Basic techniques - level 4 and further

The 4 strand waterfall braid

Basic techniques - level 4 and further

Those who have mastered the level 1, 2 and 3 basic techniques, will be able to create loads of different hairstyles already. If you wish to challenge yourself even further, then try to master these last basic techniques:

• Dutch / French braiding with 5 strands: the 5 strand Dutch braid is one of my favorite braids. A beautiful big braid that's actually quite easy as you can hold your two left strands and your two right strands together every time.
• 4 strand waterfall braid: again one of my favorite braids. Again not very difficult, as you only need to master a 4 strand braid for this. For the best result I advise to start with under-over, so crossing the strand closest to the part under first of all.
• 4 strand Dutch braid: a regular 4 strand braid turns into a French/Dutch braid when you're adding in hair. By adding in hair a little different, you'll have a completely Dutch braid. This is how it works: start with a regular braid stitch - under-over; over-under. Now add hair to the left strand and cross it under-over. Now take your right strand and cross it over the strand next to it (for now I'll call this strand X). Now add hair to the right strand, but cross this hair under strand X first before adding it to the right strand. Now cross the right strand with the hair added to it under the strand next to it. Keep repeating this until you have no more hair to add.
• French (Dutch) 3D braid: the 3D round braid is very beautiful too when you're adding in hair. This is the same as for a regular French / Dutch braid: add in hair and then cross the strand under the two strands next to it and twist it around the second strand.

When you've mastered all of these techniques, there's of course even more difficult braids to try. These more difficult braids often have more strands (6, 7, 8 or even 9) or one or more ribbons. For the advanced braiders, I'll share the link to my tutorial on the 6 strand braid and the 6 strand slide up braid with ribbon, but if you've mastered all the techniques I've explained, you can call yourself a real braiding champion!