Chica Bands

(photo from Runner's World)

I have searched long and hard for headbands. I used to have different bands for everyday wear, working out, coming-home-throwing-on-the-comfy-clothes-get-the-hair-out-of-my-face bands, and sleeping. Yes wearing headbands to sleep is supposedly awful, but I hate wisps of hair caressing my face when I sleep. Not a single band can keep my fine, thin hair in place without constant readjustment or flyaway pieces. Let’s not forget the annoying pain behind the ears after a few hours of wear or worse the accompanying headache from one that is just too tight. And it always seems like the cutest ones are just way too expensive.  When I am running, I need something that keeps the hair out of my face, doesn’t move, doesn’t get nasty from sweat, and holds its shape through multiple uses. Most of your garden variety bands just don’t last or work.

I was giddy with excitement when I came across Chica Bands at last year’s Williams Route 66 Marathon expo. The vibrant colors, cute designs, and variety of options were what first caught my eye. In all honesty, I didn’t realize they were “sport bands.” Duh…I was at a race expo…it should have been my first thought. Anyways, my friend and I spent a good 30 minutes agonizing over which bands to purchase. They have skinny (3/8” ) Glitzy Glam bands (absolutely divalicious), thin (1”) varieties in an unending array of patterns and colors, and thick (1 ½”) bands for those who want even more control. You can custom order designs and even purchase tiny bands for your little chicitas. My daughter keeps stealing mine so she will be receiving a few of her own for Valentine’s Day.

These bands are BEAUTIFUL, fun, sassy, versatile, and stay-in-place. I wear mine all the time! My Chica Band is so comfortable that I actually forget I am wearing it. After purchasing my first one, I immediately wore it the next day while running my 1/2 Marathon. There were stretches of the race that were so windy I thought I would blow away, but through it all my hair stayed in place. I didn’t have to readjust during the entire run.

What makes these bands unique is their design. The ribbon band has a velvet backing which gently grips your hair and stays in place. The elastic is thin enough to stay put but won't irritate the most sensitive of heads. There is no yanking, pulling, or slipping.

They are also affordable. I have wasted so much money on cheap headbands only to have them stretch out and lose shape after a couple of uses. A thin band typically runs about $12-$15 (I would spend more), and there are often sales and specials offered through their site or facebook page.  Thick bands will cost you a few dollars more. I abuse my Chica Bands...working out, running around town, wearing them to work, and even sleeping in them. Yes…my Chica Band stays in place while I sleep. Even better, it doesn’t leave that unsightly headband ridge on the top of my head!

Can you tell that I love my Chica Bands? So here is your chance to win your own.  You must be a follower of Momma Are We There Yet to be eligible to win. Follow the instructions below. You have until 12:00 pm CST on February 8, 2011 to get in your entries. I will select a winner (maybe 2)through random.org later that day.

1)      Follow  Momma Are We There Yet

2)      Fan the Chica Band facebook page, come back here, and Comment Here that you did so.

3)      Visit the Chica Bands Website then Comment Here with your favorite design.

4)      Post this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, or blog. Comment Here for each.

Good luck!