10 Best Cooling Headbands That Keep Sweat Away – 2023
Use these anti-sweat headbands to stay cool and focused during your game!
Michelle WagmanFashion Stylist
Expertise: Fashion Styling
Experience: 20 years
Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merc... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 4 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Intense workouts and sports can make athletes and fitness enthusiasts sweaty and uncomfortable without the right gear. However, the best cooling headbands can help them avoid this discomfort. They offer protection against overheating and hot temperatures, allowing athletes to focus on the game. The headbands are made with breathable and moisture-wicking material that features cooling crystals to control sebum.
Amidst busy work schedules and regular workout sessions, one gets little time to search for these accessories. That’s why we have made your task easier by putting together a list of the cooling headbands that have received positive reviews from the users. Scroll down to read more.
Let us first delve into how cooling headbands work.
In This Article
How Do Cooling Headbands Work?
A cooling sweat headband collects sweat from the head and evaporates it, thereby preventing your head from overheating. However, not all cooling headbands use the same mechanism. For instance, some headbands require you to soak or fill them with water to cool them first. Other cooling headbands are designed with wicking fabric that easily draws out and evaporates sweat from your head. Keep in mind that these types of cooling headbands are not as effective as those that require soaking.
Want to know how cooling headbands work? Read the next section to learn more.
Cooling Methods
There are several brands of cooling headbands on the market, and you can make your buying decision based on the headband cooling method. Manufacturers use unique designs and materials to ensure their headbands are not only efficient but also reliable. The two main cooling methods they use are:
- Breathable Materials
These cooling headbands utilize unique designs that enhance breathability. They are made from fabrics and other materials capable of minimizing sweat accumulation. It could be moisture-wicking materials or fabrics with loose weaves. These cooling headbands use one or two fabric layers to avoid overheating.
- Ice Packs
Some brands prefer using ice packs for cooling. Their concentrated cooling sensation is much better than soaking cooling headbands in water.
Now that you know how cooling headbands work, let’s check out the 10 best ones available on the market.
10 Best Cooling Headbands
Best Overall:Ergodyne Chill Its 6700CT Cooling Bandana
Ergodyne Chill Its 6700CT Cooling Bandana uses hyper-evaporative PVA cooling technology that quickly enhances the cooling effect even under extreme heat conditions. This headband is lightweight and low-profile to wear under hard hats or around the neck. Its tie closure allows adjustment to fit any head size. This is the best cooling headband for sports as it is made of 100% cotton and is machine-washable.
Pros- Fits different head sizes
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable wear
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Does not cool beyond 4 hours
ProTipBest Moisture-Wicking Fabric:Under Armour Performance Headband
The Under Armour Performance Headband is stylish and constructed with multi-channel performance fibers to beat the summer sweat and yet maintain a chic look. It is non-slip in nature and made from 96% polyester and 4% elastodiene. Fashion stylist Michelle Wagman says, “Fabric with a textured surface is less likely to slip than those with a smooth surface.” The material wicks away sweat and dries really fast to keep the sweat out of your eyes. It is the perfect activewear for running, working out, or other fitness activities.
Pros- Stretchable fabric
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Non-slip
- Quick-dry material
Cons
- Sizes might run small
Best Fabric:adidas Interval Reversible Headband
This quirky Adidas Interval Reversible Headband is utmost comfortable and is made up of 100% cotton. This is definitely your best companion for dealing with the scorching summer heat. This interval headband is made up of cotton terry fabric for enhanced sweat absorbency and great comfort. Another great feature is the reversible design that suits home and travel looks equally. It looks stylish and is great at heat protection too.
Pros- Breathable material
- Aeroready moisture-wicking technology
- Reversible design.
Cons
None
Best Stretchable Material:Vinsguir Athletic Headband
The Vinsguir Athletic Headband is made with stretchy and breathable material. It absorbs sweat, is durable, and dries quickly. It has a snug, soft, and quick-drying capacity, with no-slip grips to keep it in place during your dynamic movements. The headband is incredibly suitable for almost every indoor or outdoor activity, including workouts, running, and sports. A stylish way to wick away sweat and keep the hair in place, with comfort and performance at the top of the list!
Pros- Stretchable material
- Breathable fabric
- Lightweight
- Extra grip
- Moisture-wicking formula
Cons
None
Best For Outdoor Activities:poshei Headband
This poshei Headband is made with 95% polyester and 5% spandex which helps in wicking away moisture. It is super stretchable, made with breathable fabric, and soft in texture. The headband is designed in a unique way which makes it easy to wear without the need for tying any knots. This elastic material used in the headband is best for walking, running, sports, and the gym because it is extremely lightweight and suitable for all head sizes.
Pros- Moisture-wicking properties
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to wear
- Multifunctional
- Great for outdoor activities
Cons
- Material might be very thin
Best Anti-Odor:Ergodyne Chill Cooling Headband
The Ergodyne Chill Cooling Headband is a supremely comforting head wrap that absorbs moisture and provides instant cooling. It works best when worn wet. The flexible knitted fabric and unique design make it perfect for a relaxing session with added sun protection. The best way to use it is by just soaking it in water and then wringing it well to wear it for a few hours. It is ideal for any sort of outdoor activity or for anyone who is subjected to heat.
