Choosing the right bundle count for your hair extensions is the secret to achieving more hair bundles for full, seamless install. This guide explains how many bundles, typically three to four bundles, you need by length, texture, head size, and install type. Use the quick chart, compare examples, and build a plan for the look you want, from sleek and straight to big, soft waves.
What Are Hair Bundles?
Hair bundles are measured wefts of different human hair types, typically 3 to 3.5 ounces per bundle. Longer lengths spread that same weight over more inches, so density tapers as length increases. That is why long styles often need more bundles to stay full from root to tip. For consistent results, keep textures identical across bundles and confirm color tone before installation.
Factors That Affect How Many Bundles You Need
Desired Hair Length
Longer hair needs more weft to maintain density. A 26 inch look often takes two wefts or three bundles to avoid thin ends depending on the desired style.
Hair Texture
Straight installs show fullness only when the weft count is high enough. Wavy and curly textures add visual volume for a fuller appearance , so they may use slightly fewer bundles at the same length.
Hair Density or Volume Preference
If you want a soft, natural look with natural movement, choose the base recommendation. If you want runway fullness, add one extra bundle to meet the need for a full look . For thin leave out or a small head size, the base count may be enough.
Closure or Frontal Type Used
A 13x4 lace frontal wig or 13x6 lace frontal wig gives wider coverage than a closure, which can reduce the number of tracks at the hairline. With a lace closure, you may need four bundles or extra hair to match your volume goal.
Head Size and Style Choice
Smaller heads, blunt cuts, protective styles, sleek styles, and short hairstyles can use fewer bundles. Larger heads, layered styles, and extra long lengths often need more hair for balance, requiring an additional bundle.
General Bundle Recommendations by Length
These starting points match common sew in styles, installs, and wig making. Increase by one bundle to achieve your desired look for maximum volume, versatile styling options very long lengths, or larger head sizes.
10–14 Inches: Short to Medium Styles
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Natural finish: 2 bundles
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Fuller bob or blunt lob: 3 bundles
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Notes: Shorter cuts can look thick with fewer bundles. Keep ends trimmed for a clean line.
16–20 Inches: Mid-Length Looks
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Natural finish: 3 bundles
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Full glam: 3 to 4 bundles
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Notes: This range works for most head sizes and textures. Curly textures may stay at 3.
22 Inches and Longer: Long, Full Styles
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Natural finish: 3 to 4 bundles
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Extra fullness or 28 to 40 inch bundles: 4 to 5 bundles
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Notes: Longer lengths spread weight over more inches, so add an extra bundle to avoid thin ends.
How Many Bundles for Different Hair Types
Straight hair
- Looks sleek but shows density clearly.
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16 to 20 inches: 3 bundles
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22 to 30 inches: 4 bundles for full ends
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Ultra long looks like 40 inch bundles: 4 to 5 bundles
Body wave and loose wave
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Natural lift adds visual volume.
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16 to 20 inches: 3 bundles
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22 to 30 inches: 3 to 4 bundles
Deep wave and curly
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Coil pattern packs volume, so ends look fuller.
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16 to 20 inches: 3 bundles
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22 to 30 inches: 3 to 4 bundles
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Add one more for extreme fullness or large heads
Bundle Quantity Chart for Quick Reference
Length vs Number of Bundles (by Texture)
|
Length |
Straight |
Body/Loose Wave |
Deep Wave/Curly |
|
10–14 in |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
|
16–18 in |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
20 in |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
22 in |
3–4 |
3–4 |
3–4 |
|
24–26 in |
4 |
3–4 |
3–4 |
|
28–30 in |
4–5 |
4 |
3–4 |
|
32–40 in |
4–5 |
4–5 |
4 |
Tip: with a 13x6 lace frontal wig you may stay at the lower end of each range because the frontal supplies more top coverage. With a closure for your sew in , consider one extra bundle for curly hair if you want maximum density at the crown.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Bundles
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Match texture from root to tip - Mixing textures can thin the ends or make layering harder.
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Choose the right parting piece - A 13x4 lace frontal wig or 13x6 lace frontal wig gives flexible styling. A closure is a clean, low maintenance option for middle or side parts.
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Trim to a clean line - Dust the ends after install for a fuller baseline. Even a quarter inch makes a visual difference.
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Layer for movement - Long layers add shape without sacrificing density. Keep the perimeter strong for a full silhouette.
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Plan for styling - If you heat style often, add one bundle to hold shape after trims over time.
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Protect your investment - Use silk or satin at night, hydrate with lightweight serums, and schedule regular maintenance.
How Closures and Frontals Change Bundle Counts
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Closures - Great for middle parts and quick installs. Because a closure covers a smaller area than a frontal, you may want one more bundle to keep crown density high on long looks.
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Frontals - Wider hairline coverage, flexible parting, and easier edge blending. With a frontal, many installs use one fewer bundle at 16 to 22 inches. For very long lengths you still want the higher end of the range.
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Wig builds - If you construct a unit, weigh the cap size, desired volume, and final styling. Units for photo shoots and events may use an extra bundle for dramatic thickness.
Example Bundling Plans
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18 inch straight with a closure
3 bundles for natural fullness -
24 inch body wave with a frontal
3 to 4 bundles, choose 4 for glam volume -
30 inch straight with a frontal
4 to 5 bundles for full ends -
Ultra long soft wave, 40 inch bundles
5 bundles for a runway finish
These examples align with Kendra’s common recommendations for longer lengths and the desired hairstyle with premium density.
Visual Guide: Bundle Count by Length
Use a simple chart graphic that shows three bands per length: natural, full, ultra full. Place straight, body wave, and curly icons under each band so shoppers can compare at a glance, keeping their hair budget in mind . Add captions that label 3 bundles, 4 bundles, and 5 bundles.
Installation Notes for Long Hair
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Sew in - For a full sew in, map track spacing before you start. Longer lengths need tighter spacing near the perimeter to keep ends full.
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Wig making - If you ventilate or sew bundles onto a dome cap, mark density zones on the cap and keep the hairline light for realism.
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Quick weave and glue method - Follow safe adhesive practices and avoid placing tracks too close to edges. Have an extra bundle on hand to maintain consistent spacing.
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Leave out and partial sew in - Blend leave out with texture and luster matched to your bundles. If you use a generous leave out, you might use fewer bundles, but confirm the finish under bright light before you trim wefts.
Budget and Maintenance
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Plan your bundle count with your long term trim schedule in mind.
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If you love blunt ends and regular cuts, keep one extra bundle in rotation.
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Wash in cool to warm water, detangle from ends up, and dry thoroughly at the weft.
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Store units on ventilated stands to protect shape and luster.
Final Thoughts
Long hair earns its drama from density at the ends. If you want a sleek 24 inch straight look for a full head , plan on 4 bundles for a flawless finish. If you want soft waves at 22 inches, start with 3 bundles and add one for ultra fullness. Use our chart, match your parting piece, and check fullness under bright light before you finish.
Ready to build your set
Shop bundles for your next purchase and complete looks with premium parting pieces. Pair your long look with a 13x4 lace frontal wig or 13x6 lace frontal wig made of virgin hair , then choose 3 bundles or 4 bundles to match your volume goal. Add length with 40 inch bundles for runway drama.