Anyone with any hair type can do a Dutch braid. Once you’ve mastered the skill, the options for hairstyles are endless. You can do braided updos, boxer braids, and more. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to Dutch braid but were intimidated, allow us to help break it down with this step-by-step process.
Brush Your Hair
Whether you’re braiding with dry or damp hair, brushing out the knots is important. This will help keep the three strands that you’ll create later from getting tangled with the rest of the hair.
Part the Hair
Using a comb with a fine tail, create a center part from the top of the head down to the nape of the neck. A center part will offer that traditional boxer braids look. This method evenly distributes the hair, so you’re working with two equal parts. It also gives you two opportunities to master the look—practice makes perfect. (Once you’ve mastered how to Dutch braid, you can get creative with how you part the hair.)
Grab Three Small Pieces of Hair
Now the fun part! Tie the half of hair you aren’t working with into a bun to get it out of the way. Section a piece of hair at the very front of your head and split it into three equal parts. Place the front piece of hair underneath the middle section of hair. Then, with the new middle section, take the back section of hair and place it underneath the middle section. Repeat this, continuing to weave the strands underneath the middle section. After doing this pattern two times, you’ve created the top of your braid. Next, start grabbing additional pieces of hair to the outside sections. This is the trickiest part of this braiding technique. Editor’s tip: If you have fine, silky hair that doesn’t hold, use a hair pomade to add some grip to your strands and make it easier to braid.
Repeat the Pattern
This braiding method is all about grabbing additional pieces of hair to the outside sections. Starting with the back section, pick up some loose hair and combine it with the back piece to create a new section of hair. Weave that back section of hair underneath the middle strands and then repeat this process on the front section. Pick up more hair and continue weaving under the middle piece. Repeat adding hair until you make your way down your entire head. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you’ll end up with three pieces of hair to finish off a regular three-strand braid.
Secure the Braid
Tie the braid off with a hair elastic, and you’re ready for the other side.
