How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Full Head?

If you’ve ever shopped for hair extensions online or talked to a stylist about your install, you’ve probably heard the question:


“How many grams do you want?”

And if you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought, “Wait—what does that even mean?!”

Grams measure the weight of the hair. More grams = more hair = more volume and length. But how many grams do you actually need for a full head of extensions? Not too little, not too much—just enough to give you that full, natural, fabulous look without weighing your head down.

Let’s break it down in real terms.

Quick Answer: 100g to 200g Is the Sweet Spot

In most cases, a full head of hair extensions takes somewhere between 100 and 200 grams of hair. But that number depends on a few things—like your natural hair density, your desired length, and the method you’re using.

Here's a cheat sheet:

  • Fine hair, shoulder-length goals: 80g to 120g

  • Medium hair, adding volume only: 100g to 150g

  • Thick hair or going long (18–24"+): 160g to 220g

  • Blending blunt cuts or short bobs: At least 180g to make the ends look natural

Still with me? Good. Now let’s get specific.

Why Grams Matter (A Lot)

Think of grams like fabric in a dress. The more you add, the more coverage you get—but go too light and things just look…off. You don’t want thick roots with stringy ends or super long hair that looks thin and tired halfway down your back.

Getting the right gram weight ensures:

  • Seamless blending

  • Balanced thickness from root to tip

  • Comfortable wear without excess bulk

Your stylist will often decide the total number of wefts or packs based on the grams per bundle. That’s why quality suppliers like Cooviphair label each bundle by weight—to make custom installs easy and predictable.

Choosing by Method: Clip-Ins vs Wefts vs Tape-Ins

Different extension methods require different weights. Here’s what to expect based on the type you’re wearing:

Clip-In Extensions

Clip-ins are typically sold in full sets (100g, 160g, or 220g).

  • 100g: Good for fine hair or casual wear

  • 160g: Ideal for medium-density hair and moderate length

  • 220g: Best for thick hair or dramatic transformations

Tape-In Extensions

Each tape weft is usually 2.5g. A full head needs:

  • 20 pieces (10 sandwiches) for volume only = ~50g

  • 40 pieces (20 sandwiches) for full head = ~100g

  • 60 pieces for long or thick hair = ~150g

Hand-Tied or Genius Wefts

  • One weft = usually 12–15g

  • Most installs use 6–10 wefts, depending on length and head size

  • A full install typically ranges from 100g to 180g

These methods are fully customizable. Your stylist will stack, layer, or space wefts based on how thick your natural hair is and how long you want to go.

The “Blunt Cut” Warning

If you’ve got a short blunt bob and you’re trying to go full glam mermaid—listen up.

You’ll need more grams. Why? Because you’re trying to hide thick ends and create a natural taper from short to long. That takes weight. Often 180g or more.

Trust your stylist when they recommend extra wefts or grams—it’s not about selling more hair, it’s about making sure the final look doesn’t scream "extension line."

How to Know You Have Enough Hair

A good rule of thumb:
Your extensions should look the same thickness from top to bottom. If they thin out halfway down or look wispy at the ends, you're under the mark.

Also, if you need to use fewer wefts due to comfort or fine hair, go with double-drawn extensions. These are fuller from root to tip, so even with fewer grams, you get great density.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess—Get Measured

Extensions aren’t just about “how many packs”—they’re about total weight, even distribution, and custom blending.

If you're doing a salon install, your stylist will usually quote you by grams or rows. If you’re buying clip-ins or DIY tape-ins, make sure the set offers enough weight for your hair type.

And remember—more hair isn’t always better. It’s about the right hair in the right places.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 100g of hair enough for a full head?
Yes—for fine hair or adding moderate length/volume. If your hair is thick or you want long extensions, you’ll need more.

2. How many grams do I need for thick hair?
Usually 180g to 220g for full coverage and length blending.

3. Can I mix different gram weights in one install?
Absolutely! Many stylists layer lighter wefts near the top and denser wefts underneath for comfort and blending.

4. Do more grams mean better quality?
Not necessarily. Quality depends on the hair itself—look for Remy, double-drawn, cuticle-aligned hair first, then choose the right weight.

5. Will too many grams feel heavy?
Only if poorly placed. A skilled stylist will distribute weight evenly so it feels natural and won’t strain your scalp.