Flat 4-Strand

The flat 4-strand is the most basic pattern to use to braid an even number of strands greater than two.  Even-strand braids (barring the square 4-strand) have the design flaw that they tend to spiral, and it takes work to make them lie reasonably flat.  However, sometimes an even-strand braid is the best choice.

Directions:

  1. Gather hair to begin the braid.
  2. Divide the hair into four strands.
  3. Hold the right two strands in your right hand with the palm up, the left two strands in your left hand, palm down.
  4. Rotate both hands to cross right side over, left side under.
  1. Cross the left middle strand over the right middle strand.
  1. Gather another section of hair from the left side of the head and add it to the far-left strand.
  2. Gather another section of hair from the right side of the head and add it to the far-right strand.
  1. Repeat instructions 3-7 for the rest of the hair on the head.
  1. Repeat instructions 3-5 to the end of the braid and tie off with a rubber brand.

Note: Any braid flat even-strand braid will tend to spiral.

 

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