How to Measure Your Head for a Wig: Getting the Right Fit First Time
One of the most common reasons people return a wig is fit - not colour, not style, but the wig sitting too high on the forehead or feeling loose at the back. A two-minute measuring session before you order solves that entirely.
Here is exactly how to do it, what the numbers mean, and where most people go wrong.
What You Need
- A soft fabric measuring tape (the kind used for sewing)
- A mirror
- A pen and paper
If you do not have a fabric tape measure, a piece of string and a ruler work perfectly well. Do not use a metal tape measure - you cannot follow the contours of your head accurately with a rigid tape.
The Five Measurements That Actually Matter
1. Circumference (the most important number)
This is the one measurement most wig suppliers ask for, and the one printed on wig size labels (petite, average, large).
Starting at your natural hairline in the centre of your forehead, bring the tape around your head just above your ears, around the back of your head at the nape, and back to the starting point. Keep the tape snug but not tight - you should be able to slip one finger underneath it.
Most adult women measure between 54cm and 57cm. This is the "average" band most wigs are designed for. Under 54cm is petite; over 57cm is large.
2. Front to back (crown to nape)
Place the tape at your natural hairline centre-front, run it straight over the top of your head, and down to the nape. This measurement tells you how much coverage you need from front to back and whether a wig will sit correctly along your hairline without riding forward.
Most adults measure 34cm to 37cm here.
3. Ear to ear across the forehead
Start just in front of your left ear (at the natural hairline), bring the tape across your forehead to just in front of your right ear. This helps with how the wig sits around the face frame and whether adjustable straps will be needed.
4. Ear to ear over the top
Same starting points as above, but this time bring the tape over the crown of your head rather than across the forehead. This measures the width of your crown and helps with how the cap sits at the top.
5. Nape width
Measure the width of your nape - from just behind your left ear to just behind your right ear at the base of your skull. This affects how the wig sits at the back and whether the adjustable tabs will be enough to customise the fit.
Wig Size Chart (Standard Measurements)
The table below shows standard sizing used by most Australian wig suppliers, including our range at MH Wigs Outlet:
- Petite / Small: Circumference under 53cm
- Average / Standard: Circumference 53cm to 57cm
- Large: Circumference over 57cm
Most wigs sold in Australia are made to average sizing and include adjustable straps at the back that allow roughly 1.5cm to 2cm of adjustment in either direction. If your measurements fall within a centimetre or two of an average wig's range, the adjusters will close the gap.
Where Most People Go Wrong
Measuring over existing hair or a cap
Take the measurement directly on your head, not over hair that is pinned up or a swimming cap. Bulky hair adds 1-2cm and throws off the sizing.
Pulling the tape too tight
The circumference measurement should follow your head comfortably - if you can see the tape making an indent, loosen it slightly. A wig worn too tightly causes headaches and puts stress on the cap construction.
Skipping the nape measurement
The nape is the most common point of fit failure. A wig that sits beautifully at the front but gaps at the back nearly always comes down to a nape measurement that is outside the standard range. Check it before you order.
What If I Am Between Sizes?
Almost every wig in our range has adjustable tabs at the nape that allow fine-tuning. If you are between petite and average, order average and tighten the tabs. If you are between average and large, order large and use the tabs to reduce the circumference.
Very small heads (under 51cm) and very large heads (over 59cm) may need to look specifically for petite or large-cap options rather than relying on adjusters alone. Our product listings note cap size where it differs from standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wig fits properly?
A correctly fitted wig sits at your natural hairline without being pulled down over it, stays in place when you move your head, does not pinch or create pressure points, and the adjustable tabs at the back should not be at their maximum tightness. If any of these are off, check your measurement against the wig's cap dimensions.
Can I make a wig smaller if it is too large?
Most wigs with adjustable tabs can be taken in by 1.5 to 2cm. Beyond that, a hairdresser experienced with wigs can take in the nape seam, which is a straightforward alteration. Do not attempt this yourself on a first wig.
What wig size is most common in Australia?
Average sizing (53cm to 57cm circumference) fits the majority of adult women. Most wigs are manufactured to this size, which means the widest range of styles is available in average.
Do different wig brands use the same sizing?
Broadly yes, but there is variation. Always check the specific cap measurements listed on the product page rather than relying on the size label alone. We include cap circumference on all our product listings where confirmed by the supplier.