When you’re new to wigs, how can you know what to expect and what to look for? It’s a whole new world and one that has so many different options available for how a wig sits, fits, looks and feels. You could be forgiven for thinking that one size fits all with wigs… however this is far from the case and is the most common mistake that new wig wearers make. Even if you are aware (or become aware) that there are different size caps, you wouldn’t be the first wig purchaser to opt for an average size wig thinking that it would be the right size for you.
Here in Australia, we have found that the USA average size cap is far from what the average sized head is here. At the Perth Wig Showroom they estimate a whopping 90% of clients have heads measuring around 20.5-21.5″ in circumference, which is definitely a petite sized cap. 90%!! That’s an answer right there to ‘why doesn’t my wig fit’!!
So, how should a wig feel if it fits right? Well, it should be firm and feeling like its hugging your head without being too tight that it is uncomfortable and possibly would give you a headache. The area at the back of the wig should feel like it’s moulding to the shape of your head. In the case where you have no occipital bone or a misshapen head, your wig may not mould and have a little area where it feels a little loose, but not ‘bagging’ or the wig having a large area where it doesn’t touch your head. A good test for your wig is if you put your head upside down and it stays on.
Although not the only reason, size is a major contributing factor to why doesn’t my wig fit. We recommend to always buy the right size cap so you have a good start for the wig fitting properly… here some other tips on how to ensure your wig is fitting properly.
Have You Purchased The Right Sized Cap?
Guessing you’re an average sized wig cap isn’t a guarantee that your wig is going to fit your head. The average size head in Australia, New Zealand and Britain sits around 20.5″-21.5″ in circumference placing the wig cap size as a definite Petite size cap, giving good reason to why your wig doesn’t fit properly.
Signs your wig isn’t the right size will be it slips easily if you place your head upside down, it feels loose, the ear tabs sit too far down on your head.
BEST WAY TO GET IT RIGHT? Measure your head prior to purchasing your wigs, especially online. If at all possible have a wig specialist measure your head for you and recommend the right sized cap. Then you can be assured you’re ordering the right size cap for your head and have a far greater strike rate for the wig fitting your head properly.
My Wig is Bagging At The Back, What Does This Mean?
If you find your wig is bagging at the back, it generally means that the wig isn’t fitting your head properly. There can be a few reasons for this. The two main reasons are
1. The wig is too big for you
2. Wigs are made to hug under an area called the occipital bone – this is the area just above your nape. Sometimes this is missing and is referred to as flat head syndrome. Without a wig that fits well and hugs your head you will experience bagging.
BEST WAY TO FIX THIS? Always purchase the right sized cap for your head size and if you do have an issue with no occipital bone, look for wig designs that are stretch caps (like the moulded stretch cap from Petite Wig Company). Invest in a wig gripper to help provide the wig with something to grip and keep it in place.
TOP THREE TIPS FOR FIXING WHEN A WIG DOESN'T FIT RIGHT
Grab a tape measure (one with inches works best) and do these three simple measurements. Once you know the size of your cap, you are well on the way to getting a wig that fits you properly.
Fortunately there are many wigs available in Petite sized caps now, so if you do find yourself in this range, there are absolutely gorgeous petite sized wigs available for you!
For added security a Wig Gripper is essential to getting a good answer to why doesn’t my wig fit properly. These simple to use head bands are game changers and provide an excellent solution when you wig is slipping. Especially in the case if you have biological hair – these really do make a difference.
They are essential for wearers with no occipital bone or misshapen heads as most wigs just won’t stay in place without a gripper. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE THE ROUGH DIRECTION GOING AWAY FROM YOUR FACE.
Have you checked that you’ve got your wig on properly?
Review how you’ve placed your wig on, is the wig sitting on your head straight (adjust at the ear tabs) is the lace sitting flat (doesn’t affect how it fits, but definitey affects how it feels!) and finally have you adjusted the straps at the back of the wig to ensure the wig is fitting you snugly.
These straps will either be velcro (like the one featured here ) or be a hook and look like a bra strap.
