The Ultimate 7-Step Guide: How To Master Double Dutch Braids On Kids (Even If You’re A Beginner)

Learning how to do double Dutch braids on a child is one of the most rewarding skills a parent or guardian can master. As of December 2025, this classic, athletic hairstyle—often called "boxer braids"—remains one of the most popular and practical looks for school, sports, and everyday wear because it keeps hair neatly contained and off the face for days. While the technique may seem intimidating at first, it is simply a variation of the classic three-strand braid, utilizing an "underhand" motion that makes the braid stand out from the head, creating a beautiful, three-dimensional effect. This comprehensive guide is specifically tailored for beginners working with a child’s hair, providing the freshest, easiest step-by-step instructions, essential tools, and expert troubleshooting tips to ensure your braids are neat, comfortable, and long-lasting.

The key to a successful double Dutch braid lies in proper preparation and consistent hand placement. Unlike a French braid, where you cross the strands over the middle piece, the Dutch braid requires you to cross the strands under the middle piece. This simple inversion is the secret to the braid's signature raised look. By following the steps below and focusing on keeping the tension even, you will be creating salon-quality double Dutch braids in no time.

Essential Toolkit: Prepping for the Perfect Double Dutch Braid

Before you even touch the hair, gathering the right tools is half the battle. Working on a child’s hair requires patience and the right products to minimize tugging and maximize comfort. Using quality tools designed for detangling and smoothing fine or curly hair will make the entire process significantly easier.

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• Detangling Brush/Comb: A wet brush or wide-tooth comb is crucial for ensuring the hair is completely free of knots before braiding.
• Sectioning Clips: These are non-negotiable! You need at least two large clips to secure the unbraided side and the bottom section of the hair.
• Rat-Tail Comb: Essential for creating a clean, crisp center part and for sectioning off the initial braiding pieces.
• Hair Elastics/Bands: Small, clear, or hair-colored elastics are best for securing the ends of the braids.
• Styling Product (The Secret Weapon): A lightweight detangling spray, braiding mousse, or leave-in conditioner should be applied to slightly damp hair. These products add moisture, reduce flyaways, and provide the necessary "grip" for the strands to hold together, especially helpful for fine or silky hair.

Pro Tip: For the best results, start with day-old hair or hair that has been misted with a detangling spray until it is slightly damp. Clean, freshly washed hair is often too silky and slippery for beginners to manage effectively.

Step-by-Step Mastery: The 7-Step Double Dutch Braid Technique

This method breaks down the process into seven manageable steps, focusing on one side at a time. Remember to keep your hands close to the scalp and maintain firm, but gentle, tension throughout the process.

1. Create a Clean Center Part and Separate

Using a rat-tail comb, draw a sharp, clean line from the center of the forehead all the way down to the nape of the neck. This creates the two halves for your double braids. Clip one side completely out of the way to prevent it from interfering with your work. The unbraided section should be securely clipped near the ear or shoulder.

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2. Isolate the Starting Section

On the working side, take a small, triangular section of hair near the hairline (at the top of the head). The size of this initial section determines the size of your final braid. Separate this small section into three equal, smaller strands: Left (L), Middle (M), and Right (R).

3. Execute the First Dutch Crossover (The Under-Hand Move)

This is the core technique that makes the braid "pop." Instead of crossing over, you will cross under:

• Take the Right (R) strand and cross it UNDER the Middle (M) strand. The Right strand is now the new Middle strand.
• Take the Left (L) strand and cross it UNDER the new Middle strand. The Left strand is now the new Middle strand.

4. Incorporate New Hair (The Pick-Up)

After the first two crossovers, you must begin adding hair. This is the crucial step of an "attached" braid:

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• Take the Right strand (now on the right side). Before crossing it under, pick up a small, even section of loose hair from the hairline and add it to the Right strand.
• Cross the combined Right strand + New Hair UNDER the Middle strand.

5. Repeat the Pick-Up on the Left Side

Mirror the process on the opposite side:

• Take the Left strand (now on the left side). Pick up a small, even section of loose hair from the scalp and add it to the Left strand.
• Cross the combined Left strand + New Hair UNDER the Middle strand.

6. Continue Braiding Down the Head

Continue repeating Steps 4 and 5, working your way down the side of the head. The trick is to always pick up the same amount of hair with each pass, ensuring the braid stays even and straight. Once you have run out of loose hair to add, you have reached the nape of the neck.

7. Finish with a Standard Braid and Secure

Once all the hair has been incorporated, finish the remaining length with a simple three-strand braid (crossing strands over each other). Secure the end tightly with a hair elastic. Unclip the second side and repeat the entire process, aiming to start and finish the second braid at the same height and tension as the first.

Troubleshooting and Pro-Tips for Different Hair Types

Every child's hair is different—from fine, wispy toddler hair to thick, curly manes. These expert tips will help you adapt the basic technique for a perfect finish every time, boosting your confidence as a braider.

Making Braids Look Thicker (Pancaking)

If your child has fine or thin hair, you can create the illusion of voluminous, thick braids using a technique called "pancaking."

• The Technique: Once the braid is completely finished and secured with an elastic, gently hold the base of the braid with one hand. With the other hand, lightly pull and tug on the outer loops of the braid, working from the bottom up.
• The Result: This loosens the strands, flattens the braid, and makes it look significantly wider and fuller. This is a must-try for achieving the popular, chunky "Instagram-ready" look.

Handling Fine or Short Toddler Hair

Fine or toddler hair is notoriously difficult because of flyaways and lack of grip.

• Use Gel or Mousse: Apply a small amount of hair gel or mousse directly to the section you are about to braid. Comb it smooth before you start. This tames tiny baby hairs and gives the strands the necessary friction to hold the braid tight.
• Keep Sections Small: When picking up new hair, keep the sections very small and neat. Larger sections on fine hair tend to unravel more easily.

Avoiding Discomfort and Breakage

Children are sensitive to tight hairstyles. The biggest mistake beginners make is braiding too tightly.

• Focus on the Section: While the tension must be firm enough to hold the braid, the tightness should be concentrated on the strands you are crossing under, not on pulling the hair away from the scalp.
• Check-In Often: Ask your child if the braid feels too tight around their temples or behind their ears. A comfortable braid is a successful braid.

Dutch Braid vs. French Braid: Why the "Under" Matters

Understanding the fundamental difference between the Dutch braid and the French braid is essential for any beginner. Both are "attached" braids that incorporate new hair as you go, but their appearance is completely different.

• French Braid (Over): The strands are crossed OVER the middle section. This causes the braid to lie flat and blend into the hair, creating a smooth, woven look.
• Dutch Braid (Under): The strands are crossed UNDER the middle section. This pushes the woven part of the braid upward, making it sit on top of the head like a crown or a piece of rope. This is why it is often called a "reverse French braid."

The double Dutch braid is a versatile, long-lasting hairstyle perfect for active kids. With the right tools and a little practice of the "under-hand" technique, you will quickly move from a beginner to a confident braider. Don't be discouraged by flyaways on your first attempt—consistency is the key to mastering this popular, elegant look.