How to Measure Wig Length

Co-authored by Tiffany Pate and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 23, 2022 References

If you're new to the world of wigs, you might be a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. When it comes to wig length, there's just one crucial measurement you need to know—how long the hair is in the back from crown to tip. This is where the hair is the longest and wigs are sold according to this particular length measurement. Grab a flexible tape measure, get comfortable, and we'll walk you through the process!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wig Measurement

1
Place the wig on a wig stand or head form. To accurately measure hair length on an existing wig, pull the wig’s cap over a wig stand or head form. Adjust the wig with the hairline in the correct position running along the top of the forehead and behind the ears.^{[1]
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- If you don’t have a wig stand or head form, lay the wig hair out flat on a table or other flat surface.^{[2]
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2
Position the end of a flexible measuring tape at the wig’s crown. The crown is the highest spot on the back of the skull.^{[3]
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Research source} Locate this area on the head form and place the end of a flexible measuring tape there.^{[4]
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- If you’re measuring the wig on a table, don't place the tape measure at the front hairline!^{[5]
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  Research source} Make sure you start measuring at the wig cap's crown.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tiffany Pate
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.}
- A straight ruler works in a pitch if you don’t have a flexible tape.
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3
Pull the tape measure from the roots to the ends in the back. Find the tip of the longest layer in the back of the wig. Measure the length of the hair from the root (which begins at cap’s lace or “scalp”) to the longest tip.^{[7]
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- Wig length is usually measured in inches, but write it down in inches and centimeters just in case.
- This measurement is the “finished length." It's the only length measurement listed on wig websites and packaging.^{[8]
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- Most wigs have shorter layers on top, so measuring the sides won't give you an accurate length measurement.
4
Stretch out wavy or curly hair and measure from root to tip in the back. Gently pull the wig hair so it stretches out straight. Then, measure the hair from the roots to the longest point in the back of the wig.^{[9]
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- This is the hair’s true length since unstretched curls and waves look shorter than really are.
5
Measure from the crown to the ends on the side to check layer length. Layer length isn’t listed on wig websites or packaging, but measuring the sides can give you a better understanding of where these layers will fall. Measure from root to tip, starting at the crown, just as you did before.^{[10]
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- You only need to measure 1 side since the other side should be identical in length.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Length Options

1
Choose where you want the wig hair to reach. Think about the look you're going for and decide where you want the hair to fall down your back. The hair in the back will be the longest and wigs are sold according to this particular measurement.^{[11]
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- If you want a chin- or shoulder-length wig, skip this step.
2
Place the end of a flexible measuring tape at your crown. To figure out the wig length that you want, locate the crown of your head and place the end of a flexible measuring tape at that point.^{[12]
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Research source} The crown of your head is at the top back of your skull, right before it starts curving downward.^{[13]
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- This is the standard way to measure wig hair length. Using the same technique gives you the most accurate measurement for wig shopping.
3
Measure from your crown to the chosen length on your back. Start at your roots on the crown of your head. Measure from the roots to the desired length in the back. Record this measurement in inches and centimeters if you want a wig with straight hair.^{[14]
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- If you plan to buy a curly wig, add 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) to the length.^{[15]
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- It's important to measure yourself first instead of choosing a standard wig length like "long" or "medium." A 20 in (51 cm) wig might suit a tall, lean body frame just fine, but it could completely overwhelm a petite frame. Overall height, neck length, and torso length play big roles when it comes to what a wig actually looks like on a person.
- If you're tall and lean, wigs tend to look shorter on you than they actually are.
4
Part your hair and measure from your crown to your chin for a bob-length wig. For bobs and chin-length styles, part your hair down the center. Then, place the end of the measuring tape at your crown where the center part falls. Instead of measuring length in the back, stretch the tape to the side. Measure length at the point where you want the hair to fall.^{[16]
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- Be sure to measure straight down! Don’t curve the tape over your cheeks or toward your chin.
- Shorter wigs tend to accentuate neck length. If you have a short neck, this can be a good thing. If you already have a long, lean neck, you may not want to accentuate that characteristic.
- If you want a curly wig, add 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) to your the measurement.
5
Pull the tape from your crown to your shoulder bone for shoulder-length styles. Part your hair down the center. Then, place 1 end of the tape measure where the center part meets the crown of your head. Pull the tape measure over to the side and let it fall straight down until it hits your shoulder bone. Decide the exact length you want and write the measurement down in inches and centimeters.^{[17]
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- Most shoulder-length wigs measure 14–18 in (36–46 cm) in length. That 4 in (10 cm) difference is a lot if you think about it! That's because "shoulder-length" or "medium length" isn't a one-size-fits-all category. Wig length can look drastically different depending on height, facial structure, and body type.
- Add 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) to the measurement if you want a curly wig.
- Choose a wig according to your lifestyle.^{[18]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tiffany Pate
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.}
- See what wig length you are comfortable with and will be able to wear.^{[19]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tiffany Pate
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.}