Helmets are a safety essential and compulsory headgear for all motorbike riders in India. However, for them to deliver optimum protection, they need to fit your head snugly.

According to the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), almost 25% of people own wrong-sized helmets, and 20% of motorbike riders also claimed their helmets almost came off during a crash. This article will help you understand how to find out what helmet size you need before buying yourself a pair.

Let this be a complete step-by-step guide to buying the right-sized helmet. To start, you need to figure out the shape of your head. Only by following these steps can you measure your head for a motorcycle helmet.

Step 1: Identify your head shape

Before you begin with helmet size measurement, you need to identify what head shape you are. Then, you can use your phone's camera and take a picture of your head from the top angle. There are three types of head shapes.

• Long oval - The length of your head from front to back is more than that of side-to-side by a greater margin. When you measure the head size for helmet purchase, keep this factor in mind. 
• Intermediate oval - The length of your face from your head is slightly more than that of side-to-side. This is another aspect to consider when you measure your head for a bike helmet.
• Round oval - The size of the head from top to bottom is just slightly more than that of side-to-side, so much so that your head looks almost round. Check whether your head is shaped this way when you measure your head for a motorcycle helmet.

After you have determined which head shape you are, you also need to measure the circumference of your head. The best way to figure out your head's circumference is to use a seamstress measuring tape.

You can also use a thread to measure around your head and then measure the rope's length. Wrap around multiple times to measure your head circumference for a helmet.

Measuring the head size for a helmet purchase is a crucial step.

Step 2: Choose a helmet style

Helmets are available in different designs and styles, and each of them comes with its own set of benefits to deliver a rider's diverse needs.

Some people prefer all-round protection, whereas some prefer half-face models. Whatever the case may be, here are your options.

• Full-face helmets
• Modular helmets
• ADV dual sport
• Open-face helmets
• Half shell helmets

Step 3: Identify the size

With your head's circumference, find out your hat size. Then, take a look at the motorcycle helmet size chart below. You can also refer to a helmet size chart by age, which is less accurate.

You can convert the values into millimeters if you desire a helmet size chart in mm.

Use this chart for an accurate helmet size measurement. Identify the helmet size that you are before buying a helmet. Remember, this size is only for adult riders. Sizes for kid helmets vary.

Step 4: Buying a helmet

You can now buy a helmet based on your size, whether you are buying it online or offline. If you are buying it offline, you can take the help of the sales representative to help you find the right-sized helmet for you. In addition, you can try multiple sizes to see what fits the best.

If you are buying a helmet online and you feel that the current one does not sit snugly on your head, you always have an option to replace it with a different sized one. 

Also, ensure that no spot creates uneven pressure on your skull. Sticking to the bike helmet size chart given above should help.

Alternatively, if it's slightly loose, you can also insert an inner lining to fit your head perfectly.

No matter what your helmet size is, getting a right-sized helmet is not only a mandate by the law but also essential to keep your safety intact.