How many packs of braiding hair do I need?
Pick your style, size and length. The count is for a typical full head, with the hair length that fits each style.
Also see: how long braids take and the free braider policy generator.
Hair chart by style
Knotless braids
| Size | Shoulder 26 inch | Mid-back 30 inch | Waist 36 inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 7 packs | 8 packs | 9 packs |
| Medium | 5 packs | 6 packs | 7 packs |
| Large | 4 packs | 5 packs | 6 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair.
Box braids
| Size | Shoulder 26 inch | Mid-back 30 inch | Waist 36 inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 7 packs | 8 packs | 9 packs |
| Medium | 5 packs | 6 packs | 7 packs |
| Large | 4 packs | 5 packs | 6 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair.
Boho knotless
| Size | Mid-back 30 inch | Waist 36 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8 packs | 9 packs |
| Medium | 6 packs | 7 packs |
| Large | 5 packs | 6 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair, plus curly human hair for the curls.
Fulani braids
| Size | Bob 20 inch | Shoulder 26 inch | Mid-back 30 inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4 packs | 5 packs | 6 packs |
| Medium | 3 packs | 4 packs | 5 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair.
Passion twists
| Size | Shoulder 18 inch | Mid-back 24 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8 packs | 10 packs |
| Medium | 6 packs | 8 packs |
| Large | 5 packs | 6 packs |
Hair: passion twist hair.
Stitch braids (with extensions)
| Size | Mid-back 30 inch |
|---|---|
| 6 braids | 2 packs |
| 8 braids | 3 packs |
| 10 braids | 3 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair.
Kids box braids
| Size | Shoulder 20 inch | Mid-back 26 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 3 packs | 4 packs |
| Medium | 2 packs | 3 packs |
Hair: pre-stretched braiding hair.
Questions
How many packs of hair do I need for knotless braids?
For medium knotless braids at mid-back length, plan on about 6 packs of 30 inch pre-stretched braiding hair. Small braids take more (about 8), large take fewer (about 5). Thick natural hair or extra fullness can add a pack.
How many packs for small knotless braids?
Small knotless braids usually take 7 to 9 packs, depending on length: about 7 for shoulder, 8 for mid-back and 9 for waist length.
How many packs of hair for passion twists?
Medium passion twists usually take 6 to 8 packs of passion twist hair. Small twists can take 8 to 10.
Should I buy an extra pack?
Yes. Most braiders say to bring one extra pack. Packs vary by brand, and running out halfway through an 8-hour appointment is worse than having one left over.
Does my braider include the hair?
Many braiders offer hair included for a little more, or a small discount if you bring your own. On BraidBooked, the booking page shows both prices and tells you exactly how much hair to bring.
These are typical counts. Every head of hair and every braider is a little different, so check with your braider before you buy.