Choosing the perfect wig often begins with accurate measurements of your head. Ensuring a proper fit not only enhances comfort but also contributes to a natural look. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to accurately measure your head for a wig.
How to Measure Your Head for a Wig
The most common mistake people make when measuring their head for a wig is not braiding their hair down before taking the measurements. It's important to measure your head with your hair in the same style it will be in under the wig to ensure accurate measurements.
Another mistake is not placing the measuring tape correctly. For example, when measuring the circumference, make sure the tape is placed on your actual head, not over your ears.
Additionally, not measuring from the correct points can lead to inaccurate measurements. For instance, when measuring the front to the nape, start at your hairline and go all the way down to the nape of your neck. And finally, if getting a frontal wig or a full lace wig, some people forget to measure the ear to ear over the top of their head, which is important for determining how much to cut off for the ear tabs.
Tools You Will Need
Before you begin, prepare a soft measuring tape, a pen, a piece of paper to record your measurements. Some bobby pins and hair bands to secure your hair. A wig cap(optional), is to help you get the most accurate data.
Preparation
If you plan to wear the wig with your natural hair underneath, make sure it's flat and as close to your scalp as possible. For accurate measurements, either braid or wrap your hair tightly against your head. Wear a wig cap to ensure a flat surface.
Make sure to hold the measuring tape at a consistent level around your head. It should be parallel to the ground to get an accurate measurement. Avoid tilting the tape up or down, as it can affect the circumference.
A Detailed Step-by-steps Guide
Step 1: Measure the Circumference
Start by placing a measuring tape on your forehead, just above your eyebrows. Wrap it around the back of your head, ensuring it sits just above your ears and hairline, and meet it back at your starting point. This measurement gives you the circumference of your head.
Step 2: Determine the Forehead to Nape of Neck Measurement
Position the measuring tape at your hairline in the center of your forehead. Gently run it over the top of your head and down to the base of your skull or the nape of your neck. This measurement helps determine the length of the wig from the front to the back.
Step 3: Measure Ear-to-Ear Over the Top
Position the tape at one ear and extend it horizontally across the hairline to the other ear. Record this measurement to ensure the wig fits the width of your forehead.
By measuring ear to ear, you can determine how far the frontal lace needs to be extended and where the ear tabs should be positioned. Cutting the lace accurately around the ear area ensures that the wig fits securely and comfortably, mimicking the appearance of your natural hairline.
Step 4: Ear to Ear across the Front Hairline
To get this measurement, you need to start above your ear and move the tape measure to the same spot on the opposite ear, tracing along your hairline. The center point for this measurement should be the center of your forehead, where your hairline is lowest.
Step 5: Record Temple-to-Temple Measurement
Begin by placing the measuring tape at the temple area on one side of your head, just in front of your ear. Extend the tape across the top of your head to the same spot on the opposite side. This measurement gives you the width from temple to temple, providing an idea of the size of the wig's front hairline.
Step 6: Record Nape of Neck Measurement
Take the measuring tape and position it at one side of your nape, at the base of your skull. Bring it straight across to the other side, measuring the width of your neck at the back.
Step 6: Double Check and Ensure Accuracy
Double-check each measurement to ensure precision. Accuracy is vital for a well-fitting wig.
Wig Size Chart
Final Word
Accurate measurements are crucial in ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking wig. By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to find the perfect-fitting wig, providing both comfort and confidence in your appearance.
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