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Hairstyle tutorial – four strand braids and slide up braids

May 1, 2013 By Hair Romance 18 Comments

Hair Romance - four strand braid - version 1 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.

Hair Romance - 4 strand slide up braid comparison

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

Hair Romance - 4 Strand Braid 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

Hair Romance - 4 Strand Braid 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

Hair Romance - 4 strand slide up braid tutorial - version 1 Hair Romance - 4 strand slide up braid - 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

Hair Romance - 4 strand slide up braid tutorial - version 2 Hair Romance - 4 strand slide up braid - 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.

If you love braids, you’ll love my 30 Braids in 30 Days ebook. Click the button below to get your copy now and say goodbye to bad hair days. Add to Cart

Which is your favourite version of the four strand braid?

Filed Under: Braids, Hair Romance, Tutorials

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Comments

  1. Carolyn Eley says

    November 11, 2014 at 4:20 am

    I understand how to do braids better when you actually do them than tell how to if there is any way you can video tape showing how to do the styles.

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      November 11, 2014 at 6:40 am

      Hi Carolyn, I’m working on some new videos so stay tuned for more tutorials soon 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lottii says

    April 5, 2014 at 5:20 am

    I love ur pics but I’m finding it hard to master the 4 strand braid, any tips?

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      April 5, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      Hi Lottii, maybe practice on a friend or on hair at the side of your head that you can see? There are two different techniques and you have to choose one or the other to get your braid to look “right”. I find the second version a little easier, and remember to say it aloud – under, over, over, under – as you braid so you can keep track. Good luck! x

      Reply
  3. pragya says

    February 1, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    Beautiful hair styles……….liked these very much:-) 🙂

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      February 2, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Thank you! x

      Reply
  4. nica says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    I really wanna learn that slide-up braid ,, I have the hard time doing it to my own hair so I’ll do it to my cousin’s hair ,,I hope I’ll be able to make it …….

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      January 9, 2014 at 10:26 pm

      Hi Nica, I’m sure you’ll be able to do it! It works best in straight hair, so you can really see the style x

      Reply
  5. madhushree says

    November 23, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Hey i loved all ur hairstyles! pls give details of version 2..

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      November 23, 2013 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks! There are tutorials for both versions in my post 🙂

      Reply
  6. Perdeda says

    July 6, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    Thank you. The directions were very easy to follow.

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      July 8, 2013 at 9:21 am

      Thank you so much Perdeda! X

      Reply
  7. Janessa says

    May 2, 2013 at 7:01 am

    Lovely! I can’t wait to try this hairstyle out and your picture tutorials help so much. I really like your hair, it looks so smooth and soft yet easily styled (or at least you make it seem so) :).

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      May 2, 2013 at 7:38 pm

      Thanks Janessa! I should do a tutorial on how I straighten my hair xx

      Reply
  8. Clare // george&bear says

    May 1, 2013 at 6:43 am

    Gorgeous as always Christina. Looked at the photos with Vic and he agreed I’m too unko but I’m going to give it a go anyway 😉

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      May 1, 2013 at 1:31 pm

      Thanks Clare! Try a slide up braid on a regular 3 strand braid, still looks awesome x

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Christina and welcome to Hair Romance. Here you’ll find tutorials, tips and beauty advice to help you to love your best accessory: your hair.
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