The Messy 5-Strand Braid Will Be Your Next Style Obsession

Updated on Dec 13, 2014 at 4:00 PM

It's not a secret that 2014 is the year of braids. From Jennifer Aniston's simple fishtail to Mara Hoffman's cool-girl braids on the Spring '15 runway — we love them all. And when it comes to some of the most popular DIYs — the milkmaid, the lobster-tail, and this sexy bohemian one — they are your no-fail hairstyle trademarks. You might have even attempted this intricate Daenerys-inspired braid tutorial. All the hair talk brings us to the latest braid we're obsessed with. The messy five-strand braid is your laid-back California look that works for day and night. Although it might seem complicated, hair guru Melissa Cook of Latest-Hairstyles.com breaks down the steps below, and the result is a classic style you'll be wearing for days.

Step One

Begin by separating the hair into five strands.

Step Two

Starting on the right side, take the two farthest strands, and cross the right one over the left.

Step Three

Drop the strand in your right hand, and cross the one in your left hand under the next strand on the left.

Step Four

Now drop the strand on the right, and cross the original strand over the next one on the left.

Step Five

Then drop that right strand, and cross the original strand under the next one on the left.

See the over, under, and over method? Now begin the same steps, but working in the opposite direction toward the right side. The model is holding the original strand (which is now the farthest left strand, to keep it out of the way).

Step Six

Holding the farthest left piece out of the way, take the next two strands, and cross the strand on the left under the strand on the right.

Step Seven

Now cross the strand on your left over the next strand on the right.

Step Eight

Then cross the strand on your left under the farthest right strand.

Step Nine

Drop that strand (which is now the farthest strand on the right), and begin working in the opposite direction, crossing the right strand under the left one next to it.

Step 10

Then cross the right strand over the next strand on the left.

Step 11

Now cross the right strand under the next strand on the left.

Step 12

Continue this weaving, over, under, and over, until you get to the bottom of the hair.

Step 13

Secure the end with an elastic.

Step 14

You're done!