So taking measurements of your head is the first thing you want to do, yes, before colour or whether you choose a long or short style. Not all wigs will come in the colours you might want so don’t find a wig you like the look of before knowing if it will fit. So, size first.
You will simply need – 1 soft tape measure.
Measuring the Circumference – Make sure all the hair is flat and back off the hairline either clipped out the way or under a wig cap. Holding the tape at the hairline at the front, making sure it’s flat to the head you can wrap around just at the edge of your ear and around to the nape of the hairline and back up the same on the other side.
The back of the tape needs to be just under the occipital bone.
- Petite wigs are between 51cms and 54cms (20 – 21.25 inches)
- Average wigs are between 54cm and 57cm (21.25 – 22.5 inches)
- Large wigs are a larger size than 57cms (22.5 inches)
Do be mindful that if your measurements are sitting in between sizes go to the closest size to Petite, Average or Large. Don’t always assume you are petite and that an average won’t fit you, they vary depending on brand and the individual wig. I have dealt a lot with the brand Ellen Wille which is generally true to size.
Also, good to remember and one people often miss is the discrete little tabs at the back of the wig in the nape. So if you are in between sizes on the circumference then you could loosen or tighten these and alter them accordingly. These come in either velcro or in a bra strap type form.
Often, in my experience of doing fittings for clients, the velcro ones feel softer and less tight but this is all down to personal preference so trying at a wig store could be a good starting point if really unsure.
If you find that you have a flatter and/or less protruding occipital bone then you might need to find someone who can do alterations to the wig you buy specifically for your head shape. Silk strips and/or Wig tapes can be added too for extra security. Without these alterations, the wig may feel like it is riding up because it hasn’t got the bone to sit under giving it some purchase. If you feel you are struggling with this then do seek advice.
Make sure the wig fits behind the actual ear and not on top of the ear. Along with the measurements they need to follow behind your ear to follow your hairline.
If you are due to have chemotherapy treatment and have been told by your consultant that you will lose your hair you might want to purchase a wig before treatment. If this is the case please be mindful that the wig should fit tight and possibly may not even fit to your temples.
If you do go on to lose your hair then the wig will fit differently and be either too big or need adjusting. There are places you can go to get alterations done but the shorter your hair the closer the natural fit will be.
If in preparation you want a hairpiece on standby in case you lose your hair through treatment and don’t want to get one during treatment you could think about getting your hair trimmed a little shorter first. If you have particularly thick and/or long hair when it comes to trying on wigs, having your hair trimmed a little shorter will give you a better idea of fit and not so much to wrap underneath a wig cap.