Whether you need a quick way to keep your hair out of your face on a busy day or a glamorous look for a night out, braided hairstyles have always been a popular option. But the best part about a plait? With the right style, anyone can pull off a braid. From five-year-olds to 60-year-olds, college athletes to wedding guests, there’s a braid out there for everyone.
Recently, bubble braids have been the talk of the town, but two of the most traditional braided updo styles remain the French braid and the Dutch braid. But if you’re wondering exactly what the difference is — and how to master the two different styles — read on.
For those new to the braiding game, these advanced braiding techniques may seem intimidating, but this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the differences between the Dutch and French braids, so you can style not one, but two stunning looks for just about any occasion.
French braid vs. Dutch braid: What’s the difference?
Here’s the quickie version: Just think of a Dutch braid as an inverted French braid. The main difference is that with a French braid you’re crossing sections of hair over one another, and with a Dutch braid you’ll be crossing them underneath. That’s why the Dutch braid is frequently labeled as a “reverse French braid” or “inside-out braid,” thanks to this “underneath” technique. Neither one is easier per se, but if you’re a newbie you’ll probably want to start by practicing a French braid.
The French Braid Technique
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Ah, the classic Frenchie. Despite its name, the origins of the French braid are widely disputed. Greeks and Africans are often credited as the first to use this styling technique. The earliest evidence is from the Tassili n’Ajjer mountain range in Algeria, where rock art from almost 6,000 years ago depicts women wearing this style of braid. The hairstyle was then seen in Greek art, particularly on the kouros statues. Though we may never know who wore it first, one thing we know to be true is that the French did not create this timeless plait.
So how do you create a French braid? Unlike a regular braid, you begin this braid by separating a section of hair into three smaller sections near the crown of your head. Then follow this pattern: Left strand over the middle strand, right strand over the middle strand, repeat.
Before you cross the next strand over, be sure to add another piece of hair from each respective side of the braid. Continue like this until reaching the nape of the neck, at which point you’ll finish the braid as you would doing a basic three-strand braid. The end result should be smooth and tight against your head and incorporate all of your hair. Follow along with the above step-by-step video tutorial to practice.
For a neater look, try to stay consistent with the amount of hair you add into the French braid each time you start the pattern over. Then again, a bumpy, undone French braid can also be very stylish. (Serena van der Woodsen anyone?) Tie the end off with a cute ribbon or hair tie, and you’re done
Tip: To have fun with the look, play around with the exact amount of hair you leave free (you don’t have to braid all the way to the bottom!).
The Dutch Braid Technique
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It may look harder, but if you can do a French braid, you can do a Dutch braid, too. To start a Dutch braid, separate your hair into three sections near the crown of your head (same as a French braid). Then, follow this pattern as seen in the video tutorial above: Left strand under the middle strand, right strand under the middle strand and repeat, while adding more strands of hair from each side as you go. Finish the braid as you would a French, and continue until the nape of the neck. Finally, tie off the ends of your hair. The end result will look like a thick 3-D braid floating on top of your hair.
And in case you’re wondering, the Dutch braid is not only often confused with the French braid, but also with cornrows. But the main difference between cornrows and the Dutch braid has to do with the weaving technique. With Dutch braids, you cross your strands under while holding the hair at an angle to create height. However, with cornrows — which also pass under — the braiding is done much tighter. The end result is a different appearance, one that is a bit flatter against the scalp, due to the fact that each and every portion of the hair is braided to the middle of each braid.
Tip: To create Dutch or French braid pigtails, a.k.a. a double braid, create a center part and section off one side of hair before focusing the braiding technique on the other. Then repeat on the opposite side.
Whichever braid style you’re attempting, just remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to try out these two different looks on yourself, friends or even an old doll. The fun really beings once you get the hang of it since there are a ton of beautiful ways to style braids: crown braids, double Dutch, buns, fun accessories, messy strands pulled out for a casual look — the styling options are endless.
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