Wig Length Chart Guide: What 12, 16, and 20 Inches Really Look Like

Wig Length Chart Guide: What 12, 16, and 20 Inches Really Look Like

Wig Length Chart Guide: What 12, 16, and 20 Inches Really Look Like

Ever wondered what a 12, 16, or 20 inch wig really looks like on you? Picture this: a 12 inch wig hits right at your collarbone, perfect for a trendy lob or a cute curly bob. A 16 inch wig falls at your chest, giving you room for waves or sleek styles. Go for 20 inches, and you get hair that brushes your waist—super glam, but maybe a bit much if you move around a lot. Check out the wig length chart below to see how each style lines up. Choosing the right wig length can boost your confidence and help you find your best look.

Wig Length

Description

12 inch

Falls near the collarbone, great for lobs and bobs.

16 inch

Reaches chest level, works for waves or straight hair.

20 inch

Falls near the waist, ideal for dramatic styles.

Key Takeaways

  • 12 inch wigs fall at your collarbone. They are versatile and great for trendy styles like lobs and bobs.

  • 16 inch wigs reach your chest. They allow for various styles, from straight to wavy, making them a popular choice.

  • 20 inch wigs brush your waist. They offer a glamorous look, perfect for special occasions or making a statement.

  • Always check a wig length chart before buying. This helps you avoid surprises and ensures you get the desired look.

  • Consider your face shape and height when choosing a wig length. This helps you find a style that flatters your features.

Wig Length Chart Overview

Choosing the right wig length can feel tricky, but a good wig length chart makes it simple. Let’s break down what you can expect from 12, 16, and 20 inch wigs. You’ll see where each length lands on your body and get some style inspiration, too.

Tip: Always check a reliable wig length chart before you buy. This helps you avoid surprises and makes sure you get the look you want.

12 Inch Wig

A 12 inch wig is super versatile. When you wear it, the hair usually falls right at your collarbone. This length works for almost everyone and gives you a fresh, modern vibe. You might picture Gigi Hadid’s iconic bob or Jourdan Dunn’s stylish mid-length look. These styles show off how chic and easy a 12 inch wig can be.

  • Popular for: Lobs (long bobs), curly bobs, and beach waves.

  • Body placement: Near your collarbone, which flatters most face shapes.

  • Style references: Think of a classic bob or a soft wave that frames your face.

Wig Length

Description

Popularity

12 inches

Versatile, often styled as a lob (long bob)

High

You’ll see 12 inch wigs everywhere because they’re easy to style and care for. If you want a look that’s both trendy and low-maintenance, this is a great choice.

16 Inch Wig

A 16 inch wig gives you a little more length and drama. The hair usually falls at your chest or mid-collarbone. This length lets you try out lots of different styles, from straight and sleek to bouncy waves or curls. Celebrities like Khloe Kardashian and Zendaya have rocked this length with glamorous bob styles.

  • Popular for: Loose waves, deep waves, small curls, and straight styles.

  • Body placement: Sits at your chest or mid-collarbone, depending on your height.

  • Style references: Imagine a body wave or a natural wave that moves when you do.

Wig Length

Body Placement

16-inch

Mid-collarbone

You can try so many looks with a 16 inch wig. Burmese curly, body wave, kinky curly, and straight styles all look amazing at this length. If you want a bit more hair to play with but don’t want to go super long, 16 inches is a sweet spot.

20 Inch Wig

A 20 inch wig is all about glamour. When you put it on, the hair usually reaches your mid-back or even close to your waist if you’re average height. This length stands out and gives you that wow factor. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a statement.

  • Popular for: Flowing, dramatic styles and memorable events.

  • Body placement: Falls near your waist or mid-back.

  • Style references: Picture long, straight hair that sways as you walk, or big, voluminous waves.

Wig Length

Description

Popularity

20 inches

Considered long, favored for glamorous looks, falls near the waist

High

A 20 inch wig is a favorite for those who love long hair. If you want to turn heads, this is the length for you. Just remember, curly or wavy textures may look a bit shorter than straight hair, so always check a wig length chart straight and a wig length chart body wave for the best match.

