4-strand braid

Peculiarities

A 4-strand braid is considered a universal option for any special occasion, as it looks very impressive and suits almost everyone. Girls, women and girls with different face shapes and different looks can create their own version of a four-strand braid, laid on one side or decorated with ribbons, while it is not necessary to have an impressive head of hair.

A braid can be created from any hair: thick or thin, dry or thin, the main thing is to have basic weaving skills.

To create the effect of hair volume, you can first make a light bouffant at the roots.

Long braids are always in fashion. If you have medium length hair, there are quite a few braided designs you can create as well. A four-strand braid of streaked hair looks very noble.

And well-chosen accessories, for example, a hairpin or a headband with a floral print, will add additional charm and charm to a feminine style. Naturally curly hair should be straightened if possible. Such curls are well braided when wet.

Weaving patterns

There are several ways to weave four-strand braids. To braid the curls correctly, you need to decide on the choice: classic, French, from a ponytail at the back of the head or double - all varieties of this hairstyle are good in their own way.

Each variety is selected in accordance with the situation, mood, need and other factors influencing the choice.

For novice craftswomen, a step-by-step instruction of the simplest four-strand methods is suitable.

Classic

One of the most affordable ways to do this four-strand hairstyle is to braid the braid as usual from three, while the fourth is pulled under the outermost strand on the right.

It turns out an openwork version that needs to be straightened for the greatest effect and fixed with hairspray.

With one central strand

You can braid your hair in a different way, leaving the middle section motionless. You can twist it with a tourniquet, threading it with colored ribbons and harnesses for the greatest effect.

French

A four-strand braid in the French manner is woven in the opposite way. This type is considered one of the most difficult and beautiful, but it requires some training and skills. The weaving pattern looks like in the following way:

1. from the total mass of well-combed hair, a third of the total part is isolated, fixing on the crown;
2. four strands are formed from them;
3. you can braid in any way, but we will do it from right to left: the first strand - above the second, below the third and then above the fourth;
4. the fourth strand is wound under the third and carried over the second, while simultaneously picking up the hair from the common part;
5. so, repeating step by step, weave to the desired length.

The braid can go to the end, or it can end in the middle, leaving half of the hair loose. This is the so-called shortened version. It is better not to tighten the hair in weaving, loose it slightly.

Although tight braids hold up better, weakened ones look more impressive, especially if they are decorated with woven ribbons and other elements.

From a tail with a ribbon

This type of hairstyle is very convenient for both evening wear and fitness. It is suitable for absolutely all types of hair of various structures and colors. The weaving process is carried out as follows:

1. for a start, it is best to apply a foam or styling mousse to dry hair, evenly distributing it along the entire length;
2. with a convenient comb or brush, collect the hair in a ponytail, firmly fixing it on the back of the head;
3. Divide the collected hair into four strands, attach a tape to the middle one;
4. skip the first strand under the second, throw on the third and skip under the fourth;
5. then the fourth - under the third, throw over the second;
6. throw the second over the third, skip under the first, and, in turn, skip it under a strand with a ribbon;
7. so continue to weave to the ends of the hair;
8. at the bottom of the braid, complete with a bow or any other fixer.

Volumetric

There is a so-called false four-strand weave, which looks three-dimensional.

1. To create it, you need to take one strand, twisting it into a bundle.
2. Then separate by strand from different sides, stick them into the tourniquet and stab up.
3. Further, separating by strands and pushing into the next segment of the bundle, continue to weave according to the pattern to the end.
4. At the end, you need to straighten the braid, giving volume.

"Spikelet" or "fish tail"

The famous "fishtail" or "spikelet" is traditionally woven from two strands, but it can be woven from four. A feature of this method is a very fine weaving. It looks perfect on thick hair. If owners of thin and sparse hair want to braid a braid in this way, experts recommend a relaxed braiding option followed by fluffing.

