Hey friend. Let’s talk about a hairstyle that feels like a secret weapon for thick hair. You know the struggle: all that gorgeous volume can sometimes feel heavy, or worse, flat at the roots. What if I told you there’s a way to have it all—manageable, stylish, and seriously voluminous?
Enter laced up braids. This isn’t your average braid. It’s a technique that creates incredible lift and texture by strategically crossing sections, almost like lacing a shoe. It gives you that coveted “done but effortless” look.
Whether you’re chasing that old money hair aesthetic or something more edgy, this method is your foundation. I’ve gathered the best ideas to transform your thick hair from bulky to breathtaking. Let’s dive in and get you some serious style inspiration, fast.
What Are Laced Up Braids, Really?
Think of laced up braids as the architectural cousin of the French braid. Instead of adding hair to one section, you cross and “lace” smaller strands from the top over thicker sections from below. This builds height and support right at your roots.
The magic is in the base. By creating this interlaced foundation, you get lift that lasts all day. It’s perfect for thick hair because it works with your natural volume, directing it upward instead of letting it pull down.
The Perfect Prep for Thick Hair
Preparation is everything. Start with day-old hair or use a dry shampoo. Clean hair can be too slippery. You want a little texture. I always spray a light-hold texturizing spray at my roots for grip.
Detangle thoroughly with a wide-tooth comb. For thick hair, working in smaller, manageable sections from the start is key. Have your tools ready: strong hair elastics that won’t snap, bobby pins, and a tail comb for clean parts.
Classic Crown Laced Braid Tutorial
- Start with a deep side part. Take a section at your temple and divide into three.
- Begin a French braid, but as you go, lace small top strands over the lower ones every other stitch.
- Continue this lacing pattern around your head, above your ear, to the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic.
This gives you a beautiful, regal volume around your face. It’s a perfect base for an old money hair look that’s both polished and soft.
Voluminous Half-Up Laced Style
This is my go-to for a quick, voluminous look. Take a generous section from your temples and crown. Instead of just pulling it back, create a single laced braid across the back of this section.
Secure it loosely, then gently pull on the “laces” to expand the braid and create even more height. This gives you that trendy “lunch with the girls” volume that feels very quiet luxury bob in spirit, even on longer hair.
Bohemian Messy Laced Ponytail
Elevate your basic pony. Create two small laced braids at either temple, directing them back to your ponytail holder. Secure your pony as normal, then wrap the braids around the base to hide the elastic.
Pull pieces loose around your face and tug on the braids to make them fuller. This style has a cool, artistic vibe and keeps hair off your face with amazing root lift.
Full Head Laced Braids for Protection
For ultimate protection and style, create multiple laced braids all over your head. Part your hair into four sections. On each, do a large, chunky laced braid. The technique prevents tension on your scalp.
When you take them out, you’ll have incredible, heat-free waves and volume. It’s a great way to prep for second-day 2026 hairstyles that are all about texture and movement.
Adding Ribbons for a Romantic Twist
Weave a silk ribbon into your laced braid. As you lace sections, incorporate the ribbon as one of the strands. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a tender, romantic feel.
It’s a gorgeous detail that turns a simple braid into a statement. This approach fits right into the romantic goth hairstyles trend when using a black or deep red ribbon.
Laced Braids on Textured & Natural Hair
This technique is a dream for defined volume on natural hair. Use a good leave-in conditioner for moisture. The lacing helps showcase your curl pattern at the roots while keeping style longevity.
It creates stunning, sculptural looks that celebrate your texture. The added lift at the roots prevents the style from looking weighed down.
Modern Laced Updo for Events
For a wedding or party, create a low, textured bun. Build volume at the crown with a hidden laced braid across the back of your head. Then, gather your hair into a low, loose bun.
Pull out face-framing pieces. The hidden braid ensures your updo has body and doesn’t fall flat—a modern take on classic elegance.
Edgy Punk-Inspired Laced Look
Pair laced braids with an asymmetrical lob for major edge. Create a tight laced braid on the shaved or undercut side, or on one section of a lob. Leave the rest messy.
