How to Do Dutch Braids: Easy Hairstyles for Beginners

Ready to learn a classic inside-out braid that stays neat all day? This simple guide shows a friendly, step-by-step approach for any beginner who wants a polished look without fuss.

Start by brushing out tangles and using a smoothing product to tame flyaways. The dutch braid is an inside-out version of a french braid, so you cross strands under instead of over.

Work in clean sections, add hair evenly, and keep tension steady. That way the braid builds neatly along the scalp and resists frizz in heat or humidity.

Optional clip-in extensions can boost fullness and length while staying hidden if placed along the braid path. Finish with pancaking or a light mist of hairspray for volume and hold.

Key Takeaways

Brush and smooth hair first to reduce flyaways.
Use a center part and neat sections for an even braid.
Cross strands under while adding hair to form the inside-out braid.
Extensions can add fullness without revealing the extra hair.
Finish with pancaking and light hairspray for a natural hold.

What Are Dutch Braids and Why Beginners Love Them

Start by picturing the braid as three moving lanes that swap under one another as you add hair. This simple mental image makes the process easier to learn and follow. The inside-out pattern creates a raised, defined look that shows up on straight and wavy hair.

The core difference is where the strands cross. A french braid crosses over; the dutch braid crosses under. That underhand motion lifts the braid off the head and makes the pattern pop.

Beginners like this style because progress is visible as you add sections. Name your pieces as front section, middle section, and back section so your hands stay confident.

It’s durable for a busy day, workouts, and humidity.
Use clip-in extensions along the braid path so the braid hides clips; reclip any visible ends up into the braid.
Start with a center or side part—both place the braid neatly and change the final look.

Step-by-Step: Dutch Braids

Start by prepping and parting the hair so each tiny piece feeds smoothly into the braid. Brush hair well, remove tangles, and smooth the top with a light spray or cream to tame flyaways.

Part hair with a clean center line from the forehead to the back head. Clip one side away so you can focus on the working side.

Section and begin

Pick a small section near the hair front and split it into three equal parts: front section, middle section, and back section.

Core motion

Start crossing under: pass the front section under the middle, then pass the back section under the middle. This underhand move lifts the braid off the scalp for a raised look.

Adding hair and alignment

Each time a piece crosses under, add a small section hair to that piece before crossing under again. Keep additions level with the active stitch so the braid stays even along the head’s curve.

Follow the natural line of the head. If the braid drifts, change the angle of your next additions to bring it back centered.

Finish and repeat

Continue to the nape, then braid the rest to the end and secure with a small elastic. Release the clipped side, brush hair, and repeat the same steps to match position and tension for symmetry.

Optional and set

For fuller results, discreetly add extensions along the braid line so the braid covers the weft. At the end, slide the elastic down slightly, apply plumping powder from bottom to top, gently pancake the braid, and mist with hairspray to set.

Step	What to do	Tips
Prep	Brush hair, smooth top with product	Use light cream for control, avoid heavy residue
Part	Create center part from front to back head	Clip one side to focus
Section & Braid	Pick small section, split into three, cross under	Add small sections evenly; keep tension steady
Finish	Braid to nape, secure, repeat other side	Pancake, plump, and spray for lasting hold

Beginner Tips, Tools, and Everyday Style Ideas

Start by laying out essentials — this saves time and keeps your hands free while braiding. A simple kit speeds up practice and helps you focus on clean sections and steady tension.

Essential tools

Gather a brush, a comb, small elastics, bobby pins, and duck-bill clips. Add dry shampoo for grip, a bit of styling paste for flyaways, and a drop of conditioning oil on the lengths to add shine.

Tension and timing

Keep your grip snug but comfortable. Add hair right as a section crosses under so you don’t lose timing or create bumps.

Heat-free waves

For texture, put two loose braids in damp long hair before bed. Undo in the morning and mist with gentle hairspray for a soft, heat-free look.

