I really wasn’t sure when I agreed to review the MyMareCo Under Helmet Headbands that it would be something I used much. I review a lot of things on the page and generally stick to items I know I’ll use, but I was intrigued. Especially when I learned a few of my exercise rider friends at the track used them. I didn’t really understand the point. I didn’t really see how it would improve anything for me. Man…how short sighted was I?! These are the best kinds of review to do – those items that take you by surprise. Those items that become must haves despite your initial doubts.
When I first got them, I was surprised at the material. I was expecting something similar to the work out headbands I’ve gotten in the past…but no. Not even a bit. They are very stretchy and not as firm as expected (which is great because those tighter headbands tend to give me headaches). Second, I was in awe of how soft these are. I can’t even describe how soft they are with any real accuracy. They’re lightweight, silky and kinda buttery at the same time…I don’t know. They are soft. Which is excellent for something laying against my hair (which tends to frizz and break) and my skin…which is getting older and needs the minimal friction possible.
First ride I was intrigued. I didn’t notice it at all while I was riding and didn’t think too much about it. A few weeks later I rode without one…and OMG I hated it. I now HAVE to wear one when I’m riding. I hate the way my helmet feels against my head now without one. I hate my hair flyaways tickling my ears and face. I hate having sweat on my face. I am now going to need to order another pack or two of these so I have more colors and back up clean ones at the barn for when I forget to bring laundry back.
Also, miracle of miracles my helmet is significantly less disgusting now with minimal makeup or sunscreen transfer and the sweat being mostly contained to the headband on all but the hottest of days.
Also gone is the former problem of helmet lines on my forehead for a few hours after every ride. As mentioned already, also gone is sweat running down my face and hair frizzies blowing around. The head bands are super thin and don’t interfere with my helmet fit or feel bulky. They also don’t feel hot. I do not overheat in them and even find I keep them on after I remove my helmet for quite some time before realizing I can take it off. They dry in the sun in a couple of minutes too (so you don’t have to take a wet sweaty headband home in your pocket).
Now if I put on a helmet without one (because I’m still building the habit) I immediately cringe, pull it off and grab one of the headbands out of my helmet bag. Seriously this has happened a couple of times…and even if I’m running late for a lesson I take the moment to put one on and remedy my discomfort. I just no longer want that scratchy helmet liner against my head. I also expect that as the mornings grow cooler, having the headband cover my ears is going to be an extra level of goodness to these bands.
Seriously…how I ever doubted these things I will never know. I mean looking at them they don’t look like much, but riding in them is a game changer. I can’t honestly even tell you and have you understand. This is one of those things you need to try yourself to get I think. Now I just need to figure out if I’m allowed to show in them. I can’t see why not! I’m not sure I can ride without one now. I’m absolutely in love with these! I can’t recommend them more.
MyMareCo has a lot of different color options to choose from (from black to some quite colorful options). They’re easy to clean too. I throw them in a laundry bag so they don’t get lost in the large load of laundry and then hang them to dry (they dry quite quickly). They keep my helmet liner a lot cleaner too…so I don’t have to pull it out and wash it quite as often.
You can order directly from MyMareCo and get a free zip carrying bag, or you can order from Amazon without the bag if that is more convenient for you.
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