TikTok hair clip trend for migraine relief sparks medical discussion

A viral trend on TikTok suggests that attaching a claw hair clip to the eyebrow can alleviate migraine pain. Users claim the method provides relief when traditional remedies, such as ibuprofen or warm compresses, fail.

Medical professionals note that there are currently no clinical studies to confirm the efficacy or safety of this method. However, doctors have proposed theories to explain why some users report improvement. Dr. Stephen Thorp of Northwell’s Phelps Hospital suggests that the pressure from the clip may target the supraorbital nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve. By applying mechanical pressure, the sensation of pressure may temporarily override or distract the nervous system from the pain signal.

Neurologist Clifford Segil noted that using one stimulus to distract from another is not a new concept, citing cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain as a similar principle. Despite these theories, experts emphasize that this is not a scientifically proven treatment for migraines.