How To Dutch Braid Your Own Hair: A Step-By-Step Guide
Written by Mable Stanley Apr 02, 2023 ยท 4 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you love braided hairstyles but struggle to braid your own hair? Don't worry! Dutch braids are a great option, and they're easier to do than you might think. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the steps to create a beautiful Dutch braid on your own hair.
What is a Dutch Braid?
A Dutch braid, also known as an inverted French braid, is a three-strand braid that starts at the crown of the head and incorporates new sections of hair as you weave it down towards the nape of the neck. Unlike a traditional French braid where the sections of hair are crossed over each other, in a Dutch braid, the sections are crossed under each other, creating a raised, 3D effect.
What You'll Need
Before we get started, you'll need a few things: a hairbrush, hair elastics, and some hair clips to help section your hair.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Brush Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will help make the braiding process smoother.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Using your hair clips, section your hair into three parts: left, right, and middle. Make sure the middle section is the thickest, as this will be the base of your braid.
Step 3: Start Braiding
Take the right section of hair and cross it under the middle section. Then, take the left section of hair and cross it under the middle section as well. This is your first stitch.
Step 4: Add Hair
Now, it's time to start adding hair. Take a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right section of your braid. Cross this section under the middle section. Repeat on the left side.
Step 5: Continue Braiding
Keep adding sections of hair as you braid down towards the nape of your neck. Make sure you're crossing the sections under each other to create the Dutch braid effect.
Step 6: Finish the Braid
Once you've braided all the way to the nape of your neck, continue braiding the remaining hair without adding any more sections. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic.
Step 7: Tug and Loosen
To give your braid a more relaxed, messy look, tug on the sections of hair to loosen them up. You can also pull on the edges of the braid to make it wider and give it more volume.
Step 8: Final Touches
If you want to make your braid look even more polished, you can use a bit of hairspray to tame any flyaways or smooth down any frizz.
Tips for Success
- Practice makes perfect! Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly how you want them to. - Use a mirror to help you see what you're doing, especially when you're braiding the back of your head. - Don't worry too much about making your braid look perfect. Messy, undone braids are in style and can look just as beautiful as neat, polished ones.
FAQs
Q: How long does my hair need to be to create a Dutch braid?
A: You can create a Dutch braid with any length of hair, but it may be easier if your hair is shoulder-length or longer.
Q: Can I do a Dutch braid on myself?
A: Absolutely! It may take some practice, but with a little patience, you can create a beautiful Dutch braid on your own hair.
Q: Can I use a Dutch braid for formal occasions?
A: Yes! Dutch braids can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Simply style your braid with some hair accessories or add some curls for a more formal look.
Q: How long does a Dutch braid usually take to create?
A: The time it takes to create a Dutch braid will depend on your hair length and thickness, as well as your skill level. Generally, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to create a Dutch braid on your own hair.