Introduction

Are you tired of the same old hairstyle and want to try something new? Perhaps you’ve heard of the Dutch braid, but you’re not sure how to do it. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this tutorial, we’ll explain what a Dutch braid is and give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, different variations of the braid, hairstyles that incorporate the Dutch braid, troubleshooting tips, and advanced techniques for those who are already comfortable with the braid.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Before we begin, let’s make sure you have the necessary supplies: a brush or comb to detangle your hair, hair elastics, and hairpins.

Step 1: Start by brushing your hair to remove any knots and tangles.

Step 2: Take a section of hair at the top of your head and divide it into three equal strands.

Step 3: Cross the right strand under the middle strand.

Step 4: Cross the left strand under the middle strand.

Step 5: Cross the right strand under the middle strand and add a small section of hair from the right side of your head to the strand.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 on the left side of your head, crossing the left strand under the middle strand and adding a small section of hair from the left side of your head to the strand.

Step 7: Continue braiding down your head, adding small sections of hair to each side as you go.

Step 8: When you reach the nape of your neck, continue braiding without adding any more hair. Finish braiding the section to the end of your hair and secure with an elastic.

Pro tip: For a more voluminous look, gently pull on the strands of hair that make up the braid to loosen them up.

You can also watch a step-by-step video guide on how to Dutch braid here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake people commonly make when Dutch braiding is pulling the hair too tightly, resulting in an uncomfortable or painful braid. Another mistake is not adding enough hair to each strand, which can result in a loose braid. To avoid these mistakes, be gentle and add enough hair to each strand to keep the braid secure.

Different Variations of the Dutch Braid

There are many different variations of the Dutch braid that you can try. For example, the Double Dutch braid involves braiding two separate Dutch braids on either side of your head. Meanwhile, the Dutch fishtail braid involves braiding the hair in a similar way as the traditional Dutch braid, but only using two sections of hair instead of three. You can find step-by-step instructions for both of these variations here.

Hairstyles that Incorporate the Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid can be incorporated into many different hairstyles, such as a Dutch braid crown or a half-up Dutch braid bun. To achieve a Dutch braid crown, create two Dutch braids on either side of your head and wrap them around to the opposite side, pinning them in place at the back of your head. To create a half-up Dutch braid bun, simply create a Dutch braid on the top section of your hair and then pull the remaining hair into a bun at the nape of your neck.

Troubleshooting

If you find that your Dutch braid is too loose, try adding more tension to each strand as you braid. Alternatively, if you’re having difficulty braiding your hair neatly, try using a rat-tail comb to separate sections of hair evenly.

Advanced Techniques

If you’re already comfortable with the Dutch braid, you might want to try some more advanced techniques. For example, you can create a Dutch braid with multiple strands by dividing your hair into four or even five sections. You can also incorporate twists into your Dutch braid by twisting each section of hair before crossing it under the middle strand.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to Dutch braid, there’s no limit to the hairstyles you can create. Whether you’re looking for a simple and practical braid for everyday wear, or an intricate and stylish updo for a special occasion, the Dutch braid is a versatile and beautiful hairstyle that you can master with practice and patience.