Four braid styles stand out among the many braid hairstyles for their simplicity while maintaining high visual impact. As the name hints at, four braids are a style featuring just four braids, such as four cornrow braids, four French braids, four Dutch braids, four box braids, and many more variations that we will discuss.
Whether you’re going for a casual or formal look, these styles will do the trick. They allow you to express your individuality while neatly keeping your hair in place. The four braids promote healthy hair growth and require minimal manipulation of the hair. The styles also make it easy to treat your scalp and moisturize your hair to prevent dryness and breakage, as you can easily apply products. You can achieve the look yourself with or without extensions, using mirrors to see the back of your head as you braid.
Check out these four braid styles that are trending right now. Learn how to achieve them yourself and take your hairstyle to the next level.
1. 4 Jumbo Braids
Jumbo braids, also known as chunky, big, or large braids, are created by braiding thick strands of hair extensions to give the braids volume. This hairstyle features four large and thick braids. These can be four jumbo cornrows, just like in the picture, or any other chunky four braid styles like Dutch braids, French braids, or even twist braids. To achieve this hairstyle, part your hair into the desired pattern for your preferred four jumbo braid style and braid them using hair extensions. While the braids are meant to be chunky, ensure they’re not too heavy to avoid hair breakage and discomfort.
2. 4 Jumbo Box Braids
The four jumbo box braids hairstyle features four large braids, woven neatly using the box braiding technique. To create this style, divide your hair into four equal sections and braid each into thick, voluminous box braids. The protective nature of box braids helps maintain healthy hair, making them an excellent choice for those looking to protect their strands while still appearing fashionable. Since these braids are done with knots at the base, it’s crucial to ensure they’re not too heavy or braided with excessive tension on the scalp to prevent hair breakage or discomfort.
3. 4 Feed-In Braids To The Side
This hairstyle can also be named as feed-in lemonade braids. It features four neatly braided cornrows done using the feed-in technique and positioned diagonally along the scalp, like lemonade braids. If you want the braids to fall over your left shoulder, for example, the cornrows would typically start at the top left side of your head, slant toward the right side, then curve back to the left bottom side and over your left shoulder (and vice versa for the right side). The asymmetrical placement of the braids adds visual interest and dimension.
4. 4 Braids To The Back
The 4 braids to the back hairstyle feature four neatly braided sections running as cornrows from the crown down the back of the head. The braids can be Dutch, scalp braids, straight back braids, etc. The key is that they originate at the crown and extend down to the nape of the neck. You can part your hair on the side or center and braid with micro, medium, or jumbo braids in short, mid-back, or long lengths, incorporating different colors. Accessorizing your 4 back braids with beads or cowries can further enhance this stylish look.
5. 4 Stitch Braids With A Bun
This style beautifully combines stitch braids with a classic updo. It features four cornrowed sections along the scalp, braided using the stitch braiding technique, with the braids gathered into a bun at the nape of the neck. The bun can be sleek or messy with curly flyaway strands to give the hairstyle a bohemian vibe. Ensure the bun isn’t too large, as the braids are mostly stitched to the base after braiding, which could cause discomfort if the bun is too big or heavy. Alternatively, you can leave the bun unstitched so you can quickly unwrap it at home or before sleep.
6. 4 Goddess Braids
This goddess braids hairstyle with four braids gives off a bohemian-inspired look. This style features four braided sections with curly ends and flyaway strands. The purposefully messy appearance of the braids adds a carefree vibe, making it ideal for casual outings and everyday wear. Be sure to sleep with a satin or silk bonnet and pillowcase to prevent the curls from unraveling.
7. 4 Colored Braids
This hairstyle allows you to express your personality and style through color. It features four braided sections using your preferred shades of hair extensions, especially vibrant hues like blue, red, yellow, pink, blonde, etc. Adding pops of bold color creates a statement, while the four braids keep the look wearable. Whether you go for complementary tones or contrasting shades, 4 colored braids make a fun, expressive impact.
8. 4 Straight Back Braids
Both men and women love the 4 straight back braids hairstyle for its simplicity and ability to match any outfit. This style features four cornrowed sections positioned straight along the scalp from the crown to the nape of the neck. This style features four cornrowed sections positioned straight along the scalp from the crown to the nape of the neck. The symmetrical arrangement of the braids gives this style just the right amount of personality without being overdone. You can either go for plain straight backs with your natural hair, feed-in braids, or stitch braids to create this timeless style.
9. 4 Feed-In Braids With Curly Ends
This style combines the natural look of feed-in braids with textured, curly ends. It features cornrowed sections along the scalp using the feed-in braiding technique, with the ends styled into curls for added dimension. The curls lend a carefree, bohemian feel and extra volume to the braids. Typically, the braids stop a few inches from the ends of the extensions before being tied off. This allows the undone hair to be curled using a curling tong.
