The 7 Best Tennis Headbands for Players in 2023

Tennis is a game that requires precision, agility, and endurance from its players. Playing tennis can be both physically and mentally challenging.

That is why having the proper equipment can make all the difference. A good headband is an essential accessory for tennis players. Headbands can help you stay focused and comfortable on the court by keeping sweat out of your eyes and hair out of your face.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the best tennis headbands on the market, based on factors such as material, size, design, and performance.

Quick Summary

Reviews of the 7 Best Tennis Headbands

1. Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0

Price: $$ | Type: Tie

My pick for the best tennis headband on the market right now is the Nike Dri-Fit Head Tie 4.0.

It is made of soft moisture-wicking fibers and features Nike’s Dri-Fit technology, making it extremely breathable and comfortable.

This classic design is available in a variety of colors to match a wide range of outfits and keep you looking stylish.

2. Nike Swoosh Headband

Price: $| Type: Traditional

The Nike Swoosh headband is a traditional style headband worn by many ATP Tour players, the most famous being Frances Tiafoe.

It has excellent sweat absorption properties, making it a good choice if you play in hot, humid environments. This is especially important for me as someone who trains in Australia.

Because of its ability to stretch to fit any size head, it has a one-size-fits-all design.

It also comes in a variety of different colors.

However, I would’ve liked something a bit more breathable.

3. Nike Women’s Mixed Ponytail Holders (9 Pack)

Price: $$ | Type: Traditional/Tie/Mini

For female players who aren’t sure which headband design they prefer, I recommend the Nike Women’s Mixed Ponytail Holders.

This 9-piece set includes all three types of headbands: traditional, tie, and mini. This allows you to try on all of the different tennis headband styles to find your favorite.

Plus, they all come in different colors so you can experiment with many different outfits.

4. Adidas AlphaSkin Mesh Head Tie

Price: $| Type: Tie

The Adidas AlphaSkin Mesh Head Tie is a high-quality headband worn by Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The AlphaSkin technology provides a thin, lightweight material with moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry while playing tennis.

It is one size fits all, which means it can fit a wide range of head shapes. All you need to do is tie a knot behind the back of your head!

5. Nike Mini Headbands (6 Pack)

Price: $$$ | Type: Mini

For those of you who are looking for a thinner headband that helps keep your hair out of your face and eyes, I’d go for the Nike Mini Headbands. The silicone grips are great at holding your hair in place so you can focus on your game.

These Nike headbands come in a 6-pack with a variety of stylish, modern designs to keep you looking fashionable on the court.

You’ll often see Sebastian Korda rocking these headbands.

6. Penguin Solid Head & Wristband Set

Price: $$ | Type: Traditional

The Penguin Solid Head & Wristband Set is great for those players who tend to sweat a lot during tennis matches.

The Penguin Solid Head & Wristband Set is great for those players who tend to sweat a lot during tennis matches.

It includes a traditional style headband that is great for sweat absorption as well as a sweatband that is also great for sweat absorption so you don’t lose grip on your tennis racket.

I also think the penguin logo is pretty cool and unique.

But the material is quite thick, which may cause your forehead to become hot after a long period of wearing them.

7. Under Armour Performance Headband

Price: $| Type: Traditional

The Under Armour Performance Headband is made of a breathable, stretchy fabric that wicks sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.

It also features an anti-odor treatment to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and keep you smelling fresh.

Why Should You Wear a Tennis Headband?

Tennis players have been wearing headbands for many years, with Suzanne Lenglen being one of the first to do so in the 1910s. I’ve listed the numerous benefits of wearing a tennis headband below:

Absorb Sweat

During a tennis match, you are likely to sweat, and the sweat can run down your face and into your eyes, making it difficult to see and causing a distraction. A headband will stop sweat from dripping down your face, keeping your vision clear.

Many players keep a few headbands in their tennis bag so that they can swap them out during a match when they become too sweaty.

Keep Hair Out of Eyes

Having long hair can be very distracting when playing tennis, due to the fast movements of the sport, causing your hair to get in your face and block your vision. This is especially an issue for women who typically have longer hair than men.

But, thankfully, headbands can also be used to prevent this from happening.

A headband will allow you to keep your hair in place and stop it from falling in front of your eyes helping you focus on your performance.

Protection

Tennis headbands can also provide additional protection from the sun or cold weather, depending on the material and design.

Looks

Many tennis players will wear headbands purely as a fashion accessory so they can add a touch of personality to their outfits.

Whether you’re looking to keep the sweat out of your eyes, or you want to look like your favorite tennis player, headbands are a great accessory to wear on the tennis court and add some style to your outfit.

Types of Tennis Headbands

Traditional Headbands

The traditional headband was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s, when John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg wore them. They’re a simple elastic band that you pull over your head to absorb sweat.

While they aren’t as popular as they once were, some players still use them. There was even a famous incident in 2015 when Nick Kyrgios was asked to remove his traditional headband at the Wimbledon Championships because it was too colorful!

Tie Headbands

Tie headbands are by far the most popular type of tennis headband with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Alexander Zverev wearing them.

They are made up of a single strap or piece of cloth that is wrapped around your head and tied in the back.

Typically, they are much more lightweight than traditional headbands and have excellent sweat absorption properties making them perfect for tennis.

Mini Headbands

Mini headbands are very popular on the WTA Tour and are becoming increasingly popular on the men’s tour, with players such as Sebastian Korda and Dominic Thiem wearing them.

Due to them being very thin, they offer very little sweat absorption and are mainly used to keep your hair out of your face and eyes. They’re a perfect choice if you want something that is a bit more minimalist and doesn’t stand out.

Mini headbands, like traditional headbands, do not require tying because they have rubber or silicone straps that guarantee a secure fit.

What Pros Wear Tennis Headbands?

Here is a list of professional tennis players who wear headbands on the pro tour:

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is famous not only for his incredible achievements, but also for his unique style. He usually wears a tie headband, but he has been known to wear a folded bandana as a headband in the past.

Roger Federer

Another great player who wears a tie headband is Roger Federer. While he was sponsored by Nike for the majority of his career, he switched to Uniqlo in his later years and endorsed a Uniqlo tie headband.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is one of the most famous female tennis players who wore a headband. Her headband of choice was either a tie headband or a mini headband. But, regardless of the style, the brand was always Nike.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of the young stars currently dominating the ATP circuit. His headband of choice is an Adidas tie headband.

Victoria Azarenka

Throughout her career, Victoria Azarenka has always worn a tie headband by Nike. You’ll also find she likes to have it long at the back.

Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem used to wear a tie headband however more recently we’ve seen he’s opted for the mini headband to keep the hair out of his face. But one thing is certain: it’s always Adidas-branded.

Alexander Zverev

Much like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev is another player who loves to wear the Adidas tie headband

How to Tie a Headband

Tying a headband is something that many players struggle with at first. I’ve included a video tutorial on how to tie a headband below:

Final Words

Tennis headbands are an excellent accessory to try not only for the many performance benefits but also to look fashionable on the court.

Hopefully, after reading this guide you should have a better understanding of what to look for in the best tennis headbands and have found some options to consider.

If you’ve never tried a headband then I’d recommend giving them a go!

Image Source: Marianne Bevis