When it comes to hair extensions or wigs, one of the most common questions is “How much hair do I need for a full head?” The answer largely depends on several factors like the length and thickness of your natural hair, the look you’re trying to achieve, and the installation method used. As a general guideline, 100 grams of human hair is typically enough for a full head of shoulder-length hair, but you may need more or less depending on your specific hair needs.
How much hair is on a full head?
The amount of hair a person has can vary greatly, but on average, a full head of untreated medium-length hair weighs around 200-300 grams. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Short hair (chin-length bob): ~100 grams
- Medium hair (shoulder-length): ~150-200 grams
- Long hair (mid-back): ~200-300 grams
- Extra long hair (waist-length): ~300-400 grams
So for a typical shoulder-length style, you need about 150-200 grams of hair. This equates to 2-3 bundles of human hair extensions.
Is 100 grams enough?
For shoulder-length hairstyles, 100 grams may be enough for some people but too little for others. Here are some factors to consider:
Your natural hair thickness
If you have thick, voluminous hair, then 100 grams may not provide the fullness and coverage you need. Thin or fine hair can often be adequately supplemented with 100 grams. Evaluate the density and volume of your current style.
Hair extension type
The type of hair extensions also impacts how much you need. For tape-in or clip-in extensions, 100 grams can work well for adding length and volume. But for a full sew-in weave, you generally need at least 150-200 grams of hair.
Desired look
If you want a particularly full, voluminous style, 100 grams may not cut it. Aim for at least 150-200 grams for very thick, full shoulder-length styles. But if you just want to add a bit of length and thickness, 100 grams could suffice.
Installation method
How the extensions are installed also affects the amount of hair needed. With proper placement, 100 grams may work for tape-ins or clip-ins. But for a full head weave, sealed with glue or threads, you need more to ensure proper coverage and a natural look.
Hair texture
The texture of your natural hair and the extensions should match. Coarser, thicker textures like African American hair often require more density and volume. For smoother, finer hair, 100 grams provides ample fullness.
When is 100 grams enough?
Here are some situations when 100 grams is likely sufficient:
- You have thinner, fine hair
- You want minimal added length and volume
- You plan to use tape-in or clip-in extensions
- You have short to medium length hair
- Your hair is straight or wavy
For many shoulder-length styles, 100 grams provides a decent amount of coverage and fullness. It can help add body and dimension without excessive thickness.
When to use more than 100 grams
Here are some signs that you may need more than 100 grams of hair:
- You have very thick, voluminous natural hair
- You want a dramatically longer style
- You are getting a full sew-in weave
- You desire a very full, dense look
- You have curly or coily hair textures
For fuller, longer styles on most hair types, aim for at least 150-200 grams. Up to 300 grams may be needed for very thick waist-length looks. Evaluate your specific hair to determine the ideal amount.
Tips for calculating how much hair you need
Here are some tips to help estimate your ideal amount of hair:
- Weigh your current hair while styled to gauge your natural volume
- Read reviews of hair vendors to see how much others needed for similar styles
- Ask your stylist for a recommendation based on your hair specifics
- Start with conservative amounts like 100 grams, then add if needed
- Buy bundles in different lengths/volumes for versatility
Consider your hair’s density, texture, length, and desired end result. Investing in high-quality removable extensions allows you to tweak amounts for your perfect fit.
How to measure hair weight
The weight of your hair extensions is measured in grams. Here are some key benchmarks:
- 50 grams = 1-2 ounce bundle
- 100 grams = 3-4 ounce bundle
- 150-200 grams = Full head of shoulder-length hair
- 300 grams = Full head of very long thick hair
To weigh your own hair, simply cut a sample size of hair from your comb or brush. Place the strands on a digital kitchen scale. 10-12 inches of medium-thickness hair weighs approximately 10 grams. Multiply that amount by the number of strands sampled to estimate your overall total.
