How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Full Head? (No Guessing, Just Real Numbers)

We’ve all heard it: “You need 100 grams for a full head!” Or was it 150? Maybe 200? Honestly, it can feel like everyone has a different number—and if you’re the one sitting in the chair (or behind it), you’re left wondering who’s actually right.

So let’s clear it up once and for all: how many grams of hair extensions do you really need for a full head?
Spoiler alert: it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But don't worry—we’ll break it down by hair type, method, and even by the look you're going for.

First, What Do We Mean by “Grams”?

Hair extensions are sold by weight. Grams = density. Think of it like this:

• 50 grams = a light snack

• 100 grams = enough for subtle fullness

• 150 grams = you're starting to see real volume

• 200+ grams = okay wow, we’re in glam mode

But not every method needs the same amount of hair. A full head of tape-ins isn’t the same as a full head of hand-tied wefts or microlinks.

So let’s get specific.

TL;DR: Quick Gram Guide by Method

Keep in mind: these are estimates. Every head is different. Your stylist should customize based on your density, head shape, and the look you’re after.

Want Just Volume? Or Length + Volume?

Let’s talk goals.
Because whether you're trying to:

• Just fill in the sides

• Add fullness to shoulder-length hair

• Go full Rapunzel with 24-inch wefts
  ...makes a huge difference in how much hair you’ll need.

Just Volume (No Length Change)

• Fine to medium hair? 80–100 grams should do the trick.

• You’re not adding length, so you don’t need the bulk—just enough to thicken things up.

Volume + Length (Up to 16")

• Medium density hair typically needs 120–150 grams.

• This is where most clients land—length and volume in a natural-looking balance.

Volume + Length (18" and Up)

• You’ll want 180–220 grams, especially if your natural hair is short or blunt.

• Long extensions need to blend—and that means density to match the ends.

Why More Length = More Grams (Even If You Think You Don’t Need It)

Here’s the catch a lot of people don’t realize:
The longer the hair, the thinner the ends.

That’s especially true if you’re not buying double-drawn hair (which is thick from root to tip). So if you go for 22” or 24” extensions, you’ll need more grams to get that lush, full-bottom look.

Otherwise? You’ll end up with hair that’s long but stringy. And nobody’s paying good money for limp spaghetti ends.

Real Talk: Your Natural Hair Density Changes Everything

It’s not just about what you want. It’s also about what your real hair can support.

Let’s break it down by hair type:

Fine Hair

You’ll want to keep it light:

• 100 grams max for volume and length

• Avoid super long wefts—they’ll look obvious

• Layering and texturizing help with blend

Too much weight can cause slippage, damage, or just look bulky on top.

Medium Hair

You’ve got more freedom:

• 120–180 grams is a safe bet

• You can go longer without a heavy look

• Blend is usually easy with minimal customization

Thick Hair

It’s go big or go home:

• 200+ grams to match your natural bulk

• Anything less will look uneven

• Consider double wefting or stacked rows for seamless fullness

You might need extra rows or packs—especially if your ends are blunt or heavy.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Do a Visual Test

If you’re trying to eyeball it before booking, here’s a cheat:

• Pull your hair into a low ponytail

• Measure the thickness at the base with your fingers

• If it's the width of a quarter: fine

• A nickel to a silver dollar? medium

• Anything thicker? You’ve got thick hair

This won’t replace a professional consult, but it gives you a ballpark starting point.

How Grams Relate to Rows (for Wefts and Hand-Tied Methods)

Stylists often talk in “rows” instead of grams—especially with hand-tied or genius wefts. So what’s the gram-to-row breakdown?

• 1 Row = 40–60g (volume only)

• 2 Rows = 80–120g (volume + length)

• 3 Rows = 140–180g+ (for serious fullness or very long installs)

Again, the total number of wefts and grams used will depend on how long and thick the extensions are—and how custom your blend needs to be.

Quality Matters Just as Much as Quantity

You could order 200 grams of hair and still be disappointed. Why? Because quality counts.

Look for:

• 100% Remy human hair (cuticles intact and aligned)

• Double-drawn strands for even thickness from top to bottom

• No silicone-heavy coatings (they feel soft at first, then get ratty fast)

Cheaper hair is often thinner, uneven, and hard to style—so you end up needing more to achieve the same look.

The Stylist’s Secret: Placement > Quantity

Here’s something you won’t hear on TikTok:

Sometimes, it’s not about more hair—it’s about the right hair in the right places.

A skilled stylist can use 120g of hair and make it look like 200g if the placement, angle, and blending are done right. They’ll taper the ends, stack wefts, layer tones, and add strategic volume where it matters.

So don’t just throw more grams at the problem. Get a strategy.

Final Answer: How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do You Need?

Let’s put it simply:

• 80–100g = subtle volume only

• 120–150g = average full head for medium hair

• 180–220g+ = thick or blunt hair, or long dramatic looks

But above all? Talk to your stylist. A proper consult is worth more than any online guide.

FAQs: Hair Extension Gram Questions, Answered

1. Can I use 100 grams for a full head?
Yes, if your hair is fine and you're only looking for a natural boost in volume or moderate length. Thicker or shorter hair will need more.

2. Is 200 grams of hair too much?
Not necessarily! For thick, blunt, or very short natural hair—or long (20"+) extension installs—200g+ may be exactly right.

3. Do longer extensions need more grams?
Yes. Longer lengths are thinner at the ends, so you’ll need more wefts to make the hair look full and blended.

4. How do I know how many grams are in my extension pack?
Most high-quality brands label it clearly—check the packaging. A full set usually contains 100–200g depending on the method.

5. Can I mix two different weights of hair packs?
Absolutely. Stylists often blend different weft weights and lengths to create seamless, layered results. Just make sure both are high quality and the same hair type.