HOW TO BRAID HAIR: BRAID PANCAKING TO CREATE THICK BRAIDS

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 asked celebrity stylist Bradley Leake to 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 our Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray.

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, apply One-Minute Transformation Anti-Frizz Styling Cream to keep hair tight as you braid.

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 of Style on Steroids for 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.

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