16 Bike Helmets for Women That Cyclists Love and Recommend

A really solid bike helmet doesn’t have to be expensive or incredibly high-tech, it just has to be something you’ll actually want to wear. If you’re concerned first and foremost about protection for your noggin, rest assured that all helmets are crash-tested for safety against impact from falls and have to receive a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certification to sell on the market. From there, finding the best bike helmets for you really just boils down to comfort, sizing, weight, style, ventilation, and (importantly) your style of riding.

In general, urban bikers and commuters (people who use bikes for recreational purposes, to run errands, or to commute to work) will need the most basic form of a helmet, one that fits well and offers the right support. Comfort is key to road biking—which typically involves riding for extended periods of time on streets—so road cyclists need something that’s lightweight and more ventilated. Mountain biking, on the other hand, involves more open-air riding in craggy terrain, so head coverage (sometimes full-face protection) and visors are key features. 

It’s worth noting, too, that every expert we surveyed for this piece recommended a bike helmet equipped with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, or something similar, that will add a layer of protection to prevent brain injuries during a crash. 

Global product director for LEM Helmets Ken Baker says that regardless of price, the bottom line is to “make sure the helmet fits well and also complements the type of riding you do.”

Samantha Streletsky, a head coach at The Cycle Effect and a sales associate at Wilderness Sports, agrees. “Your biking buddies can recommend their favorite helmet up and down, but if it doesn’t fit the shape of your head, is it worth the fancy features?”

If you’re able to do so safely, Streletsky recommends testing out helmets in local bike shops to see how they feel. Each helmet is going to have a slightly different shape and varying levels of padding, so there’s not really a one-size-fits-all helmet, explains Baker. More padding typically means a more comfortable fit, but it also adds bulk and limits breathability, so you’ll have to weigh your preferences. 

You’ll know a helmet does fit right, according to REI’s helmet guide, when it feels snug but not uncomfortably tight. The helmet should stay level on your head with the front hovering an inch or less above your eyebrows, and it shouldn’t shift more than an inch or so when you move your head. To get an exact idea of the right fit for you, LEM Helmets recommends using a flexible tape measure or a string to measure the circumference of your head approximately one-half inch above your ear, and then using that measurement to compare against each brand’s sizing chart.

For more info on how to find the best bike helmets, we talked to over a dozen different cycling experts about their favorite styles for women, along with all the key features they enjoy within each. Crashing or denting your helmet also means that whatever impact absorption you’ve enjoyed has now been compromised (and you must replace your helmet), so we’ve included crash replacement policies for brands throughout.

Commuter Bike Helmets

Though urban and commuter helmets are usually a bit heavier and less ventilated, they’re above all comfortable and stylish. Baker mentions that some will also feature rear lights and reflective details for added visibility. Most road-biking helmets will also work as commuter helmets—though they may not have the same style or additional features.

Portland, Oregon, company Nutcase creates unique, beautiful designs for its full-coverage helmets and lets you choose padding thickness so you can customize your fit. Writer Lauren Hudgens, an avid cyclist of 12 years, got this Nutcase Octoblossom for the design. “Everyone says it looks like the Arizona Iced Tea can,” says Hudgens. While she likes the full-head coverage, she notes that the helmet doesn’t have great ventilation, so she uses it only during cooler weather.

Crash replacement policy: According to helmets.org, “Nutcase will replace a crashed helmet for the first year after purchase, but they want a photo of it,” though there’s no specific policy outlined on Nutcase’s website.

Helmet maker Thousand started off as a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 with the Heritage helmet and has been going strong ever since. The Chapter is the brand’s newest version, and after testing it out for a few months, I’ve found that the helmet is ideal  for urban bike commuting: It has a cute design, a secret PopLock circle for locking the helmet up with your bike, a magnetic chin clip, and a magnetic light that attaches to the back of the helmet.

It’s not the most breathable or comfortable for longer rides or summer heat, and the rechargeable light holds a charge for only around an hour on its solid beam setting, but I do appreciate the MIPS technology for extra protection and the fact that Thousand is a certified climate-neutral brand.

Crash replacement policy: Thousand offers free replacement for damaged helmets with a helmet from a collection of a value equal to or lesser than the original purchase. Thousand also offers an Anti-Theft guarantee and will replace stolen helmets for free.

Sue Prant, executive director of the Boulder bike organization Community Cycles, is all about finding inexpensive, well-ventilated helmets, and Giro’s recreational Register model is one of her favorites.

“The thing I like best about it is the dial that allows you to fit it to your head,” says Prant. The Register also features a removable visor that can help shield your eyes from the sun and block debris. As a recreational helmet, the Register works as a solid all-arounder–Prant uses it for all her biking excursions.

