Skip to Content
To Ergonomics is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.

Is Steelcase Gesture Headrest Removable?

Steelcase Gesture Headrest

Part of the appeal of the Steelcase Gesture chair is its highly adjustable functions and wide range of customizable features to achieve ultimate comfort.

If you’re investing in a top-notch ergonomic chair like the Steelcase Gesture, you’ll want to make sure that each part of your body is cradled for optimal support.

An office chair with a headrest will not only provide additional support for your spine but it will also give users a space to rest their neck and heads throughout the workday.

The Steelcase Gesture is available for sale with and without the headrest attachment. To make the most out of your office chair, get the Steelcase Gesture with the headrest attachment. If you’d like to remove the headrest in the future, you can easily do so with the help of a screwdriver.

In this article, we’ll help you decide whether or not a headrest will be beneficial for you. From there, let’s discuss how to add or remove a headrest from your Steelcase Gesture.

Do I Need a Headrest on My Steelcase Gesture Chair?

Most people might think that getting a headrest for your ergonomic chair is an unnecessary feature. It is “optional” after all.

While it may come at an extra cost, the benefits of getting a headrest can do wonders for comfort and your overall health.

Here are just some of the reasons why a headrest is necessary:

Enhanced Spinal Health

Steelcase Gesture Office Desk Chair with Headrest

Your spine bears the brunt of the wear and tear that comes with sitting for hours at a time. By supporting your neck and spine, you’ll be able to achieve full-day comfort from a better overall posture.

Prevent Back Pain

By removing the unnecessary pressure on the muscles of your back, you can prevent aggravated back pain.

A headrest encourages you to take some time off throughout the day. In the long run, you need to be gentle on your back to prevent any long-term damage caused by sitting for hours.

Increased Productivity and Cognitive Capacity

Not many people know that sleeping on the job can increase your productivity!

A headrest is just what you need to get much needed rest for a productive work day.

Especially for people who work more than 6 hours a day, a twenty-minute nap can increase your productivity and energy two-fold.

Productivity increased

Optimal Comfort

With a headrest, you’re giving your neck, shoulder, and back a place to relax tense muscles. When you invest in an ergonomic chair with a headrest, you can be assured that you’re getting the best in comfort.

Can I Add or Remove the Steelcase Gesture Headrest?

Steelcase released two versions of the Gesture chair: one with a headrest and one without a headrest. You may be wondering why Steelcase would release two versions of the Gesture chair in the first place?

The answer lies with the customer’s preference. Some don’t care to spend extra money on a feature that they will only use once or twice a day. Meanwhile, other people badly need a headrest to relieve back pain and improve overall posture.

You can buy a Steelcase Gesture chair with the headrest  attached. In case you want to remove the headrest, you can do so with the help of a screwdriver.

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair, Licorice

However, if you’ve already bought a Steelcase Gesture chair without the headrest, you should know that Steelcase doesn’t sell the headrest separately. If you’d like to install a headrest or replace your old one, you may still do so with any generic headrest.

Where to Buy a Steelcase Gesture Headrest?

Since Steelcase doesn’t sell Gesture headrests separately, you will need to buy an aftermarket one from Amazon or an independent seller. Don’t forget to read the reviews carefully to ensure that you’re getting a good-quality headrest.

You should also consider the design and the build of the headrest before installation. Since it’s not specifically meant for the Gesture, you may need to drill holes into your office chair.

However, you should remember that any physical alterations to Steelcase chairs will void the warranty.

We prefer height-adjustable headrests  since they’re more comfortable and will be well-suited for your height. You can also buy headrests for Herman Miller chairs  since they work great with the design of the Steelcase gesture.

The Original Headrest for The Herman Miller Aeron Chair H3 Carbon

How to Remove the Headrest from the Steelcase Gesture

Do you need to remove your Steelcase Gesture headrest? Maybe you’d like to replace your worn-down headrest with a new one.

Follow these instructions on how to remove the Steelcase Gesture headrest:

  1. Pull the top of the headrest backward to reveal the snaps between the cushion and the shell.
  2. Use a screwdriver to disengage the four snaps on the back of the cushion. Separating the snaps will remove the cushion.
  3. Pull the headrest down towards the front of the seat to access the screws.
  4. Remove the four screws on the back of the headrest with a T-15 bt (3a) screwdriver 
Channellock T153a T15 Professional Torx Screwdriver

Adding a Headrest to the Steelcase Gesture

Here’s how to install a separate headrest to the Steelcase Gesture. You will need a power drill and a screwdriver to complete these steps.

  1. Attach the headrest to the back of your chair with a screwdriver. The screw holes on the top of your backrest should match those in the bottom of your new headrest. If more screw holes are needed, you may need to drill these yourself with a power drill .
AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium lon Cordless Drill, Power Drill Set

2. If metal clips are available on the headrest, make sure to secure these to the left, right, and middle of the headrest.

3. Adjust the headrest to your desired height.

Conclusion

Having a headrest on your Steelcase Gesture can improve your posture by providing additional support for your neck and spine.

The Steelcase Gesture is available with and without the headrest.

If you bought the Steelcase Gesture with the headrest, you can choose to remove the headrest with a screwdriver.

Unfortunately, the Steelcase Gesture headrest isn’t sold separately but you can buy a generic one online if you want to replace your old headrest.