HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (2024)

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HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (1)

So you’ve finally learned how to braid hair. But now you’re wondering why some people have such full and thick braids, and you...don’t? Sure, some people have thick, coarse hair that naturally fills out any style.

But how do us fine-haired girls get just as gorgeously thick and full braids? If you want to learn how to make your braids look thicker – we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is add a step to your braid styling routine called pancaking.

What is braid pancaking? It’s a technique in which you loosen and flatten your braid to create the illusion of fullness.

To help you get the best results, we askedcelebrity stylist Bradley Leaketo show us how it’s done. Watch how he upgrades these Dutch braids from basic to super glam by using the braid pancaking technique along with flexible hold from ourStyle on Steroids Texturizing Spray.

HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (3)

How to Braid Hair 101

Learn How to Make Your Braids Look Thicker with Celebrity Stylist Bradley Leake

Step 1:Starting at the top of your head, grab a small section of hair and split into 3 strands.

Step 2:To begin a Dutch braid, cross your right strand under your center strand (think opposite of French braid!). Repeat with your left strand.

Step 3:As you continue down your head, add hair to each outside strand before crossing under your center strand. For best results and extra control, applyOne-Minute Transformation Anti-Frizz Styling Creamto keep hair tight as you braid.

HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (4)

PRO TIP:Bradley recommends keeping your braid tight initially so you have more room to play when you go back to pancake later.

Step 4:When you reach the nape of your neck, switch to a regular braid.

Step 5:Once you’re done with your first section, repeat on the other side. Secure the ends with a clear elastic. Or, for a boost of volume, loop your ends into a bun before tying with an elastic.

Step 6:Time to pancake your braids! Add a misting ofStyle on Steroidsfor some added flexible hold. Then, starting at the bottom and working up, begin to lightly pull each braid loop horizontally. This will flatten the braid (hence: pancake!), which in turn will make it look fuller. Stop when you’ve reached your desired thickness.

HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (5)

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HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS (2024)

FAQs

How do you make your braids thicker? ›

By simply adding hair to your braid in the form of hair extensions, you can see just how thick and long your braid can be! If you want to go one step further, gently pinch at the braid and pull it out slightly, which will give the braid the effect of being even thicker and more voluminous.

Why is my braid getting thinner? ›

"And tight braids and pulled-back ponytails that are worn on a continuous basis can all create wear and tear on the scalp and strands, leading to brittleness and breakage that can look like sudden thinning," Dr. Peredo adds. What to do: Lay on the brakes! The less you do, the better for your hair.

How do I thicken my hair? ›

‍Here's suggestions on how to make hair thicker and fuller naturally.
  1. Try dry shampoo.
  2. Use hair mousse for volume.
  3. Use a volumising spray.
  4. Shampoo and conditioner that helps thicken.
  5. Use a round brush when blow-drying hair.
  6. Tease hair at the roots for volume.
  7. Get a volumising haircut or style.
Jul 6, 2023

Does braiding hair make it thicker? ›

While braiding itself doesn't make hair grow, it does help in maintaining hair health by preventing breakage and retaining moisture. This creates a healthy environment for hair growth, ensuring your hair can grow long and strong without being hindered by damage.

What makes braids heavy? ›

Length of the Braids

The longer the braids, the more hair is used, and hence, the heavier they will be. Waist-length braids will feel much more severe than those that are shoulder-length or shorter. The added weight of long extensions can cause scalp stress and discomfort.

How long do thick braids last? ›

How long should you keep your braids on? According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.

Can thin hair become thick again? ›

Yes, thin hair can become thicker again. Just consume a healthy diet and follow a dedicated hair care routine.

How to increase hair density? ›

Now the question is how to increase hair density? Massaging the scalp with a nourishing hair oil promotes blood flow and improves hair density. Its effect can be improved with a diet rich in Protein, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Zinc, and Iron improves hair density.

How do you fix thin hair? ›

The most common options include:
  1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  3. Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).
Jan 19, 2024

Why is my hair so thin after box braids? ›

Any long-term protective hairstyle may lead to your hair shedding after that protective style because of losing moisture. The result is your hair more prone to dryness, and breakage which can appear as excess shedding. They can also cause hair thinning as well as hair loss from keeping them in for so long.

How to add volume to braid? ›

If you're going to be braiding your hair all the way down then start the braid at midshaft and braid all the way down, rather than starting at the very top of your hair. The free flowing section from your scalp to mid-shaft will add the appearance of more volume.

What causes heavy braids? ›

Add less hair to your braids next time, heavy braids happen when there has been too much extension hair added. 2nd Answer: If it is inconvenient for you to take them out, take some weight off of your scalp by wearing your braids in a high bun for the life of your style.

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