How Many Packs of Crochet Hair for a Full Head: Never Run Short Again
The number of packs you’ll need depends on your hair’s thickness and the style you want. Four to eight packs of hair usually suffice for a full head. You may need more packs if you aim for a fuller or more voluminous look.
For a lighter, more natural style, fewer packs should work. The length and texture of the crochet hair also affect how many packs you’ll need. It’s best to start with fewer packs and buy more if needed for your desired style.
Essential Factors That Determine Hair Quantity
The right amount of crochet hair depends on three main factors that affect your final look.
- Head Size Considerations: The size of your head affects how many packs you need for full coverage. Thicker natural hair usually needs fewer packs. This is because it adds natural volume to the style. Your natural hair should be at least 3-4 inches long for proper installation. If you have shaved sides or undercuts, add extra packs. This helps keep your style full and even.
Hair Density and Fullness Preferences: Your hair’s texture and thickness impact your choice of crochet hair. Fine hair needs lighter extensions to avoid pulling. Thick hair requires more packs for a smooth blend with the natural texture. The standard weight of synthetic hair packs ranges between 3 and 4 ounces.
When planning your style, consider these density-based guidelines:
Thin hair requires more packs to achieve the desired fullness.
Medium thickness works well with standard pack recommendations.
Thick hair might need fewer packs due to its natural volume.
Length Affects Pack Needs The length of your crochet style affects how many packs you will need. Longer styles demand more hair for proper coverage and fullness. For instance:
Knee-length styles need approximately 10 packs.
Standard shoulder-length looks need 4 to 8 packs.
Shorter styles usually need fewer packs to maintain fullness.
To ensure a successful installation, buy extra packs beyond your estimated needs. This approach prevents mid-styling emergencies and maintains consistent braid thickness throughout your head. Fuller styles can add weight to your natural hair. This might increase the tension on your scalp.
Soak synthetic hair in warm water
Soak synthetic hair in warm water with apple cider vinegar before installation. This helps achieve the best results. This 20-minute treatment reduces scalp irritation from alkaline coatings on synthetic fibers. Also, longer lengths need more maintenance. This affects both styling time and upkeep.
Check these factors before starting your crochet installation. This way, you’ll have enough hair for your style. You’ll also stay comfortable and have good coverage. This prep helps adjust fullness. It also stops the frustration of running out while styling.
Box Braids and Twists: Pack Requirements
Box braids and twists need different pack amounts. This depends on your style and size choices. Let’s explore the exact requirements for different variations.
Small box braids give a detailed, intricate look. They need more packs for full coverage.
These styles typically use 24-inch pre-looped crochet hair. For hip-length small box braids, plan on using 7-8 packs to achieve proper fullness and density. Each pack contains approximately 24 strands, ensuring adequate coverage throughout the installation process.
Medium Box Braids (5-6 packs) balance style and installation time.
These versatile braids require 5-6 packs for a natural-looking finish. The lightweight, pre-braided design feels more natural and resembles human hair texture. Think about getting an extra pack if you want more volume or have thick hair.
Senegalese and Marley Twists (5-7 packs) Senegalese twists give you classy, rope-like strands. So, it’s important to calculate how many packs you need.
You usually need 7 packs of pre-looped micro Senegalese twist hair for full coverage. Each pack typically contains 20-35 strands, depending on the brand and style.
For optimal results with Senegalese twists:
Short styles (12 inches): 5 packs
Medium length (18 inches): 6-7 packs
Long styles (24 inches): 7-8 packs
The quality of modern crochet hair has notably improved, offering:
Soft, lightweight texture
No unpleasant odors
Tangle-free installation
Durability lasting up to 2 months
First-time installers should note that Senegalese twists often come with convenient features like pre-looped strands and included crochet hooks.
These thoughtful additions simplify the installation process, which is particularly beneficial for DIY styling. Moreover, the hair quality allows for a hot water setting, enabling customized styling options.
Curly and Wavy Crochet Styles: How Much Hair You’ll Need
Curly and wavy crochet styles have endless options. But each texture needs different pack amounts for the best look.