10. 4 Braids Into A Ponytail
This style combines the sleekness of 4 braids with the sleekness of a ponytail. It features four cornrowed sections gathered together and secured into a braided ponytail at the head’s top, middle, or back. The placement of the braids is versatile – you can go for a high ponytail with the braids originating at the crown or have them lower on the head for a mid-length or low pony. No matter the outfit or occasion, a 4 braid hairstyle combined with a ponytail exudes confidence and style.
11. Side Part 4 Feed-In Braids
The side part 4 feed-in braids hairstyle is a classy look that combines four braids with an asymmetrical side part. This style features four cornrowed sections along the scalp, with a side part on your preferred side for added visual interest. The part can be subtle, just slightly off-center, or a deeper side part closer to one ear. The asymmetry of the parting adds a classic twist, softly framing the face. This hairstyle complements round and oval face shapes particularly well, creating a flattering, sophisticated vibe.
12. 4 Dutch Braids
This style offers a modern way to wear the classic Dutch braid. It features four braids along the scalp, created using the Dutch braiding technique. Unlike a French braid where strands cross over, with Dutch braids the strands are crossed underneath.
To achieve this look, begin by parting your hair into 4 sections. For each section, start with 3 strands and cross the right strand under the center, then cross the left under the new center (originally the right). Gather some hair into the new right strand and repeat, braiding closely along the scalp to the nape of your neck.
You can then secure the remaining lengths into a ponytail or bun, or finish them off as regular 3-strand braids. The intricate, inverse weaving of the Dutch braid sections creates a striking, dimensional style.
13. 4 Braids With Weave
This hairstyle combines four braids with the added volume and length of weave extensions. It features four cornrowed sections at the front hairline, with weave hair blended into the lower lengths to enhance thickness and length. The weave is typically sewn in using thread and needles or installed with a latch hook crochet technique. This weave braid style would work well for weddings, casual outings, or romantic dates.
14. 4 French Braids
Here’s a simple yet beautiful way to wear the classic French braid. It features four French-braided sections along the scalp. French braids are created using three strands, similar to regular 3-strand braids. Start by crossing the right strand over the center, then cross the left strand over the new center. Repeat this process, gradually incorporating additional hair into the left and right strands before bringing them to the middle. The simplicity of 4 French braids makes it an ideal option for both casual outings and everyday wear.
15. 4 Braids With Dreadlocks
This look is a stylish option for existing dreadlocks or faux locs. It features four braided sections of dreadlocks along the scalp, adding volume and texture. To achieve this look, section your locs into four parts and twist or braid them closely along your scalp. The style variation shown here is called barrel twists.
Be sure to apply minimal tension while braiding to avoid discomfort or dreadlock slippage. Gently incorporate the locs into the braids without pulling too tightly. The result is a striking, dimensional hairstyle that showcases your locs in a unique, sculpted way.
16. 4 Braids Into A Bun
This hairstyle features four braids styled into a bun at the back of the head. The braids can be single, feed-in, stitch braids, or simple cornrows. To achieve this look, part your hair into four equal sections and braid each one. Gather all four braids at the nape of your neck and secure them together with a hair tie.
Next, wrap the braided lengths around the base of the ponytail to form a bun shape, using elastics or bobby pins to keep it in place. This style works best on medium to long hair lengths, as you’ll need enough braid length to coil into the bun.
Those with short hair may struggle to create four braids long enough to style upwards. In this case, adding hair extensions while braiding can provide the necessary length.
17. 4 Zig Zag Braids
The zig zag braids style is a unique choice that adds an eye-catching element to your four braids look. This style features four braided sections woven along the scalp in a zigzag pattern.
To achieve the zig zag design, part your hair into 4 sections. For each section, weave the braid from left to right, then right to left, continuing this zig-zagging motion as you braid closely along the head. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you can finish off the lengths in straight-back braids.
The diagonal pattern creates an unexpected twist on the classic four braid style that is sure to turn heads.
18. 4 Braids Into Two Buns
Transform your look in minutes by styling four braids into two buns. Also known as 4 braids space buns, this hairstyle requires you to cornrow four sections on your scalp and wrap the braids into two buns. The cornrows in this particular style are done as snake braids. The space buns add a playful touch to the overall look. Make sure the buns aren’t too heavy to avoid discomfort. You can even style the buns in a way that allows you to take them down and rewrap them whenever you want.
19. 4 Criss Cross Braids
This criss cross braids hairstyle adds a unique but beautiful twist to your 4 braids style. This style features four braids along the scalp that criss cross in an eye-catching pattern. It’s a creative and long-lasting way to wear criss-crossed braids without using rubber bands. You can complete the look by styling the braids into buns, or leaving them as flowing weaves or regular three-strand braids.
