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For anyone who has been dreaming of crafting the perfect braid, a new hairstyling technique known as braid pancaking just may help you achieve the plait of your dreams. If you’ve been admiring the bountiful, luscious braided styles which have been making a splash on social media, this clever trick might be the answer to your hair woes.

While its name may bring the idea of maple syrup and strawberries to mind, braid pancaking actually involves creating a full plait for a hint of texture. To master a pancaked look, simply braid your locks as you normally would. Next, carefully loosen the plaited sections by using your thumb and one finger. Just like the weekend breakfast staple, pancaked braids are flat, easy to create and gorgeous to look at.

The next time you attempt to style your locks, use braid pancaking as a simple yet effective strategy. Here are a few stunning examples of pancaked braids, which all offer the illusion of thick and lustrous strands.

Photo: ulyana.aster on Instagram

Photo: beautybylex8 on Instagram

Photo: taoprofessional on Instagram