12 Bicycle Helmets for Women Worth Buying
Bicycle helmets for women often come in smaller sizes, lighter designs, and colors aimed at female riders. Some also have rear openings that make it easier to wear a ponytail. The safety standards and protective technologies are the same as those used in men’s or unisex helmets.
The main difference is usually fit rather than protection. A correctly fitted unisex helmet can protect just as well as a women’s-specific model. Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows, then compare the measurement with the manufacturer’s size chart before choosing a helmet.
For long hair, look for an adjustable rear retention dial positioned low enough to leave room for a ponytail. Other useful features may include MIPS or other rotational impact protection systems, reflective details, integrated visors, and adjustable ventilation.
Weight, airflow, comfort, and price can vary considerably. The best choice is a certified helmet that fits securely, feels comfortable, and suits the type of riding you do.
Giro Verce
MIPS
- Universal Women’s Size (50-57cm)
- Ponytail Friendly
- MIPS
- CPSC & CE EN 1078 Certified
Thousand Heritage 2.0
- Sizes 54 – 62 cm
- CPSC & ASTM F1492 Certified
- PopLock Anti-Theft
- Magnetic Buckle
Giro Fixture
MIPS II
- Universal Adult Size (54-61 cm)
- Ponytail Friendly
- MIPS
- CPSC & CE EN 1078 Certified
Lazer Tempo Kineticore
- 3 Star Virg. Tech Rating
- Unisize (54-61cm)
- Kineticore
- CPSC & CE EN 1078 Certified
Giro Register MIPS II
- Universal Women’s Size (50-57cm)
- Ponytail Friendly
- MIPS Evolve Core
- CPSC & EN 1078 Certified
Giro Source MIPS
- Sizes 51 – 59 cm
- MIPS
- CPSC & CE EN 1078 Certified
- Roc Loc 5 Fit System
Shinmax Urban
- Sizes 54 – 62 cm
- Baseball Cap Style
- CPSC & EN 1078 Certified
- Rear dial fit system
Giro Trella MIPS
- Universal Women’s Size (50-57cm)
- Ponytail Friendly
- MIPS
- CPSC & EN 1078 Certified
Lazer Strada KinetiCore
- 3 Star Virg. Tech Rating
- Sizes 52 – 64 cm
- KinetiCore
- 21 Vents
Smith Triad MIPS
- Sizes 51 – 65 cm
- MIPS + Koroyd
- CPSC, CE EN 1078 & AS/NZS Certified
- 19 Vents
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Statement.
Before you start looking for your helmet, please be sure about your head size. See our article ‘How To Know Your Helmet Size’ to learn more about getting the correct size for your head. Or, better still, scroll down and watch our video How To Measure For A Bike Helmet.
VIDEO: How To Measure For A Bike Helmet
A properly fitted helmet is the most important aspect of head safety. A helmet that is too loose or too tight will not be comfortable and may not protect your head adequately if you have an accident.
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Best Bicycle Helmets for women
Giro Verce MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet
Best For: Women trail riders who want MIPS protection, ponytail compatibility, and a dialed-in fit without spending big.
The Giro Verce MIPS is a women’s trail helmet that delivers a good mix of comfort, fit, and practical features for the price. Its Roc Loc Sport fit system provides one-handed dial adjustment across a 7 cm range and is designed to accommodate ponytails, making it easier to get a secure fit without awkwardly repositioning your hair. The in-mold polycarbonate shell includes Giro’s Hardbody lower wrap for added durability while keeping the helmet relatively light at 290g.
For around $70, the Verce includes MIPS rotational impact technology, 18 vents, quick-dry padding, and reflective details. These are features often found on more expensive helmets. The universal women’s size fits head circumferences from 50-57 cm. That range should suit many riders, although those near either end may want to try the helmet before buying to make sure the fit feels secure and comfortable.
Pros
- Ponytail compatible Roc Loc Sport fit system
- Lightweight at 290g
- MIPS rotational impact protection
- Removable visor and reflective detailing
Cons
- Universal sizing may not suit very small or large heads
- Sweat management could be better
Pick up the Giro Verce MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Bike Helmet
Best For: Style conscious commuters who want a vintage-inspired helmet with clever everyday features like anti-theft locking.
