If you’ve mastered the French, Dutch, and fishtail braids, so the 4 strand braid should be the next on your list!
The 4 strand braid is the perfect plait to have in your styling arsenal whether you’re using it as a foundation for a chignon or creating a stand-alone braid.
It may look complicated, but it’s not as hard as it appears.
It’s versatile and looks amazing on every type of hair, so it’s definitely worth the extra effort.
What more are we waiting for, let’s find out all there is to know about the 4 strand braid!
What Is A 4 Strand Braid?
A 4 strand braid is exactly what it sounds like: a braid that uses 4 strands of hair rather than 3.
That may seem impossible to do, but it is possible and easy once you get the hang of it.
There are 2 main types of 4 strand braids.
1. The first is the basic one or the flat braid.
This is the easiest to understand and learn how to do. However, the way this braid looks can differ depending on the way you weave the strands.
2. The second type of 4 strand braid is called a rope plait.
It is called like this because it resembles a rope and has more of a 3D feel rather than lying flat.
While this is a more difficult looking braid, it is no harder than a basic 4 strand braid.
When Can You Wear A 4 Strand Braid?
A 4 strand braid just like any other braid and can be worn for any occasion! That is, as long as it styled correctly.
4 Strand Styles: 10 Ways to Wear It
1. The Messy Bun Braid Updo
Got some errands to run but are also afraid you might run into someone you know? Then a messy 4 strand braid bun is the style for you!
Messy buns are simple because they’re meant to be messy, but throw in a 4 strand braid in and people can really tell that you care!
2. Low Headband Braid
If you’re tired of just wearing your hair down but still don’t want to pin it up, then this hairstyle will add some variety.
Go for a braided headband and angle it so it goes diagonally across your head.
This will change up your regular look and the braided headband will make it look like it took tons of effort.
3. Fluffy Side Braid
This is a great option if you are going to a more elegant dinner or just for some drinks with friends.
4. A 4 Strand Waterfall Braid
A 4 strand braid combined with other braids, in this case, a waterfall braid will make it look as if a master basket weaver did your hair.
Although combining different types of braids is easy, mixing them up will give you an intricate style that looks like you spent hours on it.
5. Tucked Under Braided Updo
Black tie events aren’t exempt from this hairstyle either. This style is more than suitable for a formal night out.
It is very sleek on the sides and has a very luxurious feel to it, and in the back, the tucked under 4 strand braid gives it extra personality.
6. Tucked Under Braided Updo
The purposely messy hairstyle look also works with a 4 strand braid. This pretty, messy side bun shows off face-framing highlights with a 4 strand braid.
7. Flowing 4 Strand Waterfall
A flowing waterfall braid hairstyle is a sure way to look like you stepped out of a fairytale.
Add a 4 strand braid, and elevate it from princess hair to Khaleesi.
8. A 4 Strand Low Pony
Active and sporty girls can get in on this 4 strands action too. This braided ponytail is the perfect style for anyone who is going to be jumping around a lot and needs their hair out of their face and looking neat.
9. Boho-Inspired Hair
4 stranded braids have an easy, bohemian feel to them, especially when braided loosely.
Fan (or pancake) the braid to create intricate loops, and wave or wand curl your hair to keep the look cohesive.
10. Elegant Low Bun
A perfect style for bridesmaids, this 4 strand braid makes a pretty headband accent for a full, twisted bun.
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How To Do A 4 Strand Braid
Things You’ll Need:
- Paddle brush
- Clear elastic bands
I. The Transverse Flat Braid:
The 5 Steps Way
Step 1:
Divide your hair into 4 strands. You will have an outer right, inner right, inner left, and outer left strand.
Step 2:
Take the outer right strand and weave it over the inner right strand, so the 2 switch places.
Step 3:
Take that same strand and weave it under the inner left strand, and then over the outer left strand. That strand is now the new outer left strand.
Step 4:
Pick up the new outer right strand and repeat the process. Weave it over the inner right, under the inner left, and over the outer left, so the strand becomes the new outer left strand.
