Despite its name, it’s very hard to know for certain where the Dutch braid originated. The braid in itself has been found in ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Africans, Americans, and the Europeans.
Dutch braids are often mistaken for cornrows. The Kardashians have received some criticisms for what some thought was a cultural appropriation when they were spotted with cornrows, when in fact they were wearing double Dutch braids.
The main difference, however, is that double Dutch braids consist of only two large sections that start from the forehead down to the back. Cornrows, meanwhile, make up three or more braids. This is also called the African braid which dates back 3,500 B.C although there’s reason to believe that it’s even much, much earlier than known records.
As opposed to the French braid, you do not part the hair into two whole sections. In fact, the braids nestle on top of the head. There’s also a difference in how the braids overlap over the other; whereas the French braid is overhand, the Dutch method is underhand.
How to Dutch braid is very easy to do, and with a little practice, you can finish the job in minutes. Here’s how:
1. Comb your hair to get rid of the tangles and make it silky smooth.
2. Grab a fistful of strand from the top of your hair; secure it with your hand like a ponytail.
3. Then using your fingers, separate the hair that you gathered into three sections.
4. Cross the left strand underneath the center strand.
5. Repeat the same process, now with the left strand.
6. Overlap the three strands alternately.
7. As you do so, gradually take strands from the side of your head.
8. Continue the process until you’ve braided most of your hair, except for about 1-2 inches.
9. Secure your braid using an elastic band.
As an added bonus, we are also going to learn how to Dutch braid a double braid:
1. Comb your hair again until it’s smooth.
2. Part your hair from to crown until the nape.
3. Clip the other half of the hair. It doesn’t matter if you start with the left or right.
4. Then take a clump of hair starting from your forehead and separate it into three strands.
5. Overlap each of the three strands in one direction going to your nape.
6. As you go along, insert the remaining hair at the side of the Dutch braid.
7. Secure with an elastic band.
8. Repeat the process on the other half of the hair, again secure with an elastic band.
There you have it. A simple “how to Dutch braid” guide, and how to Dutch braid a double braid. The best thing about this hairstyle is its flexibility. You can go to from the office and straight to the gym with your double Dutch braid. You can have a high-level meeting and go straight to having fun with your friends after office hours. With a little patience and practice, you can do this hairstyle even without help from somebody.
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