Sporty to romantic

Wear a tighter braid for workouts or pancake the edges for a softer, romantic finish in the evening. If the line drifts to one side, adjust additions slightly to recenter without starting over.

Brush hair thoroughly to avoid tangles and keep a comb handy for crisp parting.
Keep elastics and clips within reach so your flow isn’t interrupted mid-braiding.

Conclusion

The secret to neat results is a steady underhand rhythm and small, even additions of hair. Follow the same step each time: split a clean front section, feed small pieces into the middle section, and cross under with purpose.

With basic tools and practice, you can nail this look quickly. The inside-out method is the close cousin of a french braid, so past braid experience helps the learning curve.

Finish smart: secure ends, pancake for volume, and mist to hold the hairstyle without stiffness. Try extensions for fullness or sleep in loose braids for no-heat waves.

Give it time and keep your kit handy — the process becomes faster and symmetry easier with each practice session.

FAQ

What is the main difference between a Dutch braid and a French braid?

A Dutch braid is created by crossing sections under one another, so the braid sits on top of the hair and appears raised. A French braid crosses sections over, which lays flatter against the scalp. This inside-out technique gives the Dutch style more texture and makes the line of the braid more visible along the head.

How do I prep hair for the best results?

Start by brushing hair to remove tangles and smooth flyaways. Use a comb to make a clean part down the middle if you want two symmetrical styles. Lightly mist with leave-in spray or dry shampoo for grip. Small clips help hold sections while you work through the front and middle parts.

What’s the easiest way to section hair for two braids?

Create a center part from the forehead to the nape, then clip one side out of the way. On the working side, divide the hair into a front, middle, and back section. Take small even sections from each area as you add hair to keep tension and shape consistent along the head.

How can a beginner keep braid tension even without causing pain?

Use small sections and add hair gradually. Keep your fingers close to the scalp to control the tension, and stop tightening if you feel pulling. Aim for a firm but comfortable hold so the braid stays neat without creating headaches or hair breakage.

When should I add hair to each strand while braiding?

Add hair each time you cross a section under the others. Take small amounts from the nearby front and middle sections so the braid builds evenly. Consistent additions ensure the braid follows the curve of the head and avoids uneven bulges.

How do I finish the braid at the nape and secure the tail?

Once you reach the nape and no more hair can be added, continue with a regular three-strand braid down the tail. Secure the end with a hair elastic. For a fuller look, gently pull at the outer edges of the braid to pancake it, then set with a light hairspray.

Can I add extensions for thicker or longer braids?

Yes. Use discreet tape-in or clip-in extensions and add them at the beginning of your braid so the added hair blends as you cross sections under. Make sure the extension color and texture match your natural hair for the most seamless result.

What tools are essential for creating neat styles?

Keep a paddle brush, tail comb for parting, small elastics, and a few clips on hand. Dry shampoo gives grip for slippery hair, and a light hairspray or styling cream tames flyaways. These tools speed up the process and help beginners get cleaner lines.

How long does it take to learn this technique?

With practice, most people master the basic technique in a few tries. Start by practicing on yourself or a friend in front of a mirror, working with small sections and focusing on consistent crossings. Timing improves quickly—what might take 20–30 minutes at first can drop to 10 minutes with repetition.

Any quick fixes for messy or uneven braids?

Loosen the braid slightly and re-plump problem areas by pulling gently at the outer edges. Use a bit of styling cream to smooth frizz and tuck stray hairs with bobby pins. If a section looks uneven, undo a few crosses and re-add hair in smaller increments to balance the look.

Are there low-maintenance overnight styles that use this method?

Yes—sleeping in two loose versions of the style creates soft, heat-free waves by morning. Keep tension lighter before bed and secure ends with soft elastics. In the morning, shake out or gently brush the waves for a relaxed look that lasts all day.

Which looks work best for casual or sporty activities?

Tight, high-tension braids secured well at the nape hold up best during exercise and active days. For a sporty look, pair the braids with a ponytail or bun at the back. For a romantic or casual vibe, pancake the braid and leave small face-framing sections loose.