13 best running headbands for women that wick away sweat and keep your ears warm

I don't know about you, but as soon as the weather turns and the temperature drops, my desire to hide under the duvet and avoid lacing up my trainers to go running becomes particularly strong. 

Winter running is hard. It’s dark, it’s cold and it's so easy to get your layering wrong and end up way to hot. Enter: running headbands. 

Just like the tip of my nose, the tips of my ears go bright red in the cold. So pulling on a headband with fleecy lining – like this one from adidas – or an ear warmer that can double up as neck warmer or ponytail holder, is honestly game-changing.

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What is a running headband for? 

Running headbands are designed to keep your ears warm during cold-weather runs. They're also great for keeping hair and pesky flyaways away from your eyes – especially the headbands that come with mane-managing openings to thread your ponytail through.

Although most running headbands are primarily made for the outdoors, some sweat-wicking headbands are thin enough to double up and use in the gym to keep hair (and sweat) out of your face.

Should you wear a headband when running? 

A running headband is a very useful accessory. Not only do they help absorb sweat and offer relief from biting, ear-stinging cold, if you run at night, opting for a reflective running headband will help to make you more visible to cars, too. Safety first, kids.

What is the best headband that doesn't slip?

You can't go too far wrong when choosing a running headband. Essentially, you want something that will perfectly cover your ears – something warm and soft, and with just the right amount of stretch so it stays on but you don’t feel your skull is in a vise. 

After more running content? Head this way for running jackets, over here for running belts and in this direction for gym leggings. We've also got fitness trackers to help you achieve your fitness goals, the best sports bras for every boob size and budget, the best reusable water bottles to keep you hydrated and the best running shorts of all time.

Scroll for our full edit of the best running headbands for women.