Quick Answers
The number of bundles you need depends on several factors:
- Length of your hair
- Thickness of your hair
- Desired fullness
- Length of the weft
- Your styling preference
As a general guideline:
- Short hair: 1-2 bundles
- Medium hair: 2-3 bundles
- Long hair: 3-4 bundles
But you’ll get the best results by considering your unique hair characteristics.
What are hair bundles?
Hair bundles, also called hair wefts or tracks, are sections of artificial or human hair that are sewn together into a weft or track. Bundles are used to add length and fullness when installing sew-in weaves or making wigs.
Bundle sizes
Bundles come in different lengths, typically ranging from 10 inches to 30 inches long. The most common lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 22 inches and 24 inches.
Bundle lengths are measured from the top of the weft (where it will be sewn down) to the bottom loose ends. So a 20 inch bundle will give you 20 inches of hair length when installed.
Thickness
The thickness or density of a bundle refers to how many hairs are sewn onto each weft. Density is measured in grams – standard densities are 50g, 80g, 100g and 130g.
- 50g = thin or sheer density
- 80g = medium density
- 100g = thick or full density
- 130g = very full density
The more grams, the fuller and thicker the bundle will be.
How to Determine How Many Bundles You Need
Figuring out how many bundles to buy for your install or wig can be tricky. Every head of hair is different. Here are some tips on calculating exactly how many bundles you’ll need to achieve your desired look:
Consider Your Current Hair Length
Your current hair length is the biggest factor in determining how many bundles you need. The longer your natural hair, the fewer bundles you’ll need to purchase:
- Short hair (above shoulders): You’ll need 2-3 bundles
- Medium hair (below shoulders): You’ll need 3-4 bundles
- Long hair (mid-back and below): You’ll need 4-5 bundles
If you have very short hair or want to cover your entire head with wefts, plan to buy 3-5 bundles depending on your desired thickness and length.
Account for Hair Thickness
If you have very thick, coarse hair, you’ll need more bundles to match your natural density. Those with thin hair can get away with fewer bundles. As a guide:
- Thin hair: 50-80g bundles
- Medium hair: 80-100g bundles
- Thick hair: 100-130g bundles
Match the gram weight of your bundles to the thickness of your real hair for the most seamless blend.
Consider the Length You Want
The longer you want your extensions, the more bundles you’ll need to achieve that length while maintaining fullness from root to tip. Some guidelines based on desired length:
- Shoulder length: 2-3 bundles
- Bra strap length: 3-4 bundles
- Mid-back length: 4-6 bundles
- Waist length: 5-8 bundles
To find your ideal bundle length, measure from your crown down to where you want the hair to fall. It’s better to err on the side of getting longer bundles.
Factor in Weft Length
The length of the weft (top to bottom) will also impact how many bundles you need. Shorter wefts mean you’ll need more bundles to cover the back of your head.
- 10-12 inch wefts: Need more bundles
- 16-18 inch wefts: Best versatile length
- 20+ inch wefts: Need fewer bundles
Get 16-18 inch wefts if you’re not sure – they allow for part versatility and seamless installs.
Consider Desired Fullness
Do you want a fuller look? For maximum volume at the crown and from root to ends, opt for more bundles. Keep in mind:
- 2 bundles = 70% fullness
- 3 bundles = 100% fullness
- 4 bundles = 130% fullness
- 5 bundles = 160% fullness
Additional bundles beyond 3 will give you an ultra full look. Reduce bundles if you prefer a lighter, more natural density.
Account for Styling and Maintenance
Will you be curling, straightening and manipulating the hair frequently? Get extra bundles to account for potential tangling and shedding over time. This will keep your style looking lush.
Similarly, if you don’t plan to re-install for 6+ months, extra bundles will maintain your look as the hair loosens up.
How Many Bundles for Different Styles
As a very general guideline, here’s how many bundles you may need for different installations and hair styles:
| Hairstyle | Number of Bundles |
|---|---|
| Bob sew-in | 2-3 |
| Shoulder-length sew-in | 3-4 |
| Quick weave | 2-3 |
| Full sew-in with straight hair | 4-5 |
| Full sew-in with wavy or curly hair | 5-6 |
| Extra long sew-in (tailbone and beyond) | 6-8 |
| Full lace wig | 4-6 |
| Frontal wig | 2-3 |
These are just estimates – your specific hair and styling preferences should guide your bundle count. But this gives a rough idea of typical bundle requirements for different looks.
Should You Buy Bundles Pre-Made or As Individual Wefts?
Bundles are sold either pre-made as complete sets or as loose individual wefts. Here are the pros and cons of each option:
Pre-Made Bundle Sets
Pros
- More convenient – everything is bundled and ready to install
- Coordinating lengths and colors
- Can see exact bundle construction
Cons
- Less versatile for styling
- Can’t customize bundle sizes
- Potentially more expensive
Loose Individual Wefts
Pros
- Customize bundle length and thickness
- Mix and match lengths and colors
- Cost-effective
Cons
- More work to construct bundles
- Matching colors/lengths takes planning
- Can’t see final bundle construction
If you’re new to extensions, pre-made sets can take some guesswork out of the process. But loose wefts allow for more customization and potentially better value.
Top Tips for Calculating Your Bundle Needs
Here are some top tips when deciding how many bundles to purchase for your hair:
- Measure your current length and thickness – This gives you a baseline for how much extra hair you need.
- Account for desired styling – More manipulation means more shedding over time. Get extra bundles.
- Bundle thickness matters – Heavier gram weights = fuller hair. Lightweight may look thin.
- Longer bundles = less needed – You can use fewer with 22-24 inch instead of 16-18 inch.
- Ask your stylist for advice – They know your hair best and can recommend bundle counts.
- Start with more bundles – You can always remove some, but better full than too thin.
Finding your perfect bundle count is an art – your exact hair goals and priorities will guide you there. Consult stylists and consider these tips as you decide!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bundles do I need for a bob?
For a bob cut that falls above the shoulders, you’ll usually need 2-3 bundles depending on thickness. Go with 2 bundles for a layered, face-framing look or 3 bundles for a blunt, full bob.
Is it better to get longer or shorter bundles?
Longer bundles (20 inches+) allow you to use fewer bundles overall. But shorter, 12-16 inch bundles are versatile and great for layering. Get a mix of lengths for the most styling options.
Should I buy thicker or thinner bundles?
Match your bundle thickness (50g, 80g, 100g, 130g) to your natural hair for the most seamless look. Thick bundles also tend to be higher quality and provide more styling versatility.
How many bundles for curly hair?
Aim for 1-2 more bundles with curly textures. So 4-5 for medium length, 5-6 for long hair. The curls require more hair for a full look from roots to ends.
Is it better to reuse bundles or buy new?
New bundles generally provide the best install results and longevity. But reusing high-quality hair 1-2 times can also work well. Handle carefully when removing and storing to prevent shedding.
Conclusion
Determining your ideal bundle count requires considering all your hair goals and attributes – from length, thickness and styling preferences to lifestyle and budget factors. While general guidelines exist, your specific needs should drive your final bundle number. Consult stylists, measure your current hair and aim for versatile lengths to find your custom bundle sweet spot!