Single Drawn vs Double Drawn Hair: Which One Should You Choose?

gistarhair founder layla
Layla Lee

Founder of Gistar Hair

hair bulk blog

You've probably seen names like Double Drawn Hair or Super Double Drawn Hairwhen picking hair extensions. They sound relatively high-end, don't they? But what do they actually mean?

Some extensions have thin, soft ends that look light and natural, like real hair. Others are thick and full from root to tip, giving a heavy, voluminous look. Even though both are made from real human hair, they can feel completely different.

In fact, the difference doesn't come from the name; it comes from the hair's sorting and making process. What's more interesting is that most brands love to say their hair is Double Drawn Hair, but few mention another type, Single Drawn Hair.

It's also made from real human hair, but the ratio of lengths inside each bundle is different. That's why the final look and texture are not the same.

Today, let's break it down together:

  • What is Single Drawn Hair?
  • What is Double Drawn Hair?
  • What's the real difference between them?
  • And how can you choose the one that best fits your needs?

What Is Single Drawn Hair?

Simply put, Single Drawn Hair means the hair becomes thinner from the roots to the ends. It looks like naturally grown hair, fuller at the top and lighter at the bottom. This soft, layered look makes the extensions flow smoothly and naturally, without that heavy or "synthetic hair" feeling.

But to really understand it, we need to talk about one key idea:

What Is Hair Ratio?

When hair factories worldwide collect raw human hair, they can't use it immediately to make extensions. Why? Because every strand of hair grows differently. Hair near the top of the head is usually thicker and healthier, while hair near the neck is finer and shorter.

This means the raw hair bundles are uneven in length and thickness. If factories used them directly, the extensions would look thin and uneven at the ends, not smooth or natural.

So before production, factories go through a process called sorting. Workers separate the hair by length, weigh it, line it up neatly, and then remix it in the correct ratio. This helps create a smooth, soft extension that looks naturally layered.

For example:

If we want to make a 20-inch, 100 gram hair extension, only 30% (around 30 grams) of the hair will be 20 inches long. The remaining 70 grams will be slightly shorter, 18 inches, 16 inches, or even less. This mix of lengths gives the extension a natural shape, thicker at the roots and lighter at the tips, just like real, naturally grown hair.

Single Drawn Hair = Natural layers + Softer ends + Lower cost + A look closer to real hair

What Is Double Drawn Hair?

If Single Drawn Hair looks like naturally grown hair, thick at the top and lighter at the ends, then Double Drawn Hair is like a "perfectly trimmed" version. Every strand looks almost the same in thickness and fullness from root to tip.

From a professional point of view, Double Drawn Hair means that at least 70% of the hair in the bundle is the same length as the labeled size.

For example:

If you have a 20-inch, 100 gram bundle, then at least 70 grams of the hair is 20 inches long. The other 30 grams are shorter, maybe 18 or 16 inches. This careful selection makes the hair look much thicker and fuller all the way down.

The ends are not thin or see-through. Instead, the whole weft looks even, smooth, and rich in volume. It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves full, glamorous hairstyles.

What Is Super Double Drawn Hair?

Super Double Drawn Hair is considered the highest and thickest grade of hair extensions. In this type, about 80–100% of the strands are the same length from root to tip, giving an incredibly full, luxurious, and voluminous look.

However, here's something important to know: There is no global or industry-wide standard for what "Super Double Drawn" means. Some factories use up to 90% long hair to achieve this effect. Still, others may repackage regular Double Drawn hair and label it "Super" for marketing purposes.

So, if a supplier or brand doesn't clearly tell you the hair extensions ratio, you might not be getting genuine Super Double Drawn quality. Always ask your supplier what percentage of the hair is the same length (for example, 80%, 85%, or 90%).

Double Drawn Hair = Thicker ends + Even density + Neater look + More volume and body

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Single Drawn Hair?

You've probably noticed that Single Drawn Hair looks incredibly natural. But before you decide, one important question remains: Is it really right for you? To answer that, let's look closer at its strengths and what you should consider.

Pros

  • Natural Layers and Flow
    Single Drawn Hair keeps the natural length mix of real hair, thick at the roots and soft at the ends. This creates a gentle, realistic layer that moves like your hair, smooth, light, and effortless.

  • No Need for Extra Trimming
    Because the hair already has natural variation in length, it blends beautifully after installation. You don't need to trim much to make it look natural; it's already shaped like real hair.

  • More Budget-Friendly
    Since Single Drawn Hair includes a mix of long and shorter strands, and long hair is always more expensive, the cost stays lower. It's perfect for people who want a natural, beautiful look without spending too much.

