Looking for a chic, trendy hairstyle that’s easy to do yourself?
The front Dutch braid might seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think—many struggle to get that perfect, neat look without their braids unraveling or looking messy.
But no need to worry! In just 8 simple steps, you can master this stylish ‘do and rock it confidently.
Whether you’re heading to work, school, or a special event, the front Dutch braid is a versatile choice that will have you looking put-together in no time.
Keep reading to learn the secrets to nailing this fun, fashionable hairstyle.
Preparing Your Hair for the Dutch Braid
Step 1: Part and Separate
One of the initial and important steps is to part your hair correctly so the braids don’t look messy when the outcome is examined.
How to:
- Start your Dutch braid on the right note by parting your hair cleanly and accurately.
- Use a brush to smooth out tangles beforehand, and choose the right comb for your hair type-wide-tooth for damp hair and paddle brush for dry.
- Decide where you want your braid to be positioned. For a classic look, part your hair down the center.
- If you prefer a modern twist, create a side part instead.
- Use the pointed end of a rat-tail comb to create a clean, precise part line.
- Separate a section of hair from your hairline that matches the width of your forehead.
- This section should be uniform in size to ensure an even start to your braid.
- Divide this front section into three equal strands. Hold the right strand in your right hand and the left strand in your left hand.
- You can drape the middle strand over one of your fingers to keep it separate from the others. This setup will make it easier to start braiding in the following steps.
If you have flyaways or shorter layers around your hairline, lightly mist them with water or apply a small amount of styling gel to keep them in place during the braiding process.
Don’t worry if your parting and sectioning aren’t perfect on the first try—practice a few times until you feel confident before moving on to the actual braiding steps.
Step 2: Anchor the Braid
Anchoring the strands is one of the initial and crucial steps, making the braid look neat and more presentable.
To Begin With:
- Initiate your braid by anchoring the strands effectively
- Begin by crossing the right strand under the middle and the left strand under the new middle.
- Keep the strands secure but not too tight to prevent discomfort or pulling on your scalp.
- Aim for consistency in the size and tension of each strand to ensure your braid remains even and polished throughout.
This undercrossing technique lays the foundational weave of your Dutch braid.
It’s important to note that unlike traditional braids, in which strands are crossed over, the Dutch braid is created by crossing the strands under the middle strand.
This technique gives the Dutch braid its signature 3D effect, making it stand out from other braided hairstyles.
Seeing the technique in action can help clarify any confusion and make the process easier to follow.
With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon master this key technique and be on your way to creating stunning Dutch braids.
Step 3: Add Sections
Adding sections to your braid is essential for evenly integrating all your hair into the Dutch braid, resulting in a seamless and secure style.
As you braid, you’ll continuously incorporate new sections of hair into the existing strands, creating a beautifully woven pattern.
To Begin With:
- Grab a small section of hair near your hairline from the right side of your head.
- Add this section to the existing right strand, treating them as one.
- Then, cross this combined strand under the middle strand, just as you did when anchoring the braid.
- Next, focus on the left side.
- Take a slightly smaller section of hair from the left side of your head, again near the hairline.
- Incorporate this section into the existing left strand and cross it under the middle strand.
- Adding a smaller section to the left strand will maintain balance and symmetry in your braid.
As you continue braiding and adding sections, keep the sections even in size to ensure a neat and uniform appearance.
Maintain consistent tension throughout the braid by adjusting your grip as you add new sections.
What to do If a Section Becomes Too Loose or Uneven?
Don’t hesitate to undo and redo a few stitches, ensuring a tidy and secure braid.
If your braid looks uneven or loose, the most likely cause is inconsistent section sizes or tension.
To correct this, gently undo the braid until you reach the point where the issue began, and then resume braiding with more consistent section sizes and a firmer but comfortable grip on the strands.
Step 4: Maintain Tension and Pattern
Maintaining consistent tension and following the same pattern throughout braiding is essential for achieving a neat and professional-looking Dutch braid.
Steps to follow:
- Hold the hair strands with a firm grip to maintain even tension, but be careful not to pull too tightly, as this may cause discomfort or damage to your hair.
- Apply uniform tension to each strand to keep the braid tidy and prevent it from loosening prematurely.
