How to Make a Braid Using More Than Three Strands

Last Updated: June 2, 2021

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

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.

Community Q&A

Question

Can you braid with only two strings?

Community Answer

You can do the rope twist braid, but not your classic braid.
Question

How do I do a fishtail braid?

Community Answer

Part the section where you want to braid your hair into 4 pieces. Then put the two sides at the end in the two sides on the inside and just keep doing that until you run out of hair.

Warnings

Do not use regular office rubber bands, they will damage hair! They can also tug painfully on hair. Use hair elastics.

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Helpful 49 Not Helpful 8
Be gentle. Very few people like getting hair pulled.

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