Why Measuring Matters (Even More Than the Wig Itself)
Honey, you can buy the most expensive, hand-tied, virgin hair lace front closure wig on the market, but if you don't measure your head like you mean it, that wig will be a hot mess. I've seen queens try to squeeze into a cap that's two sizes too small, and believe me, the headache is not worth the glam. At Wigplace, we believe every wig should feel like it was made for you—because it should be! Let's get into the nitty-gritty of measuring so your next wig sits like a crown.
What You'll Need
- A flexible measuring tape (no metal rulers, darling)
- A mirror (or a friend with steady hands)
- A pen and paper (or your Notes app)
- A wig cap (to wear during measurements for accuracy)
The Five Essential Measurements
1. Circumference: The Grand Tour
Start at the center of your forehead, just above your eyebrows. Wrap the tape around your head, going above your ears and around the occipital bone at the back. Write that number down. This is the most common measurement, but it's just the beginning.
2. Front to Nape: Hello, Back of the Head!
Place the tape at your hairline in the center front, run it over the top of your head, and go straight down to the nape of your neck. That's your front-to-nape length. Important for closure wigs because the lace needs to sit right.
3. Ear to Ear Across Forehead: The Front Row
Measure from the top of one ear, across the top of your forehead (about where the closure will start), to the top of the other ear. This helps determine the width of the closure itself.
4. Ear to Ear Over Top: The Skyline
Now measure from the top of one ear, over the crown (the highest point of your head), to the top of the other ear. This gives the depth of the cap.
5. Nape of Neck: The Lowdown
Measure across the nape of your neck from ear to ear, going along the hairline at the back. This ensures the wig doesn't ride up when you're working the stage.
Pro Tips from a Drag Queen's Toolkit
First, always measure while wearing a wig cap—it mimics the thickness of a wig and gives you a real fit. Second, write down all five measurements and keep them in your phone. Third, if you're between sizes, go for the larger size and use combs or adhesive to tighten. You can always add a little padding, but you can't stretch a too-small cap.
Understanding Your Closure Size
Closures come in sizes like 4x4, 5x5, 6x6 inches, or even larger. To get the right size, your ear-to-ear across forehead measurement will tell you how wide a closure you need. For example, if that measurement is 7 inches, a 4x4 closure might be too small; you'll want a 5x5 or larger so that the lace blends naturally with your edges.
Final Check: The Wig Should Feel Like a Second Skin
Once you've got all your numbers, try on a wig with similar measurements. You should feel secure but not suffocated. The lace should lie flat against your forehead with no gaps. If you have a friend helping you, use the old 'shimmy test': gently shake your head side to side—if the wig doesn't budge, you're golden.
Wigplace Has Your Back (and Your Measurements)
Whether you're a first-time wig wearer or a seasoned queen like me, measuring is the foundation of a flawless look. At Wigplace, we've got lace front closures in every size and kind of hair. We want you to feel like a star every time you put one on. So grab that tape measure, and let's make some magic.