Wig hair length can be confusing. You order a 16-inch wig expecting shoulder-length, but it drops past your collarbone. Or you get 24 inches thinking it’ll hit your waist, then it barely reaches your chest.
So, is the wig too short? Not exactly.
Wig hair length depends on texture, how it’s measured, and even your height. A curly 16-inch wig looks way shorter than a straight one.
That’s why it’s important to understand what wig hair length really means. It helps you avoid surprises and choose the right length for the style you want.
In this guide, we’ll explain how wig hair length is measured, how to pick between short and long wigs, and which lengths work best for different looks.
What Is Wig Hair Length and How Do You Measure It?
Wig hair length is the measurement from the top of the wig (usually the crown or the roots near the lace) down to the ends of the hair.
But here’s the catch—this measurement is always taken when the hair is straight.
That means if you're buying a curly or wavy wig, the actual hair might look much shorter than the listed length.
A 16-inch straight wig will hang longer than a 16-inch kinky curly wig, even though both are technically the same length when stretched out.
How to Measure Wig Length?

To measure wig hair length the right way:
- Place the wig on a wig head or hold it steady.
- Start measuring from the crown or lace top, not from the nape.
- Pull the hair straight down, even if it’s curly or wavy.
- Measure to the very end of the longest strand.
If you don’t straighten curly wigs before measuring, the length will look shorter than it really is.
That’s where a lot of confusion comes from. It’s not that the wig isn’t “true to length”—it’s just that curls shrink.
So when you're shopping, always check if the length listed is measured when straight. Most brands follow this rule, but not all.
And if the wig looks shorter on you than expected, remember that body shape, neck length, and hair texture all affect how it falls.
QVR Wig Length Chart
Choosing the right wig length gets easier when you can actually see how it looks.
That’s why we love using a length chart—especially one that shows the difference between straight, wavy, and curly textures side by side.
Here’s a helpful QVR wig hair length chart. It shows lengths from 8 inches all the way to 26 inches.
And it compares how the same length looks in straight, body wave, and curly styles.
As you can see:
- A 16-inch straight wig hits below the shoulders
- A 16-inch body wave wig sits above the shoulders
- A 16-inch curly wig may barely touch the ears
The tighter the curl, the shorter it looks. That’s just how texture works—curls spring up and shrink.
So even though the wigs are measured the same way (from the crown to the longest strand, stretched straight), they don’t fall the same way on your body.
Tip: If you're going for a curly look but still want it to hang long, you may want to go up 2–4 inches from your usual straight wig length.
Popular Wig Hair Lengths for Different Hairstyles
Not sure what length to get? It helps to think about the style you’re going for. Certain hairstyles just look better at specific lengths—here’s a quick guide.
Short Hair Wigs (10–14 inches)
Great for pixie cuts, bobs, and chin-length styles. These are easy to wear, low-maintenance, and perfect for summer or a clean, classic look.
Pixie Cut

Super short and bold. Pixie cut hair wigs usually stop around the ears or jawline. It’s easy to wear, shows off your face, and needs little to no styling.
Bob

Classic and versatile. A 12- or 14-inch short bob wig usually hits just below the chin or at the collarbone. You can go sleek, blunt, wavy, or layered. Great for both casual and polished looks.
Medium Hair Wigs (16–20 inches)
Think shoulder-length styles, especially with kinky curly, coily, or afro curly textures. The volume sits nicely around the face, and the curls don’t feel too heavy.
Kinky Curly

Defined, springy kinky curly wigs that give big volume. Even at 16 inches, it might sit just above the shoulders due to shrinkage. Looks super natural and works well with leave-out if you have 4B or 4C hair.
Afro Curly

A tighter, fluffier texture with a soft halo shape. Think of it as a twist-out or blowout look. It gives a full, rounded style and often looks shorter than it is. Best at 16–18 inches for an everyday look.
Long Hair Wigs (20–24 inches)
Best for soft, flowing looks like body wave or deep wave styles. These give you length without being hard to manage—just long enough to feel glamorous but still wearable.
Body Wave

Loose, flowing waves that add soft movement. A 22-inch body wave wig will fall below your bust. Easy to style and good for a soft glam look.
Deep Wave

More defined than body wave but not quite curly. It gives that “wet and wavy” texture, bouncy and full. A 24-inch deep wave wig brings drama without going too over the top.
Extra Long Hair Wigs (24 inches and up)

Usually worn silky straight wigs to show off the length. These are bold, dramatic, and perfect for making a statement. Just keep in mind—they’re heavier and may take more styling time.
What’s the Most Common Wig Hair Length?
Most people go for wigs between 18 and 24 inches. It’s the sweet spot—long enough to feel stylish, but not so long that it’s hard to manage.
Here’s why these lengths are so popular:
- 18 inches gives you a nice, full shoulder-length look. Great for curls or waves that don’t shrink too much.
- 20 to 22 inches is a favorite for body wave, deep wave, and loose curly styles. It falls below the bust and gives that natural “long hair” look without being high maintenance.
- 24 inches is the go-to if you want something longer and sleeker, especially in straight hair. It’s noticeable but still wearable day-to-day.
These lengths work well for most face shapes, are easy to style, and give you enough hair to play around with—ponytails, half-up styles, curls, whatever you like.
It’s the best of both worlds: long, but not too much.
Short vs Long Hair: How to Choose the Right Wig Hair Length
Trying to pick between a short wig and a long one? It’s not just about style—it comes down to what fits your face, lifestyle, and how much effort you want to put in.
Face Shape
Round or square face: Longer wigs (16 inches and up) help elongate your face and balance things out. Layers and waves also soften sharper angles.
Oval or heart-shaped face: You’ve got more freedom. Short bobs, pixie cuts, and shoulder-length styles all work well.
Versatility
Long wigs offer more styling options—ponytails, buns, half-up styles, curls, straightening, you name it.
Short wigs are usually ready to wear. What you see is what you get. Easy to throw on and go.
Maintenance
Short wigs are low-maintenance. Less tangling, quicker washing, easier storage.
Long wigs need more care—brushing, detangling, and styling can take time, especially with curly or wavy textures.
Feature | Short Wig (10–14") | Long Wig (18–24"+) |
---|---|---|
Best for | Every day wear, travel | Glam looks, styling variety |
Face Shape | Oval, heart | Round, square, oval |
Styling | Limited | High versatility |
Care | Easy | Needs time + products |
Look | Cute, chic | Dramatic, feminine |
FAQ
Is a 20" Wig Short?
Not really. A 20-inch wig is considered medium-to-long. On straight hair, it usually falls just below the bust. On curly or wavy textures, it looks shorter because of shrinkage, but it’s still a long look overall.
What Is the Most Popular Wig Size?
Most people buy wigs between 18 and 24 inches. It’s a good middle ground—not too short, not too dramatic. These lengths work for almost any style, from loose curls to straight layers.
What Is a Wig Density?
Wig density means how thick or full the hair is. It’s measured in percentages—like 130%, 150%, or 180%.
Now here’s the thing: density affects how the length looks.
- A 20” wig at 130% density will look flatter and lighter.
- That same 20” at 180% density? Much fuller—and it might even feel longer just from the volume.
So if you're getting a curly wig with high density, it might look shorter than the number says.
That's why it’s smart to consider both length and density together when choosing. One without the other can be misleading.