Four-Strand Braid Hairstyles are a fresh way to upgrade everyday looks with texture and visual interest. These braids add a woven, sculptural feel that moves beyond simple three-strand styles, making Four-Strand Braid Hairstyles a go-to for weekend brunches, date nights, and polished events.
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From boho beach vibes to sleek formal updos, Four-Strand Braid Hairstyles flatter many face shapes and hair types.
They work beautifully on straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures, and shine when paired with baby hairs, highlights, or soft face-framing pieces for a modern, eye-catching finish.
Classic Four-Strand Braid Down The Back
A timeless take on a woven braid, the classic four-strand braid down the back elevates plain hair with layered texture and depth. Start with smooth, detangled hair and tightly weave the four sections to keep the braid defined. This style works best on medium to long lengths and looks especially pretty with subtle balayage or soft waves that peek through the plait. Wear it for everyday errands or dress it up with a silk scarf tied at the end for an instant put-together look that feels both effortless and refined.
Styling Tips
- Apply smoothing cream for frizz control and shine.
- Use a small elastic and hide it under a wrapped strand.
- Pancake the braid gently for a fuller, boho finish.
Messy Four-Strand Side Braid With Face-Framing
This messy four-strand side braid keeps things relaxed and modern. Loose tow-away pieces around the face soften the look, while gentle pulling apart of the braid creates volume and a lived-in feel. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style pairs beautifully with curtain bangs or long layers. It’s perfect for casual weekends or outdoor gatherings and looks dreamy with beachy waves woven into the braid. The undone texture reads playful and chic while still holding up all day with a light-hold spray.
Styling Tips
- Texturizing spray gives grip for easier braiding.
- Pull sections outward to create that messy, full silhouette.
- Secure with a low-visibility elastic and finishing spray.
Four-Strand Crown Braid For Romantic Vibes
The four-strand crown braid wraps around the head like a halo, offering romantic, regal energy for weddings or date nights. This look works especially well with long hair and medium textures because the extra directionality of the four strands creates a denser, more intricate crown. Loosen the braid slightly for a softer silhouette, and weave in small floral pins or pearl accents for a delicate finish. It holds well with light misting and creates a picture-ready statement without feeling heavy or overworked.
Styling Tips
- Start with slightly textured hair for better hold.
- Pin the braid discreetly with U-pins at the nape.
- Add tiny flowers or accessories for a romantic touch.
Sleek Low Pony With Four-Strand Braid Wrap
Turn a classic low ponytail into a chic statement by wrapping a four-strand braid around the elastic. This polished look suits straight and slightly textured hair and reads modern and refined for work or evening plans. Keep the braid smooth and tight for a slick finish, or pull it a touch for softness. The wrapped braid hides the elastic and adds dimension at the nape, making a simple pony instantly more interesting without adding bulk or weight to the style.
Styling Tips
- Use smoothing serum for frizz-free strands.
- Secure the wrap with discreet pins under the pony.
- Finish with medium-hold spray to keep the wrap in place.
Boho Half-Up Four-Strand Braid With Waves
The boho half-up four-strand braid pairs soft, tousled waves with a relaxed braid that clips mid-head. This look feels carefree and is perfect for festivals, weekend outings, or laid-back parties. The half-up braid keeps hair out of your face while showcasing length and texture, and the contrast between the braided section and loose waves gives eye-catching movement. Add a decorative clip or a thin scarf woven into the braid for a playful touch. It works well on layered cuts and adds volume to fine hair.
Styling Tips
- Create loose waves with a large-barrel wand before braiding.
- Anchor the braid with a small invisible elastic or clip.
- Pull on braid loops for a relaxed, boho silhouette.
Glam Four-Strand Braid Chignon For Events
For a red-carpet–ready vibe, transform a four-strand braid into a low chignon. Start with sleek sections, braid them precisely, then coil into a polished bun at the nape. This approach gives a modern twist to formal hair, offering texture and sculpted lines without fuss. Works best on medium to long hair with some density. Finish with a shine spray and add jeweled pins for evening glam. This chignon holds up well during dancing and photographs beautifully from every angle.
Styling Tips
- Smooth hair with a light-weight pomade for sleekness.
- Secure the chignon with U-pins and a final mist of hairspray.
- Add decorative pins or combs for extra elegance.
Textured Four-Strand Braid For Curly Hair Days
This textured four-strand braid embraces natural curls and coils, creating a thick, dimensional braid that keeps curl pattern intact. Work with damp or slightly stretched curls for better sectioning, and use a cream-based styler to reduce frizz while maintaining bounce. The multi-strand weave looks lush on medium to long curly hair and can be worn down one shoulder or pinned up for a sculptural look. It’s an excellent way to control volume without flattening natural texture, and it photographs with beautiful depth and movement.
