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How to Create a Classic Dutch Braid in 6 Easy Steps

By
Deven Hopp
byrdie contributor deven hopp
Deven Hopp
Deven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on May 08, 2024 02:31PM
Reviewed by
Sophia Emmanuel
Sophia Emmanuel
Reviewed by Sophia Emmanuel
Sophia Emmanuel is an IAT-certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist based in New York. She owns and operates the Crown Worthy beauty salon in New York City.  
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Getty Images / Design by Zackary Angeline

From French braids to loop braids, box braids to ponytail braids, hairstyles created by weaving stands together have been popular for centuries—and for good reason. Not only do braids keep hair up and out of the way, but they are also a fantastic protective style for natural hair types, safeguarding hair against damage while helping retain hair length and reduce breakage. One popular style that includes those benefits (while looking super chic) is the Dutch braid.

While Dutch braids are often confused with French braids due to the similar end results, the two styles are actually distinct. With a French braid, you're crossing sections of hair over one another, and with a Dutch braid, you'll be crossing them underneath. And while braiding your own hair can already prove difficult, reversing the direction of the three strands poses its own challenges. But with a bit of practice, you can commit the action to muscle memory in no time. To help you craft the perfect braid, we spoke to celebrity hair experts Irinel de Leon and Mahisha Dellinger for a step-by-step guide on Dutch-braiding your hair.

Keep reading for a full Dutch braid tutorial that is easy enough to DIY, plus tips, tricks, and product recommendations.

Meet the Experts

  • Irinel de Leon is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist and curly hair expert. Her clients include Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Karlie Kloss, and Chrissy Teigen.
  • Mahisha Dellinger is the founder and CEO of CURLS, a natural hair care brand.

What Is a Dutch Braid?

A Dutch braid is created by crossing hair strands underneath sections versus over, as with a French braid. The style is also known as a reverse braid and is sometimes associated with UFC fighters (and referred to as "boxer braids").

"This hairstyle is really great for any hair type, " de Leon says. "Those with straight or wavy hair can wear it overnight for pretty wearable braids come morning." For those with curly hair, Dutch braids are a great protective style to couple with a treatment or hair oil. Plus, though this style works beautifully on dry hair, it can be done on wet hair before sleeping for luscious waves upon waking up.

What You'll Need

To Dutch braid your own hair (or someone else's) you'll need a few products, including:

  • Hair gel or pomade
  • Edge control
  • Detangler
  • Clear hair ties
  • Rat tail Comb
  • Detangling brush
  • Anti-frizz serum

Dellinger recommends the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly for definition and shine. Similarly, de Leon recommends prepping the hair before braiding with a gel or pomade to ensure a clean surface to feed the hair in and to help the Dutch braid maintain its hold. Ouidad's Clear Control Pomadetames the hair for a clean finish without feeling heavy.

How to Dutch Braid Your Hair

01 of 06

Center Part and Detangle Your Hair

Start with center-parted hair and brush out any tangles. "It'll make it so much easier to braid and feed hair in as you work your way down if there are no tangles," says de Leon. "You also want to make sure your part is as straight as possible—you can use the bridge of your nose as a guide and follow upwards with a tail comb." It should feel like the part is in the middle of the nape of your neck once you reach the bottom. Place a section of hair over each shoulder.

02 of 06

Grab Three Small Pieces of Hair and Start Crossing

Grab three small pieces (about half an inch or less) at your hairline. The key point to remember with Dutch braids is to weave each piece under rather than over (basically the opposite of a French braid). The piece on the right goes under the middle, and then the piece on the left goes under that.

03 of 06

Repeat the Crossing Pattern, Adding Hair as You Go

Repeat the pattern of crossing the right section under the middle strand and then the left section under the middle strand. Keep adding more hair (about a half- to three-quarter-inch) from the root each time you weave in a new section.

Byrdie Tip

Maintain tension as you braid—the tighter, the better. If you're into the loose, feathery Dutch braids, you can always pull the edges of the braid out slowly for a wider finish when you're done.

04 of 06

Switch to a Three-Strand Braid

Once you reach the nape of your neck, switch to a regular three-strand braid.

05 of 06

Tie the End With a Clear Hair Tie

Tie it off at the end with a clear hair tie. We love Kitch's Clear No-Snag Elastics. Repeat the process on the other side.

Don't worry if you can't get the hang of it on the first try. "Practice makes perfect," says Dellinger. "Commit to practicing this braid technique at least two hours a week until you perfect it."

06 of 06

Optional: Open Up the Loops

For a messier Dutch braid, pull the loops to open them up. If you're prone to frizz, spritzing with an anti-frizz hair serum—like the Josh Rosebrook Serum Spray —after braiding will help tame the plaits.

FAQ
  • Which is easier: Dutch or French braid?

    Neither Dutch nor French braids are "easier", per se. The ease of creating one braid versus another is often up to personal preference and which variety you practice more often. However, if you're new to the world of braiding, it may be easier to start by practicing a French braid, as the strands are woven over top of sections and, therefore, are easier to see when braiding your own hair.

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