How To Measure Your Head For A Wig? A Beginner's Guide

Are you bursting with anticipation to reinvent yourself and bring your wildest hair fantasies to life? Then wigs are the perfect solution as they offer you an endless world of hairstyles. From luscious long locks to shorter styles and bright colors, a wig gives you free rein to take your look in any creative direction. 

However, before you begin this alluring hair journey, there is an essential preparatory step that cannot be neglected: pricing and fitting a wig accurately for your head size. 

In this enchanting guide, we will guide you through the steps of accurately measuring your head for a wig. Whether you're a first-time wig wearer or an experienced one, this guide is sure to help you find the perfect fit!

What Is Your Wig Size?

Now that you've taken all the measurements, it's time to put them together and calculate your head size for wigs. Most wigs come in standard sizes, so take a look at the chart below to determine which size is right for you:

wig size chart

Once you've identified the size that works best for you, use it as your guide when looking for a wig! If all else fails, you can always get a custom-made wig that's tailored to your exact specifications. With the right measurements, you can be sure that your next wig fits perfectly and looks natural! 

Why Accurate Measurements Matter for Wig Fitting?

When styling and selecting the perfect wig, nothing is more essential than accurate measurements. It is important to pay special attention to exactness in this regard, as it is the key to experiencing a successful and pleasing wig experience. 

Wig fitting can be an intricate process, yet one that yields plentiful rewards when accomplished with measured precision. There are multiple reasons why a careful approach is advantageous:

Why Accurate Measurements Matter for Wig Fitting

1. Comfortable Fit

Imagine wearing a wig that's too tight, causing headaches and discomfort, or one that's too loose, constantly slipping and sliding. Accurate measurements ensure that the wig sits snugly and comfortably on your head, allowing you to wear it for extended periods without any discomfort.

2. Natural Appearance

An ill-fitting wig can be a telltale sign that you're wearing one, drawing unnecessary attention and undermining the natural look you desire. Accurate measurements ensure that the wig closely mimics the shape and size of your head, resulting in a seamless and authentic appearance that blends flawlessly with your natural hairline.

3. Enhanced Confidence

When you look good, you feel good. A properly fitting wig boosts your self-assurance, empowering you to flaunt your unique style with confidence. You'll be amazed at how a well-fitted wig can elevate your overall look and transform your attitude.

4. Stability and Security

No one wants to worry about their wig slipping or falling off at inconvenient moments. Accurate measurements provide a stable and secure fit, ensuring your wig stays in place even during vigorous activities or gusty winds.

5. Correct Wig Size Selection

By obtaining precise measurements, you can confidently and effortlessly choose the perfect wig size that caters to your specific needs. Wigs are available in a range of sizes, and knowing your measurements empowers you to avoid any inconvenience of returns or exchanges, ensuring an optimal fit and enhancing your overall wig-wearing experience.

6. Natural Hair Protection

Wearing wigs can be an excellent way to protect your natural hair from styling damage, heat, and the harsh effects of environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays. 

By providing a barrier between your hair and these external elements, a well-fitted wig not only keeps your hair tucked away securely but also safeguards it from potential harm, allowing it to thrive and maintain its natural health and beauty in the long run.

7. Time and Cost Savings

Accurate measurements help you make the right purchase the first time around, avoiding unnecessary returns and saving both time and money. You can invest in the perfect wig confidently, knowing it will complement your style flawlessly.

Equipment You'll Need to Measure Your Head

To get started, gather the following equipment:

Measuring Tape: 

measure tape

A soft, flexible measuring tape is essential for taking precise measurements.

Clips or Pins: 

hair pins

Hair clips or bobby pins will help secure any hair out of the way during measurement.

Mirror: 

A full-length mirror or a friend to assist you in the process will be beneficial.

Pen and Paper: 

Have a notepad and pen handy to jot down measurements and notes.

Now, let's move on to the step-by-step measuring process.

Imp Step: Prepare Your Natural Hair Before Measurement

For Long Hair:

gather long hair into a low bun

If you have long hair, it's crucial to secure it properly before measuring your head. Follow these steps:

1. Brush Hair: Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots.

2. Tie Hair Back: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Make sure the ponytail lies flat against your head.

3. Pin or Clip Bangs: If you have bangs or shorter hair in the front, use clips or pins to hold them back.

For Short Hair:

put on a wig cap

If you have shorter hair, you'll need to take extra measures to ensure an accurate measurement. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a Wig Cap: Start by placing a wig cap on your head. This will help flatten the surface of your hair and provide an even base for taking measurements. 