For the reverse "spikelet" hairstyles are often used above the forehead in the "basket" type.

"Waterfall"

One of the most popular weaves is a four-strand French braid, braided with a "waterfall".

1. They begin to braid it, as usual, then at the second stage begin to braid hair from the total mass into the outer strand.
2. Continuing to weave according to the pattern, reaching the bottom, they lower it in a loose state, and instead take a new strand from the total mass of hair.
3. Such loose cascades are formed that look very impressive.

Celtic braid

It is similar to the previous view, but the second strand remains motionless, and at the end the structure on it is pulled up. More details step by step in the photo.

With one motionless

The method speaks for itself. If you look closely at the diagram, you can see on it how one of the strands (the third) remains in place all the time, and the rest are intertwined or twisted around it.

This method is often used for braiding with a ribbon, it is she who is left without movement and the result looks like in the photo.

Basket

The method is based on weaving one strand through all the others, as if you are weaving a basket, from this the method got its name. This strand can be either on the far right (in the diagram) or on the left.

Weaving a braid of 4 strands in step-by-step instructions with a photo:

• To learn, take a close look at the position of the hands and fingers. The scheme is one thing, quite another - to understand how to properly hold and move the curls in the process. For convenience, we have marked each strand with a number and a separate color.

• On the second the picture shows that everything starts from the extreme right strand, which starts over the third.
• Photo 3 demonstrates how the second green line is introduced above the blue fourth.
• Images 4 and 5 show how to put your fingers when throwing curl 4 over the first.
• 6 the structure of the basket is already beginning to be seen.
• Seventh stage - the first yellow strand starts over the second green one.
• Eighth picture - red over yellow. On the ninth, look at what positions the curls should take and how the hands are located.
• Further, there will be a second green line, which turned out to be on the far right, alternately under all.

The result looks like this:

As you can see, the braid can be performed on the separated top hat, forming a beautiful ponytail of the "malvinka" hairstyle.

Icicle or scythe 3D

A real three-dimensional effect is produced by this wonderful weaving of their 4 strands. It can also be compared to a string or a tourniquet.Schemes for its implementation:

Spikelet

The next type looks like a wheat head. Weaving is carried out according to the following scheme:

The bottom line is that each time the extreme pair is thrown to a cent and crossed. Therefore, this pairwise crossing leads to visual similarity with weaving "fish tail".

With two ribbons

It looks like a 4-strand version with one ribbon, but the third strand is involved in the weave, and the second and fourth are the ribbons. Step-by-step process in the photo.

False weaving

Without schemes and complex manipulations, on the basis of a simple bundle, you can make a braid with the effect of four strands.

Celtic braid bun

A hairstyle that can be a wonderful decoration for an evening dress. It is very easy to do. A volumetric bundle is formed on top and wrapped in weaving.

French with grabs obliquely

Pay attention to how to correctly guide the braid so that you get a half basket. In the same way, you can perform any arrangement: on top of the crown, through the back of the head from behind, and even a crown or Russian bezel.

How to weave for yourself?

Learning to braid a four-strand braid by yourself is not difficult, and over time, your hands will automatically weave. To learn how to weave a 4-strand braid on your own, you should adhere to the following step by step instructions:

• first you need to treat clean hair with a styling product and comb it well;
• distribute them into four parts, mentally numbered for yourself;
• the third strand should be thrown over the second, and then skipped under the first;
• the second - to the fourth, and her - to the first;
• the second - under the first and third;
• continue along the entire length of the hair and secure with an elastic band or any decorative element.

Important! In the case of creating a braid with a ribbon, the scheme is the same, only the ribbon acts as the fourth strand.

Expert advice

It is worth adhering to the following tips to help you create four-strand braids:

1. for convenience, put two mirrors: one in front of you, the other behind your back; trellis is best suited to be able to see until the process becomes a habit;
2. try to train more often, bring weaving to automatism;
3. do not try to tighten the strands too much during the weaving process, as this is an unnecessary measure; there is more beauty and naturalness in free weaving;
4. knocked out naughty hairs can be fixed with varnish or special hair wax.

