Getting the right wig size is one of the most important steps to ensuring your wig looks natural, feels comfortable and stays securely in place. Fortunately, measuring your head for a wig takes less than five minutes and requires nothing more than a soft tape measure. Here's exactly how to do it.
What You Need
A soft fabric or flexible tape measure (the kind used for sewing). If you don't have one, a piece of string and a ruler work just as well. Take measurements over any existing hair you have, or directly against your scalp if you are already experiencing hair loss.
The Five Key Measurements
1. Circumference (around the head): Place the tape measure at your hairline in the centre of your forehead, bring it around the back of your head just below the occipital bone (the bump at the base of your skull), and return to your starting point. This is your most important measurement.
2. Front to nape: Place the tape at your front hairline and run it over the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. This tells you the length of the wig cap from front to back.
3. Ear to ear across forehead: Measure from just in front of one ear, across your forehead, to just in front of the other ear.
4. Ear to ear over the crown: Measure from ear to ear, but this time pass the tape over the top of your head rather than across your forehead.
5. Temple to temple around back: Start at one temple, pass the tape around the back of your head, and finish at the opposite temple.
Standard Wig Sizes
Most wigs come in petite (under 53cm), average (53–57cm) and large (over 57cm) sizes. Average fits the majority of wearers. Most Milk & Honey Wigs caps include adjustable Velcro straps that allow up to 2cm of adjustment within a size, so many customers find average fits perfectly even if their measurement is slightly outside that range.
If you're unsure, bring your measurements to your consultation and we'll help you identify the right size and cap style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wig do I need if my head circumference is 56cm?
A 56cm circumference falls within the standard average cap size range (53–57cm), which is the most common wig size. Most wigs in this size also include adjustable internal straps, giving you extra room to fine-tune the fit.
Should I measure my head with my hair up or down?
Measure with your hair as flat as possible — if you have long hair, flatten it against your scalp or pin it up under a wig cap liner before measuring. This gives the most accurate representation of the space the wig will need to fit over.
My head measurements are between two sizes — which should I choose?
If your measurements fall between a petite and average, we generally recommend the average size, as internal adjustment straps can take it in. If you are between average and large, choose large — a wig that's slightly too tight is far more uncomfortable than one that's slightly loose and can be adjusted.
Can I adjust a wig if it doesn't fit perfectly?
Yes. Nearly all of our wigs include adjustable Velcro straps at the nape of the neck that allow you to take the cap in or let it out by 1–2cm. For more significant adjustments, a wig fitter or experienced hairdresser can alter the cap construction.
Do I need to measure my head if I'm buying a custom wig?
Yes, all five measurements are required for a custom or made-to-order wig. During a consultation at Milk & Honey Wigs, we take all measurements for you and ensure the cap is constructed to fit your unique head shape precisely.
