Leave it to braid guru Sarah Potempa to find a way to make five-strand braiding seem like something doable by real humans and not a style that should only be attempted by an ambidextrous octopus.

It can be as simple as a basic dutch version or as complex as a five-strand plait. No wonder "braids" is one of the top searched topics on the Internet. Everyone wants to master the new trendy ...

braids using five strands instead of three and braiding pieces back into a messy ponytail are also popular. "The five-strand braid creates a thick, flat, bohemian-chic look," Brockes said.

If you can do a four-strand braid, what's one more strand? The design doesn't just produce elaborate friendship bracelets, but a stunning hairdo. Start with five equal sections and cross the outer ...

And once you have this method down, who knows, maybe a five-strand or even six-strand braid will be in your future. But I'm getting ahead of myself. If you're ready to take your braiding-game to ...

1. Section the top of hair from temple to temple, about 5 inches back. Either French Braid or three-strand braid from the hairline throughout the entire section. 2. Blend the braid into the ...