Have you ever watched someone with a beautiful, intricate Dutch braid and thought it was a style reserved for hairstylists or people with a secret third hand? It might look complicated, but with a little guidance, you can absolutely learn to Dutch braid your own hair. This classic braid, which looks like an inverted French braid standing proudly on your head, is a fantastic skill to have for everything from workouts to weddings.
Mastering the self-Dutch braid gives you incredible freedom. It keeps hair securely off your face, adds a beautiful textural element to your look, and surprisingly, with practice, becomes a quick and easy go-to style. Let’s walk through the steps together.
Preparing Your Hair for a Smooth Braid
Starting with the right base is key. If your hair is very clean and slippery, a little texturizing spray or dry shampoo can add the necessary grip. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Some people find it easier to braid slightly damp hair, as it’s more manageable, but this is a matter of personal preference.
The Step-by-Step Dutch Braiding Process
Begin by gathering a section of hair at the top of your head, splitting it into three even strands. The core technique of a Dutch braid is similar to a French braid, but instead of crossing the side strands over the middle, you cross them under. So, take the right strand and cross it under the middle strand. Then, take the left strand and cross it under the new middle strand.
Now, here is the crucial part: after each underhand cross, you will add more hair to that section before crossing it under. So, before you cross the right strand under, gather a small section of hair from the right side of your head and combine it with the existing right strand. Then cross this now-thicker right section under the middle. Repeat on the left side, picking up a new section of hair and combining it with the left strand before crossing it under the middle.
Continue this pattern—right strand under, left strand under, each time picking up new hair—all the way down the back of your head. Keep the tension consistent for a neat look. Once you run out of hair to add, simply continue with a regular three-strand braid to the ends of your hair and secure it with a small elastic.
Tips for a Flawless Finish
Don’t worry if your first few attempts feel clumsy; this is completely normal. Use mirrors to check your progress from the front and sides. If sections feel loose, you can gently tug on the outer loops of the braid to tighten it and make it appear fuller. For a more relaxed, bohemian look, gently pull the braid apart with your fingers to create a wider, softer effect.
Learning to Dutch braid your own hair is a rewarding process. It might take a few tries to build the muscle memory, but soon it will feel like second nature. This versatile and elegant style is well worth the practice, giving you a beautiful and practical hairstyle for any day.