A system that's even slightly the wrong size won't sit or blend correctly, no matter how good the base or hair quality is. Measuring properly takes about five minutes and genuinely changes the outcome.
What You'll Need
- A flexible tape measure (fabric, not the rigid metal kind)
- A mirror, or someone to help
- A pen and paper
The Four Key Measurements
- Front-to-back length: from your natural frontal hairline to the back of your crown, following the curve of your head.
- Side-to-side width: from just above one ear to just above the other, measured across the widest point of the area needing coverage.
- Hairline shape: note whether your hairline is straight, has a widow's peak, or recedes at the temples — this affects how the front edge of the system should be shaped.
- Crown position: where your natural crown/whorl sits, since this affects how hair should be styled to lie naturally.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Pulling the tape too tight. Measure with the tape resting naturally against the scalp, not stretched.
- Measuring over existing hair that's pushed down or wet. Measure with hair in its normal, dry state.
- Skipping the hairline shape. Length and width alone don't capture whether you need a straight edge or one with a natural-looking recession built in.
When to Get Measured By a Professional Instead
If you're ordering a fully custom system rather than a standard size, or you're unsure about your measurements, a stylist measurement removes the guesswork. If you're local to Toronto, Biro Hair Studio offers in-person measuring and fitting.
Most of our systems come in standard sizes that can be trimmed down, which gives some flexibility if your measurements fall between sizes. Not sure which size fits your numbers? Send us your measurements and we'll help you pick the right one before you order. Browse men's or women's systems to see available sizes.