11 Cutest And Most Protective Bike Helmets For Women

Get ready to rev up your ride with the perfect helmet! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie, finding a suitable helmet is essential for safety and style. And let’s face it, as women, we want a helmet that protects our noggin and complements our look. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best bike helmets for women to help you make an informed decision. From sleek and sporty to fun and funky, we’ve got you covered!

Are Women’s Bike Helmets Different? 

Yes, they usually are! Some helmet manufacturers make helmets specifically for women, taking into account the size and shape of women’s generally smaller heads. They also may have additional features such as ponytail-compatible retention systems.

It’s essential to consider your head circumference, including any hair you have and how you wear it while cycling. If you have long hair, you need a larger helmet. Some helmets have a retention system that can accommodate a higher ponytail. 

If you have short hair and experience pinching, a cycling cap can help create a soft barrier. Overall, get an accurate measurement of your head circumference and consider other factors like a ponytail or extra caps for the best fit.

What to Do with Your Hair? 

When it comes to bike helmets for women, pony-wearers should look for one with a broader opening in the back. This way, you can pull your hair through without the risk of the tension system getting in the way. Just keep your ponytail low, so all your hair stays under the retention mechanism.

Lazer’s RollSys retention dial is a great example. It’s located on the top of the helmet, allowing more space for your ponytail. And while traditional retention dials are located on the rear cradle, some helmets have room for a ponytail between them and the helmet. 

And for those of you with big afros, finding a helmet that fits comfortably can be tricky. A simple solution is to wear a buff under the helmet to compress your hair and ensure it sits closer to your head.

One more thing to remember is that color-treated hair, especially red dye, can bleed when you sweat. To avoid unsightly discoloration, look for a helmet with black straps instead of grey or white.

Stay Safe and Stylish: 11 Best Bike Helmets for Women

Below are the most stylish and cute bike helmets for women.

Mountain and Road Bike Women’s Helmets

Giro Ember MIPS

• Weight: 295g (Medium)
• Rotational Safety: MIPS
• Sizes available: S, M
• Colors: 7
• Reason To Buy: Classic design of a premium synthetic helmet

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional helmet, check out the Giro Ember MIPS from their Women’s Series. It’s inspired by the design of the premium Synthe helmet and looks just as good as it performs.

It has a compact shape and Giro’s Roc Loc 5 fit system makes it easy to adjust the fit tension and vertical position with just one hand. Plus, the inside of the helmet is equipped with Air-FX padding, so it’s comfortable for those long rides. And with 26 vents and internal channels, you’ll stay cool and fresh.

As for safety, the in-mold polycarbonate shell has an EPS liner, further reinforced by a thermoformed SL Roll Cage. Not just that, it also has the MIPS technology to keep your noggin safe. And the cherry on top? The rear of the helmet is ponytail-compatible, so you can ride in style without sacrificing functionality.

 Smith Convoy

• Weight: 11oz
• Rotational Safety: MIPS
• Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Colors: 4
• Reason To Buy: A highly adjustable fit system

If you want a lightweight and highly adjustable give the Smith Convoy a try. Thanks to polycarbonate construction, Smith Convoy is super light. The fit system is also highly adjustable, with locking side strap sliders. And the interior padding is softer and thicker than most women’s bike helmets, so you’ll be comfortable the whole ride.

One of the standout features of this women’s road bike helmet is the rear dial adjust cage. You can shift it up or down for a more precise fit. You can also place the cradle on the back of your head where it feels most comfortable and secure.

However, Smith Convoy is less deep than the Giro helmets. So, if you have an average to “shallow” head, the Giro helmets may sit too low on your forehead and obstruct your vision a little bit. But with the Smith, it tends to sit a little higher on the forehead, so you’ll have a clear view.

