On busy days, where life keeps you busy and you’ve washed a few days, braids are an easy way to sweep hair away from your face while protecting your strands from friction. But don’t think you’re limited to braids or ears of corn, Dutch and French braids are also good options.
“They’re always on trend,” says Larry Sims, Gabrielle Union’s go-to stylist. “They’re fun and easy to manage.”
Susan Oudele, owner of Hair by Susy, agrees. “Artists like me and many other hairstylists are paving the way for the hair industry to bring many protective styles to the masses and consumers because we believe in natural hair, braids and protective styles. We’re celebrating braids, allowing They get fun!”
Dutch and French braids are a great way for beginners to learn how to braid. To help you get started, we asked two artists to create an in-depth step-by-step guide on the differences between Dutch and French braids and how to achieve both hairstyles on all hair textures.
Dutch Braids vs French Braids: What’s the Difference?
Braids are braids – right? Incorrect.
“French braids are three sections of hair braided together from the top of the head through the middle to the nape,” explains Oludele. The braid looks bigger than the Dutch braid because it lifts up from the scalp. “[In] French braids, you use clumps in the middle of the braid, and Dutch braids use clumps in the middle of the braid.”
In the US, the difference between a French braid and a Dutch braid is the “up” or “down” braid, depending on which country you’re from.
How to Braid French Braids
Sims shares a step-by-step guide to French braiding in four easy steps.
Start by dividing your hair into three sections.
Pass the left part through the middle part.
Continue to feed the hair inward.
Secure the braids and you’re good to go.
“[Don’t] pull the fringes too tightly, as this can lead to traction alopecia,” advises Sims — which works with French and Dutch braids.
How to Braid a Dutch Braid
“Dutch braids look similar to ears of corn and are braided by crossing hair under each section your fingers pick up,” explains Sims. He shares how to make a Dutch braid below.
Start by dividing your hair into three sections.
Pass the left section below the middle section.
Grab the hair from the right side with the right section crossed under the middle section.
Gather hair from left to right as you go.
Pin the braids where you like.
Any tips for styling my braids?
Now that you know how to differentiate and create each braid, you can get creative. Depending on the texture of your hair, you may want to leave a fringe or leave it as is.
“Adding accessories to your braids, like pearls, flowers, or jewelry, can enhance [the] look,” says Sims. Some people like to have two braids, and loose French braids can give off a relaxed vibe.
Make sure to protect your hair after hard work. “To maintain the style, wrap your hair before letting it down, and try not to rub your braids with hats or rough methods to reduce frizz,” says Sims.
