A five-strand braid looks far more complicated than it is. The pattern is wide, flat and woven, a little like a loaf of challah, and once your fingers learn the rhythm it becomes a go-to way to dress up a plain ponytail or side braid. This gallery shows twenty uses for it: a crimped plait from a ponytail, a long side braid that makes thin hair look thicker, a partial Dutch-style version that seems to swallow its own centre strand, and grown-up pigtails with hidden elastics.
The technique also scales up into updos. You will see five-strand crowns on crimped hair, a diagonal braid wrapped into a side bun, an upside-down braid leading to a high sock bun, a swirled “cinnamon roll” updo and a pair of braids that hang like earrings. Colour adds another layer, with seafoam green, pastel and bubblegum pink versions that show off the weave.
Length and density matter more here than with a regular plait, because the hair is split into five smaller sections. Shoulder-length hair can manage a short plait, but long, thick hair gives the most dramatic result; crimping or texturising spray helps finer hair.
1. Crimped 5 Strand Braid
Long, thick hair suits this full, robust five-strand braid worked from a ponytail. The woven pattern resembles challah bread, and crimping the lengths first boosts its width. It takes a steady hand and some patience, but the elegant finish rewards the effort.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. Long Side Braid for Thin Hair
Starting at the root and travelling down the side of the head, this five-strand braid gathers small pieces as it goes, which makes thin hair look noticeably fuller. One elastic at the end is all it needs, so there are no bobby pins involved.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Partial Side Dutch Braid
Five strands can be braided Dutch-style, crossing underneath so the plait sits raised like a French braid turned inside out. The centre strand creates the illusion of one braid wrapping around another. Soft waves through the remaining hair keep the overall look gentle.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Braided Twist on the Sock Bun
This updo is challenging but worth it. Braid one side with five strands, repeat on the opposite side, and gather everything into a sock bun at the back. Wrap a braided strand around the base of the bun to finish it off neatly.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Back Braid Meets the Side Bun
Work a five-strand French braid diagonally across the head, choosing the direction according to your part, and continue until there is no loose hair left. The finished plait then wraps into a bun at the side for a graceful, asymmetric updo.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Crown Braid with Textured Hair
Crimping the hair from roots to ends first gives this crown braid extra grip and volume. Start the five-strand plait at the top of the head and work down and around. Using five strands creates the big, impressive crown many people are hoping for.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Upside Down Braid and Bun
From the front, this looks like a simple high sock bun, while the back reveals a creative braid climbs the head. It is easiest to do by flipping your hair forward and braiding upside down towards the crown, so take your time.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Snake Braid
A five-strand braid can snake from the crown down to the nape in a winding line. Seafoam green colour makes the pattern pop, and lightly tugging at the strands once finished gives a softer, messier finish that suits the playful shade.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. The Adult-Version of Pigtails
Pigtails grow up with two five-strand braids. Part the hair down the middle, braid each side and stop around the neck. Wrap a thin piece of hair around each elastic and tuck it under to hide it for a polished result.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. Side Braid Pulled into a Ponytail
A braid is a quick way to pull hair back and stop stray pieces from falling in your eyes. This five-strand side braid flows into a low ponytail. Pulling the strands tighter makes it slimmer, while a looser hand makes it wider.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Criss-Cross Hairstyle
Once the five-strand technique clicks, it opens up endless options. Here two diagonal braids cross over each other at the back of the head and finish in one chunky plait, creating a striking criss-cross design.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Cinnamon Swirl Braid
Braids are a timeless bridal choice, and this swirled updo shows why. A five-strand plait coils into a shell-like shape at the back of the head. Have a full pack of bobby pins ready before you start, as the spiral needs plenty of support.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Elegant Double Braid Updo
Two five-strand Dutch braids are arranged side by side and pinned so their ends drop down like a pair of drop earrings. The effect is elegant yet lively, a lovely choice for weddings or dinners.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Casual Side Braid
Adding a five-strand braid to a messy bun makes a casual look feel more put-together. Choose a Dutch or French version depending on whether you want the braid raised or flat, then wrap it into the bun.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. Full-Bodied Diagonal Braid
Five-strand braids use all your fingers. Number each strand and repeat “over” or “under” as you move them in sequence, which helps you keep track of what comes next. The full-bodied diagonal result looks especially rich in blonde.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. Braided Mermaid Hair
This expanded braid wraps around the head like a crown braid, with the extra strands making it wider and more detailed. An unusual pastel shade adds a whimsical, mermaid-like touch to the updo. Pin it close to the head at the nape so the wrap does not sag.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Cornrows Meet French Braid
Pairing cornrows with one wide five-strand plait is a creative way to try both. The cornrows run back along the sides, and the wide plait down the centre of the back is tucked under at the nape for a mohawk-like updo.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Diagonal Braids Meet Ponytail
Two diagonal five-strand plaits feeding into a low ponytail add interest to a simple style. It is practical for hiking, cycling or yoga, keeping hair secured and away from the face while still looking polished.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. Half-Up Braid
Straight hair shows off the pattern in this half-up five-strand braid, sometimes called a Rapunzel braid. Casual by nature, it can easily be dressed up for the office or an evening out with friends. Smooth the lengths with a flat iron first for the cleanest pattern.
Inspiration: @Instagram
20. Bubblegum Braids
Five strands can be manipulated in surprising ways, including a braid set inside another braid. It sounds complicated but is achievable with practice, and a bubblegum-pink shade turns the style into something playful and feminine.
Inspiration: @Instagram
A simple method for your first five-strand braid
Split the hair into five equal sections and number them one to five from left to right. Then repeat this sequence:
- Take the far-left strand (1) over strand 2 and under strand 3, so it lands in the middle.
- Take the far-right strand (5) over strand 4 and under the strand that is now in the middle.
- Renumber the strands from left to right and repeat, alternating sides.
Saying “over, under” out loud as you go helps you keep track. Practise on a ponytail first so the sections stay anchored, and work in front of a mirror or with the hair pulled over one shoulder.
Making the woven pattern stand out
The braid looks best when the sections are equal and lightly textured. Prep with a dry texture spray or crimp the lengths, keep even tension throughout, then gently pull the outer edges once you have tied off the end. Hold the finished braid with a flexible spray rather than a heavy one so it stays soft.