One of the most common questions we get from colorists who are new to the Cooboard is: which size should I buy? With three sizes available — the 5x12, the XL 4x16, and the BIG DADDY 5x16 — choosing the right one for your clientele and technique can feel overwhelming. In this guide we are going to break down exactly what each size is designed for, who it is best suited to, and how to choose the right Cooboard for your needs.

Understanding the Cooboard Size System

All three Cooboard sizes share the same core design — built-in teeth that grip the hair and hold the tease flat against the scalp, giving you a hands-free platform for teasy lights, foilyage, balayage, and highlights. The difference between the sizes comes down to two dimensions: width and length.

Width determines how wide a section the board can cover in one placement. Length determines how much of the hair strand the board covers from root to end.

Here is what each size is designed for:

Cooboard 5x12 — The Original

Dimensions: 5 inches wide x 12 inches long

The 5x12 is the original Cooboard and the most popular size in our lineup. At 5 inches wide and 12 inches long, it is the perfect everyday board for most colorists working on short to medium length hair.

The 5 inch width accommodates standard slices and weaves comfortably without being too wide to maneuver. The 12 inch length covers most hair lengths from root to mid-shaft or end on clients with short to medium hair.

Best for:

• Short to medium length hair — generally shoulder length and above
• Everyday teasy lights and highlight services
• Colorists who are new to the Cooboard and want to start with the most versatile size
• Compact salon stations where a larger board would be cumbersome

Pairs perfectly with: Cooboard Pop-Up Foils 5x11 inches

Price: $21.99 — available in black, white, pink, green, blue, red, lavender, leopard, and rainbow

XL Cooboard 4x16 — The Long Hair Specialist

Dimensions: 4 inches wide x 16 inches long

The XL Cooboard is slightly narrower than the original at 4 inches wide but significantly longer at 16 inches — making it the go-to board for colorists who work on longer hair and prefer more precise, narrower sections.

The extra 4 inches of length means you can cover long hair sections from root to end without repositioning the board mid-service. The slightly narrower width gives you more precise control over your sections — ideal for finer slices and more detailed placement work.

Best for:

• Long hair clients — generally past shoulder length
• Colorists who prefer narrower, more precise sections
• Detailed teasy lights placement requiring more control
• Fine to medium hair density

Pairs perfectly with: Cooboard XL Flat Sheets 5x16 inches

Price: $24.99 — available in black, pink, and leopard

BIG DADDY Cooboard 5x16 — The Long Thick Hair Powerhouse

Dimensions: 5 inches wide x 16 inches long

The BIG DADDY is the largest board in the Cooboard lineup — 5 inches wide AND 16 inches long. It combines the full width of the original board with the extra length of the XL, giving you maximum coverage for any section on any client.

If you specialize in long, thick, or voluminous hair — or if you simply want the most coverage possible in a single board placement — the BIG DADDY is your board. The extra width means you can work with larger slices and wider sections without the hair spilling off the sides, while the 16 inch length covers the longest hair from root to end in one placement.

Best for:

• Long and thick hair — clients with high density or voluminous hair
• Colorists who prefer working with larger, wider sections
• Maximum coverage with minimum repositioning
• Clients with very long hair where the 5x12 falls short

Pairs perfectly with: Cooboard XL Flat Sheets 5x16 inches

Price: $25.99 — available in black, white, pink, and leopard

Side by Side Comparison

Which Size Should I Buy First?

If you are brand new to the Cooboard and not sure where to start, our recommendation is always the 5x12 original. It is the most versatile size, works on the widest range of clients, and is the board that most colorists reach for on a daily basis. Once you are comfortable with the Cooboard workflow, adding the XL or BIG DADDY for your longer-haired clients is a natural next step.

If you already know you work primarily on long hair clients, start with the XL 4x16 or BIG DADDY 5x16 depending on whether you prefer narrower or wider sections.

If you want to be fully equipped for every client from day one, the Triple Threat Kit gives you all three sizes in black at a special bundled price — the most popular choice for colorists who are serious about the Cooboard system.

Still Not Sure? Here Is a Simple Decision Guide:

• My clients mostly have short to medium hair → Cooboard 5x12
• My clients mostly have long hair and I prefer precise sections → XL Cooboard 4x16
• My clients mostly have long, thick, or voluminous hair → BIG DADDY Cooboard 5x16
• I work on all hair lengths and want every size → Triple Threat Kit
• I want everything including tools → Coo-Lux Kit

Shop all Cooboard sizes at cooboardtools.com — free shipping available on qualifying orders.