Long Hair, Hair Style

Okay, so you've got long hair – maybe even thin hair like mine – and you're dreaming of rocking those gorgeous double dutch braids with bangs. Trust me, I get it! It can feel intimidating, but with practice, you’ll master this stunning hair style. First things first, preparation is absolutely key. Before I even think about braiding, I make sure my hair is completely detangled. You know that feeling when knots make you want to give up? That's why I always start with thoroughly brushed hair. For my long, thin strands, a good wet hair brush – like the pink one I rely on – is a complete lifesaver. It glides through my hair, gently working out knots without breakage, which is super important for healthy ends. Starting with smooth hair makes the whole braiding process so much easier and helps your braids look cleaner. Once your hair is tangle-free, create a crisp center part all the way down your nape. Clip one side out of the way with a claw clip so you can focus on one braid at a time. Now, let's tackle the double dutch braid itself. Grab a small section of hair at the front of your hairline on one side of your part and divide it into three equal strands. The 'Dutch' secret is crossing the outside strands under the middle one. So, take the right strand, cross it under the middle. Then take the left strand, cross it under the (new) middle strand. Before your next cross, pick up a small, even section of loose hair from the side closest to your face and add it to the active strand, then cross that combined strand under the middle. Repeat this on the other side. Continue this process, adding hair as you work your way down your head, following the curve of your scalp. Keep your tension consistent for a neat look. When you reach your nape, or run out of hair to add, continue with a regular three-strand braid (still crossing under!) until you reach the ends. Secure it with a small elastic band. Then, repeat the entire process on the other side. Don't worry if your first few attempts aren't perfect; practice makes perfect! What about those bangs? If they're long enough, you can braid them directly into your double dutch braids from the start. Just treat them as part of the initial section. For shorter bangs, gently pull out a few wispy pieces around your temples to frame your face, or pin them back discreetly. The versatility of this hair style is amazing! For my fellow long, thin-haired friends, here are a couple of extra tips. If your hair feels a bit too slippery or thin to hold a braid well, try using a texturizing spray before you start – it adds grip and volume. After your braids are done, gently pull and 'pancake' the sections of the braid a little. This makes them appear thicker and fuller, giving you that gorgeous, voluminous look even with thinner hair. And remember, those claw clips aren't just for keeping hair off your neck – they're also super handy for temporarily holding sections of your long hair while you're working on a braid! Just keep experimenting and have fun with your beautiful braids!