Best Women’s Bike Helmets: Tested for Safety, Style & Ponytail Fit

Whether you’re commuting, headed out on family rides, or hitting the trails for exercise, a reliable bike helmet is a must to keep you safe. While women’s helmets are often smaller or come in more feminine styles, any helmet that fits well can work for women. If you’re needing a helmet that works better with a ponytail, we tested that too! The helmets with a “^” in the chart work better with pony tails, learn why in our ponytail section below.

To help you find the perfect match, we tested top-selling women’s helmets ourselves. We personally put each one through its paces to make sure it delivers on comfort and usability.

We’ve broken down our top picks into three categories—city/commuter, road, and mountain. Any of these options work great for casual riders, too. If you’re also in the market for a bike, check out our Best Women’s Bikes page and our Best Electric Bicycles for Women page.

Our Favorite Bike Helmets for Women

Most bike helmets fall into three general riding styles: commuter, road, and mountain. Each category is designed with features suited to that type of riding. For casual riders, a helmet from any category will work—it usually comes down to personal style preference.

• Commuter helmets tend to be more stylish and fashionable. They often include lights to increase visibility when riding in traffic or at night.
• Road helmets offer traditional bike helmet styling. True road helmets are designed to be aerodynamic for speed.
• Mountain bike helmets provide more coverage along the sides and back, and tend to have longer visors suited to the unique style of crashes that can happen on trails.

Looking for a helmet you can wear with a ponytail? Look for a helmet with a height-adjustable cage — explained in our Buying Guide below.

3 Tips to Find the Best Bike Helmet (90 sec.)

WOMENS BIKE HELMETS – Details and Descriptions

Understanding Our Safety Ratings

Throughout our reviews, you’ll see a Virginia Tech Safety Rating listed for each helmet on a scale of 0–5 stars. Virginia Tech independently tests helmets for their ability to reduce concussion risk and go well beyond the basic pass/fail certification required by law. We recommend choosing a helmet rated 2 stars or higher when possible. Some budget helmets on our list haven’t been tested by Virginia Tech; in those cases we note “Not ranked” and explain our reasoning for including them.

BUDGET FRIENDLY HELMETS

About the Schwinn Intercept

The Intercept is a no-frills helmet that gets the job done. Earning a respectable 3 out of 5 safety rating from Virginia Tech, it scored higher than helmets costing over ten times its price, some of which even included MIPS. That said, helmets can only protect if properly fitted, and the Intercept runs large with a 58–62 cm range, so it’s not a great option if you have a smaller head.

At this price point, it stands out for its padded 360° internal cage, which significantly improves comfort and fit and pairs well with the dial-adjust system. The bottom edge of the foam is also covered to protect against surface damage.

To keep costs down, Schwinn made some compromises. The hardshell construction (versus in-mold) means the outer shell is more likely to crack over time. The strap sliders also tend to work themselves out of adjustment, so it’s worth checking their position each time you wear it.

About the Retrospec Lennon

With a fit range of 54–61 cm and a narrower profile than the Intercept, the Retrospec Lennon offers great style at a reasonable price. If you have a rounder head shape, the Lennon may feel too snug, the Retrospec Rowan would likely be a better fit for you.

The Lennon comes standard with a dial-adjust cage, thick moisture-wicking pads, and a built-in rear LED light for added visibility. The thicker pads along the sides and front do contribute to the narrower fit compared to other helmets on this list.

Like the Intercept, the Lennon’s hardshell construction is a trade-off for the lower price. It won’t hold up over time as well as in-mold helmets.

About the Retrospec Rowan

The Retrospec Rowan offers modern sporty styling with matte colors and a deeper fit. Its in-mold construction (versus the Lennon’s hardshell) makes it more durable and built to last.

As a mountain bike-style helmet, the Rowan sits slightly lower on the head and closer to the eyebrows than the Lennon. That deeper coverage offers a bit more protection and sun coverage.

The trade-off is that a lower-sitting helmet can interfere with sunglasses. Boxy frames may not work with the Rowan, but slimmer sport-style glasses should be fine.

Inside, the Rowan has thick, high-quality athletic pads, and the 14 large air vents provide solid ventilation for an entry-level helmet.

COMMUTER/ROAD STYLE HELMETS

About the P2R A20

We had never heard of P2R helmets until the A20 earned a perfect 5 out of 5 from Virginia Tech. For a helmet under $100, that is extremely rare.

The A20 comes standard with MIPS and a rear LED light. The height-adjustable rear cage grips comfortably below the occipital bone (the part of your skull that protrudes at the back), and the side strap sliders lock in place to reduce the need for constant readjusting.

What sets the A20 apart from every other helmet on this list is its optional magnetic clip-on photochromic windshield lens (for an additional price). These snap on “sunglasses” darken automatically as light intensity increases, while also blocking wind and dust.

