This four strand braid updo is elegant and formal; a perfect hairstyle for an evening out. These styles are my absolute favorite and something I love to change up slightly and wear whenever I can. This past week AJ graduated from Officer Training School in Alabama and I was able to wear a similar style to the Dining Out.

Since I was shorter on time I swapped out the four strand braid for a simple lace braid and did a smaller, wrapped bun. It was perfect for the evening which called for elegant ball gowns and a delicious meal while socially and meeting the people AJ associated with for the past 10 weeks he was there.

Four Strand Updo Supplies:

• Paddle brush
• 2 Hair sectioning clips
• 1 Clear elastic bands
• 30-40 Bobby pins
• Firm-hold hairspray

Four Strand Braid Instructions:

• Step 1 / Brush through the hair to remove any tangles.
• Step 2 / Divide off the front sections of hair, from the part down to the ears, clipping the forward sections out of the way.
• Step 3 / Tie the rest of the hair, at the back, into a low ponytail.
• Step 4 / Separate off a small section of hair from the ponytail, create a small loop and lay it against the head. Then pin it in place with bobby pins.
• Step 5 / Continue creating loops and pinning them until all the hair from the ponytail is pinned.
• Step 6 / Let down the section on the right side.
• Step 7 / Bring the hair to the bun and pin it against the head.
• Step 8 / Wrap the end into another loop, pinning it against the head.

Four Strand Braid Updo Instructions continued:

• Step 10 / Let down the section on the left side.
• Step 11 / Pick up a small section of hair near the part and divide it into four pieces.
• Step 12 / Cross the far right strand under the strand next to it.
• Step 13 / Cross it over the next strand and under the last strand.
• Step 14 / Now cross the middle two strands over each other.
• Step 15 / Repeat the previous steps, beginning the braid again, incorporating hair into the braid on the left and right outer strands.
• Step 16 / Continue braiding the section until it reaches the top of the left ear.
• Step 17 / Braid the rest of the section in a four strand braid.
• Step 18 / Bring the braid back towards the bun, pinning it against the head.
• Step 19 / Take the tail of the braid and wrap it underneath the bun, counter-clockwise, pinning it against the head.
• Step 20 / Spray the style with a firm-hold hairspray to set it .