- When adding hair to the braid, select equal-sized sections from each side of your head to incorporate into the main braid.
- This consistency will help maintain the braid’s symmetry and overall appearance.
- As you integrate each new section, remember to cross it under the middle strand to preserve the inverted appearance of the Dutch braid.
- As you braid, regularly check your progress in the mirror to ensure that your braid looks uniform from the start to the nape of your neck.
- If you notice any irregularities, such as loose strands or uneven sections, gently adjust your grip or redo the affected area to maintain a polished look.
- If you have layers or shorter strands that tend to slip out of the braid
- Try incorporating them into the main braid as you work your way down.
Add styling products if you want:
- You can also use a small amount of styling product, like hair wax or pomade, to help keep these strands in place.
- Practice maintaining tension and following the Dutch braid pattern regularly to develop muscle memory.
- With time and repetition, braiding will become quicker and more intuitive.
- If you find that your braid feels too tight or too loose, make slight adjustments to your grip to achieve a comfortable and secure hold.
Step 5: Finish the Braid
Once you reach the nape of your neck, it’s time to switch techniques.
The transition from the Dutch braid, where you’ve added sections and braiding under, to a classic three-strand braid.
This change in technique will allow you to complete the braid neatly and securely.
To ensure your Dutch braid stays put all day, use a clear elastic hair tie to fasten the end of the braid.
This will help maintain the polished appearance of your hairstyle and prevent the braid from unraveling.
Switching from the Dutch braid to the regular braid keeps the tension consistent.
Maintaining even tension throughout the transition will help avoid any bumps or loose strands that could detract from the sleek look of your Dutch braid.
For added flair or a more personalized touch, consider incorporating small ribbons or decorative clips into your braid as you finish it.
These embellishments can elevate your hairstyle and showcase your style.
To keep your Dutch braid controlled throughout the day,
Give it a light mist of hairspray.
This will help tame any flyaways and ensure your braid remains neat for hours.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Once you’ve completed your Dutch braid, it’s time to make some final adjustments to perfect its appearance and ensure it achieves the desired style and volume.
These small tweaks can make a big difference in the overall look of your braid.
To create a fuller, more relaxed appearance:
- Gently tug at the outer strands of the braid. Start at the bottom and work up, pulling the strands outward to loosen the braid slightly.
- Be sure to do this evenly along the length of the braid to maintain a consistent look without unraveling the braid entirely.
- For added volume, consider using a plumping powder.
- This product helps to add body and texture to your hair, making your braid appear thicker and more voluminous.
- To apply the powder, sprinkle a small amount along the length of the braid, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Once you’ve applied the powder, gently tousle your hair to distribute it evenly throughout the braid.
- You may need more plumping powder to achieve the desired volume if you have fine hair.
- On the other hand, if you have thick hair, you may need to be more conservative when tugging at the strands to avoid creating a too-bulky appearance.
To complete your look, give your hair a light mist of hairspray to set everything in place.
This will help your Dutch braid maintain its shape and volume throughout the day, ensuring you look polished and put together from morning to night.
Before you head out, take a final look in the mirror to inspect your braid for any uneven sections or stray hairs.
If you notice any minor issues, gently adjust the braid or tuck in loose strands as needed.
With these final adjustments, you’ll be ready to showcase your stunning Dutch braid wherever your day takes you.
Step 7: Apply Hair Products
| Product Type |
Suitable Hair Type |
Purpose |
Usage Tips |
| Smoothing Spray |
Fine Hair |
To tame flyaways and smooth hair |
Spray lightly from a distance of 6 inches |
| Smoothing Cream |
Thick or Frizzy Hair |
To manage frizz and add sleekness |
Apply a small amount, focusing on the ends |
| Serum |
All Hair Types |
To add shine and reduce frizz |
Use sparingly to avoid greasiness |
| Light Hairspray |
All Hair Types |
To hold the style in place |
Apply evenly to finish the style |
| Anti-Frizz Serum |
Coarse or Curly Hair |
To smooth out hair and control frizz |
Apply mainly to the ends and trouble areas |
| Hair Wax or Pomade |
Short Layers |
To keep stray hair in place |
Use minimally to avoid weighing down the hair |
| Plumping Powder |
Fine Hair |
To add volume and texture |
Sprinkle along the braid and tousle gently |
Secure your newly crafted Dutch braid and enhance its shine with the right hair products.