The Thousand Heritage 2.0 is designed for urban riders who want a helmet that fits naturally into everyday life. Its retro moto inspired shape, vegan leather straps, and matte rubberized finish give it a more casual look than a typical road or commuter helmet. Thousand’s patented PopLock also lets you pass a U-lock through a hidden opening in the helmet, so it can stay secured to your bike when parked. The feature is backed by the company’s anti-theft guarantee.
The Heritage 2.0 also improves on the original with redesigned vents, internal airflow channels, and a revised internal shape intended to fit a wider range of heads. A magnetic one-handed buckle and dial-adjust fit system add everyday convenience. It meets both CPSC bicycle and ASTM F1492 skate helmet standards. There’s no MIPS or similar rotational impact system, which may matter to some buyers. Thousand also offers free replacement if the helmet is damaged in a crash.
Pros
- Patented PopLock anti-theft system with guarantee
- Magnetic pinch-free buckle
- 20+ colorways including collabs and limited editions
- Free accident replacement program
Cons
- No MIPS or rotational impact protection
- Heavier than sport-oriented helmets
- Only 7 vents – less airflow
Pick up the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Giro Fixture MIPS II Bike Helmet
Best For: Trail and recreational riders who want strong MIPS protection, deep coverage, and ponytail compatibility at a mid-range price.
The Giro Fixture MIPS II is the updated version of one of Giro’s most popular helmets, with changes aimed at improving fit, ventilation, and overall comfort. The revised shape has a cleaner profile, while the redesigned MIPS integration reduces bulk compared with the original. Giro’s Roc Loc Sport fit system provides one-handed adjustment across a 7 cm range and is compatible with ponytails. In-mold polycarbonate construction keeps the weight to about 330 g.
At around $85, the Fixture MIPS II sits in the mid-range and includes extended MTB-style coverage, 18 vents with internal channeling, quick-dry padding, and reflective rear decals. The universal adult size fits head circumferences from 54-61 cm. That range should suit many cyclists, although those near the lower end may find the fit slightly roomy even with the dial fully tightened.
Pros
- Ponytail-compatible Roc Loc Sport fit system
- Deep MTB-style coverage
- Lightweight in-mold construction at 330 g
- Redesigned MIPS integration with improved cooling
Cons
- Universal sizing may run large for smaller heads
- Price increase over the original Fixture MIPS
- Unisex fit – not women’s specific shaping
Pick up the Giro Fixture MIPS II Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Bike Helmet
Best For: Budget conscious road and commuter riders who want rotational impact proctection without paying a premium price.
The Lazer Tempo KinetiCore is a lightweight, affordable road helmet with integrated rotational impact technology. Unlike MIPS, KinetiCore does not use a separate slip-plane liner. Instead, specially designed crumple zones are built into the EPS foam to help manage both direct and rotational impact forces. This integrated design also reduces the amount of plastic used and helps keep the helmet weight down to about 260 g.
At around $60, the Tempo includes 19 vents, CPSC and EN 1078 certification, Lazer’s TurnSys dial fit system, and a Direct Mount for an optional LED rear light. A winter kit is also available with fleece inserts for colder rides. It is often rated highly for impact absorption, ventilation, and ease of use. With no visor, it is better suited to road riding, gravel, and commuting than trail use.
Pros
- 3-Star Virginia Tech rating
- Excellent rotational protection at a budget price
- Very lightweight at 260g
- 19 vents for strong airflow
- Optional LED light mount and Winter Kit accessories
Cons
- No visor – road style only
- Unisize may not suit all head shapes
- Front strap can feel loose and need adjusting
Pick up the Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Retrospec Remi Bike Helmet
Best For: Casual riders and commuters who want a stylish, no-frills helmet at the lowest price point.
The Retrospec Remi is a budget commuter helmet with a classic skate-style shape that looks less like a traditional bike helmet. It uses an ABS hard shell over an EPS foam liner, with an ErgoKnob dial at the rear for adjusting the fit. A built-in visor helps block sun and glare, while reflective nylon straps improve visibility in low light. The removable padding is washable, and an extra set of thicker pads is included to help fine-tune the fit.
