How to Do a Dutch Flower Braid

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Updated: March 29, 2019

The Dutch flower braid is an intricate braid that starts as a regular Dutch braid, then coils into a delicate flower-like bun. It looks difficult and intimidating, but it can be easy once you know what to do. You will need to know some basic braiding skills for this braid, including the Dutch braid, basic braid, and waterfall braid.

Part 1 of 3:
Doing the Front of the Braid

  1. 1
    Part your hair to the left. Make sure that the part extends down the back of your head, towards the nap of your neck.
    • You can part your hair to the right, but you will need to reverse all of the steps in this article.
  2. 2
    Gather a small section of hair from the left side of your part. The section should be right between the hairline and the part.
  3. 3
    Start a normal braid for two stitches. Separate the section into three strands. Cross the left strand under the middle strand. Cross the right strand under the middle strand.
    • You are crossing the strands under instead of over in preparation for the Dutch braid.
  4. 4
    Start Dutch braiding your hair. Continue crossing the left and right strands under the middle one. Add a little bit of hair to the left and right strands just before crossing them. When you reach the back of your ear, stop.[1]
    • Keep the braid on the center-side of your head, between your ear and the side part.

Part 2 of 3:
Doing the Side and Back of the Braid

  1. 1
    Continue Dutch braiding across the back of your head towards your right ear. If you are having trouble Dutch braiding horizontally, try a Dutch waterfall braid. Instead of adding hair to both of the top and bottom strands, you will only add hair to the top strand.[2]
  2. 2
    Dutch braid straight down for a few stitches. When you reach the right side of your head, pause. Angle your braid downward, and Dutch braid for a few stitches. This will create a sort of curved shape.[3]
  3. 3
    Continue Dutch braiding back towards the left side. You are forming something that looks like an "S" or a zigzag.[4]
  4. 4
    Finish off by doing a regular braid. Secure the end of the braid with a mini hair tie or clear elastic.

Part 3 of 3:
Making the Flower

  1. 1
    Fluff up the braid. Gently tug on the left loops that make up the braid. You want to pull them out of the braid just enough to create petal-like arches. You only need to do this for one side of the braid.[5]
  2. 2
    Wrap the braid counterclockwise into a spiral bun. Work your way from the outside of the spiral inward. Tuck the end of the braid into the center. Hold the bun steady with your hand.[6]
    • Keep the fluffed out loops of the braid on the outside of the spiral.
  3. 3
    Secure the bun with bobby pins. Insert them starting from the outside of the bun, then work your way inward. Try to hide the pins inside the bun so as not to detract from the overall look.[7]
  4. 4
    Touch it up. Use your fingers to loosen the outer loops of the braids as needed to form the petals. If anything feels too loose, secure it with a bobby pin.
  5. 5
    Consider inserting a mini flower hair clip into the center. This will add that final, magical touch to your braid. You can also use a bridal rhinestone clip as well.[8] It should be no bigger than your thumbnail. If it's too big, it will look tacky.

Community Q&A

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      • Use bobby pins that match your hair color.
      • If you have brightly-colored hair, such as blue or purple, consider painting the bobby pins with nail polish that matches your hair color.
      • It is easier to braid unwashed hair than freshly-washed hair. If you hair is too smooth to hold the braid, add some texturizing spray or mousse to it.
      • Keep the braid nice and tight. This way, when you fluff it up at the end, it won't be too loose.


      Things You'll Need

      • Mini hair ties or clear elastics
      • Bobby pins

      About This Article

      Co-Authored By:
      wikiHow Staff Editor
      8 votes - 28%
      Co-authors: 2
      Updated: March 29, 2019
      Views: 3,710
      Categories: Dutch Braids

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