How to Make a Six-Strand Braid From Horse Hair

The six strand braid is also called a Challah braid.

The six-strand braid is commonly used to make jewelry, design a loaf of bread or braid the tail of a horse. A six-strand braid makes what it called a "Challah" braid. The braiding of six strands is similar to a French braid in that it involves moving one strand into the place of another. Instead of the classic three-strand braid your result will be an intricate six-strand braid.

Things You'll Need

• 6 strands of horse hair
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Cut six strands of horse hair off the tail of a horse. Group the six strands together and tie a rubber band around one end of the group.

2. Wash the bundle of horsehair with baby shampoo; lay the bundle out on a flat surface to dry. Spread the strands so they have space between them; leave the rubber band connected to the bottom.

3. Number the position of each strand from 1 to 6. Start numbering with "1" starting at the far left. The numbers you assigned to the position of the strands will stay the same no matter where the strands of the braid are moved.

4. Grasp your fingers around strand No. 6 and move it so that it is now in the strand No. 1 position. This strand is now No. 1

5. Grasp strand No. 2 with your fingers and move the strand so that it is now in the No. 6 position. This strand is now No. 6.

6. Grasp what is now strand No. 1 with your fingers and move the strand over to the No. 3 position.

7. Pick up strand No. 5 with your fingers and move strand No. 5 to the No. 1 position

8. Cross what is now strand No. 6 and move this strand to the No. 4 position.

9. Repeat steps until until the desired length of the braid is completed. Tie a rubber band around the finishing end to secure the braid.

References

• Kosmix: Braiding a six strand challah
• lbbyj: Braiding 6 strands