Dutch braiding your own hair involves a braiding technique where you cross the strands under each other, creating a braid that sits on top of your hair rather than being woven into it. This results in a raised, 3D effect. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Dutch Braid Your Own Hair
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Prepare Your Hair: Brush your hair to remove any tangles. You can also lightly mist your hair with water or a texturizing spray for better grip and control.
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Section Your Hair: Take a section of hair at the crown of your head (about 2-3 inches wide). Divide this section into three equal strands. This is similar to starting a regular braid.
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Begin the Braid (First Stitch):
- Hold the left strand in your left hand, the middle strand in your right hand, and the right strand ready to be used.
- Cross the right strand under the middle strand.
- Cross the left strand under the new middle strand.
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Continue the Braid (Adding Hair): This is where it becomes a Dutch braid.
- Right Side: Pick up a small section of hair from the right side of your head, near the original section. Add this new section of hair to the right strand. Cross this combined strand under the middle strand.
- Left Side: Pick up a small section of hair from the left side of your head, near the original section. Add this new section of hair to the left strand. Cross this combined strand under the middle strand.
- Repeat this process, adding hair from each side and crossing under the middle, all the way down the back of your head.
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Braid to the Ends: Once you've added all the hair from the sides into the braid, continue braiding the remaining length of your hair in a regular three-strand braid (crossing over, not under).
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Secure the Braid: Secure the end of your braid with a hair tie.
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Adjust and Finish: Gently pull on the loops of the braid to loosen it and create a fuller, more relaxed look. You can also pull out some strands around your face for a softer style. Finish with hairspray for hold.
Tips for Success
- Practice Makes Perfect: Dutch braiding can be tricky at first. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't look perfect right away. Keep practicing!
- Mirror, Mirror: Use a mirror to see the back of your head as you braid. This will help you ensure that the braid is even and that you're picking up hair correctly.
- Even Sections: Try to pick up even sections of hair as you braid. This will create a neater and more balanced braid.
- Tight vs. Loose: You can create a tighter Dutch braid by braiding more tightly and pulling the strands more firmly. For a looser braid, braid more loosely and gently pull on the loops of the braid to create more volume.
- Start with a High Ponytail (Optional): If braiding all the way down the back of your head is too challenging, try starting with a high ponytail. Then, Dutch braid down the length of the ponytail.