Note: The most common wig lengths sold are 12, 16, and 20 inches. Each one offers something special, so use a wig length chart to find your perfect fit.

Measuring Wig Length

Measuring Wig Length

Measurement Method

Getting the right wig length starts with knowing how to measure wig length the right way. You want your wig to look just how you imagine, so let’s walk through the steps together.

  1. Place your wig on a wig head or lay it flat on a table. Make sure the hair is as straight as possible. If your wig is wavy or curly, gently stretch the hair without pulling too hard.

  2. Find the crown of the wig. This is the highest point on the cap, right at the top.

  3. Take a measuring tape and place it at the crown. Pull the tape down to the very end of the hair. If your wig has layers or an A-line cut, measure the longest part.

  4. Write down your wig measurements. This helps you remember exactly what you like for next time.

You can also check the fit by measuring your head. Use a tape to measure around your head, from your forehead to the back, and from ear to ear. These wig measurements make sure your wig sits just right.

Tip: Always measure your wig when the hair is straightened. This gives you the most accurate wig length measurements.

Texture Impact

Wig texture changes how long your hair looks, even if the actual wig length stays the same. Straight wigs show their full length, but wavy and curly wigs look shorter. For example, a 14-inch curly wig might look like a 12-inch wavy wig or even a 10-inch straight wig.

Here’s a quick guide to help you see the difference:

Wig Texture

Perceived Length

Actual Length

Straight

Accurate

Stated Length

Wavy

Shorter

Stated Length

Curly

Shorter

Stated Length

If you love curls, remember that your wig length will look a bit shorter than what the package says. Always check a wig length chart before you buy, so you know what to expect. This way, you’ll always pick the perfect style for you!

Wig Length Comparison Chart

Body Placement Guide

You want to know where different wig lengths will fall on your body. This helps you picture your new look before you buy. Most wig length charts show that 12 inch wigs land near your collarbone. If you pick 16 inches, your hair will reach your chest. Go for 20 inches, and your wig will fall close to your waist. This makes it easy to choose between short wigs, medium length wigs, and long wigs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you see where each length sits:

Wig Length

Body Placement

12 inches

Collarbone

16 inches

Chest

20 inches

Waist

You can use this chart to compare wig lengths and decide which one fits your style. Short wigs give you a fresh, easy look. Medium length wigs offer more styling options. Long wigs bring drama and glamour.

Tip: If you want a style that’s easy to manage, stick with short wigs or medium length wigs. For a bold look, try long wigs or long length wigs.

Length Table: 12 vs 16 vs 20 Inches

Wig length can look different depending on the texture. Straight hair shows the full length. Wavy or curly hair looks a bit shorter, even if the real length is the same. This is important when you compare long length wigs or popular wig lengths and styles.

Here’s a table to help you see the difference:

Hair Texture

Visible Length (Approx.)

Real Length (Stretched)

Straight

28 inches

28 inches

Body Wave

26 to 27 inches

28 inches

Deep Wave

24 to 26 inches

28 inches

Curly

22 to 25 inches

28 inches

When you shop for long wigs, remember that curls and waves make the hair look shorter. Always check the wig length chart to make sure you get the look you want. Many people love popular wig lengths and styles like 16 inch body waves or 20 inch deep waves. You can find long length wigs in many textures, so you have lots of choices.

Choosing Your Perfect Wig Length

Face Shape Tips

Your face shape can change how a wig looks on you. Some styles make your features stand out, while others help balance your look. Use this table to match your face shape with the best wig lengths and styles:

Face Shape

Recommended Wig Styles

Heart

Chin-length bobs, layers, side-swept bangs, long wispy fringes

Long

Full bangs, layers above shoulders, waves or curls around cheekbones, chin-length or mid-length styles

Diamond

Chin-grazing lengths, side parts, layered fringes

If you have a heart-shaped face, try a bob or layers to create balance. For a long face, waves or curls add width. Diamond faces look great with chin-length wigs and side parts. Choosing the right wig length for your face shape helps you look your best.