  • Lightweight and Comfortable to Wear
    About 70% of the strands are shorter than the longest length, so the whole bundle feels lighter. This makes wearing it more comfortable and easier on your scalp, even for long periods.

Cons

  • Thinner Ends, Less Fullness
    Because of the natural length mix, the ends may look a little thinner. If you love big, voluminous hairstyles, this might not give you the fullness you want.

  • Limited Thickness for Heavy Styles
    If you want a very thick or dramatic look, the lighter ends of Single Drawn Hair may not provide enough volume.

  • Less Uniform, Needs Some Styling
    Since the strands are of different lengths, you may need some trimming, layering, or styling to make everything look perfectly blended.

Single Drawn Hair feels like the most natural version of you light, soft, and effortlessly beautiful.
It doesn't chase fullness or drama; it celebrates real, graceful texture.

But if you dream of thicker ends, fuller volume, and bold, statement-making hair, the next type, Double Drawn Hair, might be exactly what you're looking for.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Double Drawn Hair?

If single-drawn hair stands for natural and lightweight beauty, then double-drawn hair represents the opposite: a bold kind of beauty that is full and powerful. It's thicker, fuller, and more uniform from root to tip. But this fullness also means more weight, cost, and care.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of Double Drawn Hair.

Pros

  • Thicker Ends and a More Luxurious Look
    Each strand in Double Drawn Hair has almost the same thickness from top to bottom. This gives the whole bundle a smooth, complete look, no thin or wispy ends. The result is a rich, dense volume that looks elegant and high-end.

  • Fewer Bundles Needed, Faster Installation
    Because every extension is thicker and denser, you don't need as many to get a complete look. Installation becomes quicker and more efficient, no matter the method, sew-in, tape-in, or nano-ring.

  • Easier to Style and Holds Shape Longer
    The thicker ends make hairstyles more stable. Curls and waves stay bouncy and full, while straight styles stay sleek and smooth longer. It's perfect for people who love polished, long-lasting styles.

  • Creates That "Glamorous Goddess" Volume
    If you dream of that full, celebrity-style hair, Double Drawn is the way to go. It instantly boosts volume and gives a striking, camera-ready look with minimal effort.

Cons

  • May Need Trimming to Blend Naturally
    Because the ends are so thick and even, Double Drawn Hair can sometimes look too perfect. A little trimming from a stylist helps it blend more naturally with your hair.

  • Less Natural Taper
    Real hair naturally gets thinner toward the ends, but Double Drawn hair doesn't have that gradual change. You might need some thinning or layering to make it look more natural.

  • Heavier to Wear
    Double Drawn Hair is denser and heavier. People with fine hair or sensitive scalps may feel slight pulling or tension after long wear.

  • Can Put More Stress on Natural Hair
    More volume means more weight. If the extensions aren't installed or cared for correctly, the added tension may cause breakage or stress on your natural hair.

Double Drawn Hair is made for those who love full, voluminous, and glamorous hair. It looks polished, bold, and full of life, but it also comes with a higher cost and more care.

Now that you know the key differences between single-drawn and double-drawn hair, you can probably feel the contrast: one is soft and natural, and the other is rich and full-bodied.

But here's the next big question: Why is Double Drawn Hair always more expensive? Is it just because it looks thicker?

Let's find out what makes double-drawn hair more expensive and why it might be worth it.

Why Is Double Drawn Hair More Expensive Than Single Drawn?

When you first compare prices, you might wonder: "Why does Double Drawn Hair cost so much more? Does that mean it's better quality?"

The truth is, it's not simply better, it's rarer, more refined, and more labor intensive. A professional and responsible hair factory uses the same quality raw hair for Single and Double Drawn extensions. What really makes Double Drawn more expensive is the extra material, time, and care it takes to create that whole, even look.

Let's break down what you're really paying for

1. More Long Hair Is Needed

Long hair is rare and expensive. To make Double Drawn extensions with full, thick ends, factories need to use much more hair of the same length.

For example:
To make one 20-inch single drawn bundle, only about 30% of the hair needs to be 20 inches long. But for Double Drawn, at least 70% of the bundle must be 20 inches. That means almost double the amount of long hair, and double the cost.

2. Higher Labor Costs

Double Drawn isn't just about adding more hair; it's about precision sorting. Workers must handpick, align, and mix hair strands one by one. Machines can't do this process; it's 100% manual work. Every long strand must be matched carefully, which takes much more time and labor.

3. Long Hair Is Extremely Rare

It takes at least four years for a person to grow 20 inches (about 51 cm) of healthy hair. And if the donor has ever dyed, permed, or bleached their hair, it can't be used for high-quality extensions. That means the supply of long, virgin hair is minimal, and the demand is always high.

