A perfect fit starts with a perfect measurement. Follow our step-by-step guide with visuals to ensure your new Paula Young wig is comfortable and secure.
Imagine ordering a pair of shoes without knowing your size it would be a gamble. The same is true for wigs! A properly fitted wig is more comfortable, looks more natural, and feels more secure. Taking a few minutes to measure your head is the most important step you can take before you buy. Lets walk through it together.
What You’ll Need:
- A soft, flexible tailors measuring tape. (If you don’t have one, you can use a string and then measure it against a ruler.)
- A mirror.
- A notepad and pen to jot down your measurements.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
1. Circumference
This is the most important measurement. Place the tape measure at the center of your front hairline. Bring it down just above your ears, following your natural hairline around the back, and then back up to the front hairline. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight.
2. Front to Nape
Start at your front hairline (in the center of your forehead) and measure directly over the crown of your head down to the bony protrusion at the base of your skull (your nape). This is where the wig will typically end.

3. Ear to Ear (Across Forehead)
Place the tape at the top of your ear, bring it across your hairline at the forehead, and then to the top of your other ear.
4. Ear to Ear (Over the Top)
This measures the width of your head over the crown. Place the tape at the top of one ear, take it over the top of your head at its highest point, and down to the top of the other ear.
5. Temple to Temple (Around the Back)
Place the tape at your temple, just in front of your ear. Bring it back around the head, going across the nape of your neck, and up to the other temple.
6. Nape of Neck
Measure the width of your hairline at the very back of your neck. This helps ensure the wig cap isn’t too wide or narrow at the base.
Understanding Wig Cap Sizes
Once you have your numbers, compare them to our standard sizing chart:
- Petite: Fits head circumference up to 21.5 inches.
- Average/African American: The most common size. Fits head circumference of 21.5 – 22.5 inches.
- Large: Fits head circumference of 22.5 inches and above.
Pro-Tip: The “Wig Grip” Band
Even with perfect measurements, some people worry about security. A silicone or velvet wig grip band is a fantastic accessory. It wraps around your head, creating a gentle, non-slip surface for the wig to anchor to, eliminating shifting and providing extra peace of mind.
Taking your measurements empowers you to shop with confidence. A well-fitted wig from Paula Young should feel like it was made just for you because, in a way, it was!