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How To Do A Five Strand Braid The Salon Way

photo of stylist creating five strand braid

Previously associated with skipping school girls and Heidi in the mountains, braids have evolved to become a creative and beautiful way to style your hair. The braid possibilities are endless, and perhaps one of the most interesting is a style that goes above the traditional three strand braid.

With the help of Marco Arena, Redken brand ambassador, we set out to learn all we could from this pro when it comes to conquering a braid with endless strands. Here’s all you need to know on how to do a five strand braid!

How does a five strand braid differ from other braids?

The difference between a five strand braid and a regular braid is—you guessed it—the number of strands in the braid. A regular braid consists of just three strands, which means the five strand version is slightly more complicated, but still easily achievable when accompanied by some professional expertise.

Start with our guide as a good basis, but be sure to ask your stylist for some helpful pointers if you’re struggling to nail the technique.

Pro Tips Before You Braid

When it comes to braids, Arena has one golden rule: prep, prep, prep! He recommends Redken’s products as braiding favorites.

“This is key when creating this look,” he explains.

Clean hair can be difficult to work with as it’s smooth and slippery, so it helps to add product that gives it some workable texture and hold in order to be able to sculpt the desired shape.

“Mix Move Ability 05 Cream Paste with a drop of Glow Dry Style Enhancing Blow-dry Oil in the hand and work it lightly into the hair for hold,” Arena recommends.

Another indispensable characteristic of a beautiful five strand braid is movement and volume.

“Give the hair some slight movement beforehand and prepare it with a volume product like Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse. It’s important that there are no knots and that hair has good volume when braiding,” he says.

By adding hold, movement, and volume to your hair, you’re one step closer to creating the perfect five strand braid!

How To Do A Five Strand Braid

Your tools of choice: a brush or comb, a hair tie, and some bobby pins.

“Try establishing a nice rhythm when braiding, as this will make it easier. It’s a great idea to practice on someone else before doing it on yourself,” Arena advises.

Your stylist can show you exactly how to create this style while in the salon. Once you’ve mastered your technique, follow the steps below to create your pro-looking five strand braid!

Start by brushing your hair. Give it movement and volume following Arena’s recommendations.Next, apply Braid Aid 03 Defining Braid Lotion for braid-ready hair before dividing your hair into five strands from the crown of your head, making them as equal as possible.

Start with strand 1. Put it over 2, and then under 3. On the other side, put 5 over 4, and then under the strand in the middle. Repeat this over and under technique on alternating sides, keeping the braid tight, until you get to the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie.

Use the bobby pins to clip any flyaways and finish off with a generous spritz of Redken Beach Envy Volume Wave Aid Spray for the perfect finish.

Get ready to make heads turn with this five strand braid!

For personalized braiding lessons, use our salon locator to book an appointment with a hair professional near you.

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