Do a 5 Strand French Plait
A more intricate version of the classic french plait. Your hair must be at least shoulder length to wear this style.
Steps
- Detangle your hair thoroughly. If your hair is prone to tangling, dampen the ends to stop knots forming while you're working.
- Brush your hair straight back, away from your face. Start just above your temples, and draw your thumbs horizontally through your hair until they meet at the back of your head. You should now have a reasonably sized section of hair to start working with.
- Split this section into 5 equal strands. Imagine the strands are numbered 1-5 from left to right, 1 2 3 4 5.
- Cross strand 1 under strand 2, then over strand 3. Pull tight. The strands are now ordered 2 3 1 4 5
- Cross strand 5 under strand 4, then over strand 1. The strands are now ordered 2 3 5 1 4
- Pick up a little hair from your hairline on the left side and add it to strand 2.
- Cross strand 2 under strand 3, then over strand 5. The strands are now ordered 3 5 2 1 4
- Pick up a little hair from your hairline on the right side and add it to strand 4.
- Cross strand 4 under strand 1, then over strand 2. The strands are now ordered 3 5 4 2 1
- Repeat steps 6-9 until you reach the nape of your neck. Obviously the strands will be in different positions, so to put it in general terms, you cross the leftmost/rightmost strand under the one next to it, then over the middle strand, adding in little bits of hair from your hairline as you go.
- Once you reach your neck, continue weaving the 5 strands in the same pattern, and secure at the bottom with a hair-band.
- Pull some fine wisps of hair in front of your face to soften the look.
- Finish with a mist of hairspray.
- Finished.
Tips
- If you don't already know how to do a french plait, learn that method first. It's easier to master, and will give you an idea of how this weaving technique works.
- If you have very long hair, you might find the ends get tangled up quite quickly. Don't try to pull the strands apart, as this can tighten the knots and break the hair. Instead, shake the strands gently until they fall loose. If all else fails, have a comb at the ready.
- This hairstyle is not the easiest. Practice on a friend so you can get the hang of it.
- Layered hairstyles can be difficult to plait neatly. Instead of weaving all the way to the tips of your hair, weave to your neck, then tie the rest of the hair in a pony, or wrap it around into a neat bun.
Things You'll Need
- Brush
- Comb
- Hair bands
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