The 15 Best Workout Headbands

There’s nothing worse than being in the zone, hitting your stride on a run or powering through a set, only to be stopped by a rogue strand of hair whipping you in the eye. Or worse, the dreaded sting of sweat dripping down from your forehead. It completely breaks your focus.

A good workout headband is supposed to solve all that. It should keep your hair back, absorb sweat, and most importantly, stay exactly where you put it. But so many of them slip, slide, or feel like they’re squeezing your brain.

So I put a bunch of them to the test during runs, HIIT classes, and yoga sessions to find the ones that actually work. These are the athletic headbands that held up to sweat, movement, and whatever else I threw at them.

 

 

Our Favorite Athletic Headbands

Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband

This headband costs $12.

I was so impressed with how this one handled a seriously sweaty kickboxing class. The magic is in the thin velvet strip on the inside. It just grips your hair and refuses to let go, no matter how much you jump around.

It’s made from Lululemon’s sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric, so it pulls moisture away from your skin fast. It’s the perfect little band for controlling all those annoying flyaways that always seem to escape.

The Downside: If you have a larger head, this might feel a little too snug. It’s definitely designed for a tighter fit.

 

 

Nike Dri-FIT Head Tie

For about $10, this is a classic for a reason.

The best thing about this headband is that you tie it yourself. This means you get a completely custom fit every single time. It doesn’t matter if your head is big or small, or if you have a ton of hair to contain—it just works.

And the Dri-FIT material is no joke. It does an amazing job of wicking sweat, keeping your forehead dry and your vision clear when you’re working hard.

The Downside: It doesn’t have any silicone grips on the inside, so if your hair is super fine or silky, it might slip more than other headbands.

 

 

Alo Yoga Airlift Headband

This one is a bit more of an investment at $24.

I absolutely love how wide this headband is. It gives you incredible coverage, catching every single baby hair and keeping everything slicked back. The cinched detail in the center is a nice touch that keeps it from looking like a giant, boring strap.

It has no-slip grips inside that actually do their job. It’s really comfortable, and I can see why people buy it in multiple colors to wear both in and out of the gym.

The Downside: Because it provides so much coverage, it can feel pretty warm and trap sweat if you’re working out in the heat.

 

 

Buff CoolNet UV Headband

You can grab this one for $15.

This is my go-to for any workout I’m doing outside. It has UPF 50 sun protection, which is a huge bonus. And the silicone strips on the inside are the real deal; this thing did not move during a long, sweaty trail run.

The cooling fabric really seems to work. It feels light and breathable, never heavy or soaked with sweat. It’s a great non-slip option, especially for people who find other headbands are always too big.

The Downside: It’s a bit shorter than some other styles, so it doesn’t provide as much hair coverage as the wider headbands.

 

 

Poshei Men’s Headband

A 4-pack of these costs about $12, which is an insane value.

Don’t let the “Men’s” label stop you; this is a perfect unisex headband. It’s thin enough to fit comfortably under a bike or ski helmet without feeling bulky. It does a solid job of keeping sweat out of your eyes on a run.

It’s comfortable and stays put for moderate workouts. For the price, getting four of them feels like a total steal.

The Downside: If you’re a really heavy sweater or you’re going for a multi-hour run, it might get saturated pretty quickly.

 

 

JUNK Big Bang Lite Tactical Headband

This headband will set you back about $17.

The fabric feels exactly like your softest, most lightweight t-shirt. It’s so breathable, which makes it perfect for hot yoga or running on a humid day. It also has UPF 50 protection for when you take your workout outside.

I like the tapered design. It helps the headband stay in place without giving you a headache. You honestly forget you’re even wearing it.

The Downside: It’s a one-size-fits-all product, so it might not be the best choice if you have a very small or very large head.

 

 

Athleta Vital Headband

At $14, this is a great all-around option.

This is made from Athleta’s Powervita fabric, and it’s built for intense, sweaty cardio. I wore it to a spin class, and even when I was dripping sweat, the headband didn’t slip an inch.

It also dries super fast, so you’re not left with a soggy, heavy band on your head. It’s a lifesaver for keeping bangs and short layers under control.

The Downside: According to some reviews, the color options can be pretty limited sometimes.

 

 

Lululemon Wunder Train Headband

This one is on the pricier side at $18.

If you sweat a ton, just buy this one. It’s made from the same Everlux fabric as the Wunder Train leggings, and it is a beast at wicking moisture. Seriously, it’s the most absorbent headband I’ve tried that doesn’t feel like a towel.

The wide design keeps every bit of hair off your face, and it feels incredibly soft. But it still has enough grip to stay put during burpees and box jumps.

The Downside: The price is a little high for a single headband, but I think it’s worth it for heavy sweaters.

 

 

Huachi Non Slip Headband

You can get a multi-pack of these for about $12.

This is a great budget find, especially if you have thick hair that makes most headbands slide right off. The wide, stretchy fabric has the perfect amount of tension to hold everything back without feeling too tight.

They’re simple, they work, and you get a bunch of them in different colors. I use them for yoga, but they’re also great just for washing my face.

The Downside: After a lot of use and washes, the elastic can start to stretch out and lose some of its original grip.

 

 

Nike Swoosh Headband

An 8-pack of these costs around $11, so they’re incredibly affordable.

These thin headbands are a cult favorite for a reason. They’re no-frills, but the little silicone strip on the inside is surprisingly effective at keeping them locked in place. They’re my favorite for just taming flyaways without the bulk of a wider band.

Since they come in a big pack, I don’t panic if I lose one in my gym bag. They’re perfect for soccer, running, or any sport where you just need your hair contained.

The Downside: The narrow design doesn’t do much for sweat absorption. It’s really just for holding your hair back.

Finding the right athletic headband really does make a difference in your workout. You can focus on your form instead of constantly pushing hair out of your face.

Whether you need something to absorb a waterfall of sweat or just tame a few flyaways, there’s a headband here that will stay put and let you get back to your workout.