Specialized Propero 3 ANGI MIPS

• Weight: 350g (M)
• Rotational safety: MIPS
• Sizes Available: S, M, L
• Colors: 7
• Reason to buy: Extra safety features

The Specialized Propero 3 is a race-inspired helmet offering incredible performance and value for money. It has a Tri-Fix web splitter for a comfortable fit and a 4th Dimension Cooling System for superior ventilation.

Moreover,  it also has an ANGI crash sensor that alerts your emergency contact in case of an impact. The sensor can also sync with GPS-tracking apps like Strava to give live updates about your location. On top of that, it also has MIPS rotational impact protection. 

The HairPort FLS 2 fit system allows you to tailor the height position of the adjustable dial to accommodate a ponytail. A clip-on visor is included, and the outer shell has reflective details to keep you visible in low-light conditions. So, if you’re looking for extra safety, give this one a go.

Lazer Sphere MIPS with Aeroshell

• Weight: 275g (w/o Aeroshell), 325g (with Aeroshell)
• Rotational safety: MIPS
• Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL
• Colors: 7
• Reason to buy: Safe, lightweight, and easy to adjust

The Lazer Sphere has a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech, and it has MIPS to keep you safe. But what sets it apart from the rest is the Advanced Rollsys System (ARS), which uses a thumbwheel on the top of the helmet for easy adjustments.

Another cool feature is the retention cradle. Instead of a big retention dial in the back, it uses dropped loops on the sides, which creates a huge opening for ponytails and helps the helmet feel more secure without any pressure points.

And last but not least, the optional Aeroshell snaps over and covers the vents to maximize aerodynamics on spirited group rides or add warmth when temperatures dip. And it also makes a great rain cover. 

Commuter Style Helmets for Women

Nutcase Vio Adventure

• Weight: 385g
• Rotational safety: MIPS
• Sizes Available: S, M, L, 
• Colors: 6
• Reason to buy: Best ventilation for commuters

The Nutcase Vio Adventure is our top pick for airflow in a commuter helmet. With three huge air channels, air can flow freely through the helmet, keeping you cool and sweat-free. Plus, the internal pads are anti-microbial, sealed, and sweat-wicking, taking care of any sweat and odor issues.

Other features of this bike helmet for women include a removable visor, lock side strap sliders, and a dial-adjust fit system. So, if you want to keep your head cool and dry during your commute, give the Nutcase Vio Adventure a try.

Note: If you are commuting in low light conditions, we highly recommend splurging on the slightly more expensive Vio model ($149), which has lights on the front, sides, and rear of the helmet and even features a flashing-light mode.

Giro Vasona

• Weight: 281g (U)
• Rotational safety: No
• Sizes: Universal
• Colors: 6
• Reason to buy:  Stylish, lightweight, safe

This women’s bike helmet is perfect for urban riders with its compact shape, cooling air vents, and lightweight construction. On top of that, the Giro’s Roc Loc Sport system secures it well and snugly in place. 

Additionally, the 12 air vents on its surface help to keep your head cool when temperatures rise, and the quick-dry padding helps to remove sweat. And for those who like to change their style, the Vasona has a removable visor and comes in various color options. 

So, if you’re looking for a versatile and stylish helmet for your commute, the Giro Vasona is the one for you. However, it comes in a single universal fit, meaning if your head shape is noticeably different, you may want to consider other options. 

Nutcase Street

• Weight: 400g
• Rotational safety: Yes
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Colors: 34
• Reason to buy: A budget-friendly commuter helmet

Ladies, if you’re looking for a fun and funky bike helmet, Nutcase Street is the way to go. With plenty of colorful designs (34 so far), you’ll find a helmet reflecting your style. Other standout features include locking slide sliders for less-frequent adjustment, a removable visor, and a dial-adjust fit system.

Nutcase Street helmets are incredibly well-made and durable. So if you tend to be rough on your gear, this might be the perfect helmet. Plus, it’s dual-certified for biking and skateboard use and has MIPS technology for extra safety.

