In the hair extension industry, marketing terms can be confusing. You see ‘Grade 8A’ or ‘Super Double Drawn’ everywhere. However, truly understanding Hair Extension Ratio is the only way to guarantee consistent quality for your salon. At Linwen Hair, we believe in engineering, not just marketing.
One vendor’s “Super Double Drawn” might be another vendor’s “Single Drawn.”
At Linwen Hair, we believe in engineering, not just marketing. That’s why we use the “Hair Ratio” metric. It is the only objective way to measure hair volume and cost-efficiency.
Today, we are decoding the ratio spectrum (from 15% to 50%+) to help you choose the exact inventory that fits your client base—and your profit margins.
What Exactly is “Hair Ratio”?
Simply put, hair extension ratios refer to the percentage of hair strands that reach the full advertised length in a bundle.
For example, in a 20-inch bundle with a 30% Ratio:
- 30% of the hairs are 20 inches long.
- 70% of the hairs are shorter lengths (varying from 14″ to 18″) to create the internal structure and support at the weft/root.
Understanding this balance is key to controlling your costs.
The Spectrum: Which Ratio Fits Your Business?
We categorize our production into three main tiers. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your target market’s preferences.
1. The Budget-Friendly Tier (Ratio 15% – 25%)
- Often called: Single Drawn / Budget Grade.
- The Look: Very thick at the roots but visibly tapered (thinner) towards the ends.
- Best For:
- Super Long Lengths (26″ – 30″+): High ratios in extremely long hair can be incredibly heavy and uncomfortable for the wearer. A lower ratio keeps the extensions lightweight.
- Layered Haircuts: If your stylists plan to cut heavy layers or “shag” styles, buying high-ratio hair is a waste of money because you will cut the thick ends off anyway.
- Price-Sensitive Markets: Perfect for entry-level clients who want length but have a strict budget.
2. The “Golden Standard” (Ratio 30% – 35%)
- Often called: Natural Double Drawn / Standard Salon Grade.
- The Look: This mimics the natural growth pattern of healthy human hair. The ends are full enough to look premium, but they have a natural movement and flow.
- Best For:
- The Majority of Salon Clients: This is our best-selling tier for US and European salons. It blends seamlessly with the client’s natural hair texture.
- Tape-ins & Genius Wefts: A 35% ratio ensures the extensions don’t look “stiff” or “wig-like.”
- Profit Sweet Spot: It offers the best balance between cost and customer satisfaction.
3. The Luxury Tier (Ratio 45% – 50%+)
- Often called: Super Double Drawn / Luxury Grade.
- The Look: Thick from root to tip. The ends are blunt and heavy, creating a wall of hair.
- Best For:
- Blunt Cuts (Bobs): If a client wants a sharp, straight bob cut, you need high density at the bottom to create that crisp line.
- The “Instagram” Aesthetic: For clients who want that dramatic, ultra-thick celebrity look.
- High-Ticket Sales: This product commands the highest price point.
Why “Ratio” Matters for Your Bottom Line
Many buyers make the mistake of always asking for “the thickest hair possible” (50%+ Ratio), thinking it is always better.
This is a myth.
If your client wants a natural, blended look, applying 50% ratio hair can sometimes look unnatural and heavy. Your stylist will then spend 20 minutes thinning it out with shears. That means you paid for premium weight, only to cut it onto the floor.
The Linwen Promise: Precision Manufacturing
Unlike small workshops that mix hair by “feel,” we manufacture by formula.
When you order our L-30 (30% Ratio) or L-50 (50% Ratio) series, our engineers weigh the short and long hairs precisely before wefting. This guarantees that the hair you receive in January is exactly the same thickness as the hair you receive in July.
Consistency builds trust. Trust builds your brand.
Ready to Standardize Your Inventory?
Stop guessing with “grades” and start buying with precision. We offer a specialized Ratio Sample Kit so you can feel the difference between 30% and 40% density in your own hands.