How to measure your wig size at home: step-by-step guide
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Guides
Why it matters to know your wig size
Getting your wig size right is the first step to wearing it comfortably, securely and with a natural fall. Measuring your head at home is easy: all you need is a flexible tape measure and a few minutes in front of the mirror. With the right measurements you avoid a wig that feels tight or slips, which is key to feeling at ease all day long.
In this guide we take you through it step by step, with an indicative size chart and a clear sign of when a personalised fitting at our Barcelona shop is a good idea.
What you need before you start
Get everything ready and choose a calm moment. The more relaxed you are, the more accurate your measurements will be.
- A flexible sewing tape measure, never a rigid ruler.
- A mirror or, even better, someone to help you.
- Your hair flat against your head: if you have hair, pin it back.
- Paper and a pen to note down each measurement.
How to measure your head at home, step by step
Three measurements define your size. Take them with the tape resting comfortably on your skin, without pulling it tight.
1. Head circumference
This is the most important measurement. Wrap the tape around your head across your forehead (just above the eyebrows), over the tops of your ears and around the nape. That circumference, in centimetres, is the closest to your size.
2. Front to nape
Measure from your front hairline to the base of the nape, passing over the highest point of your head. This checks the length of the wig.
3. Ear to ear
Run the tape from in front of one ear, over the crown, to the same point on the other side. This gives you the width.
Indicative wig size chart
Most people wear an average size. Use this guide based on your head circumference:
- Small (Petite): approx. 52–53.5 cm.
- Medium (Average): approx. 54–56.5 cm. The most common.
- Large: approx. 57–59 cm.
These are guide values: every model and brand varies slightly, and many wigs have inner adjusters that change the circumference by a few centimetres. So if your measurement falls right between two sizes, always choose the larger one and adjust it afterwards.
Common mistakes when measuring your size
They are small details, but they change the result. Avoid them and your measurements will be much more reliable:
- Pulling the tape tight: it should sit comfortably, not mark your skin. A tight tape will give you a smaller size than your real one.
- Leaving lots of hair loose: the volume of your own hair adds to the circumference. Pin it back flat before measuring.
- Measuring only once: repeat each measurement two or three times and keep the value that comes up most.
- Forgetting the nape: the tape should pass under the base of the nape, not above it, or the circumference will come out too short.
When it is worth trying it on in the shop
Measuring at home is an excellent starting point, but there are times when an in-person fitting makes all the difference. If you are going through cancer treatment and notice changes in your scalp, or if you are torn between several models, a calm assessment gives you peace of mind.
At our Barcelona shop we see you in a private room, with no rush and in complete confidence. We check the real fit, the feel and the fall, and guide you towards the options that suit you best, whether that is wigs for cancer patients, human hair models or turbans for everyday wear. If you would rather not travel, we also offer video consultations. And if you are undergoing medical treatment, talk through any questions with your oncology team.
Need help choosing your size?
If you would like us to advise you in person, we will be delighted to welcome you, at your own pace and with no obligation. You can book your appointment in the shop or by video call, or message us on WhatsApp with any questions before your visit. We are here to help you feel good about yourself.