How to decorate?

Since ancient times, ribbons have served as a classic decoration of braided braids. They were different in shape, appearance, color, structure and purpose. One of the most elegant accessories is the kanzashi ribbon. With her, the hairstyle becomes especially beautiful and elegant.

It is performed as follows:

1. combed hair is fixed in a ponytail;
2. then, having separated the fourth part, a special roller is put on the hair;
3. two strands are separated from above, one from below;
4. a row is weaved like a three-row braid, and a kanzashi fly is attached to the central strand;
5. then again they take the top strand from the roller, weave it into a braid and, braiding a row, leave the kanzashi in the center;
6. further, the strand from the bottom of the roller is added to the braid and intertwined;
7. repeating the weaving, fix the tape at the base of the tail.

The next option with elements of jewelry is braids with kanekalon. Few people know that these decorative elements are, in fact, called braids. This innovation is used to create stylish hairstyles.

Artificial synthetic hair, created to strengthen athletes' hairstyles, the so-called boxing braids, are highly resistant to moisture and heat.

Now fashionistas weave multi-colored kanekalon into braids to achieve a rainbow or multi-colored effect. This building looks bold, bright and unusual.

This accessory was readily adopted by foreign and Russian pop stars, and with them - by all girls and women who follow current fashion trends.

Red, green, pink, gold, with shine and gloss, natural colors and shades - all these jewelry can diversify and complement any eccentric image.

Among other things, hair in braids can be decorated with artificial or natural flowers, a scattering of artificial stones on hairpins, rhinestones on hairpins and other decorative elements. Some retro style lovers use headbands or colorful ribbons on their heads, emphasizing their individuality.

Pros and cons

A few years ago, braids were woven only for little princesses, and were also used as a home hairstyle. New trends have allowed braiding to become relevant in the hairdressing business. Wedding, as well as creative options are not complete without spikelets and braids. Many fashionistas will appreciate the benefits of styling that allows you to look stylish throughout the day without additional correction.

I will also like the many variations of braids. But do not forget about the shortcomings of the hairstyle, the features of the implementation.

Pros:

• a neat, well-groomed appearance remains throughout the day, regardless of the season, weather conditions;
• corresponds to current trends in hairdressing;
• suitable for different directions, are commonly used in a business style, grunge, casual, luxurious styling is performed for evening looks;
• loose strands, weaving at different lengths, oblique straight, torn bangs - hairdressing tricks allow you to choose a hairstyle for each face oval;
• falling curls make them taller and slimmer, suitable for athletes, as well as young ladies with shapes;
• the hairstyle has a youthful effect, universal braids have no age limits;
• accessories create from a practical hairstyle, stylish, modern styling, worthy of the red carpet;
• styled hair retains its well-groomed appearance longer, is less susceptible to the influence of aggressive factors.

Minuses:

• styling products are used for short, thin, hard strands, frequent use negatively affects the condition of the hair;
• not everyone can master the technique the first time, it requires experience, training.

Variety of weaving and styling options

Options with bangs are suitable for girls of different types of appearance. Combined with careless styling, the spikelet helps to correct the oval of the face. The strands of the temporal region hide the voluminous cheeks, have a correction effect. An up-to-date hairstyle suits every day.

Will appreciate her creative, romantic natures, who do not want to create glossy hair-to-hair styling.

It is created at different lengths, the middle one and below the shoulders are considered optimal. The longer the hair, the more interesting the braiding looks. Perhaps the weaving is classic, the opposite is also popular.

The hairstyle can be arranged asymmetrically, starting from the back of the head. For thick curls, styling with a high ponytail is suitable.

