Hairstyle tutorial – four strand braids and slide up braids

Last week I posted my tutorial for a four strand side braid hairstyle but there are so many ways to wear a four strand braid. You can include in almost any style where you would do a normal braid. This easy variation is a four strand braid at the side pinned back to create a half-up hairstyle. Now to really give your style a twist, try sliding up your braid to form these pretty styles.

There are two different ways to do a four strand braid and they each give a completely unique finish when you slide them up. I like the irregular look of version 1 and don’t you think version 2 has a celtic feel? Let’s start by learning the two versions of the four strand braid and then try the slide up variations.

Four strand braid hairstyle tutorial – Version 1

Step-by-step

• Take a section of hair and divide it into two equal sections and split those two sections in half; now you’ll have four equal sections.
• To explain this braid, think of each section as a position, numbered 1 to 4 from left to right. Cross 2 over 1 (so right over left) and 4 over 3 (another right over left), then 1 crosses over 4 in the center (this is left over right with the two new middle sections).
• Renumber the sections 1 to 4 from left to right and start the process again. Cross 2 over 1 and 4 over 3, then with the two sections in the center cross 1 over 4
• Keep repeating these steps until you have reached the end of your hair. Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic.
• Use a bobby pin to pin your braid around your head. Arrange your hair over your braid to hide the end.

Style tips

Keep practicing! It will take a little while to get the hang of this braid. Remember, the pattern of right over left, right over left then left over right. Saying it aloud while you braid helps you keep track of the next step. Gently stretch the braid to emphasize the shape and show all four strands.

Four strand braid hairstyle tutorial – Version 2

Step-by-step

• Take a section of hair and divide it into two equal sections and split those two sections in half; now you’ll have four equal sections.
• Take the section on the far left and bring it under the section next to it, then over the next section. Repeat the opposite for the section on the right: it goes over the section next to it, then under the next section. If you number the sections as positions 1, 2, 3, 4 starting from the left, it will be easier to understand. Section 1 goes under section 2 and over section 3. Section 4 goes over section 3 and under section 2. Repeat: Section 1 goes under section 2, and over section 3, and so on.
• Keep repeating these steps until you have reached the end of your hair. Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic.
• Use a bobby pin to pin your braid around your head. Arrange your hair over your braid to hide the end.

Style tips

Keep practicing! It will take a little while to get the hang of this braid. Remember, the pattern of under, over, over, under. Saying it aloud while you braid helps you keep track of the next step. Gently stretch the braid to emphasize the shape and show all four strands.

Four strand slide up braid hairstyle tutorial – Version 1

It looks complicated but the slide up braid is an easy step after doing the four strand braid.

• Holding one of the four sections in one hand, push the other three sections up towards your head.
• Adjust the braid to be even and to sit flat.
• Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic and pin in place with a bobby pin.

Four strand slide up braid hairstyle tutorial – Version 2

The same steps apply for this version of the slide up braid, but it’s important to hold the centre section of the four hand braid.

You’ll see one section in the middle and this will give the celtic knot look when you slide the other sections up around it. Then secure your braid with a small clear elastic and pin in place hiding the ends with the rest of your hair.

These four strand braids are perfect for everyday hairstyles, and with a few flower accessories they would make a gorgeous bohemian bridal hairstyle.

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Which is your favourite version of the four strand braid?