How many packs of French curls do I need? See our easy chart by braid size and length, plus install, wash and care tips.
Most people need 4 to 6 packs of French curls for a full head of medium knotless braids at mid-back to waist length. Go lower (2 to 3 packs) for large or jumbo braids, and higher (7 to 10 packs) for small braids, extra-long lengths or a very full look.
French curl braids are everywhere right now, and for good reason. The bouncy, spiral-curled ends give you a soft, glamorous finish that feels light and moves beautifully. But nothing ruins install day like running out of hair halfway through, or overspending on packs you don’t use.
This guide breaks down exactly how many packs you need based on your braid size and length, what changes that number, and how to make every pack count.
How many packs of French curls do I need? Use this chart
Use this chart as your starting point for a full head of NC4 French curls. Save it or screenshot it for your next braid appointment.
Each Pack comes with 150g of hair
Braid style | Short (12–16 in) | Mid-back (18–22 in) | Waist (24–26 in) | Butt length (28–30 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jumbo / large knotless | 2–3 packs | 3–4 packs | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs |
Medium knotless | 3–4 packs | 4–6 packs | 5–7 packs | 6–8 packs |
Small knotless | 5–6 packs | 6–8 packs | 7–9 packs | 8–10 packs |
Boho braids (curls left out through the braid) | Add 1–2 packs | Add 1–2 packs | Add 2 packs | Add 2–3 packs |
Not sure between two numbers? Buy the higher one. A spare pack is handy for touch-ups, and colours can vary slightly between batches, so matching later is harder.
What changes how many packs you need
Braid size. This is the biggest factor. Smaller braids mean more parts, and every part needs hair. Small knotless can use nearly twice as many packs as large.
Length. Longer braids use more hair per braid. NC4 French curls come in lengths from 8 to 30 inches, so choose the length you want to end with rather than buying long and cutting down.
Fullness. Want a light, natural look? Use less hair per braid. Want a full, glamorous look? Plan for 1 to 2 extra packs.
Boho or layered styles. Pulling curls out along the braid for that boho effect uses extra hair, on top of what the braids themselves need.
Your head size and hair density. A larger head or thick natural hair means more parts to cover. If you have fine or thin hair, you may need fewer packs.
Kids’ styles. Shorter lengths (8 to 12 inches) on a smaller head usually need just 2 to 3 packs.
Mixing colours. We do offer a select mixed/ombre colour range at the moment, you can request custom or mix it yourself. Planning an ombré or a blend, like two packs of 27 and one of 1B? Work out your total first, then split it by colour. Buy one extra of your main shade.
Tips to make your French curl packs go further
- Dip or spray the hair before separating. Use a type of conditioning spray to help avoid tangles
- Separate strands gently. Pull small sections apart slowly so curls don’t tangle or frizz before they’re installed.
- Measure, don’t guess. Grab the same amount of hair for each braid so you don’t run out near the nape.
- Seal the ends well. French curls have a silky texture, so double or triple knot the ends to stop slipping.
- Keep curls defined. Finger-coil curls with a light mousse after install and again during wear.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet. It protects the curls from friction and keeps them bouncy for weeks.
- Ask your braider first. Share this chart with them before you buy. Every braider’s technique is a little different and silky hair need an experienced braider
10 ways to wear French curl braids
One of the best things about French curls is how many looks you can create. Here are some favourites to show your braider:
- Classic knotless French curl braids. Mid-back or waist-length braids with bouncy curly ends.
- Boho French curl braids. Curls left out along each braid for a soft, romantic finish.
- French curl bob. Short braids at chin or shoulder length. Moreover, they’re lighter and quicker to install.
- Jumbo French curl braids. Big, bold braids that install fast and use fewer packs.
- Small or micro French curl braids. A full, natural look that lasts longer.
- Ombré French curls. Dark roots that fade into a lighter shade, like our Three Tone and T Ombre colours.
- Colourful French curls. Add blonde, copper, pink or purple for a pop of colour.
- French curl twists. Two-strand twists with curly ends instead of braids.
- Half-up, half-down or high bun. Perfect for events, workouts or hot days.
- Crochet French curls. The same look installed in a fraction of the time. See the crochet method below.
Tip: Save a photo of the style you want and bring it to your appointment. That way, your braider can tell you the exact size, length and number of packs.
How to install French curl knotless braids
Knotless French curl braids start with your natural hair and gradually feed in extensions, so there’s no bulky knot at the root. That means less tension, less pain and a flatter, more natural look. Here’s how to do them.
What you’ll need: NC4 French curl braiding hair, a rat-tail comb, edge control or braiding gel, hair clips, mousse, sharp scissors and a satin scarf.
- Condition and prep your French curls. Dip into in conditioning water or Conditioning spray to avoid tangles. Gently pull the pack apart into small, even pieces. Keep the curly ends together and handle them lightly so they don’t frizz.
- Prep your natural hair. Wash, condition and fully detangle. Blow-dry on low heat or stretch your hair so it’s smooth and easy to part. Apply a light leave-in or moisturizer.
