To say that Dutch braids are everywhere would be a major understatement! If you’ve been living anywhere but under a rock this past year, you’ve probably already heard of this viral hairdo that’s been taking the ‘gram (and everywhere else, too, really) by storm.
And why not? These braids are not only gorgeous but remarkably easy to master, and once you have it down, you can easily create your own tweaks for looks ranging from casual chic to “properly put together”!
Up your braid game with this simple braid, which we’re going to help you nail through this article. Let’s go!
Before We Start
Dutch braids, like any braid, require quite a bit of hair to create and work best on long, thick hair. That doesn’t mean you give up on this ‘do, though—simply turn to the efficiency of extensions!
If your hair is too short or not thick enough, clip-in hair extensions are the safest, quickest, and easiest way to amp up the volume and length for those perfect Dutch braids.
How to Do a Dutch Braid: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
There’s not much you’ll need for a Dutch braid—just one hair tie to secure your hair in the last step and any other haircare products that you may need.
Generally, it’s best to braid hair that’s been washed and dried, especially if you’re going to be sporting the hairdo for a few days. We recommend the same for a Dutch braid. Use a good sulfate-free clarifying shampoo, towel-dry your hair with a microfiber towel, rake in any texturizing/volumizing products you want to use, blowdry, and then start your braid.
You can finish off with hairspray to keep the flyaways and frizz away, or a bit of shine spray to keep your locks looking sleek.
Now, let’s get to our tutorial!
Step One
Gather some hair at the crown of your head and divide this equally into three sections. You can either use a rat-tail comb or your thumbs to create the first section at your crown, gathering all the hair from your center parting (if you were to have one) to about an inch and a half away on either side.
Step Two
Cross the left hair section you’ve just created under the middle section.
Step Three
Do the same with the right hair section, crossing it under the middle one.
Step Four
You should now have the first segment of a braid in place. From here, we’re going to add the rest of the hair on our sides to the braid. Take a small section of unbraided hair on your left side and combine it with your already-existing left section of hair.
Step Five
Repeat step two (crossing the section under the middle one).
Step Six
Repeat step four on your right side—combine a bit of the hair that’s already down with the existing right section.
Step Seven
Cross your combined right section under your middle section.
Step Eight
Keep combining and crossing on your left and right (basically repeating steps four to seven) till you reach the nape of your neck; from there, continue with a traditional three-strand side braid until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with a hair tie.
Et voila! A beautiful Dutch braid has emerged! If you want to add more volume to your braid or want it looser, simply pancake it.
As you can see, Dutch braids are ridiculously easy to create. Many people confuse them with French braids because of the similar processes, but the main difference is that in a French braid, you cross your hair over, and in a Dutch braid, you cross hair under.
Nailing your Dutch braid may require a little practice, but once you have the technique down, the world is your oyster! You can incorporate the technique and create a range of creative hairstyles with this simple braid, from Dutch braid updos to double Dutch braids to Dutch braid ponytails.
So get braiding, and you’ll be rocking this stunning style, and its many variations, in no time.