To achieve a seamless and comfortable fit for hair extensions, particularly custom clip-ins or full headpieces, precise head measurements are essential. The process begins with proper hair preparation, followed by taking several key measurements using the right tools.
Preparing Your Hair for Accurate Measurement
Before you begin measuring, it's crucial to prepare your hair to ensure accurate readings that aren't skewed by hair volume or placement.
- Section Your Hair: Start by sectioning your hair two fingers up from the base of your hairline. This creates a clear and consistent starting point for your measurements.
- Secure Remaining Hair: Once the section is made, clip the rest of your hair on top of your head. This keeps it neatly out of the way, allowing the tape measure to lie flat against your scalp and eliminating any bulk that could lead to incorrect measurements.
- Choose Your Tool: Always use a flexible tape measure. A soft, pliable measuring tape, often used for sewing or fabric work, is ideal as it can conform accurately to the unique curves and contours of your head.
Key Measurements for Extensions
After preparing your hair, proceed to take the following specific measurements. These are vital for custom orders, ensuring your extensions fit perfectly and blend naturally.
1. Head Circumference
This is a fundamental measurement for any full-head extension piece or wig cap.
- How to Measure: Place the end of your flexible tape measure at the center of your forehead, right at your hairline. Wrap the tape measure around your head, passing it just above your ears and over the natural bump at the back of your head. Bring the tape back to meet the starting point at your forehead.
- Purpose: Ensures the overall piece fits snugly around your head without being too tight or too loose.
2. Front to Nape
This measurement determines the length needed for coverage from the front of your head to the back.
- How to Measure: Position the tape measure at the center of your front hairline. Guide it straight back over the crown of your head to the very center of your nape (the lowest part of your hairline at the back of your neck).
- Purpose: Crucial for the overall length and complete coverage of the extension piece from front to back.
3. Ear to Ear Across Forehead
This measurement captures the width of your head across the top of your forehead.
- How to Measure: Place the tape measure at the top of your ear, where your hairline begins. Draw the tape straight across the top of your forehead to the corresponding point on the opposite ear.
- Purpose: Helps determine the appropriate width for frontal extension pieces, bangs, or the front section of a wig.
4. Ear to Ear Over Top of Head
This measurement is essential for pieces that cover the crown area.
- How to Measure: Start the tape measure at the top of one ear, where your hairline begins. Bring the tape directly over the very top of your head (the crown) to the corresponding point on the opposite ear.
- Purpose: Vital for sizing extensions like toppers, U-part wigs, or any piece designed to add volume or coverage to the top of your head.
5. Temple to Temple Around Back
This measurement is important for ensuring the fit around the sides and back of your head.
- How to Measure: Begin at your right temple (the flat area on either side of your head, just in front of your ear). Wrap the tape measure around the back of your head, ensuring it passes over your nape area, and continue to your left temple.
- Purpose: Ensures side and back extension pieces or wefts fit securely without gapping or being overly tight.
6. Nape of Neck Width
This final measurement is specific to the back hairline.
- How to Measure: Measure the width of your natural hairline across the nape of your neck, from one side to the other.
- Purpose: Useful for custom weft pieces or extensions specifically designed for the lower back of the head.
Summary of Head Measurements
For easy reference, here's a table summarizing the key measurements:
| Measurement | Starting Point | Path | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Circumference | Center forehead, hairline | Around head, above ears, over back bump | Overall fit, full headpieces |
| Front to Nape | Center front hairline | Straight back over crown | Overall length coverage (front to back) |
| Ear to Ear (across forehead) | Top of ear (hairline) | Straight across forehead | Frontal width, bangs |
| Ear to Ear (over top of head) | Top of ear (hairline) | Directly over crown of head | Crown coverage width |
| Temple to Temple (around back) | Right temple | Around back of head, touching nape | Side and back piece fit |
| Nape of Neck Width | One side of nape hairline | Straight across to opposite nape hairline | Sizing for lower back extension pieces |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Keep it Snug: Ensure the tape measure is snug against your head, but not so tight that it creates an indentation or feels uncomfortable.
- Record Immediately: Write down each measurement as you take it to prevent errors.
- Measure Multiple Times: For maximum accuracy, take each measurement at least two or three times and use the most consistent reading.
- Consider Your Hair Volume: If you typically wear your natural hair with significant volume, factor that in. For very flat styles, measure with your hair as flat as possible.
