Sweaty Bands: Headband Review

When I first started running I had long hair and headbands weren't a big factor, I didn't wear one most of the time, just a ponytail and I was good to go. Last year, however, I cut all my hair off. Well, practically. It was about chin length, and it hasn't been much longer than shoulder length since.

Before I made the leap to shorter hair I asked around about what other women with shorter hair do with it when they run. With various answers including clips, headbands, visors, hats, bandanas, and nothing, headbands seemed to the most reasonable solution for me.

So I bought some, and then I bought some more. I've tried the Asics Hera which performed okay, but soaked up sweat and occasionally slid back. I tried some super cheap ones on clearance from Old Navy's active wear department, they were tight, but still slipped off. I lost one on a run and the other is somewhere in my house, I don't know where, I'm not worried about finding it. I've also tried the "Fly Away Tamer" from Lululemon (now discontinued), which I really like in the start since it was the version with a mesh panel which helped it breathe and not absorb sweat. After running in it and washing it a few times it stretched out though and now if I wear it I'm constantly checking to make sure it's still on my head.

live.love.run. Sweat Band from the Mother Runner store

In comes the Sweaty Band. When you first see Sweaty Bands, the main appeal is, well, what you see. They come is so many fun colors and patterns, even words to share with the world your dedication to a sport, charity, or your sorority.  I chose to buy mine through the Mother Runner store and got it super quick.

Velvet backing

The backing of the Sweaty Band is velvet, while the upper is a ribbon-like polyester. When I first considered the velvet backing, it seemed like it wouldn't hold against my hair well. Boy, was I wrong. The Sweaty Band is the most slip resistant headband I have used so far. Some of the newer Lululemon headbands are now using a velvet backing as well. While I have had the Sweaty Band move a little on my head, I've never had it slip off. This is the headband I use on every run now, while it does absorb sweat, it doesn't get soaked. I can wear it over and over without washing it, which is great since it's hand wash only. When I do need to wash it, I simply take it in the shower with me after my run and rinse it out, hanging it in the shower to dry.

The offending bump

The Sweaty Band does have its flaws, however small they may be. The first negative I've noticed is with the connection between the main part of the headband and the elastic piece that goes under your hair. The end of the band here creates a bit of a bump that presses on my head wrong over time, more-so when I wear my sunglasses at the same time. This causes some pressure which can be painful and annoying on a longer run. My second beef with the Sweaty Band is a cosmetic one; it doesn't sit flat on my head. The part of the band that is closest to the back of my head tends to sit up, off my hair creating a little gap. This could perhaps be solved if the band was created with a curve to it.

Sweat Bands definitely have more positives than negatives and are my favorite headband for running by far. I feel like I don't need more since I can wear the one I have over and over without issue, but with so many cute designs to choose from, I might not be able to resist.

You can find Sweaty Bands in several different widths and a crazy amount of colors on Amazon.

Ladies (or long-haired men), have you tried Sweaty Bands? What's your favorite hair solution on the run?

While this review does contain affiliate links, I have not been compensated in any way to write to it and the opinions are my own.