cons: Expensive
- Review: I use this product daily, when I am freezing indoors someplace, and outdoors in cool weather. Wears well under hats and helmets to keep me warm and protect my ears from the wind. It also keeps my hair out of my face and in place, windy or not. —Kathleen, reviewer on Smartwool
- Courtesy of brand6/9
Alo Airlift Headband
Similar to the Lululemon Cardio Cross Trainer headband, this lightweight headband from Alo Yoga is best for running in humid, heavy-sweat environments. Its wide construction is ideal for runners with lots of flyaways, and it has a cinched center detail that can be worn at the top or bottom of your head.
- Pros: Versatile, comes in a variety of colors
- Cons: Expensive, handwash recommended
- Review: Love the dark plum color so much. I have the Barbie fuchsia color and needed more!! They look cute and fit great. The material is great and has no-slip rubber dots inside to avoid slippage and it totally works! Stays put even when flowing. —Sashaba H, reviewer on Alo
- Courtesy of brand7/9
Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie Headband
This Nike headband features the brand’s popular Dri-Fit technology, a high-performance polyester fabric that evaporates sweat quickly to keep you cool and dry. The adjustable-tie design allows for a more personalized fit, making this the best running headband for any hairstyle or head shape.
- Pros: Machine-washable, tie design fits any head size
- Cons: Not anti-slip
- Review: I love that this band helps with catching the sweat that is literally rolling off my face. This is a must-buy for any active gym-goer. —Lauren, reviewer on Amazon
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Tough Headwear Store Elastic Sports Headband (6-Pack)
If you’re looking for the simplest running headband out there, consider this classic sports headband that comes in a pack of six on Amazon. Its anti-slip silicone grip will keep it in place, no matter how intense your workout, and the stretchy elastic fits heads from 18 to 25 inches.
- Pros: Inexpensive, machine-washable, great for ponytails
- Cons: Not ideal for long-lasting wear as thin elastic might cause headaches
- Review: Nothing stays on my thin, slippery hair when it’s in a ponytail or bun for a workout—except these! They stay on for Zumba hour, for an hour run, and for a general workout. They are comfortable and reliable! —Nancy L, reviewer on Amazon
- Courtesy of brand9/9
Tracksmith NDO Reflective Earwarmer/Headband
Another great option for cold-weather running, Tracksmith’s No Days Off fitted headband has a reflective sash at the back to improve visibility during early morning or evening runs. Made of a nylon blend, it’s the best winter running headband if you want to keep your ears warm but tend to run hot and need a little extra breathability.
- Pros: Machine-washable, great for ponytails, reflective
- Cons: Expensive, runs small
- No reviews at the time of publishing.
