Q&A for How to Do a Five Strand Braid

You create a five-strand braid by weaving the outside strands through two sections, under and over, alternating sides. Continue to alternate sides, repeating the under-over pattern.

A three-strand braid is made by crossing the outside sections over the center section. Make sure to hold the strands tightly as you braid for a polished finish.

There are many types of braids, dozens, but these are based on a few basic patterns. All braids are based on the basics: plait, French braid, rope braid, and fishtail.

It depends on the style you are doing. For a single 5 strand braid using all of the hair, you would have to have medium/long hair for the braid to be successful, but if you are just doing a five strand accent, perhaps in an updo, then it could be successful on shorter hair.

Just practice, you will need to learn to use all your fingers much more than a regular three-strand braid. Even pinkies come in pretty handy.

Try using your mouth if you're doing it yourself, or pretend you have one (three strand) braid, and then one strand moves on to the other two strands, and you have another braid. Try not to hold all 5 strands at once, or you could get all jumbled with your fingers.

Start from the top of your head with smaller strands, and each time you cross it over, add a little bit more hair.