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

Finding a wig you love is exciting—but before choosing the color and style, it is important to make sure the wig will fit comfortably and securely. A wig that is too tight may cause pressure or headaches, while one that is too loose may shift and feel less secure.

The good news is that measuring your head is easy, takes only a few minutes and can help you shop with much more confidence.

At Shirley’s Wig Shoppe, we want you to look gorgeous and feel confident in your wig. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to take the six basic head measurements used when determining wig size.

Why Is the Right Wig Size So Important?

The right fit affects much more than comfort. It can also influence how natural your wig looks and how confidently you wear it.

A properly fitted wig should:

• Feel comfortable without excessive pressure

• Sit securely without slipping or shifting

• Position the ear tabs evenly near your temples

• Follow your natural hairline correctly

• Allow the nape of the wig to sit where it belongs

• Look balanced and natural from every angle

Many ready-to-wear wigs are made in an average cap size, but average does not fit everyone. Petite and large cap wigs are also available, and some styles offer more adjustability than others. Taking your measurements before ordering gives you a better starting point for finding the right fit.

What You Will Need

You only need a few simple items:

• A soft, flexible cloth measuring tape

• A mirror

• A pen and paper or your phone to record each measurement

• A friend to help, if possible

Do not use a stiff construction-style measuring tape because it will not follow the curves of your head accurately.

Before You Begin

For the most accurate results, measure your head the way it will be underneath your wig.

If you have biological hair, flatten it as much as possible. Braid, wrap or pin longer hair close to your head without creating bulky areas. Remove clips, high ponytails and anything else that changes the shape of your head.

Keep the measuring tape snug against your head, but do not pull it tight. It should lie flat without squeezing your skin. Take each measurement at least twice and record the result in inches.

The Six Measurements to Take

1. Circumference

This is the measurement most commonly used when discussing wig size.

Place the end of the measuring tape at the center of your front hairline. Bring the tape around your head, positioning it just above one ear, around the nape of your neck, above the other ear and back to the starting point.

Make sure the tape is level and rests where the edge of a wig cap would naturally sit.

2. Front Hairline to Nape

Place the tape at the center of your front hairline. Run it straight back over the crown of your head to the point at the nape where you want the wig to end.

This measurement helps determine whether the wig cap will be long enough from front to back. If it is too short, the wig may ride up. If it is too long, excess space may bunch at the crown or nape.

3. Ear to Ear Across the Forehead

Place the tape at the point just above one ear where the wig’s ear tab would sit. Bring it across your forehead, following your natural hairline, to the same point above the opposite ear.

This measurement helps with the positioning of the front hairline and ear tabs.

4. Ear to Ear Over the Top

Begin at the top edge of one ear. Bring the tape straight over the top of your head and down to the top edge of the opposite ear.

Do not let the tape slide toward the front or back of your head. It should pass over the highest point of your crown.

5. Temple to Temple Around the Back

Place the tape at one temple. Bring it around the back of your head, following the curve just above the occipital bone—the rounded area at the back of your head—and continue to the opposite temple.

This measurement helps account for the width and shape of the back of your head.

6. Nape of Neck

Measure across the width of your nape from one side of your natural hairline to the other.

Avoid measuring too low on your neck or extending the tape beyond the hairline. This measurement helps determine how the back of the wig will sit and whether it will feel secure at the nape.

Wig Size Is Based on More Than One Number

You may see general wig-size charts based primarily on head circumference. These can be helpful, but circumference alone does not tell the whole story.

Two people can have the same circumference while having very different front-to-nape or ear-to-ear measurements. The shape of your head, the amount of hair tucked underneath the wig and the construction of the wig cap can all affect the fit.

Sizing also varies by manufacturer and sometimes by style. A wig described as average may feel roomier or more snug than another average-sized wig. Always consult the sizing information for the particular wig you are considering.

What If You Fall Between Sizes?

Do not worry if your measurements do not fit perfectly into one size category. That is very common.

Many wigs have adjustable straps or tabs at the nape that allow you to make small fit changes. Cap construction, stretch and the distribution of your measurements can also affect which size will work best.

If most of your measurements fall within one size but one measurement is different, ask for guidance before assuming you need to size up or down. Choosing the larger size is not automatically the best answer, especially if only one area falls outside the typical range.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

• Pulling the tape too tightly

• Leaving thick or bulky hair underneath the tape

• Measuring over a wig instead of directly over your prepared hair or scalp

• Allowing the tape to twist or sag

• Guessing where the natural hairline or nape should be

• Measuring only the circumference

• Rounding measurements too much

• Using one brand’s size chart for every wig

Taking your time now can save you frustration later.

Keep Your Measurements Handy

Head size and shape are unique, so keep all six measurements in your phone or another convenient place. You can refer to them whenever you shop for a new wig or ask for fitting assistance.

Remember that measurements are an important guide, but they are only one part of choosing a wig. Cap construction, adjustability, stretch, your biological hair and personal comfort preferences all play a role.

Need Help Finding the Right Fit?

If you are unsure about your measurements or which wig size may be best for you, Shirley’s Wig Shoppe is here to help. Contact us with your six measurements and the wig style you are considering, and we can help you review the available sizing information before you order.

The right wig should not only look beautiful—it should feel comfortable, secure and wonderfully wearable.

Look gorgeous, feel confident.