How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do I Need?

One of the most common questions we get at Love The Style is: how many grams of hair extensions do I actually need?

The answer depends on three things: your hair type, the length you're going for, and the amount of volume you want to achieve. Get it right and your extensions blend seamlessly. Get it wrong and they either look too thin or feel too heavy.

This guide breaks it down simply so you can order with confidence.

The weight of a hair extension set tells you how much hair you're getting. More grams means more density, more volume, and a fuller result. Less grams means a lighter, more natural-looking boost.

The key is matching the weight to your natural hair density. Too little weight and the extensions look thin. Too much and they can look unnaturally thick or feel heavy on fine hair.

Fine hair needs a lighter set that won't weigh the hair down or look unnatural.

• 5-Piece set (100–120g) — ideal for subtle, natural volume
• 9-Piece set (160–180g) — for more noticeable fullness without overloading fine strands

If you have fine hair, start with the 5-piece. You can always layer a second set for bigger occasions.

→ See our full guide: Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair

Thicker hair needs more weight to blend naturally and create visible volume.

• 5-Piece set (120–150g) — adds everyday thickness without looking overdone
• 9-Piece set (180–220g) — maximum volume, full-head transformation

Most women with medium hair are happy with a 9-piece for events and a 5-piece for everyday wear.

Longer extensions require more hair to maintain the same density from root to tip. At Love The Style, weight increases with length across every set:

• 12 inch — lightest weight, ideal for natural everyday volume
• 16 inch — mid-weight, the most popular all-round choice
• 20 inch — fuller weight, great for long glamorous styles
• 24 inch — maximum weight, dramatic length and volume

As a general rule: if you want longer extensions to look full and lush, you'll need more grams. A 24 inch 5-piece set will always be heavier than a 12 inch 5-piece set.

The number of weft pieces in your set determines how much coverage and placement control you have — not just how many grams you get.

• 5-Piece sets — 1 wide weft for the back, 2 medium wefts for mid-section, 2 small wefts for the sides. Natural everyday volume. Best for fine to medium hair or anyone who wants a subtle boost.
• 9-Piece sets — more weft pieces across the full head for maximum coverage. Best for medium to thick hair, big occasions, or anyone wanting a dramatic transformation.

→ Still deciding? Take our Help Me Choose quiz for a personalised recommendation.

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12 inch: around 100g

16 inch: around 120g

20 inch: around 150g

24 inch: around 180g

16 inch: around 160–180g

20 inch: around 200–220g

24 inch: around 240–260g

For fine or thin hair, a 5-piece set starting at around 100g is ideal. It adds natural volume without weighing fine strands down. If you want more fullness, a 9-piece at around 160g is the next step. See our full guide: Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair.

For fine or shorter hair at 12–16 inches, yes — 100g provides natural everyday volume. For longer lengths or thicker hair, you'll want 120–180g for a fuller result.

A full head typically refers to a 9-piece set, which ranges from around 160g at 16 inches to 260g at 24 inches. This provides maximum coverage and volume across the whole head.

Not necessarily. More grams means more density and volume — but the right weight depends on your natural hair. Fine hair paired with too many grams can look unnatural. Always match the weight to your hair type and desired result.

Take our Help Me Choose quiz — answer a few quick questions about your hair type, desired length, and look, and we'll recommend the exact set for you.

Or reach out at hi@lovethestyleextensions.com — we're always happy to help.

→ Also worth reading: Best Hair Extensions for Fine Hair

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