Remember, a little product goes a long way.
Be careful not to overuse hairspray or serum, as this can damage your hair or make it appear greasy.
By applying these products strategically and in moderation, you’ll achieve a beautiful, long-lasting Dutch braid that looks effortlessly chic
Step 8: Style as Desired
The Dutch braid is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in various ways to suit your style and the occasion.
Whether you prefer a casual, effortless look or a more polished and elegant appearance, personalizing your Dutch braid is the key to making it your own.
You can leave your Dutch braid loose for a relaxed, everyday look.
This effortless style is perfect for casual events or daily activities. It keeps hair neat and tidy while still looking natural and carefree.
Consider coiling your Dutch braid into a bun if you want a more formal or sophisticated appearance.
1. To Achieve This Look
- Start by positioning your braid at the nape of your neck or higher up on your head, depending on your preference.
- Carefully wrap the braid around itself to form a bun shape, and secure it with bobby pins.
- Tuck the pins in discreetly to maintain a clean, polished look.
2. Style your Dutch Braid
- Try incorporating decorative elements like ribbons, hairpins, or flowers to add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your Dutch braid.
- These accessories can be interwoven into the braid or added to the bun for a charming, eye-catching effect.
- When selecting decorative elements, consider the occasion and your style to ensure a cohesive look.
3. Maintain your Dutch Braid
- Consider using light hairsprays or pomades to keep your Dutch braid looking its best throughout the day.
- These products can help maintain your style, even during humid conditions or longer events.
- Apply them sparingly to avoid weighing down your hair or creating an overly stiff appearance.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different braid sizes, starting points, or variations to create a unique look that suits you.
For example, you can try a side Dutch braid or a Dutch braid crown to switch things up.
Remember that the Dutch braid can be adapted to various hair types and lengths, allowing you to customize the style to your needs.
Step 9: Finishing Touches with Hairspray and Anti-Frizz Serum
- Use a light spritz of hairspray to keep your braid firmly in place and prevent flyaways.
- This will help your hair withstand the elements, keeping every strand neatly in position.
- For the best results, hold the hairspray about six inches away from your hair and apply a light, even coat.
- Apply a small amount of anti-frizz serum to tame unruly strands and give your hair a smooth, glossy finish.
- Use a pea-sized amount of serum, spreading it evenly through the strands.
- To maximize smoothness and shine, focus on applying the product to areas prone to frizz or flyaways, such as the hairline and the ends of your braid.
- If you prefer natural alternatives to chemical products, consider using organic oils or aloe vera gel for a similar effect.
- Lightly dab your braid with a small amount of aloe vera gel or a few drops of argan oil to achieve a comparable smoothing and holding effect without synthetic ingredients.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the Dutch braid enriches your hairstyling repertoire, offering a fun and stylish way to elevate your look for any occasion.
By following these simple steps and practicing regularly, you can create a neat, stylish braid that is perfect for any occasion.
Remember to keep your sections even, maintain consistent tension, and make final adjustments to achieve your desired look.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling options and hair products to find what works best.
With a little patience and creativity, you’ll be rocking a stunning Dutch braid in no time! Ready to take your braiding skills to the next level?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Front Dutch Braid Hairstyle Typically Last?
The front Dutch braid can last a full day or up to a few days, depending on your hair type and activity level.
Can the Dutch Braid Be Done on Short Hair?
The Dutch braid can be done on short hair, but it may require more skill and patience to achieve the desired look.
What Hair Products Help Maintain the Braid?
Hairspray, anti-frizz serum, and light pomades can help maintain the braid’s structure and prevent flyaways.
How Tight Should the Braid Be for Best Results?
The braid should be tight enough to hold its shape but not so tight that it causes discomfort or pulls on your scalp.
What Variations of The Dutch Braid Can I Try?
Variations include side Dutch braids, Dutch braid crowns, Dutch fishtail braids, and Dutch braids combined with buns or ponytails.
