Dutch braids look lovely on curly hair. In this post, I have created a step-by-step video to show you how to dutch braid your curly hair on both sides. I will also go over some things you should know if you’re planning to do a dutch braid on curly hair.

How to Dutch Braid Curly Hair (2 Sides)

Check out this step-by-step video that we made to show you exactly how to do a dutch braid on your hair.
 

Is It Better To Dutch Braid Curly Hair Wet Or Dry? 

Dutch braiding is a style of braiding that has you crossing the hair underneath sections instead of over like a traditional French braid. The way braids lay has one on each side of your head, creating a part down the middle of the top of your head that extends to the back.

For those with curly hair, Dutch braids are best to braid when your hair is wet. Since your curls are toned down from the water, your straighter hair can be braided in a way that your dry hair cannot. It also gives you neater braids than if you were braiding your hair dry.

When braiding your hair dry, you can encounter more instances of frizzing and flyaway hair. When your hair is wet, it is flatter, allowing you to grip it more easily and giving you more control over the braiding process. 

Does Dutch Braiding Hair Ruin Curls?  

For those who have naturally straight or wavy hair, Dutch braiding can provide a way to create curls. This works best if your hair is wet and you sleep with the Dutch braids in. This style can encourage curling if done every night.

If done often enough, Dutch braids can ruin curls. For those who have naturally curly hair, it may be tempting to braid your hair after a shower in order to minimize drying time. If you Dutch braid your hair every night, your hair can lose its natural curl pattern and develop a new one based on the braids.

To prevent Dutch braids from ruining your curls, don’t constantly braid your hair. Give your hair time to regain its shape by brushing it out with a wide-toothed comb. Switch out your towels for microfiber fabric and scrunch your hair instead of scrubbing it dry after a shower. This will encourage the moisture retained from your shower to stay in your hair instead of being soaked up completely when drying off.  

How Do You Keep Dutch Braids Overnight?

To protect your dutch braids overnight, you can try to use a silk scarf, pillow case, or apply natural oils to your dutch braids

Try Using a Silk Scarf

If you’re planning to keep your Dutch braids overnight, one of the best ways to keep them is by placing them inside a silk scarf.

You’ll need a sizable piece of fabric in order to cover all of your hair, something around 40in by 40in is best. To make sure that all your hair is covered, you’ll need to lift your braids from your shoulders to rest on the top of your head. If your braids are shorter, you can fold them so they rest against the back of your head.

Then, place the scarf around your head so that the corners are facing front and tie it up. Don’t tie it too tight that it’s squishing your braids; you want it to be loose enough that it’s not constricting your hair, but tight enough that it won’t fall off your head when you’re asleep.

If you have shorter braids that aren’t able to be folded on top of your head or if your braids are thicker than moving them around too much pulls at your scalp, you’ll need at least two silk scarves to wrap around your hair. You can use them to wrap each braid individually, then use the rest to cover the top of your head.

Try Using a Pillowcase

You can also use a satin pillowcase if you don’t have silk scarves. Pillowcases made of cotton can rub against your braids to make them frizzy. Satin is a much softer fabric that is gentle on your hair and will keep your braids looking fresh even after a long night.

Apply Natural Oils

Another way to assist in keeping your Dutch braids is to treat them by blotting certain oils against your braids before going to bed. Take two to three drops each of grapeseed oil, tea tree oil, and Jamaican castor oil and mix them in a small cup or bowl.

Using your finger, dip into the oil and apply the oil in between your braids and to any exposed portions of your scalp. These oils are known for nourishing both your skin and hair, so applying this oil whenever you have your braids in overnight will help to keep your hair healthy. 

How To Dutch Braid Without Frizz?

Dutch braids tend to be frizzy once you’ve finished braiding your dry hair. To help with this frizz, one of the best things you can do is brush your hair out before you begin braiding. This will allow you to have fewer flyaway strands when you braid.

Using a pomade after brushing your hair can also give you control over your hair’s frizz. The pomade acts as a way for your hair to grip into the braid easier, while also providing your hair with a nice shine. If you don’t have pomade, applying hairspray after braiding your hair will keep any flyaways and frizz from appearing.

If you still find your hair frizzy when Dutch braiding it, make sure that you pull your braids tight. Maintain the tension while you braid so that your hair stays in place after you put your hair tie in to finish it off. Leaving your braids looser can allow more contact with the air and cause your hair to frizz more easily.

The simplest way to Dutch braid your hair without encountering frizz is to braid it while it’s wet. As with maintaining tension, your hair will be easier to handle and keep its shape better when it’s wet or damp.

If all else fails and you still find your hair becoming frizzy after Dutch braiding hair, you can use an anti-frizz hair serum to calm it down. For best results, apply the serum to your hair after braiding it and find a product that can be sprayed for easier application.