One thing to remember is that the Nutcase Street has a narrow oval shape, so if you have an average-width head and are on the high end of the sizing range, it may not fit you. 

Kask Urban R

• Weight: 410g (Without the visor)
• Rotational safety: No
• Sizes: S, M, L, 
• Colors: 9
• Reason to buy: Best for Rain & Shine

The Kask Urban R is the best commuter-style helmet for all weather conditions. It has adjustable vent ports so you can close them when it’s rainy or cold, and it comes with a full-coverage visor to protect your face from wind, rain, and debris.

The package from Amazon includes a Light Smoke visor that blocks 99% of UVA & UVB light. But if you’re looking for other tints, you can purchase them separately. The helmet also has an ERGO FIT retention dial and adjustable straps to help you get fit. 

Lastly, it features two sets of pads in different thicknesses for extra comfort. Just keep in mind that the low back of the helmet does not allow for a ponytail. 

Budget-Friendly Women’s Bike Helmets

Outdoor Master Gem

 

• Weight: 330g
• Rotational safety: Yes
• Sizes: M, L
• Colors: 10
• Reason to buy: Best Budget Helmet With MIPS

There’s a lot to like about this helmet. For starters, it’s lightweight, comfortable, and highly adjustable. 

The height-adjustable rear cage allows for a proper snug fit, while the two sets of sealed and moisture-wicking pads allow even more minor fit adjustments. Oh, and it’s available in ten different colors to choose from.

However, we have one minor issue with the design. It has 24 air vents, but they aren’t connected via recessed channels in the foam like the other helmets, which means less airflow. That said, Outdoor Master Gem still offers good protection for the head. It’s a great budget-friendly helmet that provides many features at its price point. 

Retrospec Lennon

• Weight: 570g
• Rotational safety: No
• Sizes: U
• Colors: 3
• Reason to buy: A high-end look at a penny’s cost

The Retrospec Lennon offers a high-end look and feels but is affordable, making it the best budget-friendly option for women. It comes in 3 modern matte colors and a universal yet wide size range of 54-61 cm.

The Lennon has a dial-adjust cage, thick athletic wicking pads, and a built-in LED blinking light in the rear for added visibility. However, the thicker pads around the sides and front of the Lennon lead to a narrower fit. But it’s likely temporary, as the pads usually compress after a while.

The lower price tag is reflected in its construction. It’s built with less durable “hardshell” construction than high-end “in mold” construction. This means it won’t hold up as well over time as other helmets on this list.

Schwinn Thrasher Adult

• Weight: 310g
• Rotational safety: No
• Sizes: Lighted, Non Lighted
• Colors: 9
• Reason to buy: Stylish head protection In Budget

The Schwinn Thrasher helmet is a great budget option for women who love to stay active. Its sleek and sporty style is perfect for fitness and recreational riding. The unique design is sure to turn heads, and the helmet is comfortable. 

The LED light on the back of the helmet is a great safety feature, making you visible to others when cycling at dusk. Yes, the helmet is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. It comes with a padded headband and adjustable Velcro straps that provide a snug fit. The vents ensure plenty of airflow to keep your head cool while cycling. 

Overall, the Schwinn Thrasher helmet offers many features at an affordable price, making it an excellent value for the money.

FAQs – Best Bike Helmets for Women

What should I consider when looking for a bike helmet for women?

Fit is the most crucial factor when looking for a bike helmet. It should be snug but not tight and should not move around when you shake your head. You should also consider the ventilation, weight, and additional features such as MIPS technology and a removable visor.

Do I need to replace my helmet after a crash?

Yes, replacing your helmet after any impact is recommended, even if it appears undamaged. The internal foam can be compromised and may provide a different level of protection after you take a fall. 

How do I know if my helmet fits properly?

A properly fitting helmet should be snug but not too tight. It should not move around when you shake your head. The straps should be adjusted to fit comfortably, and the retention system should fit securely on your head.