How to Measure Your Head For A Wig

Wigs can do a lot—they add style, boost confidence, and give you more control over your look. But to make the most of any wig, it needs to fit well.

That starts with knowing how to measure your head for a wig the right way.

A proper fit means the wig stays secure, feels comfortable, and won’t leave you with a headache halfway through the day.

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

Getting the right wig size starts with six key measurements. You'll need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and maybe a friend to help with the back angles.

Write down each number in inches or centimeters—whichever you prefer—just be consistent.

1. Head Circumference

Wrap the tape around your entire hairline.

Start at your front hairline, go above your ears, around the back of your head at the nape, and then come back around to the starting point.

Keep the tape snug but not tight. This is the most commonly used measurement for picking wig sizes (small, medium, large).

2. Front to Back

Place the tape at your front hairline (center of your forehead), run it over the crown, and stop at the nape of your neck.

Make sure the tape hugs the curve of your head, not just a straight line in the air.

3. Side to Side (Across Forehead)

Measure from one temple to the other, across your forehead—just above the eyebrows.

This helps determine how wide the front of your wig should be for a natural fit.

4. Side to Side (Over the Top)

Start at one ear (just above the top), go over the crown of your head, and stop at the opposite ear.

This helps with wigs that have lace or structured tops, so it sits flat and doesn’t shift.

5. Temple to Temple Across the Back

Place the tape at one temple, wrap it around the back of your head (just above the occipital bone), and stop at the opposite temple.

This measures the back curve, which affects how the wig hugs the lower part of your head.

6. Nape of Neck

Measure straight across the base of your neck, from one side of your hairline to the other.

A snug nape fit helps prevent the wig from riding up or feeling loose in the back.

So, which measurement matters most?

Head circumference is the big one.

Most wig sizes are based on it. If your other numbers are close to standard, this is usually enough to get a good fit.

But if you have a unique head shape (like a flatter crown or wider forehead), the other measurements help fine-tune the fit.

What if your measurements fall between sizes?

Go with the larger size. It's easier to adjust a wig that's a bit roomy—most come with straps or combs for tightening. A wig that's too small, though? Harder to fix, and it might not stay in place.