Transforming your hair into a stylish Dutch braid is not as daunting as it may seem. With a little patience and practice, you can master this beautiful and versatile hairstyle. Whether you're a beginner or simply looking to refresh your hair skills, you're in the right place. Let's dive into this step-by-step Dutch braid tutorial and begin your braiding journey!
The Dutch braid, also known as an "inside-out French braid," creates a reverse effect on the hair, exposing the inner layers and creating a stunning, textured look. It's perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. So, grab your comb and hair styling products, and let's get started!
The Basics of Dutch Braiding
Before we begin, let's familiarize ourselves with the basics of Dutch braiding. Unlike French braiding, where the hair is added in under the braid, Dutch braiding adds the hair in over the braid. This creates the distinctive, inverted look. We'll practice this technique on the right side of the head for now, but don't worry, you can switch sides or do both once you're comfortable!
To start, you'll need clean, dry, and slightly detangled hair. Hair with some texture holds braids better, so don't worry about any minor tangles. If your hair is wet or has too many tangles, use a wide-tooth comb or a shower comb gently to detangle your hair.
Preparing Your Hair
Divide your hair into two sections: the top section and the bottom section. Secure the bottom section with a hair clip to keep it out of the way while you work on the top section, which will be your Dutch braid.
Start by backcombing the roots of the top section for some volume and hold. This step is optional but helps create a more polished, voluminous look. Be gentle and work with small sections at a time to avoid breakage. After backcombing, smooth the top section with a comb to even out the texture.
Starting the Dutch Braid
Gather a small section of hair from the top of your head, near the hairline. This will be the starting point of your Dutch braid. Depending on the size of the braid you want, you can adjust the width of this section. For a thicker braid, take a wider section; for a thinner braid, take a smaller section.
Divide this initial section into three equal parts and start a basic three-strand braid. Braid the section traditionally (right over the middle, then left over the middle) about an inch or two down the hair. This creates a small, temporary guide for your Dutch braid and holds the hair in place. Don't worry, this temporary braid will be incorporated into your Dutch braid later.
Creating the Dutch Braid
Now that you have your temporary three-strand braid, it's time to start the Dutch braid. With each additional "stitch," you'll add in new sections of hair from the right side of your head.
Start with the right section of hair. Instead of crossing it under the middle section as you would in a French braid, cross it over the middle section. This is the key difference in Dutch braiding! securely hold the middle section with one hand and create a " chunk" from the right side with the other hand. This chunk will include the hair from the temporary braid and new hair from the right side.
Adding Hair to the Dutch Braid
Cross the chunk over the middle section and add in new hair from the right side as you do so. To add hair, simply pick up a small section of hair from the right side and fold it into the chunk. The new hair should be added to the inside of the chunk, close to the scalp.
Continue this process, alternating sides with each stitch. As you add hair from the right side, remember to add it to the inside of the chunk. This is what creates the distinctive, inverted look of the Dutch braid. Keep crossing the chunk over the middle section and adding hair as you work your way down the head.
Finishing the Dutch Braid
Once you've reached the nape of your neck and have used up all the hair on the right side of your head, you can continue braiding without adding new hair. Simply continue crossing the chunk over the middle section and braiding traditionally until you reach the desired length.
Secure the end of your Dutch braid with a hair elastic. Gently tug at the sides of the braid to loosen it and create a fuller look. If you want, you can pancake the braid by gently pulling at the loops of the braid to make it wider. This creates a beautiful, thick Dutch braid!
Finishing Touches
Unclip the bottom section of your hair and decide how you want to finish your hairstyle. You can leave the bottom section down, or you can incorporate it into a half-up style by looping it around the Dutch braid near the nape of the neck and securing it with hairpins.
If your hair is prone to frizz or flyaways, use a light-hold hair spray to smooth any uneven pieces. You can also run a small amount of product through your hair to tame any unruly sections and give your style some hold.
Congratulations! You've just created a stunning Dutch braid. With a little practice, you'll be a Dutch braiding pro in no time. Don't be afraid to experiment withdifferent variations of the Dutch braid, such as adding a twist, or incorporating colors and textures. There's no limit to the beautiful styles you can create with this versatile technique. Happy braiding!