How Many Hair Extensions You Need Based On Your Hair Type

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 9 min

Figuring out how many hair extensions you need is greatly affected by your hair type and thickness (as well as the look you want to achieve, of course). 


In simple terms, more extensions = thicker hair , so if your main hair goal for extensions is to get bigger, more voluminous locks, then you’ll need more extensions.


On the flip, you might already be blessed with thicker hair (jealous much?), and you want to add a few extra inches of length with extensions, then you won't need as many.


But the type of extensions also comes into play, as does the weight (grams) of the hair. So, to clear up any confusion, we’ve answered how many hair extensions you need based on your hair type below.

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need: The Context

When people ask how many hair extensions they need, this actually referring to the weight and number of wefts .


Usually, hair extensions are measured in grams , and the wefts are the actual strip of fabric that has the hair sewn into it , along with the clips (if they're clip-in).


The weight of hair extensions depends on their length and thickness (and quality). If they're longer and thicker they'll weigh more. See, easy.


For example, our 24-inch Hair Extensions (1 weft) weigh 185g, but our 22-inch Summer Teal Extensions (3 wefts) weigh 230g.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick breakdown…

Hair Type Recommendations Reason
Thick Hair
  • Single clip-in wefts are good for adding length without tons of volume.
  • 150-200 grams of tape-ins should be enough for a full-head installation.
Thin Hair
  • Double Weft Clip-ins
  • Half-Head
  • 100-125g Tape-Ins
  • Double clip-in wefts offer extreme volume.
  • A half-head is super popular, adding length and volume.
  • Between 100-125 grams of tape-ins will cover the whole head with minimal pull on the hair follicles.
Long Hair
  • Double wefts add high volume.
  • Half-head pieces add amazing volume.
Short Hair
  • 100-150g Tape-In
  • Wig
  • 100-150 grams of tape-ins are perfect for a blended transition from short to long.
  • A wig will cover all natural hair to transform your look with ease.

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Thick Hair Type?

You thick-haired baddies probably don't need much added volume - you've already got that down to a T. But, we imagine it's the length you're after, in which case, we can help you.


Adding length to already thick hair can be a little challenging because you don't want the top of your hair to not blend with the bottom, which causes that interesting 2010's backcomb look . Yeah, we're getting flashbacks too.


So, here's what we suggest…

Single Clip-in Weft

A single weft (synthetic or human) can add length without adding buckets of volume that you just don't need. Our RiRi hair extensions come in 16-24 inches, so you have plenty of options to choose your desired length.


And you don't really need to worry about the weight. Because your hair is thick, it's less likely to get weighed down by hair extensions, so the world is your oyster.


Our Clip-In Hair Extensions are super easy to use at home . They literally take 2 minutes to apply. Not only that, they're also available in 30+ shades , so you don't need to worry about them not matching your natural hair.

150-200g Tape-Ins

Tape-ins are a little different. They have to be applied by a professional stylist (lucky you, we have a salon and plenty of stylists who can do this for you!), and they're a more permanent option if you're looking for 24/7 length.


Tape-ins are ideal for people with thick hair, and between 150 to 200g should be ideal for a full head.


If you don’t want to add too much thickness and are more focused on achieving length, 150 grams should be enough. 

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Thin Hair Type?

We're guessing you thin-haired beauts are, in fact, looking for that vavavoom in volume and maybe the length as well. Are we right? We're right.

Double Clip-in Weft

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Using two clip-in wefts is a great way to add volume and length to thinner hair.


Use a shorter clip-in higher up in your hair , like a 16-incher , and a longer one slightly lower down , like a 20-inch . Girl– the volume and length that'll give. We can't even tell you.


PSA: Synthetics are lighter than Remy hair extensions (human hair), so that's something to consider if you have thin hair. Something lighter is less likely to weigh your hair down.

Half-Head

Now our Half Head Extensions are insanely popular on  TikTok for a reason. They give the best volume and length you've ever seen, and they're ridiculously easy to install.


Here's a little tutorial from our girl Mia Sully:

See, it couldn't be easier, and doesn't she just look stunning?

100-125g Tape-Ins

Tape-ins are a different type of hair extension, offering a semi-permanent option rather than the temporary solution that is clip-ins.


They are super beneficial for finer hair types because they have a minimal pull on the hair follicle and grow out nice and flat. This means no matting and premium discreetness.


We recommend 100 to 125 grams of tape-ins. This’ll be enough for a full head installation and shouldn’t weigh down your natural hair too much.

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Long Hair Type?

Girlies with long hair (first of all, we're jealous), you already know you have that hair length, but have you got natural volume? We're guessing not, or you wouldn't be here.


