Picture this: It’s 6 a.m. It’s dark and cold. You’re in a battle with your duvet cover as you pull your toes out from under a blanket and into a pair of sneakers. Congratulations: You did it! But a good winter running outfit is a top to bottom affair… so what about your head? Running headbands are the perfect way to protect your ears against the winter morning chill, and they do wonders for keeping hair out of your face.

When it comes to finding the perfect one, it’s important to keep an eye out for a few key factors. If the headband is sweat-wicking, it will absorb moisture and stop it from dripping down into your eyes. If it’s reflective, it’ll keep you visible and safe during the shorter daylight hours. Scroll through for the best running headbands that are sure to tick every box.

Best Warm Running Headbands

Sweaty Betty Power Headband — $14.00

Sweaty Betty’s famous Power fabric is back at it again. This reflective headband is sweat-wicking and quick drying. Stretchy and supportive. But the best part? Just like your favorite baseball cap, it has a sneaky hole in the back to fit your ponytail through.

Nike Knit Headband — $20.00

This sleek number from Nike has a double layer construction for optimal warmth. The fleece lining is designed to keep your forehead dry, and it’s extra wide to keep your ears cozy while you run during all those winter mornings.

Adidas Women's Crestline Headband — $35.00

This classic knit headband is fleece lined and will go with everything. Since it’s slightly thicker than most other running headbands, it’s the perfect compromise if you don’t want to wear a full hat for your jog, but still want your head to feel warm and protected from the elements.

Athleta Flurry Reflective II Headband — $28.00

With reflective details a stretchy, lightweight fabric, this Athleta headband will look stylish during your next sweat session. Its thermo-conductive ceramic coating helps to absorb and retain your body heat for lasting warmth without adding weight or feeling bulky.

Smartwool Reversible Headband — $22.00

Made of 100% merino wool, this headband will make sure your head and ears are toasty whether you’re hiking a mountain or running in your neighborhood. It’s also great bang for your buck because it’s reversible, with one printed side and one solid side, so it’s essentially two headbands in one.

Columbia Trail Shaker Headring — $12.00

If you run with glasses or earbuds, this headring is for you. The lining is thermal-reflective and moisture-wicking to make sure your head and ears stay warm and dry, and the headband has openings on the sides so you can fit earbuds or glasses without them being smooshed against your head.

lululemon Run for It All Earwarmer — $28.00

Don’t let cold and rainy days deter you from getting outside. This lululemon earwarmer is water-repellent and has reflective details to help with low light conditions. It’s made of tech fleece that’s both warm and stretchy, and there’s a opening in the back where you can fit a ponytail.

Under Armour UA Fleece Headband — $17.00

With dual-layer fabric, this fleece headband will keep your head warm even on the coldest days. The material is sweat-wicking and fast-drying, because there’s nothing worse than having a sweaty head outside, and there’s an opening in the back for your ponytail, too.

Turtle Fur Fleece Headband — $14.00

This soft fleece headband is quick-drying and warm without being bulky. It has two layers of fabric to trap heat close to your head, and is contoured to make sure your ears are completely covered during your outdoor activities.

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