French vs dutch braids – what is the difference between dutch and french braid?
On 1 May 2022 by adminlbIt is not clear where the french braids and dutch braids styles originated from but they are certainly a hairstyle that stood the test of time. It has always been a popular and low maintenance option and the best part about it is that anyone, no matter what age, can pull it off.
Braid is a hairstyle for any occasion
Braids are also suitable hairstyles for any occasion and any time of the day. During a busy day, braids can help keep the hair out of one’s face and are a low fuss choice. During a night out or a bridal showers, a more complicated braided hairdo can provide a stylish look.
Traditional braid, regular braid, single braid, double braid with a clear middle section, or a plait are just some available choices and the styling options are endless. They can incorporate all hair or leave free strands underneath. They can be braided in a straight line, or sideways. The main difference is the weaving technique.
Two classic braids: dutch braid and french braid
While some braids are a super fun way of hairstyling, more suitable for daily routine, others have more formal textures and are better for formal occasions. All of them have different appearances.
Amongst many different braid styles, there are two which are the most popular and most traditional: french braids and dutch braids. There are many similarities between them which can also cause some confusion. Dutch and french braids are both braided by crossing three hair strands, but there is a slight difference in braiding technique.
Origin of dutch braid vs french braid
Despite their names which suggest certain geographical locations, it is not clear where the braids originated from. The actual origins are widely disputed.
The french braids can be traced back to North Africa, going back about 6,000 years. The first depictions of women wearing this hairstyle can be found in cave art from the Tassili n’Ajjer mountain range in Algeria. Some people believe that braids can be traced back to the year 960 and originated in China’s Sung Dynasty. The braids were also seen in Greek art, i.e. on the kouros statues.
The dutch braid, which is the french braid’ younger cousin, is also believed to have its roots in Africa. The dutch braids were not invented in the Netherlands but came with emigrants who came from South Africa.
One key difference between french braid and dutch braid
The simplest way to explain the key differences between a french and a dutch braid is to describe a dutch braid as an inverted french braid. When doing a french braid three sections of hair are crossing over a center piece, and with a dutch braid, the same three sections are crossing underneath it. Therefore the dutch braid is often called a reverse french braid or inside-out braid.
French braids and dutch braids are created using almost the same techniques, as each of them is a type of a three strand braid. Neither of the two is easier to braid, but newbies usually start learning by practicing french braids. Once they learn how to do it, learning a dutch braid style is simply reversing the technique.
French braids technique
A French braid is the most commonly known plait after a basic three-strand braid.
To begin with any braiding, all hair should be well brushed. Tangles make it more difficult to pull sections of hair when creating a perfect french braid. It is also a good idea to add a bit of texture, especially with freshly washed hair, as it can be too soft and the french braid may come apart. Adding some hair products, i.e. a bit of dry shampoo or hairspray helps in such a situation.
The next step is to separate a section of hair near the head crown into three smaller sections. The exact amount of hair should go into each strand. The pattern of braiding goes as follows: left strands go over the middle section, and right strands go over the middle strand. Before crossing the next strand of hair over, another piece of hair from each side of the braid needs to be added. This process should be repeated until reaching the nape of the neck.
The end of a french braid should be tied off with a ribbon or hair tie when there are about two inches of hair left. When finished, the french braid should be smooth and tight against the scalp and incorporate all hair without any loose hair underneath.
Dutch braids technique
To start a dutch braid, the first steps are similar to the french braiding process. All the hair needs to be well brushed and a section of hair near the head crown selected and separated into three strands. As dutch braids are reverse french braids, the braiding pattern goes as follows: left strands cross under the middle strand, right strands cross under the middle strand. The process needs to be repeated until reaching the nape of the neck while adding more hair strands from each side of the braid.
As with a French braid, the end of a dutch braid should be tied off with a hair tie. The result should look more like a thick braid floating on the top of the hair, with hair sections tucked underneath, and less like a flowing waterfall.
Practice makes masters
Braiding is a process that involves weaving and in the beginning, it may not be easy to get the hair braided. The key to creating beautiful braids is practice and learning can be super fun.
With time, hand muscle memory will be created and each bride will be done faster and look better. Knowing these two basic braid techniques means two hairstyles are added to the list of beautiful new looks.
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I never knew how to make braids. This article made me think I shouldn’t give up on trying! I will keep trying and maybe one day it will work for me.