Crash replacement policy:  Giro offers a limited discount on a new Giro replacement helmet for eligible purchases.

Road Helmets

Since road helmets are typically worn for extended periods of time (and for some, used in competitive racing), our experts all seemed to agree that they should be lightweight with good airflow. Many road helmets can also work well for trails or gravel riding, so they tend to be more versatile.

Elite triathlete Sika Henry, IRONMAN World Championship finisher and Outspoken Women in Triathlon’s 2020 athlete of the year, trains with a Smith Trace MIPS helmet that features 18 vents plus eyewear storage for sunglasses and weighs just 10 ounces.

“The mesh that covers the openings is great because it allows air flow but also keeps the bugs and debris out,” says Henry. “It fits true to size and covers my head well whether I’m wearing a high bun or ponytail.” Henry also likes that the adjustable VaporFit system is easy to fit to her head and feels secure once she clips it in.

Crash replacement policy: Smith Optics will replace damaged helmets within two years of the original date of purchase at a discount of 30% off the MSRP, with proof of purchase.

Endurance athlete, coach, and former professional triathlete Adelaide Perr was in a bad crash in 2014 in which most of the impact hit her face and head. While her injuries were life-threatening, Perr says, “The Lazer helmet I was wearing definitely saved me from having a severe TBI or dying.” 

With the Z1, Perr loves the tightening system and that it’s lightweight (9.2 ounces) with great ventilation (31 vents). “Plus, it is compatible with the Lazer aeroshell, which helps keep my head warm in adverse weather conditions,” she says.

Crash replacement policy: Lazer Z1 offers a 50% discount off a new replacement helmet within three years of your initial purchase.

Amy Parulis, a supervisor at The Pro’s Closet, is a huge POC fan because she likes the way the company’s helmets fit her head. Her favorite, the Omne Air, weighs in at 10.7 ounces and features an easy-to-use dial fit system.

POC also uses SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) technology rather than MIPS, which provides a silicone gel-like membrane inside the pad to increase concussion protection. Parulis notes that the MIPS system can sometimes snag hair and she hasn’t noticed that with SPIN. “Sometimes it’s those little things, like easily taking your helmet off after a 100-mile ride, that make the difference.”

Crash replacement policy: POC offers a crash replacement program, provided that you can send images of your helmet and proof of purchase.

Streletsky also recommended POC for road and gravel adventures. Her POC Octal helmet is well ventilated and super lightweight at just 8.8 ounces for the medium version. “It is a simple, straightforward helmet that is great for roadies and mountain bikers alike–I often wear it on trails, especially on hotter days, since the ventilation is so great!” Streletsky says. It comes in a variety of different colors so you can personalize your look. 

Crash replacement policy: POC offers a crash replacement program, provided that you can send images of your helmet and proof of purchase.

Specialized’s Propero III model is a ventilated lid to keep you protected on long rides. Gravel and endurance cyclist KaLynn Wood likes her Propero III for its fit with a ponytail or braids, convenient sunglasses storage, and ANGi crash sensor. “My family and friends are at ease knowing that they can find my location in case of crash, emergency, inclement weather, or mechanical failure,” says Wood. The ANGi sensor can detect a crash and, when connected to the Specialized app and Strava, will notify your specified contact of your GPS location.

Crash replacement policy:  Specialized offers up to a 35% discount to replace a helmet damaged in a crash depending on eligibility.

Jessica McWhirt, a writer, trainer, and cyclist, recommends looking for a helmet with sunglasses slots like Bollé’s The One Base. It has a “sunglasses garage” that lets you slot your glasses into the vents when you’re not using them.

She also suggests factoring in any potential pressure points, which she says “sometimes aren’t obvious until you’ve been wearing the helmet for an extended period of time.” For McWhirt, this helmet doesn’t have any pressure points and is easily adjustable, even when her hair’s up in a ponytail.

Crash replacement policy: As far as we know, Bollé does not offer a crash replacement program, but you can contact their customer service for more information here.

While racing/triathlon helmets are still technically road helmets, they need to be slightly more streamlined. “When it comes to racing, you want to save as much time as possible,” says Henry. “The more aerodynamic a helmet is the better.” 

The Giro Aerohead is Henry’s favorite helmet to race in because it’s extremely aerodynamic (featuring vents which keep your head cool without slowing you down) and even tested in a wind tunnel. “It comes with a removable visor or eye shield that is held firmly in place by magnets,” says Henry. “Great for sunny days.”