It’s a bold contrast between precise braiding and undone texture. This has a touch of glitchy glam hair—something perfectly imperfect and cool.
Soft & Romantic with Face-Framing Pieces
No matter the style, always pull out tiny pieces around your hairline after braiding. Curl them loosely with a wand for a soft, romantic frame.
This breaks up the style, makes it feel less severe, and accentuates your features. It’s the secret to making any braid look effortless and sweet.
Combining with a Vampire Haircut
The vampire haircut—all about sharp layers and bangs—shines with laced braids. Try a pair of face-framing laced braids that start at the temples and blend into the back layers.
It highlights the dramatic cut while adding intricate detail. It’s mysterious and detailed, perfect for the aesthetic.
Inspired by the Hime Cut
The hime cut, with its straight across bangs and long sidelocks, gets a fresh update. Create a single, centered laced braid from the crown down the back.
Keep the front signature pieces pristine. This mixes traditional structure with modern braiding technique for a unique look.
Accessorizing Your Laced Braids
- Pearl Pins: Scatter tiny pearl-ended pins along the laced line for quiet luxury.
- Chain Details: Drape a delicate hair chain over the braid for glitchy glam.
- Barrettes: Use a large, ornate barrette to clasp the end of a laced braid.
Accessories take the style from day to night instantly.
Night-Out Glitchy Glam Version
For glitchy glam hair, make it intentionally imperfect. Do a laced braid but pull out random, chunky strands. Add a metallic gloss spray to those pieces.
Pair it with a sleek leather top. The contrast of the precise braid and the messy, shiny pieces creates that intentional “glitch” in the system.
Day 2 Refresh with Your Braids
Sleep with your laced braids in a silk scarf. In the morning, carefully take them out. Shake your roots, and you’ll have unbelievable, heat-free volume and waves.
Spritz with a sea salt spray for texture. This is the easiest way to get stunning second-day hair that looks like you spent hours.
Quick Fix for Flat Crowns
If your crown goes flat by midday, this is your fix. Section the top of your hair. Create a small, hidden laced braid right at the crown, going back about three inches.
Pin it flat underneath your top layer of hair. Instant, invisible lift that lasts. It’s like a push-up bra for your hair.
Using the Right Products for Hold
Thick hair needs the right support. A light-hold mousse on damp roots gives body without crunch. A texturizing powder is magic for second-day grip.
Always finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. You want movement, not a helmet. This keeps your laced volume looking lived-in, not stiff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pulling Too Tight: It should lift, not give you a headache.
- Using Heavy Products: They weigh down thick hair. Stick to light formulas.
- Skipping the “Pulling” Step: Gently expanding the braid after is crucial for volume.
Keep it light and comfortable for the best look.
From Office to Dinner: Style Transition
Wear your laced braid neat and polished for work. For dinner, quickly pull out a few more face-framing pieces. Add a bold lipstick and swap your pearl pins for something sparkly.
In two minutes, your look is transformed. It’s the versatility that makes this technique a staple.
Why This Technique is a 2026 Trend
2026 hairstyles are moving towards intelligent styling—techniques that are both functional and beautiful. Laced braids offer structure, volume, and artistry.
They fit the quiet luxury trend through their precision, and the glitchy glam trend through their texture. It’s a timeless method feeling very now.
Your Hair, Your Canvas
The best part about laced braids? They are your canvas. Start with the basic technique, then get creative. Add color extensions, mix with other braid types, or keep it pure and simple.
With thick hair, you have the perfect foundation to build upon. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make each style your own.
And there you have it! A whole world of volume and style, unlocked with one clever braiding technique. I told you we’d find ways to make your gorgeous thick hair work for you, not the other way around.
The beauty of laced braids is in their adaptability. Whether you’re feeling romantic, edgy, or elegantly simple, there’s a version here for you. It’s about celebrating the hair you have and styling it in a way that feels uniquely *you*.
Did you find your next favorite look? I’d love to know which idea you’re trying first! And if you want to keep these volume ideas handy, save this post to Pinterest so you can always come back to it. Happy braiding, friend!