2. Maneuver Hair Down: Next, use a comb or your fingers to maneuver any remaining hair down and against your scalp.

3. Press Hair Down with Wig Cap: Once your hair is in place, press it down securely using a wig cap. This will make sure that nothing moves while you are measuring your head circumference. 

Securing your natural hair will provide a smooth surface for accurate measurements and prevent any interference with the wig's fit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Take Accurate Head Measurements

Have you ever tried on a wig with disastrous results? This could be because you didn't accurately measure your head before buying or making one. Most wigs come in standard sizes, but if the fit isn't perfect, that wig won't look natural, and it won't cushion your scalp correctly, either. To make sure your wig fits perfectly, head measurements are incredibly important! Here are 6 easy steps to help you measure correctly:

1. Measure Circumference

2. Measure Front Hairline to Nape

3. Measure Ear-to-Ear Across Forehead

4. Measure Ear-to-Ear Over the Top

5. Measure Temple-to-Temple Around the Back

6. Measure the Nape of the Neck

Let's look at each measurement in detail.

Step #1: Measure Circumference

Measuring the circumference of your head involves going around its entire distance. Begin by placing one end of a tape measure in the center between your eyebrows, just above the bridge of your nose. 

Gently stretch it around the curves of your head, behind one ear, then down to the nape of your neck.

Measure Circumference

From there, sweep it over to the other ear and back up to its original starting point in the middle of your forehead. Ensure that the tape measure fits snugly on your head without being too tight or uncomfortably tight in any area. After taking the measurement, write down this number and move on to Step #2.

Step #2: Measure Front Hairline to Nape

Measure Front Hairline to Nape

This measurement involves determining the length of your wig from the front hairline to the nape of your neck. Start at your natural hairline at the center of your forehead and run the tape over the crown of your head to the lowest point of your hairline at the nape of your neck. Check the measurement on the tape, ensuring it follows the contours of your head. Then jot down this number and proceed to Step #3. 

Step #3: Measure Ear-to-Ear Across Forehead 

Measure Ear-to-Ear Across Forehead

The ear-to-ear measurement determines the width of your wig across your forehead. Begin by positioning the tape at one ear, then bring it across your head to the other ear, ensuring you run it above your eyebrows and along the natural hairline. Check that the tape follows the contours of your head securely, and jot down this number before moving on to Step #4. 

Step #4: Measure Ear-to-Ear Over the Top

Measure Ear-to-Ear Over the TopThis measurement gauges the width of your wig from ear to ear over the top of your head. Start at one ear and bring the tape over the highest point on your head, then down to the other ear. Make sure you stretch it around the curves of your head without making it too tight or uncomfortable. After taking this measurement, write down this number and move on to Step #5. 

Step #5: Measure Temple-to-Temple Around the Back

Measure Temple-to-Temple Around the Back

Position the measuring tape at the end of your eyebrow, near your temple, and draw it back and across to the other temple. Ensure that your tape is lying level and pulls tight for an accurate measurement, as having slight slippage can cause the measurement to be off. Writing down your measurement right away helps eliminate mistakes from mishandling or forgetting the number. Check off Step #6 once you have obtained your temple-to-temple measurement of your wig!

Step #6: Measure the Nape of the Neck

To ensure your wig sits securely on your head, you'll need to measure the nape. Begin by taking a tape measure and placing it at the base of one ear just below your earlobe.

Measure the Nape of the Neck

Then, pull the tape around the base of your hairline until it reaches below the opposite ear. Having someone else assist you might provide better accuracy, but with a mirror handy, you can accurately perform this task on your own! Once this number is calculated clearly, your measurement-taking is complete!

Video On How To Measure Head Size For A Wig

In A Nutshell

In summary, it is essential to take accurate measurements of your head when we are looking for the right wig size. Proportions and details matter more than ever in getting ready for your new look. It is crucial to prepare your natural hair before commencing any measuring procedure. 

We hope that this short and easy-to-follow guide is of help when shopping for a wig according to the type of measurement you're required to take. So if you're a beginner in wigs and not sure how you measure for a wig size - be sure to follow our A Beginner's Guide to Accurately Measuring Your Head for a Wig article! We wish you success on your new journey in wig-wearing!


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