After multiple DIY [1] fails, it can be easy to believe that the fishtailed, caged [2], and milkmaid plaits that we envy from Pinterest [3] have been created by a mystical hair magician. Achieving the perfect amount of tease and volume without destroying your style might seem farfetched but DIYing these majestic braids is actually a lot easier than you think.

The secrets to these styles lie in a technique called pancaking (no, it has nothing to do with your sweet stack of breakfast cakes), but the process is simple. Start with a tight braid in any style of your choice [4]. Then, gently pull it apart from each direction using short, precise tugs. Strategically separating the braid will result in it being flatter, like a pancake, but will also make your plait appear more full and voluminous. The clever method is ideal for longer strands and can also work well on shoulder-length locks, but be extra careful when separating shorter hair as it tends to unravel faster.

You can find the process carefully broken down in this video [5]. We've also rounded up some styles to further prove that Pinterest-worthy hair [6] is possible! Scroll through this stack of perfectly pancaked braids to get inspired.