How to Position Hair Clips to Avoid Headaches and Pain

The same clip that gives you headaches might be perfectly comfortable—if positioned differently.

Most styling-related headaches aren't caused by the clip itself but by where it's placed. Position a clip over a sensitive nerve pathway and you get pain. Position it in a cushioned, nerve-sparse area and you get comfort.

This guide maps your scalp's pain-free zones, teaches positioning techniques that prevent headaches, and provides a rotation schedule for daily wear.

For complete headache prevention, see our complete guide to pain-free hair styling.

The Pain-Free Positioning Zones on Your Head

Your scalp isn't uniformly sensitive. Some areas tolerate pressure well; others don't. Understanding this map helps you position clips strategically.

Zone 1: Lower Nape (Most Comfortable)

Location: The back of your neck where it meets your head, below the occipital bone (the bump at the back of your skull).

Why it's comfortable:

• Thick muscle tissue provides natural cushioning
• Fewer superficial nerve endings
• Gravity supports styles here (less tension needed)
• Naturally padded by neck muscles

Best for:

• All-day wear
• Sensitive scalps
• Those prone to headaches
• Work and professional settings

How to find it: Run your fingers down the back of your head. Where the skull curves inward before your neck begins—that's the lower nape zone.

Zone 2: Behind the Ears (Low)

Location: The area behind your earlobes, between ear and lower nape.

Why it's comfortable:

• Natural tissue padding
• Away from major nerve pathways
• Good for side-positioned styles
• Clip doesn't press against headrests

Best for:

• Side-swept styles
• Half-up looks
• Avoiding center-back pressure
• Rotation variety

How to find it: Place your fingers directly behind your earlobes, about one inch toward the back of your head.

Zone 3: Mid-Back (Moderately Comfortable)

Location: Center back of head, about halfway between crown and nape.

Why it's variable:

• Comfort depends on individual anatomy
• Some people have more tissue padding here than others
• Can work well with the right clip design

Best for:

• Classic updo positioning
• When lower positions don't suit the style
• Those who find this zone comfortable

How to find it: Place your hand flat against the back of your head at ear level.

Zone 4: Crown/Top (Use with Caution)

Location: The top of your head, roughly where a yarmulke would sit.

Why it's risky:

• Less tissue padding over skull
• Nerves closer to surface
• Fighting gravity (requires tighter hold)
• Common site for compression headaches

Best for:

• Short-duration wear only
• Styles that specifically require high positioning
• Those who've tested and found comfort here

Avoid if: You're prone to headaches, have a sensitive scalp, or need all-day wear.

Positions to Avoid (High-Tension Areas)

These areas commonly cause problems:

The Temples

Location: Sides of forehead, between eye and ear.

Why to avoid:

• Superficial temporal artery runs here
• Auriculotemporal nerve is very close to surface
• Very thin tissue over bone
• Any pressure quickly becomes painful

Never position clips: Directly at or over the temples.

The Occipital Ridge

Location: The horizontal ridge where the back of your skull curves down to your neck.

Why to avoid:

• Greater and lesser occipital nerves exit here
• Pressure can trigger severe headaches radiating up the skull
• Very sensitive in most people

Instead: Position below this ridge, in the soft tissue of the lower nape.

High Crown Center

Location: The very top-center of your head.

Why to avoid:

• Minimal tissue padding
• Vertex of skull has less cushioning
• Often a "hot spot" for pressure pain

Instead: If you need high positioning, offset to one side rather than dead center.

Directly Over the Ears

Location: The area directly above your ears.

Why to avoid:

• Very thin skin
• Bone close to surface
• Sensitive nerve endings
• Even light pressure causes discomfort

Instead: Position clips behind rather than over ears.

Step-by-Step: The Low-Nape Technique

The most reliably comfortable positioning method:

Step 1: Gather Loosely

• Collect all hair (or the portion you want up)
• Keep your grip loose—don't pull
• Hair should drape, not stretch

Step 2: Find the Sweet Spot

• Run your hand down the back of your head
• Stop where the skull curves inward above your neck
• This is your target zone

Step 3: Create a Gentle Twist

• Twist the gathered hair loosely
• Stop before it feels tight
• The twist should be relaxed, not wound

Step 4: Position the Clip

• Hold the twist against the nape zone
• Open the clip and position it horizontally
• The clip should catch the twist, not your scalp

Step 5: Secure Without Pressure

• Let the clip close on the hair
• It should grip the twist, not press into your head
• If you feel pressure on your scalp, reposition

Step 6: Check Comfort

• Does anything feel tight or pressing?
• Can you move your head freely?
• Would you forget you're wearing this in 10 minutes?

If you answered yes, you've achieved proper positioning.

