10 Dutch Braid Hairstyles For Ladies That Are Trending
Dutch braids have taken the hairstyling world by storm, offering a stunning alternative to traditional French braids with their bold, raised appearance that sits beautifully on top of the hair. Also known as “inside-out braids” or “reverse French braids,” Dutch braids create a three-dimensional effect that adds texture, dimension, and eye-catching detail to any hairstyle. This versatile braiding technique works beautifully on all hair types and lengths, from fine and straight to thick and curly, making it a go-to choice for everything from casual everyday looks to elegant formal occasions. Whether you’re heading to the gym, attending a wedding, or simply want to keep your hair stylish and manageable, Dutch braids offer endless styling possibilities that are both practical and gorgeous. In this comprehensive guide, we’re showcasing 10 stunning Dutch braid hairstyles that range from simple and classic to intricate and show-stopping, complete with tips to help you master this beautiful braiding technique.
1. Classic Double Dutch Braids
The classic double Dutch braids are the foundation of Dutch braid styling, featuring two parallel braids that run from the hairline down the back of the head in perfect symmetry. This iconic style involves parting the hair down the center and creating a Dutch braid on each side, keeping the braids tight and even for a polished, athletic look. The double Dutch braids sit raised on top of the head, creating a bold, three-dimensional effect that’s both sporty and chic, making them perfect for workouts, casual outings, or festival wear. This versatile style keeps hair completely secured and off your face while looking intentionally styled rather than thrown together, making it ideal for busy days when you need your hair to stay put. Best suited for medium to long hair of any texture, double Dutch braids can last for days with proper care, making them a favorite for those seeking low-maintenance styles that still look polished and put-together.
2. Single Dutch Braid Ponytail
The single Dutch braid ponytail combines the elegance of a Dutch braid with the practicality of a ponytail, creating a sophisticated hybrid style that’s perfect for both casual and dressy occasions. This style begins with a Dutch braid starting at the crown or hairline and continuing down to the nape of the neck, where the remaining hair is gathered into a sleek ponytail. The raised braid creates visual interest and texture on top while the ponytail adds movement and versatility, allowing you to wear it high for a youthful, energetic look or low for sophisticated elegance. This combination style is particularly popular among athletes, dancers, and active women because it keeps hair completely secure during physical activity while still looking feminine and stylish. Perfect for all hair lengths (as long as you have enough length to create both the braid and ponytail) and all face shapes, this style can be dressed up with accessories or kept simple for everyday wear.
3. Dutch Braid Crown (Halo Braid)
The Dutch braid crown, also known as a halo braid, creates a regal, ethereal look by wrapping a Dutch braid around the entire head like a crown. This romantic style starts at one temple or behind one ear and continues around the head in a circular pattern, with the braid sitting raised and prominent like a beautiful woven headband. The crown effect is incredibly flattering and works beautifully for weddings, formal events, music festivals, or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly elegant. The beauty of this style lies in how it keeps all your hair secured and off your face while creating a soft, feminine silhouette that photographs beautifully from every angle. Best suited for medium to long hair, the Dutch braid crown works on all hair textures and can be made tighter for a more structured look or loosened and pulled apart slightly for a softer, more bohemian romantic vibe.
4. Side Dutch Braid
The side Dutch braid offers an asymmetrical, romantic alternative to centered braids by sweeping all the hair to one side for a soft, feminine look. This style begins at the hairline near one temple and continues diagonally across and down the head, ending at the opposite shoulder with the braid draped elegantly over one side. The diagonal placement creates visual interest and draws the eye across the face in a flattering way, making this style particularly photogenic and perfect for special occasions. The side Dutch braid can be worn sleek and tight for a more polished appearance or gently loosened for a softer, more relaxed bohemian vibe that’s perfect for beach weddings or garden parties. Ideal for all face shapes and particularly flattering on square and round faces that benefit from the diagonal lines, this style works best on medium to long hair and can be adorned with flowers, ribbons, or jeweled pins for extra glamour.
5. Dutch Braid Bun
The Dutch braid bun elegantly combines the texture of a Dutch braid with the sophistication of a classic bun, creating a polished updo that’s perfect for professional settings and formal events. This style typically features one or two Dutch braids that travel from the hairline toward the crown or nape, where the remaining hair is then wrapped and pinned into a bun. The braid adds visual interest and dimension to what might otherwise be a simple bun, creating a more complex and intentional hairstyle that looks like you spent hours in front of the mirror. This versatile updo works beautifully for weddings, business meetings, dance performances, or any occasion where you need your hair completely secured in an elegant, flattering style. Perfect for medium to long hair of any texture, the Dutch braid bun can be created as a low bun for classic sophistication, a high bun for ballet-inspired elegance, or a side bun for romantic asymmetry.
