Q&A for How to Do a Five Strand Braid

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  • Question
    How do you do a 5-strand braid?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do you do a 3-strand braid?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How many types of braids are there?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How long does my hair have to be for a successful 5 strand braid?
    Owls2014
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can I hold all the strands?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I not get it mixed up?
    Rider K
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I want to do a Dutch five strand, how do I add the strands?
    Community Answer
    Start from the top of your head with smaller strands, and each time you cross it over, add a little bit more hair.
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