Q&A for How to Make a Dutch Braid

Start with a small section divided into thirds. Cross right under center, then left under new center. On the right, pick up some more hair and add to the section, then cross under center; repeat picking up hair and crossing under on the left. Alternate crossing right and left under center adding more hair until all hair is incorporated; plait to ends.

Yes, definitely. You can braid one large, slanted dutch braid braided on the side of your head. You could even get creative with parting your hair and still achieve side braids.

Yes! You can either leave your fringe out of the braid, or conceal it by pulling it into the braid. To keep it out of the braid, clip it out of the way and braid normally. If you want to add your fringe into the braid, smooth it back with the rest of your hair. To keep the ends from sticking out, apply a bit of smoothing serum or pomade.

Use a mirror to help you divide out the initial sections and get started, then work by feel, checking in the mirror occasionally for evenness and flyaways. With practice you can learn to braid entirely by feel.

Boxer braids are another name for double dutch braids. Divide hair down the center and braid each side using a dutch braiding technique.

The term comes from a fictional story published in 1871 in Arthur's Home Magazine. The braids themselves have been around much longer, at least 6,000 years.

Braid slowly and carefully, always pulling the strands in firmly and tightly. The key is in not rushing. It may take a few tries to perfect the braid. However, it will become easier the more times you try it.

Yes. It really doesn't matter if your hair is straight or curly or long or short, the braid will still work.

It all depends on how good you are at Dutch braiding. If it's your first time though, it could take a while, maybe 20 to 30 minutes until you perfect it, after which you should be able to do it in about 10 minutes, depending on your hair length.

It depends on how short and thick your hair is. The best way to find out whether or not you can do a Dutch braid with your hair is to try. If you try and your hair seems to short, try parting your hair in the middle and creating two Dutch braids.

No, it doesn't really matter which side you start with, as long as you are following the pattern throughout the braid.

If you have a spare rubber band/old hairband, tie the very top of the braid after you're sure there's no pouffe. Then braid as you normally would and either leave it there or cut it off after you're done. This should ensure that your hair doesn't puff out.

No, this isn't the French braid, and yes, it is a bit different. The French braid looks like the braid is covered, while the in the Dutch braid, the hair goes under the braid. It's a small but useful distinction.

Try straightening it completely with a flat iron to make your hair thinner and more sleek for braiding. Make sure to spray with hair spray after as well. Use bobby pins to hold the braid in place.

Use a hair tie to tie in place. Don't tie the hair itself into a knot or it will get knotty.

You use a hair straightener to smooth it out and to make sure there are no tangles. The hair will just fall into place.

You may need to tighten it more.

Start with a smaller section of hair on top of your head, then add as you go.

Basically, you braid normally but to each strand you braid, add more hair from the side the rest of your hair is on. See further How to French Braid .

Of course! Thickness doesn't really matter as long as you add hair and keep the same pattern.

I have thin hair too. Just grab bigger sections. It's what I do and it works like a charm.

A Dutch is a French reverse. You are right, though; they are very similar.

Yes. In a French braid, you go over the hair strands, and in a Dutch braid, you go under the hair strands.

All you can do is practice and try redoing the braid.

Do it tightly and as neat as possible, and if needed, use bobby pins to secure it in place. Hairspray can help it to last longer.

Use a counter or shelf where you can rest your arms. You can also tie your braid with a temporary elastic to let your arms rest for a bit. Whenever you want to start again, just snip the elastic.

You braid it once. So basically every time you add a section of hair you do a part of the braid.

Take your time when adding hair to each strand, and/or wet your hair before doing the braid.

No, you can do it off to the side if you'd prefer.

No, but if this seems too difficult then I would start with the French braid, they aren't actually a lot different.