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Learning how to make braids look thicker doesn’t require naturally having lots of hair. A few careful styling techniques can add visible width and fullness to many braid styles. The key is to loosen the braid in a controlled way, choose a style that creates volume, and use product only if you want extra hold.
How to Make Braids Look Thicker with Pancaking
Tip 1: Gently pancake the braid. Pancaking means pulling the loops of a braid outward and flattening them slightly to make the braid appear wider. For a fuller effect, focus on the outside edges of each section rather than tugging every part evenly.
Work slowly and use small adjustments. Pulling too hard can loosen the braid or make sections slip out, so keep the braid secure as you shape it. This technique can be used on many traditional braid styles.
Leave room at the end
Tip 2: Leave a few inches of hair below the braid. When possible, wait to tie off the braid until after you have pancaked it. Hold the end in one hand while gently widening the braid with the other. If the style needs to be tied first, leave a few inches below the hair tie and adjust the tie as needed while styling.
Tip 3: Consider volumizing powder. Volumizing powder can add texture, helping hair grip and stay in place as you pull the braid outward. It is optional, but it may help create a more dramatic, extra-full finish. Start with a small amount and follow the product directions; you can always add more if needed.
Shape the Braid from Top to Bottom
Tip 4: Start pancaking at the top. Work down the braid a section at a time, leaving the loose ends until last. This gives you more control over the shape and leaves some hair at the bottom to hold while you style.
Gently widen the middle of each braided section, then pull a little more at the outer edges. The goal is to make each loop look fuller while keeping the braid intact. Check both sides as you go so the finished shape looks balanced.
Choose a Braid Style That Adds Volume
Tip 5: Pick a braid with a naturally fuller appearance. Different techniques create different visual effects. A Dutch braid can look fuller than a French braid, even before pancaking. Pull-through braids and faux fishtail styles can also create a wider look than their traditional counterparts.
If you are deciding between styles, consider the finish you want and how much time you have for shaping. A braid with larger, more visible sections may need less adjustment to appear full.
Finish and Adjust Your Fuller-Looking Braids
Pancaking can noticeably change the appearance of a braid. For a softer, more natural result, widen the braid gently without powder. For more dramatic fullness, use a small amount of volumizing powder and make gradual adjustments. A final check in the mirror can help you spot any sections that need a little more shaping.
To make braids look thicker, focus on gentle pancaking, leave enough length at the ends to work with, and choose a braid style that suits your desired volume. — Rebecca