Along with being lightweight and narrow, it also protected Henry’s head from a 27-mile-per-hour crash into the pavement: “I had a terrible cycling crash last year and this helmet saved my life.”

Crash replacement policy: Giro offers a limited discount on a new Giro replacement helmet for eligible purchases.

Mountain Bike Helmets

Helmets are even more important for mountain biking because with rocks, trees, and other trail obstacles, falls can very easily turn ugly. “Mountain bike helmets should have comfort, ventilation, style, a visor, and stowage for goggles and sunglasses,” says Baker. These helmets are typically going to have a little more full-head coverage than road helmets and will also be a bit heavier—though many folks will use a good trail helmet for all types of riding.

Momoko Saunders, touring cyclist and founder of the nonprofit Bike Farm, uses a Fox Racing mountain bike helmet similar to the Speedframe Pro. The helmet fits her criteria for being lightweight (at 13.4 ounces), well ventilated, and easily adjustable. There’s enough room that she can wear a beanie underneath in the winter, but she says it still fits snugly without it. “In the summer it’s airy enough that I don’t feel like I’m riding with a bucket on my head,” she says.

Crash replacement policy: As far as we know, Fox Racing does not offer a crash replacement program, but you can contact their customer service for more information here. 

Wood uses this helmet for mountain biking because it’s extremely lightweight and well ventilated for a mountain bike helmet. “I love the weight of the Ambush,” says Wood. “Mountain helmets can be heavy and cumbersome, but the Ambush remains light and well-fitting.” The Ambush also features the HairPort SL II fit system, which uses a micro-adjustment dial to make sure the helmet sits nicely on your head. “The helmet provides a truly custom fit, with its range of adjustments,” says Wood.

Crash replacement policy:  Specialized offers up to a 35% discount when replacing helmets damaged in a crash depending on eligibility.

Streletsky has been using the Forefront 2 for several seasons and loves it. “I like that it is stylish but still has great features, no compromise!” Some of those features include MIPS, a three-position rotatable visor, a good ventilation system, and full coverage for the back of the head without any added bulk (it weighs just 14 ounces). The helmet also lets you store your sunglasses on either the front or the back of the helmet.

Crash replacement policy: Smith Optics will replace damaged helmets within two years of the original date of purchase, at a discount of 30% off the MSRP, with proof of purchase.

Christina Grande, owner of the guiding company Alaskan Bike Adventures, recommends the budget-friendly Tactic as a great all-mountain helmet. Grande specializes in single-track mountain biking (which denotes a narrow trail that’s approximately the width of a bike) and bike packing trips, and says, “I would prefer to do longer rides with the Tactic.” The MIPS-enhanced Tactic offers well-ventilated, full-coverage protection with a full-size visor and micro-adjustable fit. 

Crash replacement policy: Specialized offers up to a 35% discount on eligible helmets damaged in a crash.

Another category of mountain bike helmets is the full-face helmet. As the name suggests, these helmets cover your full head, chin, and face so you get more protection in case of a fall. The only drawback of the full-head gear is less ventilation. If you plan on going downhill fast or going hard at the bike park, this is the helmet for you. If you do a mix of riding, you may want to opt for a removable chin bar like the one on the Bell Super Air R MIPS (more on that below) or get two different helmets. 

When Parulis is at the bike park where she knows there’ll be jumps and sharp turns, she likes to use the Coron full-face helmet for extra security. “I don’t want to have to worry about concussions, messing up my teeth that my parents paid so much to [have] straightened (via braces), or fracturing my face,” says Parulis.

Parulis notes that the full-face is much warmer than her ventilated road helmet, so she only wears it when she needs the extra protection. The Coron also includes removable cheek pads for extra protection and comfort. Keep in mind, though: This helmet isn’t light, weighing in at just over 2 pounds, 9 ounces.

Crash replacement policy: POC offers a crash replacement program, provided that you can send images of your helmet and proof of purchase.

Grande likes this Bell helmet for its removable jaw piece that transforms it into a full-face helmet, “making me feel super comfy riding gnarly trails.” The 1-pound, 7-ounce helmet also has 26 vents to give it as much ventilation as possible, though Grande notes that she wouldn’t recommend it for particularly long rides: “I have done long rides with the Bell with the jaw piece removed, but I started to notice my upper back and neck was getting sore due to the weight.” 

Crash replacement policy:  Bell has a crash replacement program available to customers in the United States as well as those in some European countries.  

Related: 

• The Best Bikes for Women, According to Biking Experts

• What to Look for When Shopping for a Stationary Bike

• 8 Best-Selling Under-the-Desk Exercisers to Keep You Moving at Home