Step 5:
Repeat the pattern for the entire length of your hair. Once you’re done, tie off the end of the braid with a clear elastic band.
II. The Slide Up Flat Braid
The 7 Steps Way
Step 1:
Create 4 sections of hair.
Step 2:
Weave the outer right strand over the inner right and under the inner left.
Step 3:
Weave the outer left strand under the new inner left strand and over the inner right.
Step 4:
Weave the outer right over the new inner right and under the inner left.
Step 5:
Repeat this pattern down the length of your hair.
Step 6:
Once you’ve reached the end of the hair, you can tie it off here and get a chain link braid.
Or, you can continue once you’ve reached the end by holding 1 strand in a hand and the 3 remaining strands in the other.
Step 7:
While holding the 1 strand, push the remaining 3 strands upwards. This creates a braid that looks like it was woven around 1 strand of hair.
Then tie off the ends of your braid with a clear elastic band.
III. The Side 4 Strand Dutch Braid
The 20 Steps Way
Step 1:
Always brush through the hair before beginning any style to make sure there aren’t any tangles in the hair.
Step 2:
Next, part the hair on the left side. Then divide off a section of hair from the part down to the right ear.
Step 3:
Clip the back section away with a sectioning clip.
Step 4:
Separate out any hair you want to frame the face at the end and clip this out of the way.
Step 5:
Pick up a small horizontal section near the part and split it into 4 sections.
Step 6:
Take the outer left strand, and cross it under the strand next to it. Then take the inner left strand and cross it over the next one, the inner right strand, and under the last one, the outer right strand.
Step 7:
Cross the inner left strand over the inner right strand.
Step 8:
Now add in hair to the outer left strand to begin a new stitch of the braid.
Step 9:
Cross the outer left strand under the inner left strand.
Step 10:
Next, it would go over the inner right strand, but first, pick up a new section of hair near the hairline and add it into the inner right strand, making sure it’s brought in underneath the outer right strand.
Step 11:
Now cross the outer left strand over the inner right strand and under the outer right strand.
Step 12:
Cross the inner left strand over the inner right strand.
Step 13:
Now, add in hair to the new outer left strand and begin a new stitch of the braid crossing it under the inner left strand.
Step 14:
Add in hair to the inner right strand and cross the inner left over it and under the outer right strand.
Step 15:
Then cross the inner left strand over the inner right strand. Now continue braiding the hair until all the hair is brought into the braid.
Step 16:
Continue working down the section, creating a four-strand braid and securing the end with a clear elastic band or bobby pin.
Step 17:
Gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it wider and more full.
Step 18:
Wrap the braid around the back of the head and pin it behind the left ear.
Step 19:
Divide off a section of hair on the left side and bring it back towards the braid.
Step 20:
Carefully tuck the section underneath the braid, so it’s held in place by the bobby pin that is pinning down the braid.
Top Tip:
Spray the hair with a firm-hold hairspray to set it and ensure it stays in place.
IV. The 3-D Braid
The 7 Steps Way
Step 1:
Divide your hair into 4 separate strands.
Step 2:
Weave the outer right over the inner right.
Step 3:
Weave the inner left strand over the inner and outer right strands. The inner left strand should now be the outer right strand.
Step 4:
Weave the outer left strand over the inner left.
Step 5:
Weave the inner right strand over both the outer and inner left strands. The inner right strand is now the outer left strand.
Step 6:
Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you reach the end of your hair.
Step 7:
Tie off the braid with a clear elastic band and you are done!
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
The 4 strand braid looks intricate and complicated to do, but if you follow our steps for any of the four methods we mentioned, you’ll be creating a next-level braided hairstyle in no time!
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Thelma Ewart started painting and drawing as a hobby when she was young. She pursued arts which eventually lead her to the fashion industry. She is now a hairstyle artist that considers all of her projects as a work of art. Pursuing creativity is what drives her to become the best in what she does.