The downsides: limited color options, and the exposed MIPS anchors can pull hair. It also runs slightly narrower than the Lazer Tonic and the padding isn’t quite as plush, making it a bit less comfortable for longer rides.

About the Outdoor Master Gem II

There is a lot to love about the Outdoor Master Gem II, especially at this price. In addition to MIPS, it features a height-adjustable rear cage that lets you raise or lower the cage placement for a more precise fit, a feature more commonly found on pricier helmets.

The underside edge is also protected by in-mold construction, adding durability against everyday wear and tear. The Gem II’s recessed internal foam vents improve airflow over the original model, though ventilation isn’t quite as robust as the Lazer Tonic.

If a built-in LED light is a priority and you want a wider fit, the Gem II is absolutely worth considering.

About the Lazer Tonic Kineticore

The Lazer Tonic Kineticore is the only other helmet on this list to earn a perfect 5/5 from Virginia Tech. It offers top-notch protection with a wide color range and four sizes to dial in a precise fit.

Deep internal air channels keep your head cool on longer rides, while Kineticore anti-rotational technology (Lazer’s alternative to traditional MIPS) adds an extra layer of protection in a crash. Unlike standard MIPS, Kineticore doesn’t use exposed anchors, so there’s no risk of hair-pulling. The height-adjustable cage and thick, moisture-wicking pads round out an impressively complete package at this price.

About the Thousand Chapter

If style is high on your list, the Thousand Chapter is hard to beat. Its retro aesthetic turns heads, and with a 4 out of 5 Virginia Tech safety rating, it backs up its looks with real protection—a meaningful distinction from the more well-known Thousand Heritage (see below), which scored 0 out of 5.

In addition to MIPS and locking strap sliders, the Chapter includes a magnetic LED light that snaps onto the rear, a Pop-lock for securing the helmet to your bike, an anti-theft guarantee, and a free crash replacement policy. It’s a premium package for riders who want safety and style in equal measure.

SPORTY AND MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

About the Giro Fixture II

The Giro Fixture II is Giro’s updated entry-level MTB helmet and a great option for riders who have had trouble finding a helmet that fits. The sizing can be a little confusing: the Universal Women’s and Universal Youth are the same size (50–57 cm) with different color options, while the Universal Adult runs larger at 54–61 cm.

The wide size range accommodates both round and oval head shapes equally well, though it doesn’t offer the same precision fit as helmets available in multiple smaller size ranges. Our testers specifically praised the Fixture II’s soft ear straps and fixed, sewn-in side straps that you don’t have to worry about adjusting.

About the Lazer Lupo Kineticore

If you want the added coverage of a mountain bike helmet without the typical $100+ price tag, the Lazer Lupo delivers. It offers deeper rear protection than the Fixture II, fixed ear straps, a longer visor, Kineticore anti-rotational technology, and excellent ventilation for under $100.

Compared to the Fixture II, the Lupo’s 54–61 cm range fits larger and rounder heads better. The longer visor and superior ventilation also give it an edge for warmer-weather trail riding.

About the Lazer Coyote

The Coyote steps up from the Lupo with several meaningful upgrades. A magnetic buckle and height-adjustable internal cage make fitting easier and more precise, while four size options in tighter ranges allow for a better fit. The internal pads are thicker and cover more surface area for added comfort.

The large visor tilts up for eyewear storage and the helmet is available in several modern colorways. In the event of a crash, Lazer offers a 50% off MSRP one-time use discount code on a new helmet.

About the Fox Speedframe

The Speedframe is a tried-and-true MTB classic that has earned its reputation over years of real-world use. It comes equipped with MIPS (with covered anchors that won’t pull hair), comfortable internal pads, a height-adjustable cage, and in-mold foam protection along the outer edge. The tighter fit range between sizes makes it easier to dial in a precise fit.

Want to step it up? The Speedframe Pro adds a BOA internal cage, magnetic buckle, and dual-density EPS foam for improved protection—and earns a 5/5 from Virginia Tech compared to the Speedframe’s 3/5. It runs about $100 more, but for serious trail riders, it’s worth considering.

HELMETS WE RECOMMEND with RESERVATIONS

About Thousand Heritage

The Thousand Heritage has a loyal following for good reason, its retro styling is distinctive. But its 0 out of 5 safety rating from Virginia Tech gives us real pause, especially considering it higher price tag, and we can’t recommend it outright.

That said, if you’re already resistant to wearing a helmet and the Heritage is the one you’d actually put on your head every ride, that matters too. A worn helmet with a lower rating beats an unworn helmet every time. If that’s you, go for it, but also and consider the Thousand Chapter as a safer alternative with a similar aesthetic.

How to Choose the Best Women’s Bike Helmet

Size – Head Circumference in King!

A bike helmet should fit snugly so it stays in place in a crash. To get that snug fit, you need the right size.

