Mermaids have the best hair. I blame Disney for my mermaid hair obsession, because how can anyone’s hair be that nice when it’s always wet?
This double side braid is often called a mermaid braid as it gives the illusion of having a super-thick side braid. It looks like a 6-strand braid but it’s really two regular 3-strand braids pinned together so it’s really easy to do in your own hair.
Often when I’m playing around with my hair to create new tutorials I’ll stumble across a style accidentally. That’s how this Dutch mermaid side braid came about.
I only rediscovered this look when I was sorting through some old photos and I can’t believe I never posted it before. You might remember the Big Braided Bun Tutorial that I shot for Latest Hairstyles and this is a variation on that Dutch braid.
Hairstyle Tutorial – Dutch side mermaid braid
Step-by-step
- Take a one inch section on top of your part and split into three. This is the start of the Dutch braid.
- Cross the right piece under the middle, then the left piece under the right, forming a braid. When you cross the middle section under, add in some hair.
- Continue braiding and only add in hair on the right side. So when you cross under from the left side you don’t add in any hair. Angle your braid along your hairline and over the top of your ear. Stop adding in hair when you pass your ear. Finish the braid and secure with a small clear elastic.
- Stretch out your braid! To get this big dramatic braid, you need to gently pull at the sides of your braid to widen it.
- Split the rest of your hair into three. This will be a reverse braid, the same as the end of the Dutch braid.
- Cross the left piece under the middle, then the right piece under the right, forming a braid. Continue braiding all the sections.
- Secure both braids together. Use a small clear hair elastic or one that matches your hair colour.
- Pin the braids together. Use bobby pins on the underside of the braid to pin them together so they look like one large braid.
Styling tips
- This style is perfect for long hair to very long hair. If your hair is shorter than mine, stick to the braided bun version.
- You can add in some clip-in hair extensions to create a longer, thicker braid.
- If you have a fringe / bangs, you can sweep them back and pin them underneath the braid as I’ve done in the photos. Alternatively you can include them with the first braid to keep all your hair off your face.
- Use bobby pins in a colour that matches your hair so they’re not obvious when you pin the braids together, I like to weave them through the underside of the braid so they don’t show through.
- If you’re not confident with doing the Dutch braid in your own hair, just do two regular reverse braids at the side.
Is your hair long enough to try this braid? I’d love to see a picture if you try it in your hair. Tag your instagram photos #hairromance to share them.
Also, have you always wondered how mermaids had such beautiful hair when they’re always in the water?
jade says
My boyfriend asked me out when I had this hairstyle. It’s so cute.
Hair Romance says
That is awesome Jade! I’m totally calling this a boyfriend-getting hairstyle now x
Nisha Khan says
I Love this hairstyle and i will make soon
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Hair Romance says
Thank you x
Erica says
I love the look of this braid. But not to take away from this beautiful work, but do you think certain hair colors make certain hairstyles look better?
For say this looks wonderful on this lady, but what about a lady with black hair? Do you think it would look just as good? I like hearing other peoples opinions about my thoughts.
Hair Romance says
I know what you mean Erica, it can be hard to see details in dark hair. Simpler twists can look just as good in dark hair, or for special occasions I recommend adding some clip in highlights to really show the detail in the style
Elina says
I will try this for sure! Looks great!
And hair in the underwater pictures look marvelous… Maybe it is secret of mermaids hair! 😉
Hair Romance says
Thanks Elina! I love underwater hair photos, maybe the secret is never coming out of the water, which is why I can’t achieve mermaid hair 😉
Smaggle says
Oh I love this one! My hair is uneven at the moment so it should work perfectly. Cute earrings too.
Hair Romance says
Thanks! Earrings are just from Diva or Lovisa I think. Dutch braids are my fave in curly hair as they stand out and really work with the texture of curly hair x
sasa says
wow beautiful braid:) <3
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Hair Romance says
Thank you xx
Stacy says
I do this a lot to my hair…great tutorial! I generally just wrap the two braids around each other and they stay together pretty well.
Hair Romance says
Wrapping them is a great idea Stacy! xx
yojo says
this is sooo cute!! Am going to try this for sure!!
Hair Romance says
Yay thanks Yojo! xx
Tereza says
Perfect braid to dress up any outfit!
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Hair Romance says
Thanks Tereza! xx
Phyrra says
I love this so much!
Hair Romance says
Thanks lovely! xx