At around $37, the Remi is one of the more affordable helmets with a dial-adjust system. It meets the CPSC bicycle helmet standard but is not EN 1078 certified. It also does not include MIPS, KinetiCore, or another rotational impact system. The ABS hard shell construction is typically heavier than an in-mold design, but for casual rides, bike paths, and short commutes, the Remi offers a practical mix of price, fit adjustment, and everyday styling.
Pros
- One of the most affordable helmets with a dial-adjust system
- Built-in visor and reflective straps
- Seven colors including Rose Gold and Cool Mint
- Removable, washable padding with extra pad set included
Cons
- No MIPS or rotational impact protection
- ABS shell adds weight compared to in-mold helmets
Pick up the Retrospec Remi Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet
Best For: Road and commuter riders who want a 5-Star Virginia Tech rated MIPS helmet with an included rear light at a sub-$60 price.
The P2R A20 MIPS offers a strong feature set for its price. For under $55, it includes MIPS rotational impact technology, in-mold polycarbonate construction, 23 vents, and a USB-rechargeable magnetic rear LED light. At about 230 g in size Medium, it is also notably light for a helmet in this price range.
The A20 is available in several fixed configurations, including versions with a magnetic photochromic visor or an MTB-style visor. These are separate models rather than interchangeable accessories. Sizing runs from 52-64 cm across four sizes, giving the A20 a broader fit range than many competitors. P2R is a newer brand with less name recognition than Giro or Lazer, but the helmet carries CPSC and CE certification, as well as a 5-Star Virginia Tech rating. For riders comparing features, weight, and price, the A20 makes a strong case on value.
Pros
- 5-star Virginia Tech rating
- MIPS protection at a sub-$55 price
- USB-rechargeable rear LED light included
- Very lightweight at 230g (Size M)
- Four sizes covering 52-64cm
Cons
- Lesser known brand with limited retail availability
- Visor and accessory versions are not interchangeable
- Road style only – no built-in visor on base model
Pick up the P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Giro Register MIPS II Women’s Bike Helmet
Best For: Women road and recreational riders who want premium road helmet styling with ponytail compatibility and upgraded MIPS Evolve Core protection.
The Giro Register MIPS II Women’s is a road focused helmet that shares some of the styling and ventilation cues found on Giro’s higher-end road models. Compared with the trail oriented Fixture MIPS II, it has a sleeker profile and a women’s specific universal fit. The main upgrade over the original Register is MIPS Evolve Core, which integrates with the Roc Loc Sport fit system to help manage rotational motion during angled impacts without adding excessive bulk.
At around $85, the Register MIPS II Women’s includes 19 vents with internal channeling, a Snap-Fit 2 removable visor, quick-dry padding, reflective rear decals, and a ponytail compatible fit system with 7cm of adjustment. An LED version is also available with in integrated 4-lumen rear light. The women’s universal size fits 50-57 cm heads, however, riders needing a larger fit can go for the Register MIPS II XL which has a dedicated XL shell fitting 58-65 cm.
Pros
- MIPS Evolve Core – newer generation MIPS
- Ponytail compatible Roc Loc Sport fit system
- Premium road helmet style at a recreational price
- LED version available with built-in rear light
Cons
- Universal Women’s sizing tops out at 57 cm
- Slightly heavier than some competitors at ~300 g
- Road styling may not suit track or MTB riders
Pick up the Giro Register MIPS II Women’s Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Giro Source MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet
Best For: Women trail and mountain bike riders who want deep coverage, an adjustable moto-style visor, and Giro’s premium Roc Loc 5 fit system.
The Giro Source MIPS Women’s is a step-up trail helmet for riders who want coverage and a more refined fit system than Giro’s recreational models. It uses the Roc Loc 5 fit system, which allows one-handed tension adjustment along with fore-aft tilt control. The screw-in moto style visor can be adjusted through three riding positions, plus a higher setting for storing goggles when they are not in use.
At around $150, the Source MIPS Women’s sits well above Giro’s entry level trail helmets, but it adds several premium features. Construction includes a full in-mold polycarbonate shell with a Hardbody lower wrap, 17 vents with deep Wind Tunnel channeling, and integrated MIPS rotational impact technology. The women’s version is available in Small and Medium, covering 51-59 cm. Riders who need a larger size will need to consider the unisex Source MIPS instead.