Pros- Moisture wicking
- UPF sun protection
- Anti-odor
- Machine washable
Cons
None
Best Maximum Absorption:Halo Headband/Sweatband Pullover
The Halo Headband Pullover possesses maximum absorption, quick drying facility, and foul smell elimination capacity which makes it perfect for outdoor wear. It is made with 63% nylon, 23% polyester, and 14% lycra. The fabric also contains silicone elements that absorb sweat and block it from causing any harm to the eyes, face, and glasses. This comfortable headband is made of breathable and soft fabric, making it a highly recommended athletic headband.
Pros- Absorbs moisture
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Offers eye protection
Cons
None
ProTipPros- Lightweight
- Reusable and washable
- Soft-touch cooling feature
- Chemical-free cooling
- UPF 50
- Absorbs sweat
Cons
- Thin fabric
Best Athletic Look:Elite Athletic Gear Unisex Headband
The Elite Athletic Gear Unisex Headbands are designed for ultimate comfort and durability that promotes coolness and sweat absorption. They are prepared in such a way that makes them a perfect choice for indoor and outdoor activities.The headbands are made in reversible design with quick-drying properties. These are ideal for both men and women and for working out, fitness, or other physical activities.
Pros- Reversible design
- Offers sweat absorption
- Quick-drying properties
- Suitable for all head sizes
- Ideal for all outdoor activities
Cons
None
Best For Daily Wear:Nike Reversible Home and Away Headband
The Nike Reversible Home and Away Headband consists of a embroidered Nike swoosh logo and a seamless finish. It is the perfect addition to your everyday wear when working out! The quick-dry fabric helps to wick sweat away and keeps you dry and comfortable. The reversible nature of this headband allows for different and exclusive types of wear. The fabric is best-in-class and protective against sweat and heat.
Pros- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Quick-dry fabric
- Durable
- Best for sports or outdoor activity wear
Cons
None
Cooling headbands require a bit of upkeep to keep them working properly. Learn how to maintain a cooling headband in the next section.
Most cooling headbands are machine-washable. However, you must read the instruction manual to check for any care recommendations. If you have bought a cooling headband online with non-removable plastic or cooling beads, hand-wash it using warm water and detergent or dish soap.
If you have a removable ice pack or cooling gel headband, remove it before washing. To enhance the durability of the cooling headband, avoid putting it in the dryer.
Check out all the factors you need to consider before buying a cooling headband below.
- Material
When you are shopping for the best cooling headband in the market, you should always consider the material. Normally, you will find stretchy fabrics, non-slip materials, and Cocona wicking fabrics among others. Each of these materials offers unique advantages:
- Stretchy Fabrics:These cooling headbands are made from nylon, Lycra, Spandex, polyester, or other synthetic fibers with similar characteristics. They are normally designed as one-size-fits-all apparel, but they are known for their snug fit and comfort.
- Non-Slip Materials:You will find a non-slip layer inside the band of some cooling headbands. This is to prevent slipping as the non-slip material adheres to your skin and hair. The non-slip layer can be added as bands, stripes, or dots and help extend the headband length.
- Cocona:This is a new textile in the activewear world. This environmentally friendly material is obtained from recycled coconut shells and is highly recommended for athletes. It is a durable and wrinkle-resistant fabric that dries almost 92% faster than cotton.
- Wicking Fabrics:Wicking fabrics absorb the sweat from your head and prevent it from dripping into your eyes.
- Width
Wide cooling headbands benefit you by protecting a wide area of your skin from the harsh UV rays. When the cooling headband is wide, it increases the surface area of absorption and sweat retention. This means that it gives you the best cooling effect, which explains why many people use wide cooling headbands. However, a slim cooling headband also prevents sweat from dripping down your face.
- Color
Cooling headbands are practical as well as fashionable. Many cooling headband are available in different colors and patterns. You should look for the best color that fits your outfit and taste. If you prefer something outstanding, you should look for a cooling headband brand with sports team colors or on-trend themed designs. Two-toned cooling headbands are also ideal as they are reversible.
Overheating is a common concern when indulging in sports and intense workouts. This is highly uncomfortable. But the right cooling headband helps to keep your head cool. Some headbands evaporate the collected sweat to prevent overheating, while some need to be filled with water or ice packs to keep the head cool. Investing in cooling headbands that are easy to use, lightweight, breathable fabric, and durable material will change the way you feel during your sessions. However, make sure that you stay away from those headbands that are not durable or take a longer time to soak and are not long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sweatbands help keep you cool?
Yes, cooling headbands made with a moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and control the sweat. It allows you focus on your activity without worrying about dripping sweat.
Are bandanas good for sweat?
Bandanas that are made of moisture-absorbing material are good to keep sweat away.
Why do you need cooling headbands?
They help keep the sweat away.
• They help you stay cool and dry in humid weather.
• They protect you from the sun’s UV rays.
• They keep your hair back in place so you can focus on the game.
• They make a statement accessory.
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