Is a 16 Inch Wig as Short as a Bob Wig?

16-inch wigs are one of the popular options, preferred by many due to the versatility it offers.

If this is your first wig purchase, you're probably thinking 16 inches is too long, too much hair; if you have bought some before, you're thinking to yourself, "Maybe I should go longer this time."

The thing is, no two 16-inch wigs are the same; some factors make wigs of the same length look longer and, in some cases, fuller. ❤️‍🔥

This article explores all these factors, will help you know if your previous purchases are actually true to length, and will ensure your 16 Inch wig is of the correct length for all your future purchases. 

Let's get started!

16 Inch in Different Hair Textures

For starters, you need to know that 16-inch wigs are medium-length; some sources even consider them short, which is understandable considering that wigs can be as long as 30 inch wigs.

But depending on your choice of hair texture, they might look longer or shorter than you might expect.

The following are some of the popular hair textures available at Private Label Extension and how their 16-inch variants look:

Straight Wigs

Unsurprisingly, straight wigs look the longest.

With no curls, waves, or coils to contend with, the hair strands are fully extended, falling about your shoulders, giving the wig the longest appearance possible.

The tradeoff is that when the hair is fully extended, it might not have as much volume as the ones soon to be discussed. 

Wavy Wigs

As you'd expect, body wave wigs are shorter than their straight counterparts.

The wavey design means the hair strands are not at full extension, but it confers more volume.

These wigs fall above your shoulder, making them a perfect balance between length and bulk.

Little wonder Private Label Extension's 16-inch lace frontal, lace closure, and glueless wig lineup are popular with people looking to get the most value for their money. 

Curly Wigs

Curly wigs compress the wig even further, giving it a shorter appearance.

Due to the tighter curls, the wig falls no longer than the neck.

The result is that it looks more voluminous than wavy and straight wigs and is perfect for people who want volume from a few hair bundles. 

Afro Kinky Wigs

The afro kinky wig is at the extreme of the spectrum, with straight wigs on the other end.

While very eye-catching when pulled off with high-quality hair, it is the shortest of the four hair textures, as the coils mean it stops much higher above your neck.

People who want some length with this hair texture will have to consider longer wigs.

Is Your Wig True to Its Label?

If it still doesn't add up, if your straight 16-inch wig isn't falling beyond your shoulders, or your coiled wig is barely dropping, there's a chance that your human hair wig, if not purchased from a reputable hair connoisseur like Private Label Extension, may have been falsely advertised.

If you're in such a situation, you have two points of recourse:

Inspect the Wig

In certain situations, an eye test is enough to ascertain if and how much short hair has been used in your wig.

Typically, a good quality wig should have the same thickness running around from the root to the tip.

If you find yourself with a wig with lots of thin ends, there's a huge chance that a sizable amount of short hair was used. 

Measure the Wig

If the eye test does not yield conclusive results, you have little choice but to measure the wig.

Here's how:

Place the Wig on a Mannequin:  Fit the wig on a mannequin-like you would on your head. Do not measure on a flat surface, as the measurements will be incorrect. 

Measure from the Crown to the End of the Hair: Use a measuring tape, holding the end starting at zero where the head begins to slope. Gently guide it throughout the hair length and then take the measurement.

If the hair is wavy, kinky, or curly, you will need to stretch it out before you measure it with the tape.

For an accurate representation, you can request the help of a friend or family member when taking the measurements.  

Is the 16-inch Wig for You?

As earlier stated, the 16-inch wig is very popular, but is it for you?

The following are some of the considerations to keep in mind when shopping:

Length or Volume?

If you want length, the 16-inch wig is perfect if you want it with minimal or no curves at all.

The 16 Inch Ocean Wave Burgundy Wig available at Private Label Extension will be perfect for people who fall into this category.

It is bold with the length and even bolder with the color choice. And if you are going for subtlety, you can shop for shorter textures in jet black, blonde, and Copper Ombre Wig options. 

How Active Are You?

You might want something draping past your shoulders, but your lifestyle might require something different.

If you are very active, up and about throughout the day, having to deal with your hair swaying every which way can quickly become an inconvenience.

You can swap out the straight for coily or kinky textures for a fuller but shorter glam. 

How Tall Are You?

If you are of average height, you may be able to get away with wavy, curly, and coily textures without sacrificing too much length.

The wigs are likely to fall closer to your shoulder, but straight wigs of this length might be too long.

However, if you are above average height, you should invest in longer wigs if you want to enjoy the same. 

Should You Get a 16-Inch Long Wig?

Very rarely can it go wrong when you choose a 16-inch wig.

Most of the time, they are in the sweet spots, just long enough to turn heads and not so long that it becomes too worrisome. 🪩

This, coupled with the fact that they are available in several textures and can be styled in a number of ways, will continue to cement their place as one of the most popular wig options along with the beloved 18 inch wigs.