Make a flat four-strand braid

Try a broad woven side braid when you can keep four strands separate. A shoulder-level position brings the crossings into view.

When to use it

A flat four-strand braid weaves each outer strand across two inner strands, using over-under on the right and under-over on the left.

When dry detangled hair reaches in front of one shoulder and you can hold four strands without pulling the roots.

Loose medium-length or longer hair that can be divided into four visible strands and handled comfortably in front.

Keep all four free ends separate. Stop and undo a few crossings when you lose the order rather than tugging the braid apart.
Leave short layers outside if needed. No heated preparation, added hair or tight base is required.

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

Back up one crossing

Undo to the last point with four clear separate ends. Spread them across your fingers again and restart slowly without tightening the base.

STEP 1 OF 3
Hold four separate sections
- Begin with dry detangled loose hair. Bring it over one shoulder without pulling the far-side roots, and keep a smooth tie nearby.
- Divide the lengths into four similar sections. Hold their free ends apart across your fingers so you can identify the outer and inner pair.
STEP 2 OF 3
Alternate the two crossing paths
- Take the outer right strand over the inner right strand, then under the inner left. Stop it between the two strands now on its left and right.
- Take the outer left strand under the new inner left, then over the inner right. Keep the remaining free ends separate as your hands exchange holds.
- Repeat: the current outer right goes over then under; the current outer left goes under then over. Move your grip down as the flat braid grows.
- Leave a short free tip and secure it with the smooth tie. If you lose the order or catch hair, undo a few crossings and reset your grip.
STEP 3 OF 3
Release the braid from its end
- Let the braid hang and check the base for pulling. Loosen or take it down if looking or turning your head is uncomfortable.
- For takedown, support the braid and unwind the end tie instead of dragging it through the hair.
- Open the lowest crossing with your fingers and work upward, separating all four strands as each crossing comes free. Put the tie away.

One side braid including preparation and later release. Learning four-strand hand exchanges can take longer; detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

Four strands form a flat woven length, the end tie holds gently and the braid can be undone from the tip upward.