Dutch braid is tied almost like a French braid, except that the braid cross the strands under instead of over the other strand. The Dutch braid has many names, including the “reverse French braid.”
It may look like a complex braid to a beginner. It is actually quite simple! A basic Dutch braid works on most lengths of hair, but if a girl is having a very short hair, she must consider to tie a double Dutch braid instead.
Tie a Basic Dutch Braid : Step-wise Process
Step 1
Neatly brush dry or damp hair. Dutch braid can be done on either dry or damp hair, but it requires to be brushed and freed of any tangles or knots. If there are any flyaways, lightly damp them with water or subside them with a hair smoothing product like a serum.
Step 2
Braiding on damp hair is great to make hair curly without heat. But let hair dry completely before taking the braid out. Brush hair straight back, then take a small section from the hairline. Comb the hair straight back so that there are no side or center parts. Slide both thumbs through hair to take a section from the front hairline. This section should be equal to width of the forehead.
By this, you’ll make one large braid down the center of the head.
Step 3
Split the section into 3 equal strands. Hold the right strand in right hand, and the other 2 in left hand. Let the middle strand get over the middle finger, and hold the left strand against the palm with your smallest finger. This will ensure that they remain separate. Start the braid from the right side.
Step 4
Start a standard braid to anchor/ initiate the Dutch braid. Cross the right strand under the middle strand, then cross the left strand under the new middle strand. It is very important crossing the 2 strands under instead of over, like in a standard braid, otherwise,the Dutch braid won’t turn out right.
Step 5
Add a thin section of hair to the right strand before crossing it under the middle one. Pick a thin strand of hair from the right side of hairline and add it to the right strand. Treating the 2 strands as one, cross them under the middle strand. Use fingers to smooth down any stray hairs and make sure that the braid is tight enough that no hair remains loose. Ensure that the added hair is going under the middle strand.
Step 6
Repeat the process on the left side. Pick a thin strand of hair from the left side of hairline. Add it to the left strand, then cross it under the middle strand. Smooth down to ensure that the braid is tight. Again, cross the strand first, then add hair to it ensuring to go under the middle strand.
Step 7
Continue to Dutch braid until you reach the nape of neck. Add thin strands of hair to the right and left strands before crossing them under the middle one. Keep the thin strands consistent in size to ensure braid is as tight as it remains comfortable for you. The braid can always be loosen up later. After reaching the nape of the neck, stop braiding.
Step 8
Finish off with a standard braid by gathering the remaining hair into the right, middle, and left strands, making sure to distribute it evenly. Keep the stitches tight and smooth and tie the braid off when about 2 inches (5.1 cm) left, or may continue braiding down to the very end.
Step 9
Loosen the braid to make it look heavier. Starting from the end of the braid, gently pluck the outer strands to loosen them up. Mess up the fine hairs at hairline for a more carefree look. For a romantic hairdo, coil the braid into a bun near the end of the neck and secure it with bobby pins. Small decorative flowers or pins may be added for a bling!