How to Fake a Headache

Co-authored by Greg James Blount

Last Updated: November 4, 2024 Approved

Everyone gets headaches from time to time, and it may be tempting to fake one to get out of something you don't want to do. However, faking any illness can get you in trouble if you get caught. If you are set on faking a headache, there are a few steps you can follow to make your story believable.

Part 1

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Showing the Symptoms

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You can't credibly fake an illness if you don't know what is wrong with you. If you are complaining about a terrible headache, make sure you know exactly the kind of headache you want to fake so you can explain to others what is wrong with you when they ask. If you are trying to get out of an event, make sure you emphasize how bad your symptoms are. This way, it won't seem as if it is not worth letting you skip whatever you are trying to avoid.
One of the main symptoms of a headache is the pain around your temples or forehead. Hold your hands up to your head and massage your temples as you complain about the pain. You can even moan or make uncomfortable noises to drive home that you feel terrible.

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Avoid light and noise. Light and noise sensitivity is a common symptom of a really bad headache. To fake this symptom, close or squint your eyes, appearing as if the presence of light or interruption of noise it too much for you. Avoid going into places that have too much noise or light because it would cause you too much pain if you really had a headache.
- Don't over sell this symptom. You want it to be believable, not cast suspicion on your actions. Make it subtle but not over the top.
Most headaches don't start automatically, so start complaining about the symptoms slowly. You must be subtle about the issues that you have or it will seem like you are faking it. Start by first commenting how your head hurts a little bit. A little while later, rub your temples, complaining of the pressure in your head. Then mention that the lights and noises are bothering you. Showing the symptoms is the only way people will believe you.

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Acting the Part

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Go to bed early. If you are trying to convince other people such as your parents that you are suffering from a headache, you need to go to bed early. Those suffering from headaches are in pain, and sleep typically helps lessen the symptoms.
- If you aren't actually sleepy, find quiet things to do in your room that will help you pass the time until you are actually tired. Faking a headache is meant to get you out of what you don't want to do, so use this time to do whatever it is you want to do.
Whenever you have a headache, normal things tend to be annoying. When faking a headache, pretend that things irritate you easier than normal. React differently to those around you and get frustrated at things that normally don't bother you. This will make people think the pain of the headache is getting to you.
Being sick drains energy out of you because your body is trying to repair whatever is making you feel badly. Don't walk around with a spring in your step or act too perky. Walk slower with your head down, as if the act is too complicated because of the headache pain. Do you normal routine at a slower pace and complain about being tired.^{[1]
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Look sick. People with headaches aren't bright faced and happy. Try messing up your hair, applying a light powder to your skin to make you look paler, or making dark circles under your eyes with makeup. If you want others to believe you have a bad headache, you need to look like you are drained and uncomfortable.
- Studies have shown that the way someone moves their mouth is related to the believably of sickness claims. Move your mouth less, grimacing and frowning without too much mouth movement.^{[2]
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Headaches don't get better in an instant. If you are done with faking the headache, gradually remind people how you are feeling better. Just make sure it isn't too fast. Comment on how tired you are, which is a common side effect of headaches. This will help everyone believe your story and make it easier to fake a headache in the future. ^{[3]
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How do I fake a headache when acting?

Greg James Blount
Acting Coach & Director of Talent Development
Greg James Blount is an Acting Coach, Talent Development Director, and co-owner with his wife of the Green Room Acting Studio based in Boca Raton, Florida. Greg has over 30+ years in the talent industry. His online acting studio trains hundreds of students each month and has been responsible for many actors being discovered and gaining representation, including Kira Kosarin (Nickelodeon's The Thundermans), Kayden Muller (Disney’s Villains of Valley View), Colin O’Brien (WONKA, Dear Edward), Cade Sutton (Disney's Kirby Buckets), and Christopher Cassarino (HULU’s Reasonable Doubt, NBC's New Amsterdam). Greg also owns Sound Tree Entertainment and has produced several award-winning films and TV shows. In May 2024, he directed his first feature film, The Tan Man. Greg has a degree in film production and a minor in fashion photography from the University of South Carolina.

Greg James Blount

Acting Coach & Director of Talent Development

Expert Answer

First, you want to focus on recalling how it feels like to actually experience one, even if you don’t have it in the moment. Think back to a time when your head was really pounding—maybe from fever, stress, dehydration, or a bad cold. Tap into that physical memory so you can bring it forward in your performance. Start with subtle body language. Imagine the pressure building behind your eyes or your temples. Let that naturally affect how you move—maybe you squint, rub your temples, or close your eyes for a second. Slow your movements a bit, like each step takes just a little more effort. Keep your shoulders a little tight, almost like you’re carrying the weight of the pain. If your character needs to speak, try softening your voice slightly, as if talking too loud would only make things worse. The key is to keep it realistic, remember that less is more. Overacting can make it feel forced, so let it be organic, like the headache is just part of your character’s day. You want the audience to believe that you’re not just pretending to have a headache and you’re actually experiencing it.

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Would it be realistic to fake a headache for three days?

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Some migraines can last for days at a time, but three days is pushing it. 48 hours (or two days) would be more reasonable.

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How do I get a headache?

Kennedy Agnew

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You can get headaches for dehydration, not eating the right food, loud noises, or bright lights.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If your headache is convincing enough, an adult may try to give you medicine. If you say no, they might catch on. Headache medicine won't hurt you if you don't have a headache, but make sure not to take it on an empty stomach.
If you're in school, go to the nurse and ask if you can lay down somewhere quiet and dark because your head is pounding. The nurse will believe you.
Don't exaggerate your pain or else people will know you are faking.

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