The best head ice pack should contour to the shape of the head for maximum comfort and pain relief. Wearable ice pack by Headache Head does exactly that. Filled with 24-individually wrapped ice cubes, it comes with Velcro closure for hands-free use. It is not the only option on the market, however. Take a look at our list of the best head ice packs, and give pesky migraines the flick.
Best Choice - Wearable Ice Pack by Headache Hat
Made in the USA, Headache Hat’s wearable ice pack is made from a soft cotton and nylon blend. Plus, it is available in two sizes and comes with 24 individually-wrapped ice cubes.
Buy on AmazonThe throbbing pain of migraines can be a daily hurdle. Luckily, ice pack head wraps can alleviate the extreme discomfort of a headache. Affordable, safe, and easy to use, many ice packs are flexible to contour the shape of the body, and some even come with straps to let you enjoy your daily activities during treatment. Take a look at our guide to the best head ice packs, and learn about the huge difference one can make in your life.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Headache Hat
Wearable Ice Pack
Top Performance
ICEKAP
Migraine Cap
Can’t Count Out
Arctic Flex
Headache Ice Pack Hat
The 7 Best Head Ice Packs
| Product | Brand | Latex-free | Sizing | Cold Therapy or Cold and Hot Therapy | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wearable Ice Pack | Headache Hat | Not specified | Two sizes | Cold therapy |  |
| Migraine Cap | ICEKAP | Not specified | Four sizes | Cold therapy | |
| Headache Relief Ice Pack Hat | Arctic Flex | Latex-free | One size | Hot and Cold therapy | |
| Headache Ice Pack Relief Band | Theramed | Not specified | One size | Cold therapy | |
| Wearable Ice Hat | Migraine Hat | Not specified | One size | Cold therapy | |
| Pain Relief Hot and Cold Therapy | Koo-Care | Yes | Two sizes | Hot and Cold therapy | |
| Reusable Gel Ice Pack | WORLD-BIO | Yes | One size | Hot and Cold therapy | |
Best Choice: Wearable Ice Pack by Headache Hat
Buy on AmazonCrafted from a cotton and lycra blend, this US-made head ice pack is both comfortable and practical. It contains 24 individually-wrapped ice cubes that move to reach specific pain points. Plus, it is ultra-versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways to target the head, face, or neck. Hands-free use makes for easy treatment, that you can enjoy any time you like.
Main Features
- Made from cotton and lycra
- Contains 24 ice cubes
- Hands-free use
- Made in the USA
- Long-lasting relief
Pros:
- Soft and lightweight
- Available in 2 sizes
- Can be used on the face and neck
- Comes with a freezer storage bag
Cons:
- The ice cubes can be tricky to position
- Not suitable for laying down, as the ice cubes are hard
Top Performance: Migraine Cap by ICEKAP
Designed by migraine sufferers, and patented in the USA and Canada, this head ice pack is made from machine-washable micro-fleece. It features an adjustable tension band for a customized fit and compression and a convenient ponytail loop. Plus, it comes with five non-toxic gel packs for up to three hours of ice therapy and a flap that covers the back of the head.
Main Features
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Ponytail loop
- 5 gel packs
- Machine-washable
- 30-day money back guarantee
Pros:
- Patented in the USA and Canada
- Designed by migraine sufferers
- Non-toxic
- Stays cold up to 3 hours
Cons:
- Finding the correct size can be difficult
- Bulkier than some other ice packs for headaches
Can’t Count Out: Headache Relief Ice Pack Hat by Arctic Flex
Consisting of a softcover and a latex-free gel pack, this head ice pack can be worn in a variety of ways to soothe migraines, sinus pressure, or bruising. The machine-washable wrap comes with an extender strap to fit heads up to 30 inches in circumference and two snap buttons to keep it in place. This pack can also be used for thermotherapy.