Styling Tips
- Finger-detangle curls gently before braiding.
- Use a curl cream to define and reduce frizz.
- Seal ends with a light oil to prevent flyaways.
Half-Pulled Four-Strand Braid For Soft Volume
The half-pulled four-strand braid is about creating airy volume by gently tugging at each braid segment after weaving. This airy technique looks romantic and suits medium to long hair with layers, giving a soft halo effect along the braid’s edges. It pairs well with feminine outfits and outdoor photoshoots when you want movement that reads intentional but effortless. The deliberate pulling also helps make thinner hair appear fuller without heavy products, leaving a light, touchable finish that’s easy to refresh throughout the day.
Styling Tips
- Braid slightly loose to allow for clean pulling.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth roots before braiding.
- Finish with a light texturizing mist for hold.
Fishtail-Inspired Four-Strand Braid With Highlights
Combine the woven look of a four-strand braid with the color play of balayage or highlights for an eye-catching contrast. The extra strand allows color streaks to weave through more dramatically, creating a painted effect along the braid. This style shines on long hair where highlights can peek out at each crossing point, enhancing depth and dimension. It’s a great way to show off fresh color while keeping hair stylish and off the face, whether for casual days or special outings.
Styling Tips
- Brush highlights smoothly through before braiding for clarity.
- Braid tightly to show color pattern, or loosen for a softer blend.
- Use a shine spray to enhance color reflectivity.
Four-Strand Bubble Braid With Playful Texture
Give the bubble braid trend a twist by incorporating four strands into each bubble section for added texture and fullness. This playful variation pops on medium to long hair and is perfect for festival looks or playful weekends. Create a low pony, then braid four strands through sections, securing and pulling each segment to form rounded bubbles. The result is whimsical and bold, drawing attention without feeling heavy. Add colorful elastics or ribbons between bubbles for extra personality and festival-ready style.
Styling Tips
- Create even sections before starting each bubble for balance.
- Pancake each braid loop to form fuller bubbles.
- Use coordinating elastics or ribbons for a fun finish.
Rope-Twist Four-Strand Accent Braids For Shorter Cuts
Shorter hair can gain edge with tiny four-strand rope-twist accent braids along the temple or crown. These small braids add texture and interest without needing full length, making them a great pick for bob or lob cuts. Use them as accents around an updo, tucked behind the ear, or woven into half-up styles. They’re quick to create and maintain, and work on sleek or textured short hair, offering a trendy, personalized touch that reads modern and effortless.
Styling Tips
- Work with damp hair and a light styling cream for control.
- Secure ends with clear elastics for a neat finish.
- Use a finishing spray to keep shorter pieces in place.
Bohemian Four-Strand Braid With Beaded Details
Embrace boho charm by adding tiny beads, charms, or metallic thread to a loose four-strand braid. This style works great on long, textured hair and makes festival or summer outfits pop. Thread beads selectively through the braid or tie small charms at the braid’s tail for movement. The extra strand allows for more creative placement of embellishments, so each bead peeks through in a balanced way. The result is a handcrafted look that feels personal, playful, and full of character.
Styling Tips
- Plan bead placement before you start braiding for even spacing.
- Use a needle-and-thread method to secure tiny beads if needed.
- Finish with a gentle mist to protect embellishments and keep flyaways down.
Elegant Bridal Four-Strand Braid With Pearls
For brides seeking subtle texture, a four-strand braid woven with pearl pins or small pearl-strung wire feels timeless and modern at once. The braid can be used as a crown, wrapped into a chignon, or draped along one shoulder. Pearls catch the light and complement soft bridal fabrics beautifully, while the four-strand technique offers a refined, dense weave that photographs gorgeously. This look pairs well with veils or hair vines and suits long or medium hair left slightly textured for hold.
Styling Tips
- Sculpt hair into smooth waves or soft texture before braiding.
- Pin pearls into the braid gradually for secure placement.
- Add a final mist of flexible-hold spray to lock everything in place.
Sporty Four-Strand Braid For Active Days
Keep hair secure during workouts or active weekends with a tight four-strand braid that follows the head for extra hold. Start at the crown and continue down the back, tucking ends into a low bun or securing with a strong elastic. The additional strand creates more surface grip, helping the braid resist slipping while running or stretching. It’s neat, functional, and still stylish enough to wear to brunch after a sweat session. This braid protects hair from tangling and keeps sweat away from the face when paired with a sweatband or headscarf.
