Finally, weave it under the fourth strand to complete one cycle. Repeat this weaving pattern, pulling each strand tightly. The result is a well-defined, flattened braid.
This style works great for those ready to advance beyond basics. Four-strand braids look impressive but become natural with practice.
Five-Strand Braid
The five-strand braid takes complexity to an even higher level.
You must separate your hair into five equal sections first. Starting from the right, cross the first strand over the second. Then cross it under the third strand next.
Take the fifth strand from the far left side. Cross it over the fourth, then under the strand you just moved. Continue this pattern of over, under, over, under until the end.
This braid works best with longer hair lengths only. The finished result looks like an intricate woven masterpiece.
Feather Braid
The feather braid adds a whimsical, enchanting touch to any hairstyle.
This braid leaves pieces of hair out during each turn. Start like a French braid at your crown. Divide a section of hair into three parts as usual.
As you braid, leave out small sections each time you cross. Do not pull all the hair into the braid itself. These left-out strands form the “feathers” of the braid. They stick out softly along the sides.
The effect looks soft, romantic, and slightly bohemian. Feather braids work beautifully for outdoor weddings or festivals.
Braids for Adding Length and Volume
Feed-In Braids
Feed-in braids gradually add extension hair as you plait each row.
This technique creates thicker, more voluminous braids throughout. The result looks natural and seamless from root to tip. Many professional braiders prefer this method for their clients.
You cannot see where your real hair ends and extensions begin. Feed-in braids work for cornrows, individual braids, or ponytails. The gradual addition prevents bulky, obvious knots at your scalp.
Your braids will look fuller and more luxurious overall. This technique requires skill but delivers beautiful, natural-looking results.
Boho Box Braids
Boho box braids leave human hair out throughout the entire style. Your natural curls or added extensions remain loose and free.
This creates a carefree, relaxed bohemian vibe instantly. The loose strands give the style movement and softness. These braids require extra hair care maintenance than regular box braids.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and frizz-fighting products regularly. The human hair left out can be your natural curls. Or you can add extensions for more volume and dimension.
Boho braids look effortlessly chic and slightly messy on purpose.
Mermaid Braids
Mermaid braids blend braided top sections with flowing loose hair below.
Braid the top lengths of your hair close to your scalp. Let the rest of your hair flow down completely free. This can be straight hair or curly hair depending on preference. The contrast between braided and loose hair creates visual interest.
Mermaid braids work well for those who want some braided detail. But you still get to show off your length and texture.
This style suits beach weddings, vacations, or summer days. The name comes from the flowing, mermaid-like appearance of loose ends.
Pick and Drop Braids
Pick and drop braids offer a quick alternative to full-head braiding.
Plait the top length of your hair for about three inches only. Then leave the rest of your hair completely loose. The loose ends can be in soft waves or curls.
This style gives you the best of both worlds. You get the neat look of braids at your roots. But you avoid spending hours on a full braid installation.
Pick and drop braids work great for hot summer days. They keep hair off your neck while showing off your length.
French Curl Braids
French curl braids create an elegant, feminine look with curly ends.
Braid box braids as you normally would down most of the hair. Leave loose curls at the very end of each braid instead. The curly ends bounce and move when you walk.
This style looks romantic and perfect for special events. You can use human hair for the curly ends. Or use synthetic pre-curled extensions for convenience. French curl braids photograph beautifully from every angle.
The combination of straight braids and curly ends feels fresh and modern.
Gypsy Braids
Gypsy braids deliver volume and texture in a full, lush style.
Create knotless braids as your base throughout your head. Then add curls throughout each individual braid as you go. The result is a head full of textured, voluminous braids.
This style looks thicker than regular knotless braids. The added curls create movement and softness throughout. Gypsy braids work well for those with thinner natural hair.
The curls disguise any sparse areas or uneven parts. This style makes a bold, beautiful statement wherever you go.
Bora Bora Braids
Bora Bora braids offer a tropical, beachy vibe for vacations.
Braid your natural hair together with wavy hair extensions. Continue braiding until you reach the length of your natural hair. Then let the remaining extensions flow completely free and wavy. The wavy ends cascade down like ocean waves.
This style looks amazing in photos and moves beautifully. Bora Bora braids work great for destination weddings or tropical trips.
The wavy ends feel lighter than fully braided extensions. You get length and volume without the heavy weight on your scalp.
Jumbo Braids
Jumbo braids make a bold statement with their oversized thickness.
These are larger, more voluminous versions of traditional braids. You will need extension hair to achieve this substantial look.
The thick braids stand out and demand attention immediately. Installation takes much less time than smaller braids.
You can finish a full head of jumbo braids in hours, not days. The larger size means fewer total braids on your head. This puts less tension on your scalp overall.
Jumbo braids look dramatic and modern for anyone wanting to stand out.
Peekaboo Braids
Peekaboo braids add a playful pop of hidden color to your style.
This refers to any braid style with a colorful surprise element. One section or a few individual braids use a different color. The rest of your hair remains a neutral or natural shade.
The colorful braids hide underneath or peek out unexpectedly. You can use bold reds, blues, purples, or pastel pinks. Peekaboo braids let you experiment with color temporarily.
You do not have to dye your natural hair at all. Just add colored extension hair to a few braids for fun.
Wrapping Up
Pick a braid style that fits your style.
Some take hours. Others take five minutes.
Short hair works for cornrows. Long hair suits box braids. The right braid protects your hair and looks great.
Start simple today. Get creative tomorrow.
Now go practice.