Pros
- Premium Roc Loc 5 fit system
- Adjustable visor with goggle-storage position
- Wind Tunnel ventilation with deep internal channeling
Cons
- Women’s version limited to S and M (51-59cm)
- Heavier than recreational helmets
Pick up the Giro Source MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet
Best For: Urban commuters who want a casual baseball-cap look that doesn’t scream ‘bike helmet’ at a budget price.
The Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet combines a baseball cap inspired shape with the protective structure of a bicycle helmet. Its in-mold polycarbonate shell and EPS foam liner meet both CPSC and CE EN 1078 standards. The cap-style brim helps reduce sun and glare, while reflective detailing across the rear and straps improves visibility in lower light conditions.
At around $40, the Shinmax sits firmly in the budget category. A rear dial fit system allows quick adjustment, and the interior padding can be removed for washing. The main compromise is ventilation. With only six vents, airflow is more limited than on most road or mountain bike helmets, which is the trade-off for the more enclosed cap-style design. There is no MIPS or similar rotational impact system. Three sizes are available, covering head circumferences from 54-62 cm.
Pros
- Casual baseball cap appearance
- Dual certified – CPSC and EN 1078
- Lightweight at ~260 g
- Built-in brim for sun protection
Cons
- No MIPS or rotational impact protection
- Only 6 vents – limited airflow
- Lesser known brand
Pick up the Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Giro Trella MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet
Best For: Women who want a lightweight, versatile MIPS helmet with ponytail compatibility for both city streets and light trails.
The Giro Trella MIPS is a lightweight women’s helmet that combines trail friendly coverage with a streamlined shape suitable for commuting. At about 260g, it is one of the lighter MIPS-equipped helmets in Giro’s women’s range. The in-mold polycarbonate shell includes a Hardbody lower wrap for added durability, while the Roc Loc Sport MIPS fit system integrates the MIPS slip plane with the retention system. It also provides one-handed adjustment across a 7cm range and accommodates ponytails.
At around $70, the Trella sits alongside the Verce in Giro’s more affordable women’s lineup. Instead of a removable visor, it uses a cleaner, lighter design with 18 vents. That makes it suitable for mixed use, including fire roads, light trail riding, and everyday commuting. The universal women’s size fits head circumferences from 50-57 cm, with no larger option available in this model.
Pros
- Ponytail compatible
- Roc Loc Sport MIPS fit system
- Very lightweight at 260g
- Versatile design for trails, commuting, and road
Cons
- Universal Women’s sizing tops out at 57cm
- Limited color options available
Pick up the Giro Trella MIPS Women’s Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Lazer Strada KinetiCore Bike Helmet
Best For: Road and gravel riders who want top-rated rotational protection, serious ventilation, and a full size range without paying flagship prices.
The Lazer Strada KinetiCore is a performance focused road helmet and a clear step up from the more affordable Tempo. It uses Lazer’s KinetiCore crumple-zone system to help manage rotational impact forces, combined with 21 Venturi ventilation channels and a ScrollSys 360° fit system. The floating front headband is designed to reduce pressure points, while silicone eyewear docks provide a secure place to store sunglasses. At about 290 g in size Medium, the Strada remains relatively light for its feature set.
At around $120, the Strada sits in the mid-range and adds several useful extras. These include compatibility with an optional Aeroshell, an optional Universal LED rear light, and access to Lazer’s crash replacement program. Four sizes cover head circumferences from 52-64 cm. The fit is shaped more toward oval heads, so riders with rounder head shapes may find it narrower than expected. Some users also report that the ScrollSys retention strap feels thinner than a traditional dial system, with occasional fit issues near the limits of each size.
Pros
- KinetiCore rotational impact protection
- 21 Venturi ventilation channels
- Four sizes covering 52-64 cm
- Aeroshell compatible
Cons
- Designed for Oval head shape
- ScrollSys retention strap thinner than other helmets
- Road style only – no visor included
Pick up the Lazer Strada KinetiCore Bike Helmet from one of these vendors.
Smith Triad MIPS Cycling Helmet
Best For: Road and gravel riders who want premium dual-layer protection (MIPS + Koroyd) with seamless Smith Optics eyewear integration.