Main Features
- Leak-proof and latex-free
- Machine-washable wrap
- Hot or cold therapy
- Extender strap
- Snap buttons
Pros:
- Can be worn in a variety of ways
- Stays in place during use
- Cover protects the skin
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
Cons:
- Larger than some other ice packs
The Other Head Ice Packs We Reviewed
Headache Ice Pack Relief Band by Theramed
This ice pack headband has two sides—a soft blue side for gentle cooling and a white side for icing. Simply pop it in the freezer and apply it to the head or across the eyes to alleviate migraines or sinus discomfort. This band comes with a Velcro fastener for hands-free icing. On the downside, this product is stiffer than some other ice packs when frozen.
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Wearable Ice Hat by Migraine Hat
This ice wrap for the head comes with two removable cryo-gel ice packs with individual cubes for acupressure. It can be easily adjusted for a customized fit and level of compression. Unfortunately, some reviewers have complained that this product is uncomfortable and does not contour the head.
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Pain Relief Hot and Cold Therapy by Koo-Care
These two latex-free ice bags can be used to deliver hot or cold therapy depending on your condition. Plus, they feature a soft exterior fabric for maximum comfort and are leak-proof to prevent messy drips.
Select two nine-inch bags, or a set of three bags that come in six, nine, and eleven inches. This product is backed by an unconditional money-back guarantee. On the downside, these ice bags are not suitable for hands-free use.
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Reusable Gel Ice Pack by WORLD-BIO
This ice pack head wrap comes with a latex-free gel pack that can be frozen or microwaved to deliver cold or hot therapy. Plus, it features a 15-inch elastic Velcro strap for hands-free use on various parts of the body. It is lucky that this product comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, as some reviewers have complained that it can leak.
Buy on AmazonWhat Causes Migraines
Migraines can be debilitating. Some of the most common symptoms of migraines include a throbbing or pulsating sensation in the head, nausea, and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Here are just a few things that can trigger a migraine.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Unpleasant smells such as fumes or tobacco smoke
- Changes in the weather
- Menstruation, birth control pills, or estrogen therapy
- Insufficient sleep or jet lag
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Fasting or irregular meal times
- Medication such as hormone replacement therapy and some sleeping pills
- Flickering screens, bright lights, and stuffy rooms
FAQ on Wearing Head Ice Packs
See what other customers are asking, and get all the inside info on the best ice packs.
Do Ice Packs Help Headaches?
Ice has been used as a treatment for head pain for over 150 years. The time-tested therapy works by reducing the neurotransmission of the sensation of pain to the brain. It also cools the blood flowing to the carotid artery, reducing inflammation in the brain. In fact, a study documented in the Hawaii J Med Public Health journal found that applying an ice pack at the onset of a migraine significantly reduces pain.
How Do You Use an Ice Pack for Headache?
For maximum benefit, an ice pack for migraine headaches should be applied for around 15 to 20 minutes at a time. While head ice packs are usually applied to the forehead and temples, some doctors recommend that the ice pack should be placed at the base of the skull. The pack can be reapplied every hour until the pain subsides.
Is a Heating Pad or an Ice Pack Best for a Headache?
Many ice packs are versatile enough to deliver both hot and cold therapy. If your headache is caused by stress and tension, or muscle contraction, placing a heating pack on your neck or the base of the skull can relax stiff muscles and soothe pain.
What Supplements Should I Take to Prevent Headaches?
Magnesium deficiency is more common in people who suffer from migraines than those who do not. This is because magnesium helps to control nerve transmission and blood sugar level. B-Complex supplements, which contain all eight vitamin Bs, help neurotransmitter synthesis, which may also reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Weighing All the Factors
All things considered, we believe that the wearable ice pack by Headache Hat is your best bet when it come to value for money. It is versatile enough to be used on the head and other body parts, and features a Velcro fastening for hands-free wear. ICEKAP’s migraine hat and Arctic Flex’s headache relief ice pack hat are also two great options that have been specifically designed for those who suffer from head pain.
Sources
Randomized Controlled Trial: Targeted Neck Cooling in the Treatment of the Migraine Patient.
Best Choice - Wearable Ice Pack by Headache Hat
Made in the USA, Headache Hat’s wearable ice pack is made from a soft cotton and nylon blend. Plus, it is available in two sizes and comes with 24 individually-wrapped ice cubes.
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