How to Dutch Braid Your Own Hair

Start with damp hair, create three sections at your crown, and braid under instead of over while adding hair to outer sections as you work down.

Dutch braids separate the people who understand tension from those who think hair should cooperate without effort.

1. Prep your hair. Work with slightly damp hair for grip and control. Brush through completely to eliminate tangles that will catch mid-braid.
2. Section at the crown. Take a triangle section from your hairline to the crown, about two inches wide. Divide this into three equal strands.
3. Start the Dutch technique. Cross the right strand under the middle, then the left strand under the new middle. This inverted crossing creates the raised effect.
4. Add hair as you descend. Before each cross, pick up a small section of loose hair and add it to the outer strand you're about to cross under. Keep sections even for a clean result.
5. Finish and secure. When you reach the nape, continue with a regular braid using the remaining length. Secure with a clear elastic that won't break the visual line.