A bundle can look soft and full in a product photo, then feel noticeably finer at the ends once it arrives. That difference often comes down to single drawn vs double drawn hair. It is not just salon language or a reason for a higher price tag - it affects the density, finish and overall result of your wig, weave or extensions.
If you love a naturally tapered look, single drawn hair may be exactly right. If you want length that stays visibly thick all the way down, double drawn hair is usually the stronger choice. The best option depends on the style you are creating, how much fullness you expect and where you want to invest your budget.
What is single drawn hair?
Single drawn hair contains strands of different lengths within each bundle. This reflects how hair naturally grows from a scalp: some strands reach the full stated length, while others are shorter. A 20-inch single drawn bundle, for example, includes plenty of 20-inch strands but also shorter hairs that create a finer, more tapered finish towards the ends.
That taper is not automatically a flaw. When the hair is good quality, single drawn bundles can look beautifully natural, especially in textured styles, soft waves and everyday installs where you do not want the ends to look overly blunt. The hair has movement, and the density tends to sit closer to the way natural hair falls.
The trade-off is simple: a bundle may feel less full at the bottom than you expected from its advertised length. If you are making a long wig, installing a very sleek straight style or hoping for thick ends, you may need more bundles to achieve your desired density.
What is double drawn hair?
Double drawn hair has been carefully sorted so that most shorter strands are removed. The remaining hair is much more consistent in length, which creates a fuller appearance from the top of the bundle to the ends. Put two 20-inch bundles side by side, and the double drawn option will usually look denser and more even through the last few inches.
This makes double drawn hair a favourite for polished, high-impact looks. Think long silk presses, bone-straight styles, blunt bobs, glamorous curls and full-bodied custom wigs. You get that luxe, camera-ready finish without having to trim away lots of wispy ends.
Sorting hair to this standard takes more raw material and more labour. That is why double drawn hair costs more. It is also why fewer bundles can sometimes create the same visual fullness, particularly when you are working with longer lengths.
Single drawn vs double drawn hair: the visible difference
The most noticeable difference is at the ends. Single drawn hair gradually thins, while double drawn hair stays fuller and more uniform. Neither is inherently better - they simply produce different silhouettes.
With straight textures, the distinction is especially clear. Single drawn straight hair gives a softer, feathered edge, whereas double drawn straight hair supports a cleaner, heavier line. If you are after a sharp blunt cut or waist-length hair that still looks rich at the ends, double drawn is worth considering.
With curly, kinky curly or deep wave textures, the difference can be less obvious because the curl pattern naturally creates volume and disguises variation in strand length. However, double drawn textured hair can still give a more balanced shape, particularly if you wear it long or like a defined, full finish.
For a wig, density matters beyond the bundle itself. Lace size, cap construction, curl pattern, styling and the number of bundles used all affect the final look. A well-designed single drawn wig can look incredibly realistic, while an overly dense double drawn wig may feel heavier than you prefer. The goal is not maximum hair at all costs. It is hair that looks believable, feels comfortable and suits your personal style.
Which option is right for your style?
Choose single drawn hair if you prefer a softer, more natural taper or are creating a style with texture and movement. It can also be a smart choice when you are working to a budget and do not mind using an extra bundle for more fullness. For a layered look, loose curls or a natural-looking everyday wig, that gentle variation can be part of the beauty.
Choose double drawn hair if your non-negotiable is thickness from root to tip. It is particularly suited to long lengths, sleek looks and blunt cuts, where sparse ends are more visible. It is also a strong option if you want a full result with fewer bundles or you plan to keep your hair for repeated installs and restyling.
If you are buying hair for hair loss, comfort and realism may matter just as much as density. A custom wig should be tailored around your preferred look, lifestyle and confidence level. Some women want a naturally light density that feels close to their own hair; others want fuller lengths as part of their transformation. Both are valid.
Does double drawn mean better quality?
Not necessarily. Double drawn describes the consistency of the lengths, not the origin, cuticle alignment or processing of the hair. It does not automatically tell you whether the hair is raw, virgin, ethically sourced or likely to last well.
High-quality hair should still feel soft without a heavy silicone coating, shed minimally with sensible care and respond well to washing and heat styling. The cuticles should be aligned to reduce tangling, and the texture should remain attractive after more than one wear. A double drawn bundle made from heavily processed hair may look impressive at first, but it will not necessarily outperform a carefully sourced single drawn bundle.
When choosing premium hair, ask what the stated length means, whether the bundle is single or double drawn, and what density is recommended for your chosen style. It is also worth checking whether the texture has been chemically altered and how the hair should be maintained. Clear answers are a far better sign than vague claims about “luxury” hair.
How many bundles will you need?
There is no one number that works for every install. Your chosen length, texture and desired finish all come into play. As a general guide, shorter styles may need two bundles, while longer lengths often need three or more. Single drawn hair may require an additional bundle if you want the ends to look very full.
A frontal or closure can also change the calculation, as it covers part of the head and contributes its own density. For a custom lace wig, the best result comes from matching the bundle choice to the cap, lace and style rather than ordering based on length alone.
This is where specialist guidance makes a genuine difference. At Wigs Ldn, custom wig work is approached as a complete finish: the hair texture, density, lace and styling are considered together, so the result looks intentional rather than simply overloaded with bundles.
Caring for single and double drawn hair
Both types need the same thoughtful care. Wash with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo, condition regularly and avoid using heavy oils or mousse that cause build-up. Detangle from the ends upwards, especially with curly textures, and use heat protectant before straightening or curling.
Double drawn hair does not need less care because it is fuller. In fact, its denser ends can hold product, so thorough but gentle cleansing is key. Single drawn hair benefits from extra care around the ends, where the strands are naturally finer. A light leave-in conditioner and careful detangling can help preserve that soft, natural taper.
If you plan to colour the hair, have it professionally assessed first. Raw and virgin hair can often be coloured beautifully, but the result depends on the hair’s starting shade, texture and previous processing. Quality hair deserves a colour plan, not a rushed box-dye moment.
The right choice should make getting ready feel easier, not leave you second-guessing every mirror angle. If you want soft realism, embrace the taper of single drawn hair. If you want full, statement-making ends, double drawn hair may be your match. Choose the finish that makes you feel most like yourself - just with the hair you have been picturing.