How many bundles for a sew in?
Choosing the right number of hair bundles is crucial. Too few, and you might not get the volume you desire; too many, and you could end up with an unnatural and bulky look.
To find the right amount, consider two things: the bundles you choose— including their length, texture, and desired fullness—and the type of sew-in you want, whether it’s a full sew-in, closure sew-in, or frontal sew-in.
Bundle Length
When it comes to sew-ins, one of the most critical factors to consider is hair length.
The length of the hair bundles you choose directly impacts the weft size, which is the width of each hair bundle. Longer hair typically comes in shorter wefts, while shorter hair tends to have longer wefts. That’s why you may need more bundles as you go longer to maintain the fullness you want.
Here’s a general guide:
Not sure what length you should choose? Check out our guide on What Length Bundles Should I Get? It looks at hair length from a hairstyle and overall-look perspective, which can help you decide what length to buy before figuring out how many bundles you need.
Desired Fullness
The density or thickness of your sew-in is another crucial consideration.
If you prefer a fuller look, opt for tighter spacing, which will require more bundles. Conversely, if you want a more natural and spaced-out appearance, you can get away with fewer bundles.
A bundle typically weighs around 3.5 ounces, although the exact weight can vary by brand.
Also, bundles can vary in quality. Lower-grade bundles may contain more short hairs mixed into the bundle, which can make the ends look thinner. Higher-quality bundles have a more consistent proportion of hair at the stated length, so you may need fewer bundles to create a fuller, more natural-looking sew-in.
Want to understand more about hair grades? Read our guide Which Is Better: 10A or 12A Hair?
Hair Texture
Texture also affects how full your sew-in looks. Straight hair tends to look flatter, while wavy and curly textures can create more volume.
For example, three bundles of body wave may look fuller than three bundles of straight hair. If you want a very full style, you may need more bundles regardless of the texture.
Consider Your Sew-In Type
14 inches or shorter: 2-3 bundles (two to two and a half bundles for tracks; three bundles for a full sew-in with no leave out)
16-20 inches: 2-3 bundles (Two bundles for tracks, two and a half to three bundles for frontals or closures)
22-26 inches: 2.5-5 bundles (Avoid using tracks for hair over 26 inches; consider units instead)
28-32 inches: 3.5-4.5 bundles (Best for frontal applications; avoid full sew-ins to prevent excessive weight and potential scalp damage)
While long, voluminous hair can be stunning, it’s essential to balance length and volume to maintain hair health. Extremely long hair, especially 28 inches and beyond, can exert significant weight on your scalp and edges, potentially leading to damage. It’s vital to weigh the pros and cons of length versus volume when making your hair extension decisions. Opting for slightly shorter lengths can sometimes be more beneficial, as they reduce the weight and stress on your natural hair, promoting overall hair health.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be complicated. For most sew-ins, 2–4 bundles is a good range, with three bundles being a common starting point.
At the same time, don’t forget to consider what your natural hair can handle. Start with less hair if you’re unsure, and add more only if your natural hair can comfortably handle the extra weight.