Bohemian Curls and Beach Waves: To create flowing beach waves, think about how much hair you have.
Ocean wave crochet styles typically require 7-8 packs to achieve complete coverage. These synthetic strands come in packs that weigh about 35g. They are lightweight and have a comfortable fit.
For bohemian box braids with wavy ends, called “Zoe Kravitz Box Braids,” you need special hair types:
Shake-N-Go 100% Virgin Human Bulk for natural-looking waves.
X-pression by Outre or The Unruly Line for synthetic options.
Beach wave variations need different pack quantities:
Velvet Wave: 1 pack
Tiara wave: 2 packs
Motion wave: 2 packs
Soak silkier braiding types in a mix of water and conditioner for 2-3 days. This will enhance wavy textures. This treatment softens the hair and improves manageability.
Tight curly styles and afros need certain amounts of hair for fullness. Springy afro twist hair is pre-separated and pre-fluffed. You’ll need 6-8 packs for a full head. The weight varies by length:
8-inch: 20g per pack
12-inch: 28g per pack
16-inch: 40g per pack
24-inch: 48g per pack
For tight, curly styles, consider these features:
Pre-looped design reduces installation time
Flame-retardant synthetic fiber mimics human hair’s texture.
Heat-resistant up to 80°C/175°F for styling flexibility
Passion twists, or spring twists, mix features of Senegalese twists and goddess locs. These textured styles must use 3-4 packs for adequate fullness. Dry shampoo is great for coarse hair, like Jamaican braids or ringlet curls. It keeps your style looking great.
More stitches in each chain make curls tighter. Fewer stitches create looser curls. Single, half-double, and double stitches affect the width of curls. This lets you customize them to your liking.
How Long Does Crochet Hair Take to Install and Last?
Knowing installation timelines and maintenance schedules helps you plan your crochet hairstyle better. Let’s explore the time investment and longevity of different crochet styles.
- Installation Time Expectations A full crochet installation takes about 2 to 6 hours.
- The cornrow foundation requires 30-40 minutes, followed by 40-60 minutes for hair attachment. Professional stylists often complete the entire process in under 3 hours.
- Lifespan of Different Crochet Styles Most crochet hairstyles maintain their appearance for 4 to 8 weeks. Several factors influence durability:
Hair Quality: Higher-quality synthetic or human hair withstands daily wear better
Installation Technique: Proper tension prevents premature loosening
Daily Activities: Active lifestyles might shorten style longevity
Synthetic hair typically lasts 4-6 weeks, yet some coarser types, like Joyfull curl, can maintain their appearance for up to 8 weeks. Human hair extensions offer extended durability compared to synthetic options.
When to Add More Hair for Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures your crochet style remains fresh throughout its lifespan. Consider these upkeep guidelines:
Daily Care (5 minutes or less):
Oil scalp every other day without saturating extensions
Trim loose strands to maintain neat appearance
Use satin scarf nightly to prevent frizz
Style Refresh Signs:
Natural separation and shedding indicate need for maintenance
Root regrowth causing loose attachments
Fraying or roughness in synthetic hair
Avoid excessive washing as it causes frizziness. Instead, focus on scalp cleansing without over-saturating the extensions.
For optimal results, remove and reinstall crochet hair after 6-8 weeks. This practice prevents potential damage to natural hair while maintaining a polished appearance.
Remember that installation speed improves with experience. First-time installations might require additional time, especially for intricate styles or individual strand placement.
Conclusion
Picking the right amount of crochet hair can turn a great style into a disaster. Remember, 5-8 packs are your baseline. But styles like small box braids may need extra packs for full coverage.
Your head size, desired fullness, and chosen style determine the exact quantity needed. So, buying an extra pack gives you peace of mind. It also ensures you have a consistent thickness in your installation. Additionally, good maintenance helps your style last longer. This makes the 2-6 hour installation time worth it.
Successful crochet installations need careful planning and the right amount of hair. Now that you know about pack sizes, installation times, and upkeep, you can create lovely styles. These styles can last 4 to 8 weeks. You won’t run out of hair while you’re styling.
