How to Keep a Headband on During Exercising

Ancient Greeks introduced headbands as hair wreaths, which they wore to important events. Wreaths evolved into hair ornaments and scarves, managing to retain a fashion role throughout history. Proper society was shaken by the iconic flappers of the Roaring 20s, who brazenly sported short hemlines and shocking boyish bob hairstyles accented by outrageous headbands. Modern athletes came to recognize the functional value of these accessories, but continue to struggle with their tendency to slip out of position during periods of physical activity. You can quickly and easily remedy this annoying distraction and keep your focus on your workout instead of your headband.

Dampen and Spray

Combine hair spray or styling gel with correctly applied bobby pins to effectively keep a headband in place during even the most rigorous exercise. Dampen your hair and give it a light misting of hair spray, or work a small amount of styling gel into it. Style your hair and position the headband. Apply hair spray to the perimeter of the headband to “glue” it to your hair.

Bobby Pins

Bobby pins are often mistakenly applied to the front edges of the headband, which may actually assist the accessory in moving backward. Open a bobby pin and position its tips at the back edge of the headband slightly below and behind your ear. This will encourage the band to move forward rather than backward. Grab as much hair as you can into the bobby pin, and slide it downward and backward as you clip it to the headband. Cross it with a second pin to form an “X”. Repeat behind your other ear.

Additional Security

Clip another bobby pin “X” to the back of the headband at the top of your head. Add two or three more “X”s to the underside of your hair at the back of your head. Space them about an inch apart.

Use a Gripper

Add a narrow plastic headband with gripping teeth or gripping texture on its inner surface about a half-inch behind your sports headband. This accessory will steadfastly remain in place and provide a backstop for the sports band.

Tie or Braid

Try wearing long hair down instead of pulled back into a ponytail. Sleekly pulled back ponytails can easily allow for headband slippage. Alternatively, tie your hair back into a bun, or plait it into braids. Slip the headband beneath the hair at the back of your head. Secure the sides of the headband behind your ears with bobby pins.