How to Measure Your Head for a Wig by, Rhea Parsons

How to Measure Your Head for a Wig

by, Rhea Parsons

 After weeks or months of research, you have decided it is time to bite the bullet and order a wig. You found some styles you like and you are pretty sure which color you want, but what size should you order?! Yes, wigs come in sizes, but not numerical sizes like jeans. Wigs are usually categorized as petite, average, and large. So how do you know which size your head is? Here are some tips on how to accurately measure your head and determine the best fit for you.

1. Use a Flexible Measuring Tape

This is not the time to borrow your kid’s school ruler or the 6-ft. folding ruler you keep in the garage. You want to use a flexible measuring tape that can remain close to your head while you measure. I use the fiberglass measuring tape sent to me by Tia Maria Wigs. It comes in several colors and it’s lightweight and easy to use.

2. Bio Hair, Bald or Wig Caps

The measurements will be a bit different if you have bio hair versus not. If you have bio hair, pin it up or back to make measuring easier. If you plan on wearing a wig cap, put that on before taking the measurements, as it will add up to half an inch. 

3. Measure the Circumference

Measure the circumference of your head by placing the end of the measuring tape at your hairline in the front, wrap the measuring tape around your head, below your occipital bone, and back around until it meets the front. The average circumference is about 21.5 inches. If your circumference is less than 21 inches, you can possibly wear a petite size. If your circumference is larger than 22 inches, you may feel more comfortable in a large-size cap. My circumference is 22 inches, which is average.

4. Measure the Diameter

 There are two measurements involved in the diameter. First, measure the top of your head, from ear to ear. Place the measuring tape near the top of your ear, and bring it over your head to the same place above your other ear. This measurement can tell you how a wig will fit at your ears. Ideally, the wig will not touch your ears. My ear-to-ear measurement is 11 inches.

Second, measure from your hairline (about four fingers above your brow bone) to the back of your head, at the indentation of your occipital bone. This measurement can tell you how a wig will fit and whether it might slide up your head. My front-to-back measurement is 13 inches.

5. Size Chart

There are many size charts you can refer to online. This is an example of one:

Choose the size that corresponds to your largest measurement in the size chart. Although my ear-to-ear and front-to-back measurements are petite, my circumference makes me an average size. 

6. Other Factors to Consider

Okay, so now you have measured your head and you know whether you fall into the petite, average, or large category. There are a few other factors to keep in mind.

1. Manufacturer – All wigs are designed differently from manufacturer to manufacturer and the sizes may run differently as well. Estetica Designs, for example, tends to run a bit larger, while Noriko is said to run a bit smaller. You may decide you need to move up or down a size, depending on which brand of wig you are considering. Also, not all wigs come in different sizes. Most tend to be average with companies offering some styles in petite and large.
2. Adjustments – wigs come with adjusters along the nape that let you tighten or loosen the wig up to an inch or more. Sometimes, tightening or loosening these adjusters can help the wig to fit better and more securely.
3. Stretch – some wig caps stretch more than others. Wefted caps have much more stretch than hand-tied caps. If you are buying a hand-tied cap and you are on the cusp of one size, you may decide to get a larger size. Wigs also stretch a bit with wear over time. 
4. Wig Caps and Grips – again, a wig cap or grip can add up to half an inch to your measurements. If you plan to wear a wig cap or grip, do the measurements with it on your head.
5. Changes – here is a factor I just learned – my illness causes tissue swelling. I felt like my wigs were snugger than usual so I remeasured my head and found that my circumference had increased by half an inch. Medications, significant weight gain or weight loss, and other factors can lead to changes in your measurements. It is a good idea to retake your measurements from time to time, just to see if there are any changes.

7. Do Your Research

One of the best resources is a friendly and helpful wig community. Ask your wig sisters in social media groups about comfort and how certain brands fit. Watch reviews and see what the reviewers think about the size of the wig. The reviewers all share their measurements and show how the wigs fit them. Information is readily available; make use of it. 

 Happy Wig Shopping!!