Braid series 6: How to do a five-strand braid

The finished product

This one looks hard enough but is actually unbelievably easy as long as you have enough fingers. If not, you might manage if you're careful or you can just get someone else to do it for you.

1. Brush your hair and separate it into five approximately equal-sized sections at the back of your head, keeping each section between your fingers as is comfortable.
2. Cross the rightmost strand (I always start with right, do what seems easiest) over the second-rightmost and under the middle. Hold all of the strands tightly in this position.
3. Now cross the leftmost strand over the second-to-left and under the new middle, formerly the right strand.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, keeping the braid tight, to the end and tie off.

Enjoy!

-Scorpio

Braid Series 5: How to do a rope braid

The finished product

This braid is not usually used the way it is in the picture, better as an adornment or a method of half-up style, the way I'll be teaching it, but you can do your hair like the picture if you so desire.

1. Take a section of hair and split it into two pieces. Put the rest of your hair in a ponytail so it doesn't pull and add to the braid. Split the hair in two halves.
2. Take one half of the section and twist it, turning it over and over until you're at the end of the hair and the whole thing is one tight twist. Pin this down, get someone to hold it, or grip it in your teeth 
3. Twist the other half in the same direction until it has about the same amount of twist.
4. Take the other half and hold the two tightly together, making sure they're pointed in the direction you want them to go. Tie them together with an elastic.
5. Let go and pull on the ends slightly as they twist together to make it more uniform. Make sure to carefully sweep your hand under the braid to remove any stray hairs that might cling onto it as it twists.

Enjoy!

-Scorpio

Braid Series 4: How to do a fishtail braid

The finished product

This is probably my favourite braid overall; it takes some time to make but is rather fun (if that makes sense) and the finished product is beautiful. You can wear just one at the back of your head or make two adorable pigtails over your shoulders. This is only the most basic way to make one; experiment as you please.

1. Brush your hair and split it in half, pulling a part over each shoulder.
2. Take a tiny piece from the outside of the right strand and cross it over, adding it to the inside-bottom of the left section.
3. Holding the left section together, new strand included, take a new small piece from the outside and add it to the inside of the right piece.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to the end and tie off.

WARNING! Do not bring the braid over your shoulder to finish too early, and be extremely careful when you do. If you ignore this, the braid will become warped on the opposite side.

Other than that, enjoy!
-Scorpio

Braid Series 3: How to do a dutch braid

The finished product

My third braid is extremely similar to the French braid; one could even say it's just an upside down version (it is). This is just a quick know-how on how to do this beautiful 3D braid.

1. Gather three small sections of hair at the top of your hairline and get in position to do a normal braid.
2. Instead of your usual right-over-middle, left-over-middle routine, cross the right strand under the center and cross the left strand under the new center.
3. Add a small piece of hair to the new right strand before crossing it under this time, and do the same for the left.
4. Repeat step 3 until you have no more hair to add, then finish the upside-down braid, pulling it over your shoulder to make it easier when it gets long enough. Remember: you're crossing the strands under, not over.
5. When you're done, secure with an elastic and wrap a small piece of hair around to hide it.

Enjoy!

-Scorpio

Braid Series 2: How to do a french braid

The finished product

Braid 2 in my series is the classic French braid. It can look a bit daunting but is extremely easy to do if you practice the technique enough.

1. Gather three small sections of hair at the top of your hairline and start braiding it back with only a couple crossovers, then stop there.
2. Before crossing the next strand over the middle, add a small section of hair to it and smooth it out, then cross it over the center.
3. Add another small section of hair to the next strand and cross it over the new middle, keeping the previously crossed strand tight.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, adding another small strand every time you add another section to your braid until you run out of hair.
5. Once all of your hair has been added to the braid, simply continue braiding down and tie it off at the end.

Enjoy!

-Scorpio