How to Measure Head for Wig: A Step-by-Step Guide

One very important thing that people often overlook is how the wig fits your head. If the wig cap is too tight, wearing it will be very uncomfortable. On the other hand, if the cap is too big, the wig will slide around and look very obvious. Measuring your head size might seem hard, but it is actually very easy if you follow each step carefully. Join Royal Hair to find out how to measure head for wig correctly in the article below!

Table of Contents

Crucial Step Before Measuring: Flatten Your Natural Hair

If you are not completely bald, you must flatten your natural hair before measuring. This step is super important. If your hair is messy or in a ponytail, your numbers won’t be correct. Usually, the size will turn out way too big.

Here is a tip. Braid your hair close to your scalp. Or, tie it back in a neat, low bun at the nape of your neck. The flatter your hair, the more accurate the measurement.

How to Measure Your Head for a Wig

Head Circumference

This is the most important measurement. Start at your front hairline, right in the center. Wrap the tape measure around, going behind your ears, down to the nape of your neck, and back up to the start. Make sure the tape stays flat and isn’t twisted.

Front to Back

Place the tape at the middle of your forehead, right at the hairline. Pull it back over the center of your crown, down to the bottom of your hairline at the back of your neck. This tells you how long the wig cap needs to be.

Ear to Ear Across Forehead

Find the point where your ear meets your head on one side. Lay the tape across your front hairline all the way to the same point on the other ear. This helps with the width of the front part of the wig.

Ear to Ear Over Top

Start at the top of one ear. Pull the tape straight over the top of your head (the crown) to the top of the other ear. Don’t let the tape slide forward or backward. It needs to go right over the highest point of your head.

Temple to Temple Around Back

Place the end of the tape on one temple. Wrap it around the back of your head to the other temple. This measurement ensures the wig stays snug around the back and sides.

Nape of the Neck

This is the width of your lower hairline. Measure across the very back of your neck where your natural hair ends. It’s usually a small number, but it’s vital for a secure fit at the back.

Wig Size Charts: Petite, Average, and Large

Most brands have slightly different charts. But in general, there are three main wig sizes: Petite, Average, and Large. The Average size is the most common one. It fits around 90% of people.

Here is the standard chart based on your head circumference:

Quick tip. If your number is between two sizes, always go for the larger one. You can easily make a big wig cap smaller with the adjustable straps. But if it is too small, you cannot stretch it out.

How to Choose the Right Wig Hair Length for You

Choosing the hair length is not just about picking a number. It changes how you look completely. Here is how to find the right length for your style and face shape.

Determining the Hair Length

First, you need to know how wig factories measure hair. They measure from the crown (the top of the head) down to the ends. They do not measure from the nape of the neck.

Another important thing is the hair texture. Straight hair always looks true to its length. But if you buy curly or wavy hair, it will look 1 to 2 inches shorter than straight hair because of the coils. If you want a 20-inch curly wig, you should buy a 22-inch or 24-inch one instead.

Face Shape and Length Matching

The right hair length can hide your flaws and show off your best features. It depends a lot on your face shape:

Round Face: Long hair is your best friend. Choose lengths from 20 inches and up. It makes your face look longer and slimmer. Avoid short bob wigs that end right at your chin.
Oval Face: You are lucky. This face shape fits almost any length. You can go super short with a pixie cut or super long with 26-inch hair.
Long Face: Short or medium wigs (around 12 to 16 inches) with bangs or layers are perfect. They add volume to the sides and make your face look shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my wig doesn’t fit properly?

It’s easy to feel. If the wig is too small, it will squeeze your head. You will get a headache behind your ears or at your temples after a few minutes. It might also slide backward, showing your natural hairline.

If it’s too big, the cap will bunch up or feel baggy at the top. When you shake your head, the wig will shift around. Besides, the ear tabs will cover your ears instead of sitting right above them.

How can I adjust a wig that is the wrong size?

Don’t panic yet. Most wigs come with adjustable straps or hooks at the back. Try tightening or loosening them first. It can change the size by up to an inch.

If it’s still a bit loose, use a wig grip band underneath. It adds thickness and holds the cap in place. If it’s way too small, though, you might need to exchange it. You can’t force a tiny cap on a big head.

What is the best way to hold a wig in place?

You have a few quick options. A silicone wig grip is the easiest way. It holds the wig tight without glue.

If you have hair underneath, use wig clips or bobby pins to sew or clip the cap to your natural braids. For a super secure hold, especially for lace fronts, use special wig glue or double-sided wig tape.

Can a regular metal hardware tape measure give an accurate head size?

No. Just don’t do it. Metal tapes are stiff. They cannot wrap around the curves of your skull. You will get a completely wrong number, usually much bigger than your real size. Plus, the sharp metal edges can scratch your skin. Stick to a soft cloth or plastic measuring tape. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string, then lay it flat against a regular ruler.

Measuring your head takes like five minutes. But trust me, it saves you from months of literal headaches. If the cap doesn’t fit, the wig won’t look real. Period. So don’t rush. Now that you know how to measure head for wig, go grab a soft tape and get your numbers.

Still confused about your size? Or don’t know which length to pick? Just text Royal Hair. We will help you find the perfect one.