My daughter's hair is thick. Like, thick enough that putting it into a ponytail is a nightmare. I have thinner hair, and while it's naturally curly, which gives it a bit more texture, braids look sad and depressing on my head. If you struggle with fine or very thin hair, there are a few tricks you can do to give your braids a little more power.
Note: Even if you have ultra-thin hair (where you can see scalp) some of these tips should be helpful too.
Advertisement
1. Crimp your hair first (h/t Jennifer Klingvall Hairstyles)
Remember the 80s? Those massive hairstyles were thanks in part to a fantastic trend called crimping. The trick here is to crimp your hair (you can get one for less than $20 online) and then brush it out so your hair is puffy. Frizz is your friend here.
Remember the 80s? Those massive hairstyles were thanks in part to a fantastic trend called crimping. The trick here is to crimp your hair (you can get one for less than $20 online) and then brush it out so your hair is puffy. Frizz is your friend here.
2. Try hair extensions (h/t Modern Mom)
A simple trick to add extra volume to your hair is to use hair extensions. A set of clip in's will cost about $100, but you can treat them like real hair (wash, dry, curl, flat iron, etc.). This adds instant volume in just a few seconds. You can work the extensions right into your braids.
A simple trick to add extra volume to your hair is to use hair extensions. A set of clip in's will cost about $100, but you can treat them like real hair (wash, dry, curl, flat iron, etc.). This adds instant volume in just a few seconds. You can work the extensions right into your braids.
3. Pancake your braids (h/t Scene on 7)
When pancaking your braids, start from the top and work your way down. Pull gently on the braids to loosen them and make the braid look thicker. For best results, tug up and backward.
When pancaking your braids, start from the top and work your way down. Pull gently on the braids to loosen them and make the braid look thicker. For best results, tug up and backward.
4. Choose the right braid
Not all braids are created equal, according to A Beautiful Mess. Some braids are just thinner looking. If you want to amp up the thickness factor go for a Dutch braid, pull-through braid, and a faux fishtail.
Not all braids are created equal, according to A Beautiful Mess. Some braids are just thinner looking. If you want to amp up the thickness factor go for a Dutch braid, pull-through braid, and a faux fishtail.
5. Use texturizer and/or volumizer
Thin hair can be hard to braid but creating faux volume with a volumizing cream or root lifter can help. A fuller look at your roots can help cover thin spots and give high braids a thicker look.
Thin hair can be hard to braid but creating faux volume with a volumizing cream or root lifter can help. A fuller look at your roots can help cover thin spots and give high braids a thicker look.
6. Braid your hair when it's wet
If your hair is thin and slippery, try braiding your hair wet. You'll get the extra grip, and your hair is less likely to slide out of a braid. Make sure to spray your hair afterward to keep it in place.
If your hair is thin and slippery, try braiding your hair wet. You'll get the extra grip, and your hair is less likely to slide out of a braid. Make sure to spray your hair afterward to keep it in place.
Advertisement
7. Tease your hair
The simplest solution is to tease your hair using a brush. Alternatively, you can try blow-drying your hair upside down and flipping your part in the opposite direction before braiding.
The simplest solution is to tease your hair using a brush. Alternatively, you can try blow-drying your hair upside down and flipping your part in the opposite direction before braiding.