- Section your hair. Divide your head into 4 to 6 large sections and clip them away. Work from the nape upward so the back is done while your hands are fresh.
- Part each braid. Use your rat-tail comb to make neat square, triangle or brick-pattern parts. The size of the part decides your braid size, so keep them consistent.
- Start with your own hair. Apply a little gel to the part, then braid your natural hair for 2 to 3 stitches before adding any extension.
- Feed in the hair gradually. Fold a small piece of French curl hair over and add it into the braid. Keep feeding in small pieces every few stitches until the braid reaches the thickness you want.
- Braid down to the curls. Braid to where the curl pattern begins, then leave the curly ends loose.
- Secure the end. Silky hair can slip, so finish with a double or triple knot. Don’t dip the curls in hot water, as this can loosen the curl pattern.
- For a boho look, pull small curly strands out along the braid as you go, or tuck extra curly pieces in with a crochet hook afterward.
- Finish and set. Apply mousse to the curls and scrunch lightly. Lay your edges and tie a satin scarf down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip: Knotless French curls take about 5 to 10 hours, depending on braid size. Keep parts neat, and remember that dermatologists warn tight braids can cause traction alopecia. If it hurts, it’s too tight.
How to do crochet French curls
Yes, you can crochet French curls too. In fact, crochet is the fastest way to get the look, usually in 2 to 4 hours instead of 5 to 10. Plus, your natural hair stays protected in cornrows underneath.
How many packs of French curls do I need for crochet?
For crochet, most people use pre-made bundles like our French Curls Crochet range. A full head usually needs 3 – 7 bundles, depending on length and fullness.
Step-by-step: crochet French curls
- Cornrow your natural hair. Braid 8 to 12 straight-back cornrows or your desired pattern. Then seal the ends by tucking or sewing them under.
- Prep the bundles. Gently separate the curls so they don’t tangle during install. For braided french curls, purchase braised or braid your desired size with a loop
- Hook the hair in. Push a latch hook under a cornrow, catch the loop of a bundle and pull it through with a crotchet hook.
- Secure each piece. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten gently, so the piece sits flat against the cornrow.
- Repeat around your head. Space the pieces about half an inch apart. Also, leave the hairline for last so you can place pieces neatly.
- Set the curls. Apply mousse and scrunch lightly to define the curls.
Tip: Crochet French curls usually last 4 to 6 weeks. Afterward, take them down gently to protect your cornrowed hair.
How long do French curl braids last?
French curl braids usually last 4 to 10 weeks. The braids themselves can hold longer, but the curly ends start to lose definition and frizz after after a month. How long yours last depends on your braid size, how often you wash, and how well you protect the curls at night.
Leaving braids in too long can cause buildup, matting at the roots and breakage in your natural hair.
How to wash French curl braids
Wash every 2 to 3 weeks, or sooner if your scalp feels itchy or you’ve been sweating a lot.
- Dilute your shampoo. Mix a sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray or applicator bottle.
- Focus on your scalp. Apply it to your parts and massage gently with your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing the braids or curls.
- Rinse downward. Let the water run from roots to ends so the curls don’t tangle. Squeeze the lather through the braids gently.
- Condition the curls lightly. Smooth a small amount of lightweight conditioner or leave-in onto the curly ends only.
- Squeeze out the water. Blot with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt. Never rub or wring the curls.
- Dry completely. Air-dry or use a hooded dryer on low. Braids that stay damp can develop mildew and a musty smell.
- Redefine the curls. Once dry, apply mousse and scrunch or finger-coil the ends back into shape.
How to maintain French curl braids
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. For long braids, loosely pineapple them on top of your head first.
- Refresh curls with mousse every few days, finger-coiling any that have loosened.
- Keep your scalp moisturized with a light oil or scalp spray on your parts. Keep heavy oils off the curls, as they weigh them down.
- Detangle with your fingers only. Brushes and combs will frizz the curls.
- Trim frizzy ends with sharp scissors to keep the style looking fresh.
- Rinse after swimming. Chlorine and salt water dry out the hair, so rinse with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid heat on the curls. Flat irons, curling wands and very hot water can change the curl pattern.
- Touch up your edges after 3 to 4 weeks to stretch the style a little longer.
Why choose NC4 French curls
NC4 French curl braiding hair is soft, silky and lightweight, with a natural finish that looks and moves like human hair. Here’s what makes it different:
- Every length from 8 to 30 inches, in 2-inch steps, so you buy the exact length you need and waste nothing.
- Colours most brands don’t carry, including 24, 350, 99J, BUG, three greys and 613 in our Natural Colour range.
- Bold and blended shades in our Vibrant Colour, Mixed Colour and Three Tone collections.
- Fast shipping worldwide. In-stock packs ship in 2 to 3 business days.
- Custom colours on request, with a minimum order.
Braiders and salons: stock up with our low-MOQ French curls wholesale program.
Skip the install altogether? Our French Curl Twists Wig Collection gives you the same look in a handmade, glueless wig that’s ready to wear.