Make a Braid Using More Than Three Strands

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Do you consider yourself a braiding pro? Are you bored with only using three strands to make a braid? Or maybe you just found a new hairstyle that you are dying to try out but just aren't sure how. Whatever your reason, it's time you learned how to use more than three strands while braiding.

Steps

  1. Prepare your material. If you are braiding hair, comb it out thoroughly until smooth and knotless (no knots in sight). If you are braiding something string-like, such as yarn or ribbon, tie one end to something to anchor it, or use a piece of tape to make it stay.

Odd Number Method

  1. Create any odd number of strands you want. Assign numbers to each strand, such that they run (for example) 1 2 3 4 5 from left to right. Find the middle strand.
  2. Take the farthest right strand and lay it over all the strands on its own side and over the middle strand. If you're using 5 strands, your configuration should now be 1 2 5 3 4.
  3. Do the same with the left side, so you have an "x" overlapping your middle and other strands. If you're using 5 strands, your configuration should now be 2 5 1 3 4.
  4. Take the rightmost strand and repeat Step 2. Be sure to go only until that strand of hair overlaps the (new) middle strand. The configuration should now be 2 5 4 1 3.
  5. Take the farthest left strand and repeat Step 3. The configuration should now be 5 4 2 1 3.
  6. Repeat this process as necessary, alternating sides.
  7. Secure the bottom with a ponytail holder or ribbon for hair, or simply tie a knot if you are braiding string or yarn.

Even Number Method

  1. Create any even number of strands you want. Assign numbers to each strand, such that they run (for example) 1 2 3 4 5 6, left to right.
  2. Take the strand farthest to the right, and move it to the middle. In this case, middle would mean "on the right side of the middle". Your configuration should be 1 2 3 6 4 5.
  3. Grab the strand second to the far left, and move it all the way to the right. Your configuration should be 1 3 6 4 5 2.
  4. Grab the strand on the far left, and move it to the middle. Again, middle means "on the left side of the middle," since there is no actual middle strand. Your configuration should be 3 6 1 4 5 2.
  5. Grab the second strand to the far right, and move it all the way to the left. Your configuration should be 5 3 6 1 4 2.
  6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until finished.
  7. Secure the bottom with a ponytail holder or ribbon for hair, or simply tie a knot if you are braiding string or yarn.

Tips

  • Use a hair holder (scrunchy, clip, barrette) to separate your locks of hair, so they can't become tangled, knotted, or confused with one another.
  • When braiding your own hair, look forward as you usually would. Otherwise the tensions on the hairs will skew away from your face. For example, do not lean or bend your head down to get a better look- use a mirror.
  • When removing a braid, unbraid it from the bottom and work your way up, the opposite of braiding.
  • Many people find it easier to braid wet hair, as it is less slippery.
  • Keep it tight for a nicer, cleaner look.
  • If your braid looks messy, don't fret! Dampen the hair a tiny bit (Use only one spray if you are using a spray bottle.), then re-braid into place. If that doesn't work, try a little bit of hairspray. In this situation, less is more!
  • Add a bit of hairspray afterwards to keep it neat.
  • It helps a lot to ask the person to hold a strand or two of hair when you are trying to separate the strands at first.
  • As with any other braid, keeping gentle tension on the strands will make for a tighter braid.
  • Make sure you have even strands of hair when you start out, or the finished braid won't look very neat.
  • Braid after a shower.
  • When you start try to keep the other strands out of the way when you are using the other strands
  • When moving any strand into its new position, weave it to that spot. As in, when moving an outside strand to the middle for example, first go over the next strand, then under the next, then over, etc, until the strand is in that middle position. Do not simply lay the strand over the rest to put it in the middle.
  • It's important to keep the start of a string braid in place. Some ways to hold it are with a bulldog clip or a clipboard, or even duct tape.

Warnings

  • Do not use regular office rubber bands, they will damage hair! They can also tug painfully on hair. Use hair elastics.
  • Be gentle. Very few people like getting hair pulled.

Things You'll Need

  • Hair or yarn, ribbon, string
  • Scrunchies, cute bows/clips (optional)
  • Brush (optional)
  • Mirror (optional)

Related Articles

  • Create a Braided Hair Band Using Regular Braiding Method
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