Dutch braids are my favorite braid for curly hair. This hairstyle suits curl hair as the braid sits in reverse, and works well with textured hair.
I’m often asked why I straighten my hair for tutorials, and it’s just because I find it easier to shoot the step-by-step. It’s clearer to see what’s happening with straight hair. That doesn’t mean that the styles I post don’t look great in curly hair, and some look even better with added curl.
You’ve asked for more curly hair tutorials, so here is my Dutch braided upstyle that’s perfect for days when you need to put your hair up for school or work. It’s also great for those super humid days when your curls are going crazy and you need your hair off your neck.
Hairstyle for curly hair: Dutch braid tutorial
This hairstyle can be done in wet or dry hair, and looks great in second (or third!) day curls. It’s best for medium to long hair. If you have very long hair, it may be harder to twist around into the bun at the end. Try creating a larger bun, or leave your hair out in a side braid.
Step-by-Step
- Start by taking a section of hair at the front of your head. I usually take a section from my natural part across to the end of my left eyebrow. Split this section in to three equal sections.
- Begin a Dutch braid. This is the reverse of a French braid. Take the left section under the middle, and the right section under the left. Add in a small section of hair to the middle piece and bring that under the right section.
- Continue braiding down the back of your head, adding in small sections of hair as you go. Always bring the hair underneath so that your braid sits on top of your hair.
- Take a slight diagonal angle with your braid from the top left of your head to the bottom right. Once you reach the end of your hair, finish in a reverse braid and secure the end of your hair with a clear elastic.
- Stretch out your braid to emphasize the shape of your hair. Gently pull at the sides of the braid to loosen it. This will make your hair look thicker.
- Twist the end of your braid up and around to form a bun. Pin in place with bobby pins.
Styling Tips
Don’t try to make this style too perfect. The beauty of curls is their messy texture, so embrace it and leave some hair loose around your face if you have layers.
I sometimes find that my curls can be a little knotty and it’s hard to add in neat sections. You can see if Picture 5 above that I use one hand to hold the braid, and the other to separate a section of hair. this makes it easier when adding hair to the braid.
Of course this style works for straight hair too and you can see this Dutch Braided Upstyle in straight hair here.
Have you tried Dutch braids in your curly hair? Let me know any other tutorials you’d like to see on Hair Romance in the comments.
Your braids always seem so thick and big! My hair is naturally straight and is all virgin so how can i get the braids to get thicker? And the same with buns as well!
Thanks! Sophia
I absolutely loved this- when I did it for school I got so many compliments – this is literally the best site on earth and thank you so much for uploading all these tutorials!
Thanks so much for trying it Michaela! Xx
Let me tell you something: I live Paris (France) which is known as one of the most fashion cities of the world, and I have never seen such an amazing hairstyle for curly hair. So, thank you and most of all, congratulations! (Curly haired girls are the best) PS: Sorry for my bad english, I hope you’ll understand what I mean!
Merci beaucoup Nina!! So glad you love curly hair too xx
Wow! I love it!
I’m not quit sure If I can handle my hair like this, but I’ll try.
Thanks Tabet!
awesome.
Thank you x
This is such a stunning hairstyle, I love the little side-bun, it just gives it some vavavoom. So pretty!
Thanks Sara-May! Love finding a style that works in curly and straight hair x
1) I LOVE this braid
2) Can you please give some tutorials on hair styles for shorter hair, lets say, shoulder length?
3) I LOVE YOU!
Thanks so much Cate!! Xx I am planning to do a series soon featuring other hair types so stay tuned…x
I LOVE dutch braids so much. And they look so good on your curly hair, Christina. Do you have any ideas how to “dress it up” (accessories it)?
Thanks Nana! You could use small jewelled pins down the centre of the braid, or add a clip or flower to the centre of the braided bun x
I adore this. My hair is pretty similar in texture to yours, maybe a little less curly, but I think because of my layers (also, it’s super long), I honestly struggle with even just normal braids. I wish I was more skilled with braiding, because this is such a put-together looking style
Thanks Catherine! Braiding just takes practice, you’ll find it will become easier and faster the more you do it x
Lovely braid! I’ve tried most of your styles on my waves/curls. I hardly ever straighten my hair these days, as its too much fuss and I much prefer to try and live with what I have. My waves and curls help to give my fine hair more volume. I agree sometimes I find it hard to section, I’ve found I can get away with more oil or butter in my ends when braiding, helps to smooth my frizzes and knots slip out. I’ve even put in a Deep treatment then braided and washed out that night. I am envious at how “full” and “volumous” your braids always look.
Thank you! That is such a fantastic idea to braid in a deep treatment! Setting up a home spa for myself one night next week x
Looks awesome! Love how much thicker your braid is because of your curls. Gorgeous.
Thanks so much Becky! X
Luv this Dutch braid! Looks absolutely amazing with the wavy/curly hair.