How to Dutch Braid Your Hair

Whether you’re on the hunt for a whimsical hairstyle straight out of a fairytale storybook or are simply trying to find the best way to disguise your second-day hair, we’ll be the first to say that braids are a pretty foolproof option. And while you may feel overwhelmed by intricate waterfall and zipper braids, a stunning braid doesn’t have to require lots of time and practice! One of our favorite easy braided hairstyles? A Dutch braid! Below, we’re sharing step-by-step instructions on how to Dutch braid your own hair. Plus, for double the fun, we’re giving you a tutorial on how to double Dutch braid your hair, too!

HOW TO DUTCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR

Ready to learn how do a Dutch braid? Follow the steps below to get your braid on!

STEP #1: BRUSH YOUR HAIR

Of course, you’ll want to start with freshly brushed, tangle-free locks. You don’t want to run into any knots mid-braid! If you want to give your hair a boost of texture, spritz your roots with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo.

STEP #2: SECTION YOUR HAIR

At your hairline, create a section of hair from eyebrow arch to eyebrow arch. Split this section into three equally-sized strands. This will be the start of your braid.

STEP #3: ANCHOR YOUR BRAID

To anchor your braid, bring your right strand under the middle strand. Then, bring the left strand under the new middle strand!

STEP #4: ADD SOME HAIR

Add some hair from the right side of your head to the right strand of your braid. Then, bring that strand under the middle strand. Add some hair from the left side of your head to the left strand of your braid. Then, bring that left strand under your new middle strand. Got it?

STEP #5: REPEAT

Continue adding hair to the right and left strands and braiding under the middle strand. Once you have no more hair to add to your braid, finish by braiding the remaining length of your mane into a traditional three-strand braid. Secure with a clear elastic and you’re all set!

HOW TO DOUBLE DUTCH BRAID YOUR HAIR

No—we’re not talking about the game you used to play during recess as a child. This double Dutch braid requires a whole different set of skills (and we’d argue it’s way easier to master). Here’s how to do it.

STEP #1: BRUSH YOUR STRANDS

The first step of any braid is to make sure your hair is free of any tangles and knots. You can also spray your mane with some dry shampoo to refresh if needed!

STEP #2: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Create a middle part and split your hair into two even sections. Loosely secure the left side with a clear elastic, forming a pigtail, to keep it out of the way. Then, start working with the right side. Grab a smaller section of hair from the middle of the right side of your part, leaving about an inch of hair on either side of the section. Split this section into three equal strands.

STEP #3: BEGIN YOUR BRAID

As with a traditional Dutch braid, start by anchoring the braid. Bring the right strand under the middle strand, then the left strand under the new middle strand.

STEP #4: ADD SOME HAIR

Begin adding hair from your mane to your right and left strands before crossing them under, just as you would with a regular Dutch braid.

STEP #5: FINISH YOUR BRAID

Once you’ve run out of hair to add to your braid, finish your Dutch pigtail by putting the remaining length of your hair into a traditional three-strand braid. Secure with a clear elastic.

STEP #6: REPEAT ON THE OTHER SIDE

Remove the hair elastic from the left side of hair and repeat steps three through five to create a second braid. 

Now that you know how to do a Dutch braid, why not expand your braiding skills even more? Here’s Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.