Headband Help
April 8, 2009 by Jenn
I’m sure you haven’t had enough standardized testing in your life, so here’s an SAT flashback to have fun with: (cue Jeopardy theme)
(A) Jenn: running
(B) Jenn: shopping
(C) Jenn: headbands
(D) Jenn: chocolate
(E) Jenn: Bob Harper
This isn’t a trick question. But, take as much time as necessary.
Here’s why (and then no more analogies, promise!): Erin has a well-noted history with not being able to find head phones and ear buds that actually fit her “freakishly small” ears (her words, not mine). And I have a similar issue with headbands and wraps, as I have a freakishly small head (my words this time).
If you’re like me and have problems finding the right headband to keep your hair out of your face during workouts, read on. I don’t exactly have the Holy Grail on headbands (okay, I have nothing close to it), but I do have a few products that make some progress on the small-head prob and a few tips that will have you digging out your older, ill-fitting-yet-cute headbands that have been banished to the back closet. Intrigued? (Note to normal-sized-head people: Don’t stop reading just because your head size isn’t an issue! The new products I’m about to feature are super fun and great for workouts for any cranial size or shape.)
Bondi Bands
A coworker of mine stumbled upon the Bondi Band at a race, hipped me to it, and Bondi and I have been hair buds ever since. While the bands aren’t perfect per se—they still slide off my oddly shaped noggin—they are one of the only headbands that I can wear on a 3-mile run without losing my mind because, on the whole, they stay where they’re supposed to for at least 30 minutes. Plus, they come in a ton of fun designs and some of them help wick away sweat. I’m a huge fan of the black band because it goes with everything and the polka dot designs because, well, I heart polka dots.
Although their (or any other brand for that matter) headbands with the little rubber grippers never stick on my head as they should, I’m a Goody StayPut convert. They actually created an adjustable head wrap. Genius! It’s amazing, and you can tighten or loosen as needed. Not to mention that they have a kickin’ line of barrettes for those wispies that just won’t stay in your ponytail. Goody, goody is right!
Anything at Target
Credit: jimk_9999
And when all head wraps fail, I just go for the plain headband. The hard, plastic ones always stay in place for me, although they usually give me a headache if my workout goes too long, and if they’re like the one at left, they are a tad 90s. I am particularly fond of this more fashion-forward variety by Xhiliration though. Ah, the life of a girl…tough isn’t it?
Now what about those poorly fitting headbands that are collecting dust in your closet? Don’t throw them away just yet. There is hope! I highly recommend using strategically placed bobby pins to help them stay put (I usually put one behind each ear) or try putting gel or hairspray on the section of your hair that the band hits. This highly increases your chances of hairband success. And, when all else fails, you can always whip out a hat or visor and just cover that darn hair up!
Great tips. For some reason running in a hat or visor really irritates me (perhaps I have a freakishly small forehead? or something), so bands seem to be a good compromise between hair-in-face and cap.
I LOVE this post! I have the same problem – small head syndrome. There is nothing worse than being lost in thought on a long run and all of a sudden your headband flips off, onto the ground. i am ordering a bondi band today! Thanks for the great suggestion.
I love headbands too but the knid I wear are the half-headbands that stop behind your ears. The only problem with those is that they sometimes make my head hurt at the points where they end. Any advice on those?
I have a TON of hair and it leads to headband problems. I’ll have to check out this company, thanks!
*waves* me too! If I go for a run I have to do it without music because the #$(*&@ earphones never stay in my ears. As for the headband problem, I get all impatient and tie it back in a hairband and then all the front bits come out anyways. C'est la vie! That bondi band is so cute.
I’m not the only one! HOORAY!!!
Kudret: Goody has a whole line of “Ouchless” headbands, but I bought one at Target, and it actually hurts my head more than regular ones! But, we’ve already established I have a freakishly small head, so I’m probably in the minority!
Wow. This is odd. I have a (my words) freakishly odd shaped head that headbands won’t stay in place on. This is awesome thank you!
BUT! Note to Erin: I too have freakishly small ears (my friends say they look like pixie ears). I tried the ear buds that you did the “marshmellow” ones….they worked wonderfully, but are not guinea pig chewing proof.
Just thought you might like to know.
Renae: That cracks me up. Glad you liked them, though! My pug also tracks them down whenever they’re lying around. I’ve been able to save them, but it’s been a close call a few times!
This place has some cute ones as well http://sweatybands.com/
I have been using Buff Wear bands, and can recommend-they are stretch microfiber bands that can be pulled into a headband, used as a neck scarf, or wrapped up in a skullcap-easy to use and it keeps my bangs in check during runs..
OMG! I have such issues with my hair. I have yet to find anything that is both cute and keeps my hair back while staying in place. Plus, I always am worried about using stuff that might damage my hair.
Your a doll! I won a gift pack from IM once and thought I had died, the colored bands fit me! However nothing else from them I purchased later did. I am on the road more then 300 days a year and sometimes want a break from styling.
I have used goody stay put headbands all of them & none of them stay put so you are just wasted money buyin any headbans none of them will stay put not any brand or kind
I have this problem too! I got an iphone recently and the earbuds that came with it actually fit nicely. FYI.