Here is a beginner-friendly guide to mastering three beautiful braiding styles: the Classic French (3-Strand), the Dutch (Reverse French), and the Fishtail.
Each style starts with the same principle: adding hair as you go, rather than braiding just the loose ends.
Part 1: The Classic French Braid
This is the foundational style where you cross sections over the middle, creating a braid that sits on top of the hair.
What you need: A hairbrush, a hair tie, and (optional) texture spray or dry shampoo for grip if your hair is slippery.
Step-by-Step:
- Brush and Section: Brush your hair to remove tangles. Gather a triangular section of hair at the very front of your crown (from your temples to the top of your head). Split this section into 3 equal strands.
- Left strand (A)
- Middle strand (B)
- Right strand (C)
- The First Cross: This is the same as a basic 3-strand braid.
- Cross the Right strand over the Middle strand (C becomes the new middle).
- Cross the Left strand over the New Middle (A becomes the new middle).
- Add Hair (The French Technique): Now you begin incorporating the loose hair on the sides of your head.
- Add to the Right: Before crossing the right strand, add a small section of loose hair from the right side of your head to it. Then, cross that combined strand over the middle.
- Add to the Left: Before crossing the left strand, add a small section of loose hair from the left side of your head to it. Cross that combined strand over the new middle.
- Repeat: Continue alternating sides (Right, Left, Right, Left), adding a small, even section of hair each time before crossing over.
- Pro Tip: Keep your sections even. If you grab too much hair at once, the braid will look lumpy. If you grab too little, it will take forever.
- Finish: Once you reach the nape of your neck (where no loose hair remains), continue braiding the tail in a regular 3-strand braid all the way to the ends. Secure with a hair tie.
Part 2: The Dutch Braid (The “Inside Out”)
The Dutch braid is often called the “reverse French braid.” Instead of crossing strands over the middle, you cross them under. This makes the braid pop up off your head, giving a 3D, voluminous look.
Step-by-Step:
- Section: Just like the French braid, grab a large section at the crown and split into 3 strands.
- The First Cross (Reverse):
- Cross the Right strand under the Middle strand.
- Cross the Left strand under the new Middle strand.
- Add Hair (Underhand):
- Add to the Right: Add a section of hair to the right strand. Instead of crossing it over, cross it under the middle strand.
- Add to the Left: Add a section to the left strand. Cross it under the middle strand.
- Repeat: Continue alternating sides, always crossing under until you reach the nape. Finish with a regular 3-strand braid.
Part 3: The Fishtail Braid
Despite looking intricate, the fishtail is actually just two sections. It’s great for adding texture to the end of a French or Dutch braid, or worn alone.
Step-by-Step:
- Ponytail or Side Sweep: Brush your hair to one side (or secure in a low ponytail if you are a beginner).
- Split into Two: Divide the hair into two large sections: Left (1) and Right (2) .
- The “Steal” Technique:
- Using your pinky finger, take a thin strand of hair from the outside edge of the Left section.
- Cross that thin strand over to the Right section, adding it to the inside of the right side.
- Now, take a thin strand from the outside edge of the Right section.
- Cross that thin strand over to the Left section, adding it to the inside of the left side.
- Tension: Keep your tension tight. The thinner the strands you take, the more delicate and “fishbone-like” the braid will appear.
- Repeat: Continue stealing strands from the outside edges until you run out of hair. Secure with a tie.