Height & Proportion

Your height changes how wig lengths appear. If you are petite, a long wig might look even longer on you. If you are tall, the wig will fall closer to the length shown on the wig length chart. Check out this table:

Height Category

12-inch Wig Appearance

16-inch Wig Appearance

20-inch Wig Appearance

Shorter

Appears shorter than expected

Appears shorter than expected

Appears shorter than expected

Taller

Closer to intended length

Closer to intended length

Closer to intended length

Petite people often look best in shorter or medium wig length options. Tall people can wear longer wigs without looking shorter. Always check the wig length chart to see how different wig lengths will look on you.

Style & Lifestyle

Think about your daily routine before you pick a wig. Here are some things to consider:

  • Short wigs are easy to care for and great for busy days.

  • Medium-length wigs give you more styling choices but need a little more care.

  • Long wigs look glamorous but take more time to wash and style.

If you want a wig for special events, try a longer style. For everyday wear, shorter wigs are practical. Choosing the right wig length means thinking about your life and what makes you feel confident. Try looking at a few wig length charts to find your perfect wig length.

Wig Length FAQs

Is 16 Inches Long?

You might wonder if a 16 inch wig counts as long hair. In the wig world, a 16 inch wig is actually medium length. This style gives you a nice balance. You get enough hair for waves, curls, or straight looks, but you do not have to deal with the extra care that comes with longer wigs. Most people find this length easy to manage and very versatile.

Here’s what you can expect from a 16 inch wig:

  • It usually reaches your chest when straight.

  • If you style it with waves or curls, it falls to your upper chest.

  • This length sits right between shoulder-length and long hair, so it works for many face shapes and styles.

Tip: If you want a style that is not too short or too long, 16 inches is a great pick. It flatters most people and fits many occasions.

Measuring Your Wig

Measuring your wig helps you get the look you want. You can do this at home with a soft measuring tape. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Place your wig on a wig stand or lay it flat.

  2. Find the crown, which is the top center of the wig.

  3. Hold the tape at the crown and pull it down to the very end of the hair.

  4. If your wig has layers, measure the longest part.

  5. For curly or wavy wigs, gently stretch the hair straight before measuring.

  6. Write down your measurement so you remember your favorite wig length.

You can also measure your head to make sure your wig fits well. Try these extra steps:

  • Measure around your head, starting at your forehead.

  • Check the distance from your hairline to your neck.

  • Measure ear to ear over the top and across your forehead.

Note: Curly and wavy wig lengths look shorter than straight ones. Always check a wig length chart to see how different textures compare.

Common Questions About Wig Length

Here are some things people often ask when picking a wig:

  • Is this wig length easy to manage?

  • Will longer wigs take more time to style?

  • Do synthetic wigs tangle more when they are long?

  • Are shorter wigs easier to care for?

  • How does my height or face shape affect how a wig looks?

  • Does curly hair look shorter than straight hair?

  • Will my lifestyle fit with a longer wig?

You can use a wig length chart to compare different wig lengths and find the best match for your needs. Try different styles and lengths to see what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

You’ve learned how wig length changes your look, how to measure it, and how to pick the best style. Use a wig length chart to help you make smart choices. Here’s what experts suggest when choosing your wig length:

  1. Think about your face shape for a flattering style.

  2. Consider your height and frame.

  3. Match your wig length to your style goals.

  4. Choose a wig length that fits your lifestyle.

Find the wig length that makes you feel confident every day!

FAQ

How do I pick the best wig length for my face?

You want to match your wig length to your face shape. Short bobs look great on round faces. Longer styles flatter oval faces. Try different lengths to see what makes you smile.

Does wig length change with curls or waves?

Yes! Curly and wavy wigs look shorter than straight wigs. If you want your hair to look longer, choose a longer length. Always check the wig length chart before you buy.

Can I cut a long wig to make it shorter?

Absolutely! You can trim a long wig to any length you like. Use sharp scissors or visit a stylist. Cutting lets you create your own style.

How do I keep my long wig from tangling?

Brush your wig gently every day. Start at the ends and work up. Store your wig on a stand. Use a detangling spray for extra help.

What is the easiest wig length to care for?

Short wigs are the easiest to manage. They need less brushing and styling. You can wash and dry them quickly. If you want simple care, go short!

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