Short hair can also be braided in an original style. The spikelet acts as a rim, the lush weaving harmonizes the round, wide face. It is not necessary to tighten the strands too much, using a knitting needle prying the curls, you get an openwork pigtail.

Looks feminine, elegant, can be used by women of fashion of different ages.

Spikelet "Whelp" is suitable for narrow, elongated, diamond-shaped faces.

Lush hairstyle can be used by schoolgirls and adult young ladies. A great model for giving a neat, orderly look to long, unruly strands. The use of silicone rubber bands gives a 3D effect. Weaving with a ribbon looks gentle.

Careless styling with a side braid is a suitable option not only for every day, but also for secular parties. Hair frames the face, accentuates the features. Owners of rare curls are advised to pre-wind the strands.

Looks great on long straight curls of the Malvinka model. The combination of loose and gathered strands looks feminine, elegant. The hairstyle is suitable for different stylistic directions.

Young ladies with shapes should pay attention, styling visually makes them slimmer, more elegant.

Hair color does not matter, but complex braids still look better with highlights, as well as gradient ombre, shatush. Thanks to the alternation of the strand, the braid looks like an elaborate pattern.

For courageous young ladies, it is recommended to use color staining. For a striking look, you can use temporary or permanent staining.

• A braid with a fleece suits chubby girls, the volume in the parietal region and the crown of the head distracts attention from chubby cheeks. It is also recommended to leave a few strands on the face, light curls give an airy styling.

• For young ladies with an elongated, triangular face, you can hide a quadruple braid, revealing a beautiful neck. A neat, laconic hairstyle is suitable for a business style. Complemented with accessories, ornaments, it is suitable for an evening out.

Stellar examples

Despite the star status, celebrities prefer the classic three-beam weaving.

You can find traditional weaving both on the red carpet and walking along the city streets.

• Blake Lovely often uses original models. The intricate braid of four strands was not overlooked either.

• Amanda Seyfried the owner of platinum curls. The game of golden strands can be observed in complex styling.

• Cara Delevingne often changes hair color. The successful model uses intricate braids to create stylish styling.

Kinds

It's amazing how many different possibilities a simple braid has. There are more than a dozen types of all kinds of weaving in the world, and most of them have four strands.

There are many ways of transformation: a classic braid of four strands, the same braid with a ribbon instead of one strand, a braid with a braided strand instead of a ribbon, French, “fish tail”, reverse “spikelet”, checkerboard and others.

From different types of braids, you can create a huge number of hairstyles. For example, a four-strand Greek braid looks very subtle and graceful on both young girls and mature women. It weaves around the head, correcting the shape of the face, visually rounding its oval, reveals a beautiful neck.

• They begin to weave a braid in the Greek style from left to right, decorate with stylized flowers, ornaments or any decorative hairpins. And you can also weave ribbons into it, fix beautiful hairpins in your hair. There are quite a few options for styling this type of hairstyle.
• Any hairstyle is created to embellish, embody the desired style and image, and at the same time, it should look light and natural.
• Therefore, you should not overload yourself with particularly complex structures. It is enough to add just a few spectacular elements. For example, when creating an openwork weaving, it is important to maintain a balance between the number of patterns, their sizes and the decor used.

The main thing - do not overwork, otherwise, instead of the intended result, the opposite effect will turn out.

A four-strand braid with one or two ribbons instead of strands looks festive and very impressive. Therefore, it is better not to invent anything special with styling your hairstyle.

You can braid the braids from the temples to the common braid, or leave them on the shoulders, or decorate with pearls and flowers, creating a wonderful wedding option.

The longer the hair, the more options for braiding. Braided tight or airy, braids should be combined with the image, not acting as an independent element. Feel free to experiment creating your own unique hairstyles with four-strand braid options.

Conclusion

Thus, using various patterns of weaving a four-strand braid and adhering to the recommendations, you can make a beautiful hairstyle for every day, and using decorative elements, create a solemn version of the hairstyle.