Does this viral migraine relief cap actually work?
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Headach Cap
Cap fits like a warm hug
Versatile hot and cold relief
Size may not fit everyone
TikTok made me do it. In the ongoing quest for perfect self-care, my “For You” page identified a migraine cap as a good addition to my medicine cabinet. Part of me was skeptical, wondering how much an ice cap could really cure my ongoing headaches. But I’ll never say no to something that could greatly improve my daily routine.
So, I purchased the TheraIce RX Migraine Relief Cap (available at Amazon) and put TikTok to the test. I put it in my freezer between a frozen pizza and my facial ice roller, just waiting for the opportune moment to experience its freezing powers on my next stress headache. Would I be impressed by its effectiveness or feel cheated by the latest trend in social media marketing? That’s what this TheraIce RX review aims to find out.
The TheraIce RX Migraine Cap can use both heat and cold therapy to relieve critical pain points during a migraine.
The TheraIce Migraine Headache Relief Cap retails for $30-$40 on Amazon and Walmart. It’s a reusable hat that’s full of cooling gel, which contours to your eyes, forehead, and hairline while wearing.
Freezing gel extends around the whole head, meaning both face and skull relief is possible, and targeted pain spots can be directly addressed based on where the wearer positions the cap. The cap also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can buy one that matches your personal style.
While this migraine cap provides snug support around your head for pressure release, it's not overwhelming.
The TheraIce cap is made of flexible material with evenly distributed soft gel inside. It cushions your head gently and doesn’t apply too much pressure to your eyes or ears. The cap felt more like a calm hug than a restrictive device, even though it covered half of my skull.
I could immediately understand why someone might find the pressure alone to be calming. It made me consider the cap’s anxiety-relieving potential should someone want a sensory escape from the frustrations of everyday life.
The TheraIce cap can be used frozen or warmed for two different relief sensations. I’m personally a fan of warmth to cure headaches. (My go-to pain relief is sticking my feet in very hot water.) In terms of its effectiveness in my test case, this product proved no different.
This soft gel headwear offers both hot and cold relief from your most distracting headaches.
While the cooling sensation was relieving, it shocked my senses as if I had just taken a plunge into a cold pool. I worried if my brain could handle the chill, before reading on the packaging that the cap should not be “too cold” when you put it on. Warmth felt more natural to me personally, and I felt my whole body relax when using the cap as a heating tool.
Going off script a bit, I think the TheraIce cap could have additional pain relief uses. I could see using the cap as a leg or arm band when an ice pack just won’t stay in the place you need it. The band-like shape of the cap offers creative users other pain-relief avenues if necessary.
One size doesn't necessarily fit all with the TheraIce RX Migraine Relief Cap.
The TheraIce cap is one size fits all. It fits me just fine, but I can imagine some users (kids or those with lager heads) may find the cap doesn’t fit quite as comfortably. It offers a generous amount of stretch, but not enough that I felt the cap could properly contour to every size.
When I decided to switch from hot to cold relief during my testing, I consulted the packaging to find no instructions on how to warm the cap. I spent a little too much time reading through its Amazon product page to find out if the cap was really microwave-safe. It turns out it is—though you’re only supposed to microwave the cap for 20 seconds at a time. The search process for this information gave me a headache, so it’s a good thing I had this product handy.
If you’re looking for a quick fix for headaches on the go, the TheraIce Migraine Relief Cap won’t quite provide it. You’ll need either a freezer or microwave where you’re going, and you’ll certainly get plenty of concerned looks from your coworkers when walking blindly around the office with a giant sleeve over your face. If you’re kicking your feet up at home during quiet time, the cap works. But it’s hard to imagine its relief extends to every area of life.
Don't let TikTok influence you to buy this migraine cap unless headaches are a regular occurrence for you.
If you’re an Amazon impulse shopper like me you’ll probably add the TheraIce Migraine Relief Cap to your cart, and that’s not a bad thing. Realistically, I think it’s important to ask yourself how often you’ll use the cap before making your purchase.
If migraines and headaches are an everyday occurrence, go on ahead and hit “buy” on the TheraIce Migraine Relief Cap. But if the cap will be a semi-annual use case, it may not be much better than taking an Advil and a nap when the time comes. In short, how much you love this product will depend on how much having a headache relief hat can impact your daily routine.
This soft gel headwear offers both hot and cold relief from your most distracting headaches.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
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