It’s the hair that usually makes the headlines - whether it’s Jack Grealish with his long floppy locks or David Beckham’s Noughties barnet embellished with a flurry of blonde highlights.
But, believe it or not, it's more than just football and throngs of fawning fans that bind these two heartthrobs together. A steadfast companion has followed them throughout their careers, offering support every step of the way and ensuring they retain eagle-eyed vision during play. Not a manager nor a girlfriend, but a headband.
Headbands are a long-haired athlete’s best friend. They keep the baby hairs at bay while offering up a fashion statement that’s bound to tickle the fancy of the tabloids.
Synonymous with Eighties dancewear, elasticated headbands have been adorned by fitness icons from Jane Fonda and Jamie Lee Curtis to Olivia Newton-John. Available in neon and neutral tones, in addition to a variety of shapes and sizes, fitness headbands are as fashionable as they are functional.
There are many benefits to wearing a headband regardless of their aesthetic. Headbands help to wick sweat from your face during intense sessions, keep AirPods in place and warm the ears during outdoor workouts. These features are especially important for long-distance runners, who will want to avoid intermittent stops to sort out their stubborn strands.
There are many factors to consider before buying a headband. Firstly, hair thickness. If you are blessed with a luscious mane, then a thicker headband will be more secure. Secondly, the simple matter of style. Headbands come in a range of styles spanning stretchy wide fabrics to thong-like bands favoured by Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish. If It-girl athleisure in the style of Nicola Peltz Beckham is on your agenda, then a simple multipack of 90s-inspired designs will fit the bill.
Finally, performance, which ultimately affects the price. Novice runners may not want to splash out in the name of headgear, but marathon hopefuls will certainly need to. Brands such as Arc’teryx, Alo and TALA stock highly functional pieces with the RRP to match for those in need of a failproof hair fix.
Whether popping off for a casual jog or smashing out a 10K, discover the best headbands for running below.
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Arc’teryx Rho Headband
Arc’teryx is a brand that fuses high performance and high fashion. The Rho Headband is designed for keen runners who want no strand left unslicked. The microfleece texture offers a light layer of warmth during high-intensity activities, be it running or HIIT sessions en plein air.
Buy now £35.00, Arc’teryx
alo Airlift Headband
Sweat in style with alo’s Airlift Headband. The handy item will wick sweat from the face during intense gym sessions on the treadmill and keep baby hairs in place at all times. A cinched centre detail offers a trendy touch to the non-slip, lightweight accessory.
Buy now £25.00, alo
Nike Fury Headband
Nike’s slick black headband will be your best friend during a workout – its stretchy design means it will mould to the shape of your head and keep your eyes both hair and sweat-free. Nike’s special Dri-FIT Technology keeps moisture at bay, so all you need to focus on is putting one foot in front of the other.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
Bam Bamboo Headband
Bam has created a great lightweight option headband to wear throughout your workouts and keep wisps of hair out of the way. Made from bamboo and cotton, the jersey headband is super soft, comfy and kind to sensitive skin. It’s also sustainably made which is always a welcomed plus.
Perhaps a better option for lower-impact workouts and jogs though as it is less secure.
Buy now £9.50, BAM
Ronhill Nightrunner Headband
Running or working out in the evening? Keep safe and seen with Ronhill’s super reflective headband. Covering your ears with its contoured design and made from a fabric with thermal properties, it will also keep you warm without causing you to overheat. It also has a barely there feel on the head.
Buy now £13.98, Amazon
Kalenji Running Headband
There’s no sweat dripping into your eyes or hair blowing across your face with Kalenji’s unisex headband, which is ideal for all types of exercise. It’s made from a soft stretchy fabric to ensure a comfortable fit and comes in a selection of fun colours to jazz up your running or workout gear. A purse-friendly price tag too.
Buy now £4.99, Decathlon
Sweaty Betty Therma Run Ear Warmer
Does the wind bite at your ears during winter runs? Keep them toasty and warm with the Sweaty Betty Therma Run Ear Warmer. Made with an insulating, breathable brushed fabric that just so happens to be recycled, the headband is helpfully water-resistant for drizzly days and features the brand’s It-girl logo.
Buy now £25.00, John Lewis
Lululemon Men's Metal Vent Tech Wide Headband
Train with minimal distractions courtesy of Lululemon’s headband for men. Designed for high-intensity exercise, the seamless piece offers a comfortable fit for fitness fanatics. Channel your energy into counting reps, sets, and laps while the headband wicks moisture from your face and holds hair in place.
Buy now £15.00, Lululemon
icebreaker Unisex Cool-Lite™ Merino Blend Flexi Headband
Increase your visibility during roadside running with the icebreaker Cool-Lite Flexi Headband designed for all genders and ages. Available in a striking neon hue, the thick headband is made up of a light, breathable jersey fabric to wear year in, year out. Choose from peach, seafoam green, charcoal and more tempting tones to spruce up your workout attire.
Buy now £16.10, icebreaker
Adidas Terrex AeroReady Headband
Get ready to run with this AeroReady headband. Available in a range of colours to suit men and women, this stretchy number can be worn for a variety of activities from running to cycling. It slots neatly under a helmet and is crafted from 50 per cent recycled polyester and 50 per cent Parley Ocean Plastic - plastic waste which the brand has removed from remote islands, beaches and coastal communities. Sporty sustainability enthusiasts, this is the one for you.
Buy now £23.00, Adidas
GymShark Diffuse Sweat Headband
GymShark’s Diffuse Sweat Headband is an inclusive pick for all fitness lovers. A one-size-fits-all design accommodates wigs, braids, gelled edges and more, making it one to keep tucked away in your gym bag at all times. This is bolstered by a double-layer construction which holds the hair firmly in place, taking the focus off your tresses and placing it on smashing your next session.
Buy now £20.00, GymShark
