There are many different headaches but it makes the most sense to fake tension, migraines, cluster, or sinus headaches. [2] X Research source Primary headaches can be triggered by things you do in the day including eating habits, sleeping habits, posture, and general stress. [3] X Research source

Tension headaches are usually felt at the front, top, or sides of your head. [4] X Research source Migraines can be felt in the entire head, or the pain may be felt shifting from one side of your head to the other. [5] X Research source Cluster headaches provide a very focused pain on one-side of your head that is located around the eye region. [6] X Research source Sinus headaches are felt in the cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of your nose. [7] X Research source

Tension headaches bring about a pressurized band-like pain that you can describe as mild to moderate. Pain can also vary in intensity throughout the day if you’re trying to mimic a chronic tension headache. [8] X Research source Migraines can be very intense with a pounding and throbbing pain. The intensity can be very severe so it may not be wise to choose a headache with such involved symptoms. [9] X Research source Cluster headaches are constantly throbbing with a burning or piercing pain. [10] X Research source Sinus headaches will vary in intensity depending on other sinus symptoms like a runny nose, plugged ears, fever, and facial swelling. [11] X Research source

Tension headaches can occur several times a months depending if they are chronic. They can last from 30 minutes to several days. Chronic tension headaches will vary in intensity throughout the day. The pain may also be present as soon as you wake up. [12] X Research source Migraines come with an assortment of symptoms including vomiting and seeing bright flashing dots or wavy lines. [13] X Research source Unless you actually have experienced a migraine, it would be unwise to mimic this type of headache. Cluster headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. They can also recur throughout the day from 3 to as many as 8 times. Cluster headaches also occur very regularly and often at the same time of day. [14] X Research source Sinus headaches occur when you suffer inflammation and congestion usually brought on by a cold or flu. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It would be unwise to try and fake a sinus headache because these symptoms are difficult to mimic.

You don’t have to actually name your type of headache but you do have to display the distinct characteristics to make it as believable as possible.

Rub the front of your head or side of your head as both types of headaches happen in focused areas at the front of your head. Tell classmates who will be with you throughout the day. As well, tell teachers if you have them in both a morning and afternoon class. For example, if you are in high school and you want to skip out of 5th period English, complaining to your 2nd period math teacher won’t help you because there’s no way your English teacher will get the message. Instead, complain to a classmate who will be with you in 5th period English.

Agreeing to “tough it out” in the morning sets a precedent for later in the day.

Don’t take this too far or you may cause a rift between your friends or land in detention rather than the nurse’s office.

If you want to participate in recess or sports during lunch, headaches can also occur because of a poor diet. Wait until after lunch to start faking the symptoms and complain about how your food tasted “off”.

Don’t overdo it. Say things like, “I didn’t get very much sleep last night” or “I haven’t eaten since dinner” to a couple of people who you know will be able to put two and two together.

You don’t want to fake a headache in the morning and be seen playing sports after school. Prepare to keep up the rouse for the entire day.