How many grams of hair extensions do I need? We get asked this question a lot and will answer it for you. The amount depends on your hair thickness, texture and length you want to achieve. In this guide we break down the gram requirements for each hair goal so you can make an informed decision for a natural look.
Quick Facts
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The amount of hair extensions needed for volume or fullness depends on your hair natural thickness, texture and length, thin, medium and thick hair types have different requirements.
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Consult a professional stylist to choose the right weight and type of extensions for a natural look and to avoid damaging your natural hair.
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Too many grams of hair extensions can stress your natural hair and cause breakage and traction alopecia so you must choose the right extension weight.
How Many Grams of Hair Extensions
To determine how many grams of hair extensions you need you need to consider your hair thickness, texture and length. A seamless blend and no stringy look at the bottom is achieved when the extensions match your natural hair type. This gives you a natural and comfortable look without damaging your natural hair.
The length and amount of hair in each 100-gram pack also plays a big role in deciding how many grams of hair extensions you need for length increase. Too dense extensions can look unnatural and fake and diminish the effect you want.
Check Your Natural Hair Type
The first step to determine how many grams of hair extensions is to check your natural hair type. The amount of hair needed for extensions is dependent on your natural hair type. It will play a big role in the quantity you need. Thick and dense hair may need more extensions for length and volume and thin or fragile hair may need less grams to not overload your natural hair.
Stylist
The important step of choosing the right amount of hair extensions is to consult a professional hairstylist. A stylist can assess your hair condition and recommend the best option for your hair type and goals. Their expertise will make sure you choose the right weight of hair extensions and give you personalized recommendations based on the length and density of your hair.
How Many Grams of Hair Extensions for Volume?
Different hair types need different amount of grams of hair extensions for volume. For thin or fine hair 60-100 grams of hair extensions are needed to add volume without overwhelming the hair. Medium hair needs around 180 grams for volume and thick hair needs 150 grams to add volume naturally. Each hair type has its own requirement and knowing these will help you get fuller and more voluminous look.
Volume for Thin or Fine Hair
For thin or fine hair use hair extensions weighing 60-140 grams. This range will give you volume without looking unnatural or too heavy. Options in this range are 50-gram extensions for subtle volume boost or multi-piece clip-in extensions that weigh 100-150 grams for added volume.
Volume for Medium Hair
Medium hair needs around 180 grams of hair extensions to add volume and look natural. 160 gram sets available in 18-20 inches are also good for volume in medium hair types. To get fuller and more voluminous look for medium hair you need to choose the right grams of hair extensions.
Volume for Thick Hair
Thick hair individuals need 150-gram hair extensions to add volume. High weight extensions are used for special occasions or by those with thick hair naturally to get fuller and more dramatic look. These extensions will enhance the natural thickness and add volume without looking unnatural and blend seamlessly with the natural hair.
How Many Grams of Hair Extensions for Full Head?
The grams needed for full head of hair extensions depends on the length and thickness of your natural hair. Here are some guidelines:
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For fine hair: 60-100 grams single drawn hair extensions
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For medium-thick hair: 120-150 grams for average length
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For very thick hair: more than 200 grams to blend with the extensions
Longer hair extensions need more grams of hair to get thickness and natural look from root to tip especially for thin hair.
Full Head for Short Hair
How many hair do I need for extensions? Short hair needs about 150-200 grams of hair extensions for full head to get length and volume. For volume in shorter hair (16 inches) 140 grams are recommended. For seamless blend in short, bluntly cut hair or above shoulder length hair 220 grams of clip-in extensions are ideal.
This range will add length and fullness without looking unnatural.
Full Head for Medium Length Hair
Medium length hair needs 120-150 grams of hair extensions for full head. For example 160 grams (20 inches) is ideal for thin to medium hair to add natural looking length and volume. For medium thickness hair to get dramatic volume 220 grams (20 inches) are recommended. This range will blend with the natural hair and give fuller look.
Full Head for Long Hair
Long hair may need 200 grams or more of hair extensions to look natural and blend. For thick hair 220 grams extensions in 22-24 inches will give maximum fullness. For naturally thick hair 220 grams of hair extensions are recommended to get voluminous and seamless blend.
Recommended weight of hair extensions for mermaid length hair is 240 grams to get dramatic look.
