Wig Density Chart
Density describes how much hair is on the cap. Higher density means fuller hair and more weight.
| Density | Look | Best for | Typical weight (18" lace front wig) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130% | Light and natural, like thin natural hair | Full lace wigs, medical wigs, natural looks | About 160 g |
| 150% | Natural everyday volume | A common everyday density in North America | About 190 g |
| 180% | Fuller, with more body | Everyday glam, curly styles | About 230 g |
| 200% | Very full | Long lengths, glam styles, West Africa | About 260 g |
| 250% | Maximum volume | Statement looks, West Africa and South Africa | About 320 g |
Weights are for an 18" straight wig on a 13x4 lace front cap, medium size. Longer lengths, curly textures and other cap types weigh more or less.
There is no industry-wide standard for density, so one factory's 180% can look like another's 150%. When you compare suppliers, compare the hair weight of wigs with the same length and cap type, not the percentage alone.
Trend note: Buyers in the US and the UK are moving toward lighter 150% to 180% units that look natural and feel comfortable. Buyers in West Africa still prefer 200% to 250%.
Men's hair systems use a lighter scale, usually 80% to 110% (Afro 100% to 120%), and medical wigs are made in custom densities to match natural adult hair.
Hair Length Chart for Wigs and Bundles
Length is measured with the hair straightened, from the top of the cap to the ends. Curly textures look shorter than their stated length.
| Length | Where it falls (straight hair) |
|---|---|
| 8" to 10" | Chin |
| 12" | Below the chin |
| 14" | Shoulder |
| 16" to 18" | Collarbone to just below it |
| 20" to 22" | Chest |
| 24" to 26" | Mid-back |
| 28" to 30" | Waist |
| 32" to 40" | Below the waist |
Curly textures like deep wave and kinky curly can appear 2" to 6" shorter than their straightened length.
Bundles Needed for a Full Head
| Bundle length | Bundles needed |
|---|---|
| 8" to 18" | 3 bundles |
| 20" to 26" | 3 to 4 bundles |
| 28" and longer | 4 bundles |
Double drawn hair is fuller at the ends, so 3 bundles are enough at most lengths, and short styles with a closure can use 2. Add a closure or frontal to complete the install, or order matched bundles with closure as a set. For sew-in, closure and frontal installs by length, see how many bundles you need
Extension Weight Guide
For how many grams, strands or wefts each extension method needs, from tape-in and K-tip to genius weft and clip-ins, see our extension methods guide and How Many Grams of Hair Extensions Do I Need?
How Density and Length Affect Price
Long hair is scarcer, so price climbs faster than length. As a market reference (as of 2026), a 26" unit usually costs about 1.6 to 2 times the 18" price of the same spec, and 30" about 2 to 3 times; an 18" 13x4 HD lace front at 180% typically sells wholesale for about US$85 to 150 in virgin hair. Higher densities add hair, and so cost, at every length. These are market ranges from how much do wholesale wigs cost, not our price list; our quote gives a price table by length and density for your spec.
Choosing Density and Length for Your Stock
| Product | Common density | Common lengths |
|---|---|---|
| Bob wigs | 150% to 180% | 8" to 16" |
| Everyday lace front wigs | 150% to 180% | 16" to 24" |
| Long wigs | 180% and up | 26" to 40" |
| Curly wigs | 180% to 200% | Order 2" to 6" longer than the look you want |
| Virgin hair bundles | Single or double drawn | 10" to 30" |
A starting length mix that works for many new wig stores: about 20% short styles (10" to 14" bobs and pixies), about 50% mid lengths (16" to 24") and about 30% long lengths (26" to 30" and longer). Adjust it once you see what your own clients reorder.
Wig Density Chart FAQ
How is wig length measured?
Straight hair is measured from the top of the cap to the ends. Curly hair is measured stretched straight, so it looks shorter when curly.
Which density should I stock?
180% is a common all-round density for lace wigs, and many North American buyers choose 150% for everyday wear. Longer lengths and some markets prefer 200% to 250%. To see which density customers want in each market, read our density guide.
Does a higher density mean better quality?
No. Density only tells you how much hair is on the cap. Quality comes from the hair grade, how much short hair has been drawn out and how the lace is knotted; see our hair grades guide. A light, natural 150% wig in good hair can be worth more than a heavy 250% one.
Why does a curly wig look shorter?
Curls shrink the visible length. A 20" curly wig can look around 14" to 16" when the curls are set.