French Vs Dutch Braids: What Are The Differences And Similarities?

French and Dutch braids can easily adapt to various moods and looks. Whether you opt for the textured boldness of Dutch braids or the understated elegance of French braids, you can style your hair easily with both. However, understanding their differences and similarities should be a priority when pondering French vs Dutch braids for your next hairstyle.

The French braid is a classic choice of hair. It involves weaving your mane into a sleek braid starting from the upper segment of the head down the back. However, the Dutch option should be your go-to option if you are looking forward to adding some dimension. 

French vs Dutch braids

French and Dutch braids are super fun ways of switching up your hair whenever possible. However, before deciding which one works and looks better on you, it is important to know all their similarities and differences.

Differences between French vs Dutch braids

Are French braids and Dutch braids the same? No. Each has unique features that set it apart. Understanding these differences is important as they will guide you in your decision-making. These differences include:

Braiding process

A Dutch braid is made by tucking each sections of your mane under the other forming an raised pattern. This lifts the braid slightly away from the scalp to a cute 3D effect.

A French braid, on the other contrary, involves weaving sections of your mane over the top. The style sits flat on the scalp and this creates a seamless resembling traditional braids.

Volume

Naturally, Dutch braids offer more volume due to their raised profile. On the other hand, French braids offer less volume because they are closer to the head.

Dimension

The Dutch braid’s technique of weaving makes it more pronounced. On top of that, if you want a stylish yet protective hairstyle this is the right one to try.

On the other hand, a French braid seem smoother and flatter. Therefore, it results into an appearance that blends better with the shape of your head. The hairstyle's uniformity makes for a refined silhouette appearance.

Styling options

The choice of braiding option is determined by mood and occasion. Therefore, Dutch braids are better if you want something more casual. Thanks to their volume and floating above the scalp illusion, they relay a bolder statement.

On the other hand, French braids should be your go-to option for all formal events. Their flowy nature, which seamlessly blends with the flow of your natural hair, projects a sense of youthful and sweet innocence.

Similarities between French vs Dutch braids

Even though the major debate between French and Dutch braids is primarily centred on their distinctive differences, a few features unite the two styles. The similarities between French and Dutch braids include:

Placement

The French and the Dutch braid have a similar placement style. Traditionally, both begin at the top of your head before flowing swiftly down towards the nape of your neck and finishing off as a regular braid.

Basic structure

The typical structure of Dutch and French braids is the same. They fundamentally have three strands that are familiar to many other plaiting techniques.

Versatility

Both the French and Dutch braids offer an incredible base for countless variations. You can easily transition between playful side braids to elegant up-dos with either of them. You can also do different types of braids, such as:

• Pigtail
• Crown
• Head
• Half-French/half-Dutch

Additionally, you can use as many hair accessories as you want to get that extra oomph factor.

Lasting hold

When plaiting the French and Dutch braids, gradually add a thin section of hair to one of the main hair strands right before you intertwine it. This plaiting technique effortlessly bounds the hair, giving it a longer-lasting hold.

Elegance

Since both styles intimately lay against the scalp, they end up creating an incredibly refined and structured appearance.

Scalp-adherence

Both braids display a crafted, put-together sleekness regardless of your choice. Therefore, they bring a touch of sophistication to your hairstyle and overall appearance, as both braids.

How to do a French braid

What are French braids good for? Among other things, they are good for preventing hair damage. Therefore, if you want to rock this simple hairstyle, here is a detailed guide on how to weave it:

• Step one:  Comb your mane to detangle and smoothen it out before you start the braiding process.
• Step two: Divide the section of hair at the top of your head into three sections (equal) – left, middle, and right.
• Step three: Start the basic braiding process, which involves crossing the right strand of hair over the middle. This is followed by the left over the new middle. This is done to set the foundation.
• Step four: Add a small section of hair to the right strand from the right section before crossing it over the middle. Repeat the same on the left side. Keep alternating from right to left as you go down.
• Step five: Repeat the process by incorporating hair from both the left and right sides and crossing them over. Remember to maintain a snug yet comfortable tension as you head down the nape of your neck.
• Step six: Once all hair has been woven into the French braid, complete it off like a standard braid.
• Step seven: Lastly, secure the tail end with a hair tie.

How to do a Dutch braid

Is Dutch braid over or under? A Dutch braid is done by weaving each hairpiece under and not over. With just a comb and hair elastic, here is a guide on how to do a Dutch braid:

• Step one: Begin by brushing your hair to detangle it.
• Step two: Take one section of top hair and split it into three equal parts—left, middle, and right.
• Step three: Pick the hair from the right side and cross it underneath the middle. Repeat the process with the left partition.
• Step four: Continue adding more hair every time you are crossing a segment of it under the middle section.
• Step five: Continue adding more hair as you cross it under the middle. Do this until you are done with the entire head.
• Step six: Finalize the process by braiding the final length, ending it like a normal braid.
• Step seven: At the end, use an elastic band to secure the braid.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do French or Dutch braids make your hair curlier? Dutch braids make your hair curlier because they create huge voluminous waves.
2. What is the difference between French and Dutch braids? In a French braid, hair strands are used over the middle segment, while in doing a Dutch braid, hair strands are used under the middle section.
3. Are French braids harder than box braids? Neither the French nor the box braids are harder than each other. The level of ease or hardness depends on different factors.
4. Can a person use extensions when plaiting Dutch and French braids? Yes. You can seamlessly incorporate hair extensions into both braids if you want to add volume and length.
5. What is the difference between a fishtail braid and a French braid? A fishtail braid resembles a French braid in its smoothly woven appearance but divides the hair into only two sections instead of three.
6. Between Dutch and French braids, which is better for thick hair? A Dutch braid is the best choice for thick hair since both its structure and technique of plaiting accommodates voluminous mane.
7. Is a Dutch braid tighter than a French braid? Yes, Dutch braids are a bit tighter than French braids due to the need to maintain a raised appearance.
8. Can you a Dutch and French braid in one hairstyle? Yes, you can merge the two hairstyles if you want a versatile appearance.

Wrapping up

Choosing between French vs Dutch braids narrows down to your preference since there are only a few differences and similarities. However, even though braiding them can be challenging for beginners, a little practice will lead to perfection. Also, regardless of your choice, you will still look flawless in them.

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Angel bite piercings are double piercings positioned symmetrically above the upper lip. On the other hand, angel fangs are different because they pierce through the lip downward, giving the appearance of fangs.