20. Drake’s 4 Braids
Drake is known for his braided hairstyles, often sporting four braids. We’ve seen Drake’s four braids on the red carpet, in music videos, and beyond – he always combines the style in his own unique way. In one such appearance, like the picture shows, Drake’s hair was styled into four braids, but with a twist – instead of the standard straight-back look, the two outer braids were woven from the inside out. It’s a fresh take on four braids that you’ll definitely want to try for yourself.
21. 4 Braids Into 2
The “four braids into two” style creates a beautifully symmetrical look by dividing four separate braids into two sections towards the bottom of the head. To achieve this, first part your hair into four sections and braid each one, stopping halfway down the center of your head. Then continue braiding the two sections on each side into single braids until you reach the nape of your neck. Instead of finishing with two Dutch braids like the picture shows, you could try two French braids, two fishtail braids, two bubble braids, or any other braid style that catches your eye.
22. 4 Stitch Braids With Design
This eye-catching style features four stitch braids with smaller, intricately woven braids incorporated into the larger ones. This freestyle braid design resembles the veins on a leaf. The four stitch braids are cornrowed using an advanced braiding technique, with the smaller accent braids adding a creative element. These accent braids can be straight, curved, or styled into intricate patterns to really make the design pop.
While stunningly beautiful, this hairstyle requires some serious braiding skills and patience due to the complex detailing of the accent braids followed by the stitch braiding itself. It’s definitely a time-consuming process. But it’s a style you can enhance by dressing it up with beads, cuffs, cowries, or other hair accessories of your choice.
23. Nipsey Hussle’s Four Braids
Nipsey Hussle, a music and fashion icon, was known for wearing the four braids hairstyle, often in cornrows. Nipsey Hussle’s four braids hairstyles typically featured four cornrow braids. The outer two braids followed a straight back pattern, while the inner two both started at the center of the crown of the head before curving out into a straight back, just as shown in the picture.
24. Snoop Dogg’s Four Braids
The four braids hairstyle has become synonymous with Snoop Dogg’s iconic image. He’s often seen with this look at events, in music videos, and public appearances. Snoop typically wears cornrows, twists, or box braids as the four braids style, using his natural hair. His four braids frequently incorporate stylish additions like beads, hair ruffles, and colorful hair bands. The rapper’s signature four braids hairstyle has cemented its place as one of his most recognizable looks.
25. Jayda Wayda’s Trendy Four Braids
Social media influencer and entrepreneur Jayda Wayda is known for rocking the popular four braids hairstyle. Her signature look typically features four jumbo box braids created with hair extensions, though you can achieve it with natural hair if you have sufficient length and volume.
To get Jayda Wayda’s four braids, part your hair into four square sections and box braid each one using your natural tresses or extensions. For an extra stylish touch, you can curl the braid ends or accessorize with beads, colorful hair bands, or cuffs.
26. 4 Criss Cross Braids Into A Bun
As the name suggests, this style features four braids along the scalp that crisscross over each other before being gathered into a stylish bun at the nape of the neck. You can achieve the criss cross braids with your natural hair if it’s long enough to be wrapped into a bun after braiding.
Alternatively, you can use extensions and go for the feed-in braiding technique or stitch braiding method to create the criss-crossed braids leading into the bun updo.
27. 4 Braids on the Side
Adding braids to one side of your head creates an asymmetrical, face-framing style that beautifully showcases the rest of your hair. This look features four braids along one side of the scalp, while the remaining hair is left to fall freely over the shoulders, as shown in the picture, or secured into a bun.
The four side braids hairstyle complements short, medium, and long hair lengths equally well. You can choose to accessorize the side braids with gold or silver cuffs to draw more attention to this eye-catching detail.
28. 4 Twist Braids
Four twist braids offer an easy, laidback hairstyle. This look features four twisted sections along the scalp, creating a casual yet stylish vibe. You can opt for single four twist braids or four scalp twist braids.
For single braids, part your hair into four equal sections and create rope twists from each one. To achieve scalp twist braids, vertically part your hair into four sections, then twist each section into a cornrow from the crown to the nape of the neck.
Whichever twist braid variation you choose, finish with a hair hold spray to keep the twists securely in place all day.
29. 4 Bantu Knots
The Bantu knots hairstyle celebrates African heritage through its cultural styling. This look involves braiding the hair into four sections, then tightly coiling and knotting each braid at the base using elastic bands or hair pins.
There are several ways to rock four Bantu knots. One stunning option is to style already installed braids in a half-up look with four Bantu knots adorning the top section, as shown in the picture.
When wrapping the braids into the knots, make sure not to exert too much pressure to prevent discomfort, breakage, or bald spots from occurring. With the proper technique, four Bantu knots give off a striking hairstyle.
