How to Choose the Right Hair Length
Hair length is the most exciting spec to choose and the easiest to get wrong. Inches mean nothing until you translate them onto your body — a 22" wig on someone 5'2" falls very differently than on someone 5'10". Here is the length chart that actually helps you decide.
6 min readUpdated Nov 2, 2026
The length chart, translated onto your body
| Length | Falls at | The vibe |
|---|---|---|
| 8"–10" | Chin to jaw | Pixie and cropped energy |
| 12"–14" | Chin to shoulder | The classic bob zone |
| 16"–18" | Collarbone to armpit | The versatile everyday lengths |
| 20"–22" | Mid-back | Long, feminine, still manageable |
| 24"–26" | Bra-line to waist | Glam length with presence |
| 28"–32" | Waist to hip | Statement hair — needs commitment |
Length and texture: the shrinkage rule
Every texture shows length differently. Straight hair reads true to its measurement. Body wave loses about an inch or two to the S-pattern. Deep wave and kinky curly can shrink 30–40%, meaning a 20" kinky curly wig may look closer to 14" when dry and worn. The fix is simple: for curly textures, add 2–4 inches to whatever length your heart is set on.
| You want it to look like… | Straight | Body wave | Kinky curly / afro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder (14") | 14" | 16" | 18" |
| Armpit (18") | 18" | 20" | 22" |
| Mid-back (22") | 22" | 24" | 26" |
| Waist (26") | 26" | 28" | 30"+ |
Match length to your real life
- 1
Start with your routine, not the picture
Long hair is beautiful but heavy: more washing time, more product, more detangling. If your mornings are rushed, 16–20" delivers 90% of the look with half the work.
- 2
Consider your height and frame
On petite frames, very long units can overwhelm; on taller frames, shorter lengths can read shorter than expected. Hold a measuring tape against yourself — it beats guessing.
- 3
Think about where you'll wear it
Office-friendly lengths tend to be 12–18". Occasion hair is where 24"+ shines. Some clients keep one of each — that is a strategy, not indecision.
- 4
Order bundles to match
Remember: longer installs need more bundles for the same fullness. A 24" install wants 3 bundles minimum; check the bundles guide before you check out.
Recommended at PORSH
Afro Bulk 16"
16 inches of coily bulk hair for crochets, knotless styles and custom afro units.
Shop at PORSH
KINKY CURLY
Tight, springy curls that disappear into 3C–4A textures with zero blending stress.
Shop at PORSH
Blunt Cut Bob
A crisp, pre-cut bob wig that looks sharp straight out of the box — minimal styling needed.
Shop at PORSHFrom the PORSH shop: Afro Bulk 16" for crochet length, KINKY CURLY for coil-friendly length, and the Blunt Cut Bob for a sharp shorter cut.