How to Get Sand's Voluminous Braided Hairstyle

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Every time Sand posts a selfie, I’d stare at his voluminous braided hairstyle thinking, "Why can’t I achieve that?" After three failed attempts—including a Pennywise-esque disaster—I finally cracked the code. This guide combines my trial-and-error journey with professional hairstyling principles to help you replicate his iconic look.

Essential Tools and Prep

Start with damp, clean hair. You’ll need:

• Round brush (for lift at the roots)
• Heat protectant spray (non-negotiable for blow-drying)
• Light-hold gel (avoids crunchy texture)
• Flat iron (1-inch barrel for waves)

Why prep matters: Hairstylist Jen Atkin emphasizes that 70% of volume comes from proper blow-drying. Skipping heat protection causes irreversible damage—a key reason my first attempt failed.

Step-by-Step Styling Method

Braiding Fundamentals

1. Section hair: Isolate a 2-inch section near the temple.
2. Dutch braid tightly: Secure with a clear elastic.
3. Avoid overnight braids: Fine hair (like mine) flattens easily.

Volume-Boosting Techniques

1. Directional blow-dry: Flip hair forward, then blast roots backward with a round brush.
2. Strategic flat-ironing: Wrap sections away from the face to mimic Sand’s windswept waves.
3. Gel application: Rub a pea-sized amount between palms, then scrunch ends—never roots.

Critical insight: My second attempt succeeded only after I stopped air-drying. Wet-setting creates structural memory that lasts 3x longer.

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

• Flat crown? Lift sections vertically while blow-drying.
• Frizz control: Apply gel to ends only—mid-shaft application caused my "mushroom hair" phase.
• Alternative for thin hair: Use texturizing spray before braiding.

Comparison: Common Mistakes vs. Solutions

Mistake	Fix
Braiding dry hair	Dampen strands first
Over-gelling	Use half the product
Ignoring root volume	Blow-dry upside down

Maintenance and Final Touches

Sand’s look relies on lived-in texture. To preserve it:

1. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
2. Refresh waves with salt spray
3. Re-braid only the side section daily

Pro product pick: Ouai Texturizing Foam. Its humidity resistance kept my style intact for 16 hours—unlike cheaper mousses that collapsed.

Actionable Checklist

1. Wash hair with volumizing shampoo
2. Apply heat protectant while damp
3. Blow-dry sections backward with round brush
4. Create Dutch braid at the temple
5. Set waves with iron at 350°F max

"Volume isn’t created by products alone—it’s about manipulating hair’s natural movement." — Sam Villa, Artistic Director for Redken

Which step feels most challenging? Share your struggle below—I’ll troubleshoot your specific hair type!