Step-by-Step: The Side-Positioned Style

For variety and to avoid center-back fatigue:

Step 1: Choose a Side

• Decide whether you're positioning left or right
• Alternate daily for rotation benefits

Step 2: Gather Hair to That Side

• Collect hair and let it fall toward the chosen side
• Don't twist across the back—let it flow naturally sideways

Step 3: Find the Position Behind the Ear

• Locate the soft area behind and below your earlobe
• This is your target zone—cushioned and nerve-sparse

Step 4: Twist Gently Downward

• Create a loose downward twist
• The twist direction should follow the natural fall

Step 5: Clip Horizontally or at Angle

• Position clip to catch the twist
• Angle can be horizontal or follow the twist direction
• Avoid vertical positioning that may pull

Step 6: Confirm Comfort

• The clip should feel secure but not pressing
• No pulling sensation at the scalp
• Comfortable enough to forget

Rotation Schedules for Daily Wear

Never wear a clip in the exact same position two days in a row. Here are rotation schedules:

Basic 5-Day Rotation

Advanced 7-Day Rotation

Sensitive Scalp Rotation

For those prone to headaches—maximize comfort:

The key is preventing any single area from bearing repeated, consecutive pressure.

Mapping Your Personal Sensitive Zones

Everyone's nerve patterns vary. Here's how to find your specific sensitivities:

The Pressure Test

1. With hair down, use your fingertip to apply light pressure at various scalp points

2. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds at each spot

3. Note any spots that feel:

   • Immediately uncomfortable
   • Tender or sensitive
   • Like a "not there" spot you instinctively avoid

4. These are your personal avoid zones

The Clip Test

1. Wear a clip in a specific position for 30 minutes
2. Note any developing discomfort
3. Repeat at different positions over several days
4. Build a mental map of comfortable vs. uncomfortable zones

Document Your Map

After testing, you should know:

• Your most comfortable positions (your go-to zones)
• Positions that work sometimes but not always
• Positions to absolutely avoid

This personal map is more valuable than general guidelines.

Troubleshooting Position Problems

"I can't find a comfortable position"

Try:

• Lower than you think necessary
• Multiple small clips instead of one large clip
• Flat-back clip designs that don't create pressure points
• Loose half-up styles rather than full updos

The TELETIES Flat Round Clip works comfortably in almost any position thanks to its completely flat profile.

"My comfortable position doesn't look good"

Solutions:

• Lower styles are currently fashionable—embrace them
• Add decorative clips at comfortable positions
• Accept that comfort trumps aesthetics for daily wear
• Save uncomfortable positions for brief special occasions

"The clip slips out of comfortable positions"

Solutions:

• Use a clip with stronger spring
• Add texturizing spray before styling
• Choose a clip designed for your hair type
• Try a clip with matte finish for better grip

See why does my claw clip keep falling out for more solutions.

"I have no comfortable positions"

This suggests:

• Very sensitive scalp overall
• Possible underlying scalp condition
• Need for gentler clip designs

Try:

• Flat-back clips exclusively
• Ultra-lightweight mini clips
• Very loose styling with minimal tension
• Consulting a dermatologist if sensitivity is extreme

For ultra-sensitive scalps, Mini Matte Jaw Clips create virtually no pressure and work in almost any position.

See our guide to best claw clips for sensitive scalps.

Position Tips for Specific Situations

For Driving

Lower nape position keeps clip away from headrest. Flat-back clips essential if any reclining against seat.

See: best flat claw clips for driving and reclining.

For Office Work

Low positions comfortable for chair backs. Side positions offer variety without visibility issues. Rotate throughout the week.

For Exercise

Very low or flat-back required. Nothing that shifts with movement. Position where clip won't catch on equipment.

See: best claw clips for the gym.

For Sleep

Avoid clips entirely if possible. If needed, very low nape position only. Remove if any discomfort.

See: how to sleep with a claw clip.

For All-Day Wear

Prioritize lowest comfortable position. Plan for repositioning breaks. Choose flat-back or lightweight clips.

See: best claw clips for all-day comfort.

FAQ

Does clip position really matter that much?

Yes—often more than the clip itself. The same clip that causes headaches at the crown may be comfortable at the nape. Position determines whether the clip compresses sensitive nerves or sits in a cushioned zone.

Why is lower always better?

Lower positions offer: more tissue padding, fewer superficial nerves, gravity supporting the style (less tension), and no pressure against headrests. Higher positions fight gravity and often sit over more sensitive areas.

Can I ever wear clips high?

Yes, but with caveats: use the gentlest possible clips, style very loosely, limit duration, and avoid if prone to headaches. High positioning works better for some people than others—test carefully.

How often should I rotate positions?

Ideally, never wear a clip in the exact same position two consecutive days. Daily rotation prevents cumulative nerve irritation at any single spot.

What if my hair type limits positioning options?

Work with what you have. If your hair only styles well at certain positions, focus on: using the gentlest clips possible at those positions, taking more frequent breaks, and incorporating more hair-down days.

Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Pain-Free Hair Styling
• Why Do Hair Clips Give Me Headaches?
• External Compression Headaches from Hair Clips
• Scalp Pain After Wearing Hair Clips
• Best Claw Clips for Sensitive Scalps
• Best Claw Clips for All-Day Comfort
• Best Flat Claw Clips for Driving and Reclining
• How to Reduce Tension from Hair Clips
• Why Does My Claw Clip Keep Falling Out