Dutch braids, also called reverse French braids, involve braiding cross-sectioned hair strands under themselves. Many braided styles start as Dutch braids, which makes them a popular braiding technique.
They can be styled in a variety of ways, from simple pigtails to more intricate fishtail braids. If you have longer hair, you can also create a Dutch braid crown. Dutch braids with extensions are a great way to add length and volume to your hair, and they can also be used to create stunning updos. Side Dutch braids are another great option. They’re perfect for summer weather since they’re easy to do and keep your hair off your neck on those hot days. The mohawk variation of the Dutch braid is a great way to add some edge to your look; and if you want to add a little bit of flair to your look, try doing half-up half-down Dutch braids.
Dutch braid hairstyles are a popular choice for women and men of all ages. There are countless variations that you can put your own spin on, so you can find the perfect style for your hair type and personality. Here are some of the most popular styles to get you started with Dutch braids.
1. Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are one of the simplest jumbo-sized Dutch braid styles that are made to last for a couple of days to a few weeks. Double Dutch braids don’t take much time to make and are suitable for long and short hair types. Similar to a French braid, part your hair, pull a section into three pieces, pull your hair into two parts, but plait each strand underneath instead of over, and pull in small pieces of hair as you continue down the plait.
2. Dutch Braids for Men
Dutch braids aren’t just for the ladies; they serve as a functional and stylish protective hairstyle for men, aiding in proper hair growth and minimizing shrinkage. Explore more on how Dutch braids and other styles can work for you in our braid hairstyles for men guide. They’re usually made in medium to jumbo sizes since men don’t usually fancy spending several hours at the salon. Do them in twos, threes, or fours depending on your preference.
3. French Braids Dutch Braids
French and Dutch braids are simply a reverse of each other. You can combine the two for a beautiful, intricate look. Plait your Dutch braids at the sides with French braids in the center or plait them in a way that each braid type flows into the other. This is a creative way to mix braid styles, and you can play with different patterns to find the style you like the most.
4. Pigtail Dutch Braids
Pigtail braids, also called double ponytails or twin tail braids, are two braids on each side of the head. For this style, part your hair into two opposite sections and braid them down as Dutch braids. Pigtail braids are cute braided hairstyles that bring out a touch of youthfulness.
5. Dutch Braids on Short Hair
Dutch braids are not made only for long hair. Women and men with short hair types can also braid their hair into Dutch braids. It’s not as easy, since the hair has a tendency to pull itself out of the plaid if it’s braided loosely. They won’t last as long in that case. Make sure to braid them tight to get the full benefit and have time to really enjoy your Dutch braids.
6. Dutch Braids with Extensions
Do you want your Dutch braids to attain a length or thickness greater than your natural hair? Then add some extensions while braiding! The extensions or attachments are synthetic braiding hair that can be used to braid your hair into whatever length or thickness you want. You can do it with colored hair or add jewelry. Extensions can be incorporated into any style of Dutch braids that you like.
7. Fishtail Dutch Braids
To make fishtail Dutch braids, first braid your hair into Dutch braids and then plait them into fishtail braids towards the ends. This is a beautiful creative style that includes a combination of two different braiding techniques.
8. Dutch Braids into Ponytail
Try more than one Dutch braid and pull them into a ponytail for this style. Dutch braids add intricacy and body to ponytails. They’ll also help keep your hair in place as you’re moving around.
9. Dutch Braid Crown
Crown braids make you look and feel like royalty. They’re a braided updo style that can be worn for both special and casual occasions. By plaiting the Dutch braid around your head, it forms a crown or a tiara.
10. Side Dutch Braids
Side Dutch braids have all the hair braided to one side in one or more Dutch braids. You can braid them loosely or tightly in different styles. This looks nice with a ribbon around the base of the braid, braided into the plaits, or with cute clips to help hold your hair in place.
11. Dutch Braid Headband
Headband braids have one or two braids plaited from ear to ear or around the head to look like a headband. They’re great for keeping the rest of your hair out of your face. You can let the rest of your hair fall to the back or braid it, style it into a ponytail, or try an updo like a braided bun.
12. Dutch Braids With Buns
Try a cute updo bun style by braiding a couple of Dutch braids and wrapping the ends into buns. Dutch braids with buns prevent hair from hanging loosely down your shoulders. They’re a more youthful look, and you can dress it up with different bun forms or braid the loose hair before twisting it into the bun.
13. Dutch Braid Mohawk
Dutch mohawk braids are larger braids at the center of your head. They may not last as long since large braids don’t hold their form for long, but they look incredible. Plait your hair into a big Dutch braid in the center of your head and either pull the rest into a ponytail or braid it into small Dutch braids near the center or along the sides. Mohawk braids can be rocked by both men and women.
14. Half-Up Half-Down Dutch Braids
Half-up half-down Dutch braids are easy and elegant, perfect for nights out and special events. Section your hair into an upper and lower section. Plait the upper section into one or more Dutch braids while leaving the rest of your hair to fall unbraided. You can rock half-up, half-down Dutch braids no matter your hair type.
15. Four Dutch Braids
Four Dutch braids are straightforward and just like their name implies. Since they’re larger, they may last for some days to a few weeks depending on your hair type and how tightly you braid them. You can pull them back into a ponytail or a braided bun to dress this style up as a chic updo.
16. Tight Dutch Braids
Tight Dutch braids are plaited tightly to the scalp; they are easily distinguishable from the loose ones as they look neater and last longer. Tight Dutch braids are very popular and they can be made in a wide variety of styles.
17. Loose Dutch Braids
Unlike tight braids, loose Dutch braids are braided loosely, and they have a messier look. Loose Dutch braids usually don’t last long. They can pull out of the braid if you plait them on short hair types. However, you can braid them into a cute updo similar to a messy bun, and they generally take less time since you don’t have to focus as much on neatness.
18. Dutch Braids With Bangs
Dutch braids with bangs or fringe are a beautiful, youthful style. The bangs are always shorter than the rest of the hair, falling on the forehead. They frame your face and give finer hair textures the appearance of more volume. They also offset your style nicely, so that it isn’t too uniform. If you don’t mind having hair on your face or if you have a broad forehead, this style is a good choice for you.
19. Dutch Braids Updo
Dutch braids updos are simple and comfortable styles. They’re suitable for braid lovers that want to keep their hair out of their face or off their back and shoulders. You can plait your hair in any high or low Dutch braid style, such as Dutch braids into ponytail, a Dutch braid crown, or half-up, half-down Dutch braids. Then secure the ends of your braids into buns or knots. The tighter and neater you make your braids, the longer they’ll last.
20. Double Dutch Braid Ponytail
A double Dutch braid ponytail features two Dutch braids plaited into a high or low ponytail. You can braid the ends if you prefer. They’re easy to do, classy, and keep your hair out of your face, thereby making you more comfortable.
21. Black Dutch Braids
Black braids are known for highlighting your face and making your features pop. They’re a great foundation for high contrast if you like to try something more eye-catching with your hair. If you have natural or dyed black hair, try one of our Dutch braid styles. You can incorporate ribbons, colored streaks, or hair jewelry to really stand out with these braids.