Different weights for different looks
In general, here’s how much hair you typically need for various full-head styles:
Short Hair
- Pixie cut: ~50 grams
- Chin-length bob: ~100 grams
Medium Hair
- Shoulder-length: ~150-200 grams
- Collarbone-length: ~150-250 grams
Long Hair
- Mid-back length: ~200-300 grams
- Waist-length: ~300-400 grams
Extra Long Hair
- Hip-length: ~400-500 grams
- Extra long (thigh-length): 500+ grams
In general, allow for at least 100 grams per 8-12 inches of hair length to ensure adequate thickness and coverage. Adjust amounts based on your personal hair properties and desired final style.
Density: How it impacts hair weight
Density, or thickness of each hair strand, greatly affects the total weight and volume. Here’s how it impacts the grams of hair needed:
Low Density Hair
Thin, sheer hair with few strands per square inch.
- May need only ~80-100 grams for shoulder length
- Allows you to cover more area with less hair
Medium Density Hair
Average thickness and strand count per square inch.
- Typical amount is ~100-150 grams for shoulder length
- Balances coverage with manageable volume
High Density Hair
Very thick hair with many strands per square inch.
- Usually needs ~150-200+ grams for shoulder length
- Requires more hair for coverage due to thick strands
Evaluate your natural hair density to determine ideal hair extension amounts. Lower density hair can achieve fuller looks with less overall hair weight.
How to select the right human hair bundle weights
When buying bundles of human hair for extensions, aim for a combination of lengths and volumes to suit your needs:
- 12” or 14” for base length
- 16” or 18” for mid-length fullness
- 20” or 22” for ends coverage and styles
Here are suggested bundle amounts by density:
Low Density Hair
- 1 bundle of 12” or 14” (50-70g)
- 1 bundle of 16” or 18” (60-80g)
Medium Density Hair
- 1 bundle of 14” (70-90g)
- 1 bundle of 18” (80-100g)
- 1 bundle of 20” (optional for ends) (80-100g)
High Density Hair
- 1 bundle of 12” (70-90g)
- 1 bundle of 16” (80-100g)
- 1 bundle of 20” (80-100g)
- 1 bundle of 22” (optional for extra length/volume) (80-100g)
Aim for 200-250 grams total for very thick, long styles. Buy extra bundles to test amounts and return if not needed.
Things to consider when choosing hair extensions
Other than weight, here are other key considerations when selecting hair extensions:
Quality
Choose 100% Remy human hair for the most natural look and versatility. Synthetic hair is cheaper but doesn’t blend as well.
Texture
Match the texture of your natural hair. Curly extensions won’t blend well with straight hair. Go with straight or wavy for the most versatile option.
Color
Select a color as close to your natural shade as possible. You can dye human hair extensions for an exact match.
Lengths
Choose a variety of bundle lengths 12-22 inches. Longer pieces add volume at the bottom. Shorter pieces prevent thinning at the top.
Reusability
Consider clip-ins, tape-ins or sew-ins that can be reused. They allow you to modify amounts as needed.
Budget
Remy human hair costs more but blends beautifully. Pre-colored and pre-styled hair saves time and money. Find a balance between quality and price.
Pros and cons of 100 gram hair extensions
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of using 100 gram hair extensions:
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to attach
- More affordable than larger bundles
- Suitable for shorter hairstyles
- Quick to install
- Adds subtle volume and length
Cons:
- May not provide enough fullness for long/thick styles
- Can appear thin without careful placement
- Requires precision installation for natural look
- Usually needs to be combined with other bundles
For many styles, 100 grams of high quality hair can blend beautifully when properly installed. Evaluate your unique hair to decide if it meets your volume and density needs.
Conclusion
Determining how much hair you need largely depends on your current length and thickness, desired style, installation method, and hair type. For shorter hairstyles, 100 grams of extensions may provide plenty of coverage and fullness. But for longer, fuller styles on most hair types, plan for at least 150-200 grams total.
Carefully assess your own hair properties – texture, density, curl pattern, etc. Read reviews, ask your stylist, and evaluate bundle weights. Remy human hair blends most seamlessly. With removable add-in extensions like clip-ins or tape-ins, you can easily adjust amounts until reaching your perfect fit.
While 100 grams of hair is enough for some looks, it may not provide adequate fullness for others. Arm yourself with the knowledge of how density, length, volume, and installation method impact total amounts needed. With the right information and high quality hair, you can select bundle weights tailored to your personal hair goals.