Choosing the Right Extension Method
To get your desired look and maintain your natural hair health you need to choose the right extension method. Different extension methods are for different hair types and styling needs. Some popular extension methods are:
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Tape-in extensions
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Weft bundles
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Pre-bonded keratin extensions
Each has its own benefits and techniques.
An informed decision can be made by understanding these methods and what’s suitable for your hair type.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
For different hair types and volume clip-in hair extensions is a versatile option. They come in package weights of 100 grams or 200 grams so suitable for both subtle and dramatic look. How many hair extensions do I need for full head application? Generally you need 5 clip-ins: 3 for back of the head and 2 for temples.
Easy to attach and remove so good for temporary changes.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
For volume or length human hair extensions especially tape-in hair extensions is a light and discreet option. These come in packs of 40 with 100 grams combined weight.
Tape-in extensions are good for thin to medium hair as they add volume without adding too much weight so it looks and feels natural.
Weft Bundles
Based on personal measurements and desired look weft bundles is a customizable option for hair extensions. Number of weft bundles for full head is determined through a process of measuring natural hair and discussing with stylist.
Weft bundles for volume come in 16-20 inches length and 180g-265g weight so you have flexibility to get the perfect volume and length.
Pre-Bonded Keratin Extensions
For durability and natural look pre-bonded keratin extensions is a popular choice. For full head set with normal hair thickness at least 100 grams of pre-bonded keratin or I-tip extensions are required.
Micro bonds need 125-160 strands for full head set. These are long lasting solution for those who want natural and seamless blend with their existing hair.
Hair Extension Weights
Hair extension weights range from 50 to 200 grams depending on the styling needs. Weight of hair extensions determines the thickness of the weft which affects the overall volume and fullness. Extensions can be 50 grams for slight volume to 200 grams for dramatic length and fullness.
Knowing these weight range will help you choose the right extensions for your hair type and desired look.
50-100 Grams
For slight volume or length extensions 50-100 grams is suitable. For example tape-in extensions come in 25 grams per 10 pieces and weft bundles come in 50 grams per bundle. But this weight range may not be enough for full head if your natural hair is thick so it’s more suitable for thin hair types.
150-200 Grams
For those who want to add significant volume or length hair extensions 150-200 grams is ideal especially for medium to thick hair types. Medium length hair needs 150-200 grams of extensions for full head application. These heavier sets are perfect for dramatic transformation, full and voluminous look.
200+ Grams
For dramatic transformation extensions 200+ grams is the maximum thickness and length. These extensions are perfect for very full and voluminous look, often used for special occasions or those with thick natural hair.
When 200 grams is not enough, using 240 grams or more will give you full and seamless blend and stunning voluminous look.
Is Too Many Grams A Risk?
Though we want to use the maximum amount of hair extensions for ultra voluminous look, we need to be cautious when using too many grams. Excessive weight from too heavy extensions can pull your natural hair, cause tension and breakage near the scalp. This not only affects your hair health but also gives you discomfort and headaches.
Using too heavy extensions for long period of time can cause more serious issues like traction alopecia which can result to bald spots or patches of missing hair. To avoid these risks consult a professional stylist and choose an extension weight that won’t compromise your natural hair while enhancing your look.
Summary
Choosing the right amount of hair extensions is the key to achieve your desired look without compromising your natural hair. By considering your hair thickness, texture and desired length you can determine the amount of grams of hair extensions you need. Consult a hair stylist for personalized recommendation so your extensions will blend seamlessly with your natural hair and meet your volume and length goals.
For volume, thin or fine hair needs 60-140 grams, medium hair needs 180 grams and thick hair needs 150 grams. For full head of extensions, short hair needs 150-200 grams, medium length hair needs 120-150 grams and long hair may need 200 grams or more to look natural.
Knowing the common weight range of hair extensions from 50-100 grams for slight volume to 200+ grams for dramatic transformation will help you make informed decision. Remember while getting perfect voluminous look is important, using too many grams is equally important to avoid strain and damage to your natural hair. Consult with professionals, choose wisely and enjoy your beautiful hair.
FAQs
How many grams of hair extensions for thin hair?
60-140 grams of hair extensions for thin hair to add volume without overwhelming the natural hair.
What’s the best extension method for medium hair?
Tape-in hair extensions is the best extension method for medium hair as it’s lightweight and discreet, adds volume without too much weight. Try tape-in hair extensions for natural look and feel.
Too many grams? Risky?
280 grams and above can pull your natural hair, cause tension, breakage and bald spots or traction alopecia. Be careful.