The Smith Optics Triad MIPS is a premium road helmet that combines two impact management technologies. It pairs MIPS, which is designed to help manage rotational motion during angled impacts, with Zonal Koroyd, a honeycomb-like material that crumples to absorb impact energy in selected areas. An integrated skeletal roll cage adds structural support, while the VaporFit system provides 270 degrees of adjustment. The MIPS layer is integrated into the fit system to help keep the interior relatively low profile.
At around $225, the Triad sits firmly in the premium category. Smith’s AirEvac ventilation system is designed to work with ite eyewear, and the helmet includes front and rear channels for storing glasses. Other features include an Ionic+ antimicrobial lining, Y-strap dividers, 19 vents, and four sizes covering 51-65 cm. It offers a broad mix of fit, ventilation, and eyewear-friendly features, but the price will be the main drawback for many riders.
Pros
- Dual protection: MIPS + Zonal Koroyd
- AirEvac ventilation
- Built-in front and rear eyewear storage channels
- Four sizes covering 51-65 cm
Cons
- Highest price on this list at $225
- Best eyewear integration requires Smith glasses
- Road-style only – no visor included
Pick up the Smith Triad MIPS Cycling Helmet from one of these vendors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Bicycle Helmet for Women?
A good starting point is the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab STAR ratings, which test helmets specifically for concussion risk reduction and rate them on a 5-star scale. Look for helmets with a 4 or 5-star rating. Beyond that, features like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), good ventilation, and a retention system that works with your hair all matter, but none of them mean a thing if the helmet doesn’t sit snug on your head.
What Size Bicycle Helmet Do I Need as a Woman?
As a rough guide, a small helmet typically covers 52 to 56 cm, a medium runs about 54 to 60 cm, and a large sits around 57 to 63 cm. But those ranges overlap and shift between manufacturers, so always check the specific brand’s size chart before you buy. If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller one and use the dial-fit adjuster to fine-tune it.
How Should a Women’s Bicycle Helmet Fit?
Once it’s on, tighten the rear retention dial until it feels snug but not uncomfortable. The chin straps should form a “V” shape just under each ear, and when you buckle the chin strap you should be able to fit one finger between the strap and your chin. Give your head a shake side to side and front to back. If the helmet moves more than an inch in any direction, it’s too loose. A properly fitted helmet should stay put even without the chin strap buckled.
Are Women’s Bicycle Helmets Different from Men’s Helmets?
The real differences come down to fit profile and aesthetics. Helmets marketed for women tend to start at smaller sizes, may use a slightly narrower internal shape, and sometimes include a ponytail-friendly retention system. They also tend to come in different color options. But there’s nothing stopping a woman from wearing a “men’s” helmet, or vice versa. If it fits your head and it’s certified, it’ll protect you just the same.
What Are the Safest Bicycle Helmets for Women?
For a better picture of which helmets go beyond the minimum, check the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab STAR ratings. They test helmets for concussion risk using both linear and rotational impact scenarios, then rate them from 1 to 5 stars. Virginia Tech updated their rating thresholds in July 2025 to make them stricter as helmet technology improved. A helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) or a similar rotational impact technology is also worth considering, since it adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet that can help redirect rotational forces away from your brain in an angled crash.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Bicycle Helmet for a Woman?
Beyond those basics, a good retention system with a dial adjuster makes a big difference to comfort on longer rides. Ventilation matters too, especially in warmer weather, so count the vents and check whether they’re actual openings through the shell or just decorative grooves. If you want added protection against rotational impact, look for MIPS or a similar system. And, if long hair is part of the equation, a height-adjustable rear cage that can drop low enough to let a ponytail pass through is worth seeking out.
Which Bicycle Helmets Work Best with Long Hair or a Ponytail?
For most other helmets, the practical solution is a height-adjustable rear retention cage. Drop the cage to its lowest setting while keeping a snug fit, and you create a gap between the bottom of the helmet shell and the top of the dial adjuster. A low ponytail passes right through that gap. If you prefer a higher ponytail, look for helmets with larger rear openings or a more flexible cage design. The common sense approach here is to bring a hair tie to the store, put your hair up the way you’d normally ride, and try the helmet on. If it fits with your hair up, you’re good.
I hope we have covered the subject of ‘bicycle helmets for women’ to your satisfaction. If you enjoyed this article, feel free to leave a comment or question below. Thanks!
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