If you are wondering how many hair bundles you need for a full head, you are not alone. The answer depends on hair length, texture, head size, your desired style, and whether you use a closure or frontal. Use this guide to pick the right amount of hair bundles for your next install, from sleek straight hair to big curls, and from sew-ins to wigs. For the longest lengths and the most flawless finishes, explore our brazilian hair bundles, hd lace closure, hd lace frontal, and full lace wigs.
Factors That Affect How Many Bundles You Need
Hair Length
Shorter lengths have more grams of hair per inch, so you can use fewer bundles. Longer lengths have less volume per bundle and usually need more hair for a full, balanced look. Most stylists start at two to three bundles for 10 to 20 inches, and move to three or four for 22 inches and above. Independent industry guides echo this rule of thumb for sew-ins and installs.
Hair Texture (Straight, Wavy, Curly)
Straight textures show fullness less than curls. Wavy and curly patterns add visual volume, so you can sometimes use fewer bundles at shorter lengths. Very tight curls may still need an extra bundle at longer lengths to keep density through the ends.
Head Size and Coverage
Head circumference and the amount of leave-out affect coverage. A smaller head or more leave-out may need less hair. A larger head, minimal leave-out, or extra coverage needs more.
Desired Volume and Thickness
If you want soft, everyday density, then at least two bundles with a closure often works at medium lengths. If you want runway fullness or layers that read thick to the tips, add a third or extra bundle.
Type of Installation (Sew-in, Wig, Quick Weave, etc.)
Sew-ins with a closure typically need fewer bundles than a frontal or a high-density wig. A frontal covers ear to ear, so you can alter the bundle count by style. With very long lengths, many stylists step up to four. Guidance across reputable hair resources supports these ranges.
Key Factors That Determine Your Bundle Count
Short Hair (10–14 inches)
For a natural finish on short styles or a bob, plan for two bundles with a closure. If you want a thicker bob or blunt ends, use three. Tight curls may allow two, while very silky straight bobs often look best with three to keep density at the tips.
Medium Hair (16–20 inches)
The sweet spot for most installs. With a closure, three bundles creates a clean full head. For silky straight, consider a third bundle even at 16 inches to avoid thin ends. For wavy or curly, two to three bundles is common depending on how big you like the style.
Long Hair (22 inches and above)
Long lengths have less weft density per bundle. Expect three to four bundles for a full sew in at 22–28 inches, especially for straight hair. Ultra-long installs, such as 40 inches, often require five bundles for a seamless, luxe look. Kendra’s own 40-inch product pages recommend a minimum of five for a full head finish.
How Many Bundles are Needed for Different Hairstyles
Natural Look
Two bundles plus a hd lace closure can deliver a soft, everyday desired look at 12–18 inches, particularly with wavy or curly textures. Add a third bundle if you prefer extra thickness or wear a middle part most days.
Full & Voluminous Style
For extreme fullness, choose three to four bundles to purchase at 16–24 inches, and four to five for 26 inches and above. If you love heavy layers, keep a fourth bundle on hand to avoid gaps after shaping.
Layered or Curly Styles
Layering removes length and weight. Start with at least three bundles at medium lengths, and four at 22 inches and above, to maintain body after cutting. For coils, you may use fewer at short lengths, then add one bundle for long or layered shapes.
Closures and Frontals
A hd lace frontal gives ear-to-ear coverage and a custom hairline. You may still need three or four bundles for longer lengths. For everyday installs, a hd lace closure with two to three bundles is a sleek, protective option. When choosing, factor in parting preference, hairline realism, and maintenance.
Recommended Bundle Chart by Length and Installation
|
Length |
Closure Sew-in |
Frontal Sew-in |
Wig / Quick Weave |
|
10–14 in |
2–3 bundles |
2–3 bundles |
2–3 bundles |
|
16–20 in |
3 bundles |
3 bundles |
3 bundles |
|
22–26 in |
3–4 bundles |
3–4 bundles |
3–4 bundles |
|
28–32 in |
4 bundles |
4 bundles |
4 bundles |
|
34–40 in |
4–5 bundles |
5 bundles |
5 bundles |
These ranges align with widely shared industry guidance, as well as Kendra’s ultra-long lengths that call for five bundles for the fullest result.
Tip: The longer the length, the shorter the weft. Very long bundles look best with more bundles so the ends stay full.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Number of Bundles
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Match density to texture. Straight needs more than curly at the same length.
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Plan for shaping. Layers reduce weight. Keep an extra bundle for long layered installs.
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Size matters. A larger head size can need more hair for full coverage.
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Think lifestyle. If you want ponytails or half-up looks, factor in how much hair you want to wear and how light you need it to feel.
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Save time with a frontal. A frontal can speed styling and reduce leave-out. Pair with three or four bundles at 20 inches and above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Buying less hair for long installs. At 22 inches and beyond, plan for more bundles to maintain thickness.
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Ignoring texture. If you switch from body wave to silky straight, adjust the bundle count for the same fullness.
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Forgetting the finish. If you plan a blunt cut or heavy layers, start with more hair so the shape stays rich.
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Skipping lace choice. Decide between hd lace closure and hd lace frontal early, since this changes how many bundles you need.
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Overlooking braids. If you are doing boho or knotless, plan separate braiding hair bundles rather than using wefted bundles for the entire look.
Conclusion
The number of hair bundles you need for a full head depends on a few factors, such as hair length, texture, coverage, and the desired hairstyle. As a quick guide, two to three bundles work for short to medium lengths with a closure, three to four bundles suit 22 inches and above, and five bundles are ideal for ultra-long looks. This approach matches common stylist rules and Kendra’s guidance for very long styles.
Ready to create your look
Build your install with brazilian hair bundles, pair with a hd lace closure or hd lace frontal, or choose full lace wigs for maximum versatility. If you are planning boho or knotless looks, pick dedicated braiding hair bundles for the best result.