"The Dutch braid looks harder than the French braid. It isn't. It's just the French braid done in reverse — and once you feel the under-crossing motion once, you won't forget it."

— RaDona Ludlow, Licensed Cosmetologist, Boys and Girls Hairstyles

Raised visible braid Works on all lengths Best braid for sport

Watch: RaDona's Dutch Braid Tutorials

Three videos from the channel — the Side Dutch Braid (the main tutorial), the French Braid (the closest companion so you can see and feel the difference), and the Messy Bun (since the Dutch braid into bun is one of the most useful styles to know). Watch the Side Dutch Braid video first — the visual click of the under-crossing motion is much clearer to see in motion than to read in text.

Dutch Braid vs French Braid: The One Difference That Matters

Every beginner asks this, and the answer is genuinely simple. Both braids pick up sections of scalp hair as they move down the head. The only difference is the direction of the crossing motion.

What You Need Before You Start

• Hair elastics (2–3, fabric-covered or spiral): One to secure the finished braid end, possibly more for double Dutch or variations. Fabric-covered elastics cause less breakage than rubber bands.
• Fine-tooth sectioning comb: For the centred part when doing double Dutch braids — symmetry depends on this part being straight.
• Bobby pins (8–10, matching your hair colour): If you're going into a bun variation — criss-crossed X-pins hold three times as much as straight pins.
• Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: Applied before braiding on clean, slippery hair — gives sections the grip to hold tension. Day-two hair braids better than freshly washed.
• Small mirror (for checking the back): Essential for self-braiding — you can't feel evenness at the back as well as you can see it.

Step-by-Step: Single Dutch Braid (Crown to Nape)

This is the foundation technique. Once this is comfortable, every other Dutch braid variation is simply a repositioning of the starting point.

1. 1
   Prep the hair — damp or textured

   Lightly mist dry hair with water, or apply a small amount of texturizing spray and work through. Damp or slightly textured hair grips significantly better than clean dry hair. Comb through completely — any knots will become tangle-locks inside the braid within 3 passes.
2. 2
   Take a small section at the very crown and divide into three equal parts

   The starting section should be small — about the width of two fingers. Divide it cleanly into three equal-sized sections: label them left, centre, and right in your head. Hold the left in your left hand, the right in your right hand, and the centre between a finger and thumb. Keep all three taut — loose tension creates a loose braid.
3. 3
   First cross: right section UNDER the centre (not over — this is the Dutch motion)

   Take the right section and pass it under the centre section, so the right strand is now in the middle. Then take the left section and pass it under the new centre section, so the left strand is now in the middle. You've completed one full cross. This is the Dutch braid motion — under, not over. If it feels like the "wrong way," that's correct.
4. 4
   Pick up a new section of scalp hair before the next cross

   Before you cross the right section under again, pick up a small section of scalp hair from the right side and add it to the right strand. The added hair should come from directly alongside the braid — thin, consistent sections. Then cross under. Repeat on the left side: pick up a thin section of scalp hair from the left, add it to the left strand, cross under. This is the "incorporating" motion. Keep sections consistent — the same amount of hair each time produces an even, regular braid.
5. 5
   Continue down the head, maintaining consistent tension

   Work down the head from crown to nape, picking up hair with each pass and crossing under each time. The braid should sit raised and visible on top of the hair — if it looks flat and embedded like a French braid, you've been crossing over instead of under. Keep the scalp sections thin and even. Keep all three working strands taut in your hands — loose hands create loose sections that won't stay incorporated.
6. 6
   When all scalp hair is incorporated, continue as a regular 3-strand braid

   Once you reach the nape and there's no more scalp hair to pick up, continue braiding the remaining length as a standard 3-strand braid — crossing alternately under (staying consistent with the Dutch motion) or switching to over for a regular braid finish. Either works. Secure with an elastic.
7. 7
   Pancake for fullness — gently pull each loop outward

   Starting at the top, gently pull each loop on both sides of the braid outward simultaneously — this is called pancaking and it widens the braid, making a thin braid look full and lush. Don't pull too hard — you want width, not unravelling. Work from top to bottom. One pass of light hairspray to finish seals everything in place.

The Side Dutch Braid — The Video Style

The side Dutch braid is the specific variation shown in the primary video above. Rather than starting at the centre crown and working straight down, the side Dutch braid begins at one temple, sweeps diagonally across the head, and finishes behind the opposite ear. It creates a dramatic diagonal raised braid that photographs beautifully from any angle — especially from the side, which is why it's such a popular occasion and sport style.

Double Dutch Braids — The Sport & School Staple

Two Dutch braids running simultaneously from the front hairline to the nape — one on each side of a centred part. Also called boxer braids. The most reliable all-day style for active girls: both braids lie flat against the head, nothing bounces, nothing loosens, and the style still looks intentional after 8 hours of sport, school and everything in between.

1. 1
   Create a perfectly centred part from forehead to nape

   Use the fine-tooth end of a comb — not your fingers. A straight part makes both braids symmetrical; even a slight curve throws the proportions off visibly when both braids are finished. Take your time here. Clip one side out of the way while you work on the other.
2. 2
   Dutch braid the first side from temple to nape

   Begin at the temple on the working side and Dutch braid downward — incorporating scalp hair from the part line side and the hairline side with each pass. Angle the braid toward the nape. When all scalp hair is incorporated, continue to the ends and secure with an elastic. Clip temporarily.
3. 3
   Repeat exactly on the second side

   Unclip the second half. Use the first braid as your reference — match the starting point, the angle, and the tension. The two braids should finish at the same height and look the same size. Securing at slightly different points creates the lopsided effect that's hardest to correct once both elastics are in.
4. 4
   Pancake both braids to match, then finish

   Pancake each braid to the same width — this is where visual symmetry is checked and adjusted. Braids that are pancaked unevenly look very different in size. One pass of strong-hold spray (for sport) or light spray (for everyday) to finish. For maximum all-day hold, apply edge control along the part line and hairline before braiding.

5 Styles You Can Build from the Dutch Braid

The Dutch braid is a foundation, not a finished style by itself. Once you can execute it consistently, these five styles all take under 10 minutes and each uses the Dutch braid as their structural core.

Troubleshooting: Common Dutch Braid Problems

Quick Reference: Dutch Braid Styles at a Glance