How many bundles do you need?

It is the most common question in hair buying, and the answer “it depends” is true but unhelpful. This guide gives actual numbers. They assume bundles of 100 g each, which is what we sell, and a full sew-in on an average adult head. Once you see why the numbers change with length, you will be able to adjust them for your own head and the look you want.

Why length changes the count

A bundle is sold by weight, not by length. Every Suvita bundle weighs 100 g whether it is 10 inches or 34 inches long. The same weight spread over more length means fewer strands in the bundle, so a long bundle is thinner from weft to tip than a short one.

In practice this means a 12-inch bundle looks thick and full on its own, while a 30-inch bundle of the same weight looks noticeably finer, especially towards the ends. To get the same fullness at long lengths, you need more bundles. This is the single most important idea in this guide, and it explains why one fixed number can never be right for every length.

The quick answer by length

For a full sew-in, leaving out none of your own hair at the top (so finished with a closure or frontal, covered below):

If you have a smaller head or want a lighter, more natural look, you can go to the lower number. If you have a larger head or love volume, go to the higher one.

Sew-in with a closure

A closure is a small lace piece, usually 4x4 or 5x5 inches, that sits at the parting and covers the area where your own hair would otherwise be left out. It is sold separately and is added on top of the bundle count.

Because the closure covers the crown, the bundles only need to cover the back and sides. The counts in the table above already assume this, so for a closure install you simply use the table and add one closure. If you are unsure whether a closure or a frontal suits your install, our guide to lace closure vs lace frontal explains the difference.

Sew-in with a frontal

A frontal runs ear to ear along the hairline, usually 13x4 or 13x6 inches. It covers more of the head than a closure, so in theory you need a little less hair from bundles. In practice most people keep the same count, because frontal installs are often styled with the hair pulled back or to the side, which shows more of the length and benefits from fullness.

• Short to mid lengths (10–18 in): the same count as the table. Using one fewer bundle is possible with a 13x6 frontal if you want a lighter look.
• Long lengths (20 in and over): keep the full count, or add one, so the length matches the density at the front.

Sew-in without a closure or frontal

A traditional sew-in leaves some of your own hair out at the top or parting and blends it over the wefts. You need slightly less hair from bundles because your own hair does some of the work, but how much less depends on how much you leave out and how closely your hair matches the bundles.

As a starting point, use the lower number in the table for your length. If your own hair is a different texture from the bundles, plan on styling the leave-out with heat to blend it, or choose a texture closer to your own. Our texture guide helps with that choice.

How texture changes the count

Texture changes how full the hair looks, not how much it weighs. Two things to keep in mind:

Waves and curls look fuller

Deep wave, water wave, curly and kinky curly hair take up more space than straight hair at the same weight. Many people find they can use the lower number in the table for these textures, or keep the full number for a big, voluminous look.

Waves and curls look shorter

Bundles are measured with the hair pulled straight. A curly texture worn naturally will look shorter than its stated length, roughly one to two inches shorter for body and loose wave, two to three for deep wave, water wave and curly, and more for kinky curly. If you want a particular finished length, order the next length or two up. Longer bundles are thinner, so you may also need to add a bundle.

Mixed lengths

Many installs use bundles of different lengths, for example 18, 20 and 22 inches. This gives a natural, slightly layered finish where the hair is fuller at the top and tapers at the ends, rather than ending in a blunt line. A common approach is to put the longest bundle at the nape and the shorter ones towards the crown. When mixing, count the bundles as you would for the middle length.

Wigs and extensions

Bundle counts apply to sew-ins. Other products are measured differently:

• Lace wigs: already built on the cap, so you do not buy bundles separately.
• Clip-ins, tape-ins, keratin tips and nano rings: sold by set weight (100, 120, 150, 200 or 250 g). A 100 g set is a full head for most people; choose 150 g or more for long lengths or thick hair.
• Ponytails: a single 100 g piece is a full ponytail; heavier weights give more volume at long lengths.

If you still are not sure, send a photo of your hair and the look you want, and we will suggest what to order. Since there is no minimum order and all prices are wholesale, you can also order one bundle first to check the shade and texture before buying the full set.