Styling Tips
- Use a lightweight gel or cream for slip resistance.
- Secure ends with a sport-friendly elastic or band.
- Tuck stray hairs into the braid or use bobby pins for neatness.
Braided Mohawk Four-Strand Look For Edge
Create an edgy braided mohawk by four-stranding down the center of the head while keeping sides sleek or shaved. This bold style packs volume and attitude, and the extra strand creates a chunkier, sculpted braid that rises slightly from the scalp. It’s a statement choice for medium to long hair and photographs with strong, modern lines. Finish with a matte paste for texture, and let a few wisps fall free at the hairline for contrast between structured braid and natural softness.
Styling Tips
- Slick sides with gel for contrast against the braid.
- Work with a stylist if attempting shaved sides for clean lines.
- Use matte paste to lift and define the mohawk braid.
French Four-Strand Braid Starting At The Hairline
The French four-strand braid begins at the hairline and adds woven detail that grows thicker as it moves down the head. This technique is perfect for framing the face and keeping hair swept back elegantly. It’s especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces and works on straight or slightly wavy textures. You can keep it tight for a polished look or pull it loose for softness. It’s a versatile everyday option that transitions easily from work to evening plans with just a quick touch-up.
Styling Tips
- Start with small, smooth sections for a neat braid.
- Keep tension even to avoid lumps or gaps.
- Use a setting spray to maintain the braid all day.
Dutch Four-Strand Braid With Underwoven Detail
A Dutch four-strand braid—where strands cross under rather than over—creates a raised, sculptural effect that’s bold and textural. This underwoven technique makes the braid sit on top of the hair, offering a strong silhouette ideal for festival looks or modern styling moments. It works well on thick or medium length hair and pairs nicely with color contrasts. Tame flyaways with a light pomade and pull on the braid minimally to preserve the elevated structure for a defined, polished finish.
Styling Tips
- Keep sections neat to emphasize the raised pattern.
- Use a light pomade near the roots for sleekness.
- Pin the braid under at the nape for a tidy finish.
Stacked Four-Strand Braids For High-Impact Style
Try stacked four-strand braids by creating two or three parallel braids from hairline to nape for a bold, graphic look. This multi-braid approach adds symmetry and works wonderfully on long hair with medium to heavy density. It reads strong and intentional—perfect for fashion-forward weekends or stage-ready moments. Keep braids tight for longevity, and consider weaving in colored thread or metallic string for runway-ready shine. The stacked layout creates a chic pattern that stands out whether worn sleek or slightly textured.
Styling Tips
- Section hair carefully to keep even braid widths.
- Tight braids last longer and resist frizz.
- Add thin metallic thread for subtle shine between braids.
Four-Strand Braided Ponytail With Volume Boost
Amputate the ordinary ponytail by braiding several four-strand sections and combining them into one voluminous tail. This multi-braid ponytail creates dimension and movement, ideal for medium to long hair seeking a fresh take on a day-to-night look. Each braid adds thickness and visual interest, and once joined, you can fluff the combined pony a touch for fullness. It’s a flattering option for round and square faces, as the length and vertical lines help elongate the silhouette.
Styling Tips
- Start with volumizing mousse for lift at the roots.
- Wrap an outer strand around the elastic to conceal it.
- Pancake the braids lightly after securing for a fuller finish.
Vintage-Inspired Side Sweep With Four-Strand Accents
Channel vintage glamour by sweeping hair to one side and adding a sleek four-strand accent braid near the part. The braid adds modern texture to retro waves, making the overall look feel polished yet fresh. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style pairs well with bold lip colors and classic accessories. Keep the waves smooth and the braid tight for contrast between soft curves and structured weaving—perfect for parties, anniversaries, or photo-ready evenings where old-school elegance meets contemporary detail.
Styling Tips
- Create smooth waves with a large iron and finish with serum.
- Secure the braid close to the scalp for a clean accent.
- Use a light-hold spray to keep waves in place without stiffness.
Kids’ Playful Four-Strand Pigtails With Bows
Four-strand pigtails are a playful, secure option for kids that adds whimsical texture and keeps hair tidy. Create two medium braids starting at the crown, and finish with colorful bows or ribbons for a cheerful finish. This style works well on shoulder-length to long hair and stays in place through play and movement. It’s a fun way to introduce multi-strand braiding to little ones and looks adorable for school pictures, parties, or family outings.
Styling Tips
- Work on slightly damp hair for easier sectioning.
- Choose soft elastics and tie bows loosely to avoid pulling.
- Use a detangling spray beforehand for fuss-free braiding.