Everyone knows (and despises) the pounding feeling of a headache after a long night out, a focused workday, or — for some of us — after seemingly nothing particularly stressful at all. This horrible feeling often leaves us desperately searching for a solution to take the pain away. Luckily, we finally found one: the TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap.
You might already be familiar with this product thanks to its viral success. But to see if the TheraICE cap can really soothe headaches and relieve tension at the level that it claims, I tried it out myself. In fact, I even sought the advice of a neurologist to see if the product's claims were true. And spoiler alert: I was thoroughly impressed.
Why I tried the TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap
Promising to alleviate headaches, stress migraines and sinus pain with its 360° hot and cold compression, this product sounds like a dream for those used to frequent head pain. It is traditionally used cold, and neurologist Dr. Audrey Halpern confirms that these chilly temperatures can be ideal for managing headaches.
Halpern explains the common causes of head pain come from the dilation of blood vessels, an increase in pain neurons firing off and inflammation. "The cold can constrict blood vessels, [which] may slow the firing of those pain neurons and also may decrease inflammation," she says.
My experience
Whether you want to use the migraine cap cold or hot, there are some steps you need to take before use:
- For cold therapy, the instructions suggest leaving the cap in the freezer for at least two hours. The cap may also be too cool for your head when first removed from the fridge, especially if you are sensitive to icy temps, so you may want to leave the cap out until it reaches your desired temperature.
- For hot use, microwave the cap for 20 seconds followed by 10 second increments. Do this until it reaches your desired level of warmth. Halpern adds the earlier you treat headache pain, the better, so try to apply the cap when you first experience any pressure.
Why I like TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap
Originally, I thought this product was only supposed to be used cold, but I really appreciate how you can use it warm too. Using the product hot is perfect for relaxation and stress relief, simulating a spa-like experience.
Also, the cap's design covers your eyes and the top of your head, with the thick, black material ensuring no light peeks through. Bright light is another cause of headaches or migraines, especially if someone is sensitive to it, so the light blocking ability of this item is a great perk. The product itself is also quite heavy so it can slightly compress your head, which I enjoy, too.
What to consider
The sizing isn't perfect for all
While the packaging states this product is form fitting and stretchable, it also adds that one size fits most. The cap is designed to have a narrower top and a wider base, so the product doesn't squish your ears and lower facial features. It is not just a straight rectangle design, but rather an isosceles trapezoid.
If you have sizing issues with other one-size hat options, then be cautious while purchasing.
It has a strong product smell
I am not sure if the smell is that new product, manufacturing scent or if it is the smell of the inner gel technology, but the cap has a rather potent smell. While there is an indent on the lower half of the cap to allow your nose to poke through, it may be enclosed depending on the length of your face. Just be aware of this if you are sensitive to smells.
It can't be put in your laundry machine
The washing instructions for the headache relief cap state the product should not be submerged in water and should only be wiped clean with a damp towel. Just make sure to completely dry the cap before freezing again.
Reviews on Amazon claim they accidentally made the mistake of getting the cap wet and one says it turned the inner gel lumpy, while another said the inner gel began to seep out the cap.
Who is the TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap best for?
While this cap works well for mild headaches, it's not a miracle worker. SEO writer Jannely Espinal experiences chronic migraines that sometimes send her to the hospital due to their severity. She says the headache cap is effective when she is having mild migraines, but for her intense, chronic migraines, it doesn't always work. Espinal has owned the headache cap for over a year now and describes the cap as plateauing her mild migraine pain, or just ensuring it doesn't get much worse.
On another note, Halpern says many of her patients experience headache and migraine pain triggered by cold sensations, so the cooler temperature might not be ideal for everyone. According to this 2023 study, headache stimulated by cold sensations needs to be studied further, but the trial did witness participants experiencing head pain from a cold stimulus applied externally to the head.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a solution for head pain, stress or sinus pressure, this product might be for you. I even enjoyed using the headache cap as a relaxation method, so it’s also a good product to try for an at-home self-care remedy, too!
Meet the expert
- Dr. Audrey Halpern, MD, is a New York City based neurologist at The Manhattan Center for Headache & Neurology who specializes in helping patients with chronic migraines and other headache disorders.
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Celia Funderburk is a previous editorial intern for Shop TODAY who covers a range of topics for SEO. Specifically interested in fashion, beauty and health, she writes gift guides, explainers and reviews.