You have the same kinda vibe as the girlies with thin hair, except we don't directly suggest tape-ins because they're literally suitable for everyone. So, no matter your hair type, if you know you want tape-ins, go get em'.


So, to get your long locks looking juicy, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves.

Double Clip-in Weft

Using our hack again, take two wefts, making sure they're the same colour (unless you're going for a two-tone vibe – weaccept) and different lengths.


Place the shorter one higher up and the longer one lower down. Watch your hair go from long and lifeless to long, full, and gorgeous.


You could also try our 8-Weft 20-inch Human Hair Extensions for a full head! Although human hair is a little heavier than synthetic hair extensions, so they might not be the perfect option for really thin hair, they will add luxurious volume like no other. 

Half-Head

We also recommend our beautiful Half-Head Hair Piece for you guys. It's just a quick and easy way to add a huge amount of temporary volume and length by clipping it into your hair.


To keep the piece locked in, we suggest backcombing your section and using some grips to secure it. She isn't going anywhere.

How Many Hair Extensions Do I Need for a Short Hair Type?

When we say short, we're assuming you're rocking the bob cut , so we've got some recommendations for you based on that.

100-150g Tape-Ins

Tape-ins, specifically a full-head,  so around 150 grams of hair  , would be perfect for making that big transition from short to long. Any less, and you might have trouble hiding the line of your natural hair. Blended extensions are happy extensions.


Like we said before, they also grow out flat, so you don't need to worry about matting or making weird bumps in your hair.


Our stylists at our Lakeside Salon are professional, so you'll leave your appointment with beautifully fitted extensions!

Wig

A full wig could also be the answer to all your problems, helping you to become the most confident version of yourself. It'll be more than enough hair.


We have synthetics and human hair available, so whatever your preference, we'll have just the thing for you. They're all one-sized wigs , so it's only the length and style you need to worry about, not the weft or weight.


They'll be exceptionally discreet (duh, this is RiRi we're talking about), so hiding your natural hairline won't be an issue. And as always, they're easy peasy to apply yourself. 

Final Things to Consider

Lastly, ladies, we just want to make sure we're on the same page with  maintenance and usage . It's so important to keep your RiRi's looking fresh. You've spent your hard-earned money, and you don't want to waste it.


So, here are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing your RiRi's:

  • Synthetics only require brushing and keeping in suitable storage when not in use. You shouldn't wash them if you can help it, and you certainly shouldn't use heat or dye. No worries, though, because we have 30+ colours, and they come pre-styled!
  • Human hair can be washed, styled with heat, and dyed. But please be careful, use heat protectants ALWAYS, and consult with a stylist before getting out the box dye!
  • If you can't keep up with the maintenance of more permanent types of hair extensions (tape-ins), you should think about choosing clip-ins instead. They are easily installed and removed when you need them.
  • If you're looking for semi-permanence and can deal with heading to the salon for refits, tape-ins might be better for you.

Rounding Up: How Many Hair Extensions Do You Need?

So, besties, hopefully, you get it now and know exactly what extensions you're going to put in your basket for the big checkout. Eeek, we are so excited for you!


Beginning your hair extension journey is truly a great one, and we'd be surprised if you looked back. Stunning hair every single day really is possible with RiRi.


Remember, before you hit check out, consult our  free colour match service  so you're not disappointed when your gorg extensions arrive . Don't worry, though, if you're not happy, you can always return your RiRi's as long as they still have the tags!


We hope you love your RiRi's! Shop our new and trending products below, or browse our website!

FAQs

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

You need around 150g to 200g of hair extensions to be considered a full head. The final number will depend on your hair type. If you have thick hair, you'll need much less, and if you have thin hair, you'll need much more.

How Many Tape Extensions Do I Need for Thin Hair?

We recommend 100 to 125g. This will give your locks coverage, volume and length.

Can You Just Get One Row of Hair Extensions?

Yes, you can! In fact, this is actually a great place to start if you're new to extensions to test the waters and see how much length and volume you actually want! A row is also known as a weft.

How Do I Know How Many Hair Extensions I Need?

You should try to identify your hair goals. Are you looking for length, volume, easier styling options, or something else? Then, check out our helpful guide above! If you need more help, please contact us . We're more than happy to help!

Can You Feel Hair Extensions in Your Head?

If you're unlucky enough to have experienced the dreaded extensions headache, then that means you've been using the wrong kind, and you should switch to a higher-quality brand, or they were applied incorrectly.


Thankfully, RiRi's hair extensions have a natural feel and don't cause any pain as long as they are applied correctly, so you can chill knowing you won't get that headache.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!