Image: Supplied.

We’re already acquainted with ‘ baking’, now say hello to another beauty trend that has nothing to with cooking.

Dubbed ‘pancaking’, it’s the volumising hair trend for anyone who wants to take their tight, neat braids up a notch.

“It’s basically flattening out a braid making it less bulky and wider. It softens the braid and makes it more like flat loops rather than your typical braid,” explains stylist and ELEVEN Australia Co-Creative Director Joey Scandizzo.

“It’s a great way to make a braid look more modern and accentuate texture and add some dimension. I like how it can add some flyways and look almost ethereal.” Watch: How to ‘pancake’ your braid. (Post continues after video.)

While it’s a trend that’s emerging now thanks to the growing popularity of braids as hairstyle for all ages the technique itself has actually been around for a little longer.

“It was a technique that was used back in day of Marie Antoinette on her wigs and hair pieces to create a flat braid that they could build up and create height,” says Scandizzo. (Post continues after gallery.)

Products to add volume and texture.

ELEVEN Australia I Want Body Volume Powder

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

Aveda Thickening Tonic

Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo - High Res

Herbal Essences Naked Volume Conditioner - High Res

Cedel

L'OREAL Conditioner

Lady Jane Volume Stylr

Volume Booster Dry Shampoo 2D

Clairol Professional Volumation Heat Protection Lotion

How to 

It’s such an easy way to add volume to any braid, taking just two simple steps when starting from dry hair. While it works with any plait, we love how it makes a fishtail braid look even more effortlessly messy and cool.

What’s your go-to braid style?