If you've decided you want more than a three-strand braid in your hair, don't fret. It's exactly the same as braiding with three strands.
Step 1
If you are braiding hair, comb it out thoroughly.
Step 2
If you are braiding something loose, like yarn or ribbon, tie one end to something to anchor it, or use a piece of tape to make it stay.
Step 3
Create any odd number of strands you want. Find the middle strand.
Step 4
Take the furthest right strand and lay it over all the strands on its own side and over the middle strand.
Step 5
Do the same with the left side, so you've got an "x" overlapping your middle and other strands.
Step 6
Take the rightmost strand and do the same thing, being sure to go only until that strand of hair overlaps the (new) middle strand.
Step 7
Take the furthest left strand and pass it across the middle.
Step 8
Repeat this process as necessary, alternating sides.
Step 9
Secure the bottom with a ponytail holder or ribbon for hair, or simply tie a knot if you are braiding string or yarn.
Tips
- For those who prefer a different notation method: 1-2-3-4-5 : 1-2-5-3-4 : 2-5-1-3-4 (REPEAT). This is sometimes much easier to understand than a wordy description.
- Click on the photos to enlarge.
- 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.
- As with any other braid, keeping gentle tension on the strands will make for a tighter braid.
- When removing a braid, unbraid it from the bottom and work your way up, the opposite of braiding.
- You can braid an even number of strands with one extra step: after the rightmost strand is passed over to the middle, take the second-to-leftmost strand all the way over to the right, and the same on the other side. Thus, 1-2-3-4-5-6 => 1-2-3-6-4-5 => 1-3-6-4-5-2 => 3-6-1-4-5-2 => 5-3-6-1-4-2 => repeat.
- 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.
- Many people find it easier to braid wet hair, as it is less slippery.
- Make sure you have even strands of hair when you start out, or the finished braid won't look very 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.
Warnings
- Be gentle. No one likes getting hair pulled.
- Do not use office rubber band,they will damage hair!
Things You'll Need
- Material for braiding
HairScrunchiesEtc.