There is no universal sizing standard, sizing varies by brand. A helmet’s size is expressed as a range (for example, 54–58 cm), representing the head circumferences the helmet can accommodate via its adjustment system. As a result, before buying any helmet you need to measure your head circumference.

How to Measure: Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about two finger-widths above your eyebrows. If you have thick hair, pull it back into a low ponytail first for a more accurate measurement.

Head shape also plays a major role. Most helmet interiors are molded for an “average” head, but some fit wide heads or narrow heads better. You may not get a comfortable fit from a helmet even if your circumference falls within range. If a helmet doesn’t feel right, try a different brand as every manufacturer uses different molds. Throughout this list, we’ve noted where helmets run wider or narrower than average.

Women’s vs. Men’s or Unisex Helmets

The only real difference between women’s, men’s, and unisex helmets is sizing and color options. If a men’s or unisex helmet fits your head well, there’s no reason not to get it. Just make sure your head circumference falls within the size range.

Wearing a Bike Helmet with a Ponytail

Helmets marketed with a dedicated ponytail port look appealing, but none we found carried Virginia Tech safety ratings and functionally they’re no different from any helmet with a height-adjustable rear cage. A better approach is finding a helmet with a height-adjustable cage, set to its lowest position while still maintaining a snug fit. We note which helmets have this feature in our mini-reviews above.

To lower the cage, pull down gently on the dial-adjust portion, it will release with a ratcheting sound. Some helmets instead require you to pop the top of the cage out and reinsert it into the lower position.

This creates a gap between the bottom of the helmet and the top of the dial adjust that you can thread a ponytail through, keeping your hair off your neck without sacrificing fit. The Lazer Tonic Kineticore does this better than any helmet we tested its cage lowers the most, creating the most room. It takes a little practice, but it works. 

It won’t work for every head shape or ponytail height, so if it’s not cooperating, a low ponytail is your best fallback with any helmet.

Adjustability – Dial Adjust Is Ideal

Every helmet on our list includes a dial-adjust fit system. While every manufacturer’s design looks slightly different, they all work the same way: turning the knob tightens a rear cage that wraps around the back of your head, holding the helmet snugly in place.

Very cheap helmets may rely on swappable interior pads instead of a true fit system. We recommend avoiding those, especially since many affordable helmets offer the far superior dial-adjust system at the same price.

Ventilation – Keeping Your Head Cool

No helmet completely prevents sweat on a hot day, but some ventilate noticeably better than others.

Commuter helmets generally have the fewest vents, which can actually be an advantage in cooler months. If you ride year-round, a thin winter helmet cap worn underneath can compensate on cold days. In hot climates, road or mountain bike helmets with more vents will keep you noticeably cooler.

Beyond the vents themselves, internal foam channels are equally important as they connect front and rear vents to create airflow through the helmet. On the best-ventilated helmets, these channels run clear and unobstructed from front to back. On mid-range models, pads often partially block the channels, reducing airflow. These internal channels are typically only found in mid-range and higher-end helmets; budget helmets rely on the vents alone.

Buckle – Is Magnetic Better?

Standard buckles are reliable, affordable, and found on helmets at every price point.

Fid-lock magnetic buckles are a genuinely nice upgrade, but not a necessity for most riders. Their biggest advantage is for children, since the magnetic design essentially the risk of pinching skin under the chin. For adults buckling their own helmets, that’s rarely an issue.

MIPS – Do You Need It?

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is an additional layer of brain protection now found on many helmets across all price points. It consists of a thin plastic layer inside the helmet held by flexible anchors. On impact, the anchors allow the helmet to rotate slightly, reducing the rotational forces transferred to your brain.

Several brands have developed their own alternatives to MIPS. Lazer’s Kineticore is a standout example as it performs comparably in Virginia Tech testing while improving ventilation and eliminating the exposed anchors that can pull hair. Rather than a rotating inner liner, Kineticore uses small foam pillars that compress and break away on impact, absorbing force while allowing the helmet to rotate around the head.

The bottom line: the brain is more sensitive to rotational impact than linear impact. Any helmet with anti-rotational technology, whether MIPS or a brand equivalent, offers a meaningful safety advantage over one without.

What About E-Bike Helmets?

If you ride an e-bike, we strongly recommend a helmet with NTA 8776 certification. Standard bike helmets are tested for impact speeds up to 15 mph; NTA 8776 raises that to 28 mph, which better reflects the real-world speeds of e-bike riding.

None of the helmets on our current list carry this certification, but many options are available on the market. While we haven’t tested them yet, Virginia Tech’s e-bike helmet ratings are a great starting point for finding a safety tested option.

Have Kids? Related Kids Bike Helmets Articles

The Best Helmets for Kids: Our tried and true favorites over 15 years of testing helmets.

The Best Helmets for Babies and Toddlers: Need a smaller size? Try our list for the littlest noggins.

Kids’ Helmet Sizes Guide: Don’t buy the wrong size helmet! Just follow our easy guide.

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, some of the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.