Showy, embossed Dutch braids look extremely elaborate. However, it is not as difficult to Dutch braid your own hair as it may seem at first glance. In fact, many women believe that it is easier to create a reverse French braid (this is what a Dutch braid really is) than a French braid itself. Here is a handy step-by-step Dutch braid tutorial that will help you get a knack for it!
Dutch Braid vs French Braid
A Dutch braid is also called a boxer braid or an inside-out French braid. If you know how to French braid your own hair, you are already familiar with the key principle of Dutch braiding: you create a classic three-strand braid, feeding new hair from the sides each time before crossing the strands.
The core difference is that you need to cross the strands under, not above each other. As a result, the braid will look raised and even slightly detached – this is what makes a Dutch braid so special.
How to Do a Simple Dutch Braid
Practice braiding one simple Dutch braid to let your hands get used to the routine; then, feel free to experiment with a variety of other Dutch braid hairstyles. Although a Dutch braid looks stunning on its own, you can easily decorate the raised loops with flowers, glitter, or hair jewelry.
Here is how to Dutch braid your own hair:
Step 1: Take a chunk of hair on top of your head and separate it into three strands.
Step 2: Holding the side strands in your fists, hook the opposite side strand underneath the middle strand with an index or a middle finger. Then, grab some hair from the side with a free hand and add it to the strand you have just hooked.
Step 3: Now, place the middle strand into your fist, bringing it to the side, and move under the middle strand to hook the opposite side strand. Then, use your free hand to add in new hair from the side to it.
Repeat the same process again and again, crossing the stands underneath the middle one and adding new hair from the sides. Keep your hands close to the scalp and pull the strands to make a tight braid.
Step 4: When you reach the nape of your head, hold the braid firmly with one hand and pull the loops with another. This will make your braid more voluminous and trendy. Finish braiding a traditional three-strand braid, pull the loops, and secure the end with an elastic.
Pull hair at the front and style the front pieces to finish off the look!
Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle with Two Mohawk Dutch Braids
Another Dutch braid hairstyle, which is extremely alluring, is a half-up half-down with one or two mohawk Dutch braids on top. A beautifully styled frontal area elongates round faces and makes an interesting party look. You can use it to hide the grown-out bangs too!
Here is a step-by-step guide to the hairstyle:
Step 1: Do a middle parting, take a chunk of hair at your hairline, starting with the middle parting and finishing with where your forehead ends. Separate it into three strands.
Step 2: Braid a small Dutch braid weaving each strand under the middle one and adding in new hair while moving backward.
Step 3: Braid the same Mohawk braid at the opposite side and pin the two braids together as for a half-up half-down hairstyle.
Step 4: Loosen the loops while firmly holding the ends of the braids and twist them into a small messy bun. To do this, take the pony that the ends of your braid make and bring it out halfway; then twist and pin the loops, hiding hair ends underneath.
Upside Down Dutch Braid
After you train to Dutch braid your own hair, try stepping up the game and making an upside down Dutch braid. This hairstyle is more difficult than a traditional braid and you will have to let your hands get used to the new direction. However, as soon as you master it, the upside down braid into a bun may become your favorite braided updo hairstyle, especially if your hair is short and falls down in an updo!
Here is how to create the hairstyle:
Step 1: Flip your hair upside down, take a chunk of hair at your nape and separate it into three to start off a Dutch Braid.
Step 2: Hold the side strand in your fist, securing it with your little finger, and grab the opposite strand with your index finger and a thumb, moving underneath the middle strand. For convenience, let the middle strand rest on top and use your free hand to grab new hair from the side. Add this chunk to what you have just hooked. Repeat this process again and again until you reach the crown.
Step 3: Hold the braid firmly in one hand and pull the loops. If your hair is short or you want a tight Dutch braid, skip pulling though. Secure the end of the braid which is now on top with an elastic.
Step 4: Bring the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and pull hair at the front a bit to add body to your ‘do.
Step 5: Twist your pony into a messy bun. Separate your pony into two even strands and start twisting them around each other. When the strands are twisted, pull random pieces holding the ends firmly and secure them with an elastic. Next, wrap the twisted pony into a messy bun and secure it with bobby pins.
Mohawk, upside down, and even a basic Dutch braid are all stylish and intricate ways to style your hair. If you are used to French braiding, it might be unusual to cross strands underneath, and you may eventually find yourself creating a French braid instead of a Dutch one. Subscribe to our channel and get back to the video each time your fingers forget where to move and what to grab!