4. More Waste During Production

To create Double Drawn hair, factories remove many shorter strands, keeping only the longest and strongest ones. That means a lot of raw material is thrown away, and sometimes only half of the collected hair can be used. So that one thick, full bundle you see? It might have taken two bundles' worth of hair to make it.

5. Stricter Quality Control

Double Drawn Hair must pass more demanding quality checks. The ends must be thick, smooth, and free from split ends. Each strand must be shiny, soft, and strong. If even a small section doesn't meet these standards, the entire bundle can be rejected, which raises the cost even more.

6. Premium Market Pricing

Because Double Drawn Hair looks fuller, smoother, and more luxurious, it's often positioned as a premium product. Brands add a small price markup for their higher-end look and feel. After all, thickness represents luxury, which always comes with a higher price tag.

In short, Double Drawn Hair isn't more expensive because it's "better." It's more expensive because it's rarer, harder to make, and takes much more work. Every strand reflects time, labor, and careful craftsmanship.

So now comes the real question: If Single Drawn feels light and natural, and Double Drawn looks thick and glamorous which one should you choose? Don't worry, that's exactly what we'll help you figure out next.

How Do You Choose Between Single Drawn and Double Drawn Hair?

Now that you understand how they're made, their pros and cons, and why their prices are different, the next big question is which one is right for you?

There's no single answer that fits everyone. The best choice depends on three key factors: Budget, Styling Needs, and Hair Type.

Everyone's lifestyle, budget, and idea of "natural beauty" differ.
So let's go step by step to find the one that truly fits you.

Budget

If you're on a smaller budget or trying extensions for the first time, *Single Drawn Hair is the perfect starting point. It's more affordable, natural looking, and lighter to wear, giving you longer, fuller hair without extra weight or pressure.

But if you want a more luxurious, thicker, and long-lasting look, then Double Drawn Hair is worth the investment. Though it costs more, it gives you a fuller style with fewer bundles, saving time and effort in the long run.

Styling Needs

Want a soft, natural, and layered hairstyle? Then, Single Drawn Hair is your match. It moves like real hair, is light, flowy, and full of gentle layers. It is perfect for daily wear, office looks, or anyone who prefers a subtle, effortless style.

But if you want big volume or a glamorous style, then Double Drawn Hair is your best friend. Its thick ends and even texture make curls, waves, and updos easier to style and keep in shape.

Hair Type

Your Hair Type Best Match Why
Fine or Thin Hair Single Drawn Lighter, gentler on the scalp, blends naturally
Medium or Thick Hair Double Drawn Matches your density, supports fuller looks
Sensitive Scalp Single Drawn Soft, light, and puts less pressure on your roots
Want Big Volume Double Drawn Thicker, more body, stronger visual impact

Quick Summary

Type Best For Style Features
Single Drawn People who want a natural, soft look and have fine hair or a smaller budget Light, smooth, layered, and easy to wear
Double Drawn People who love full, bold, and glamorous looks or need volume for events Thick, voluminous, dramatic, and luxurious

No matter which one you choose, Single Drawn or Double Drawn, the key isn't which is "better," but which feels more like you. Your perfect hair isn't about perfection but finding balance between comfort, beauty, and confidence.

Conclusion

Single Drawn Hair is your perfect match if you love a natural, light, and effortless look, the kind of hair that moves and flows like your own. It's soft, airy, and beautifully real, giving you that gentle, everyday elegance without trying too hard.

But if you prefer full, voluminous, and glamorous hairstyles, bouncy curls, bold thickness, and that "wow" effect that lasts all day, then Double Drawn Hair is made for you. It gives you that stunning, full-bodied "goddess hair" look that turns heads wherever you go.

Remember:
The best hair extensions aren't the most expensive ones; they're the ones that fit your style, your comfort, and your life the best.

At GISTAR Hair, we don't just make high-quality human hair, we help beauty lovers like you find the style that truly feels like you. If you're still unsure which type to choose, or want help picking the perfect texture, length, or density for your hair type, reach out to the GISTAR team anytime. With our experience and care, we'll help you design your perfect, custom hair extension solution because every woman deserves to feel confident, radiant, and effortlessly beautiful.

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gistarhair founder layla

About the author:

Layla Lee

Founder of Gistar Hair

Layla Lee is a loving mother and co-founder of Gistar Hair. She has over 10 years of professional experience in the Hair Extensions industry. Layla knows a lot about the hair business and is good at selling and marketing. She cares a lot about her customers and can give them the best solutions for their hair business.

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