6. Mohawk Dutch Braid
The mohawk Dutch braid creates an edgy, fierce look by braiding a strip of hair down the center of the head while leaving the sides sleek or even partially shaved for maximum impact. This bold style features a single, prominent Dutch braid that runs from the hairline straight back down the center, creating a raised, three-dimensional mohawk effect without actually shaving your head. The sides are typically slicked down smooth or styled in smaller braids, creating contrast that makes the center braid stand out even more dramatically. This statement-making style has become popular in athletic settings, music festivals, and among those who want an edgy look that’s still feminine and sophisticated. Best suited for those with medium to thick hair and works on various lengths, the mohawk Dutch braid is perfect for anyone wanting to make a bold style statement while keeping their hair completely secured and manageable.
7. Dutch Braid Pigtails
Dutch braid pigtails take the classic childhood style and elevate it to a chic, modern look that’s both playful and polished for women of all ages. This youthful style features two Dutch braids that start at the temples or crown and continue down on each side of the head, ending in braided pigtails rather than being pinned up. The raised, three-dimensional quality of the Dutch braids adds sophistication to what might otherwise seem too juvenile, making this style surprisingly wearable for adults when executed well. The pigtails can be worn tight and sleek for athletic activities or gently pulled apart for a softer, more romantic finish that works beautifully for casual outings and festivals. Perfect for medium to long hair and particularly flattering on heart and oval-shaped faces, this style keeps hair completely secured while adding a touch of playful charm that’s refreshingly carefree and unpretentious.
8. Dutch Fishtail Braid Combo
The Dutch fishtail braid combo merges two popular braiding techniques into one stunning, intricate style that showcases advanced braiding skills and creates incredible texture. This sophisticated variation typically starts with a Dutch braid at the crown for volume and structure, then transitions into a fishtail braid partway down for added detail and visual interest. The combination of techniques creates a dynamic, multi-dimensional look that’s far more interesting than either braid alone, with the raised Dutch section contrasting beautifully against the intricate, woven pattern of the fishtail. This show-stopping style is perfect for special occasions, photo shoots, or anytime you want to showcase your braiding prowess and create a hairstyle that’s truly unique. Best suited for medium to long hair with some texture (the fishtail section holds better on slightly textured hair), this combination braid works beautifully on all face shapes and can be dressed up with accessories or left simple to let the intricate braiding speak for itself.
9. Dutch Braid Half-Up Half-Down
The Dutch braid half-up half-down style perfectly balances secured hair with flowing locks, creating a romantic look that’s ideal for dates, parties, and everyday elegance. This versatile style features one or two Dutch braids starting at the temples or crown and traveling back toward the center of the head, where they’re secured together, leaving the remaining hair flowing loose and free. The braided top section keeps hair off your face while adding texture and interest, while the loose bottom half maintains movement and femininity. This style is particularly flattering because it combines the security and polish of an updo with the softness and romance of wearing your hair down. Perfect for all hair lengths (as long as you have enough length to braid) and all face shapes, this half-up style works beautifully with natural texture, loose curls, or sleek straight hair, and can easily be dressed up with flowers, clips, or jeweled bobby pins.
10. Triple Dutch Braids
Triple Dutch braids take the classic double braid concept and add a third braid down the center for a bold, intricate look that’s both athletic and artistic. This eye-catching style features three parallel Dutch braids—one down each side and one down the center—creating a striking pattern with incredible dimension and texture. The three braids can be kept uniform in size for symmetry or varied in thickness, with the center braid made larger for a mohawk-inspired effect. This complex style keeps every strand of hair secured and creates a geometric pattern on the head that’s both functional and fashionable, perfect for athletes, dancers, or anyone wanting maximum security with serious style. Best suited for medium to long hair with enough thickness to divide into three substantial sections, triple Dutch braids work on all hair textures and can last for several days with proper care, making them ideal for vacations, busy schedules, or protective styling for natural hair.
Conclusion
Dutch braid hairstyles offer the perfect combination of practicality, beauty, and versatility that makes them ideal for women leading active, busy lives who still want to look polished and put-together. From the athletic simplicity of double Dutch braids to the romantic elegance of a Dutch braid crown, these ten styles demonstrate just how adaptable and stunning this braiding technique can be for any occasion or personal style preference. The beauty of Dutch braids lies not only in their raised, three-dimensional appearance but also in their ability to keep hair secured for days while still looking intentionally styled and beautifully crafted. Whether you’re a braiding beginner starting with a simple single braid ponytail or an experienced stylist ready to tackle the intricate Dutch fishtail combo, there’s a Dutch braid variation perfect for your skill level and style goals. Practice makes perfect with braiding techniques, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless—grab your hairbrush, section your hair, and start experimenting with these gorgeous styles that have been adorning heads and turning heads for generations!
