Why use three strands...when you can use 5? The 5-strand braid is predicted to be a hot request this spring/summer. "It's really just a simple weaving of the hair back and forth in an over under pattern,"says braid guru, Melissa Cook of Latest-Hairstyles.com. Wip up this simple (yet intricate looking) braid on your clients making their style a walking advertisement!

STEP 1: Begin by separating the hair into five strands.

STEP 2: Starting on the right side, take the two farthest strands and cross the right one over the left.

STEP 3: Drop the strand in your right hand and cross the one in your left hand under the next strand on the left.

STEP 4: Now drop the strand on the right and cross the original strand over the next one on the left.

STEP 5: Then drop that right strand and cross the original strand under the next one on the left.

See the over, under method? Begin the same steps but working in the opposite direction towards the right.

STEP 6:  Holding the furthest 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 7: Now cross the strand in your left over the next strand on the right.

STEP 8: Then cross the strand in your left under the farthest right strand.

STEP 9: Drop that strand (which is now the furthest 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, over, until you get to the bottom of the hair.

STEP 13: Secure the end with an elastic.

STEP 14: You’re done!