Lesson 59: Half Dutch Braid

The half dutch braid is similar to the dutch braid, but you only add hair to one side.  This is one of my favorites to play with because the braid covers up the part.  Today I started by parting the hair from ear to ear and pulling the bottom half into a temporary hairband.

Start on one side by getting a small section of hair and dividing it into three pieces.  Begin like a regular upside down braid: one side under middle then other side under middle.  Begin with the side that is away from the part.

Now add hair to the next section ready to go under.  Gather the new hair all the way back to the part, then cross it all under the middle piece.

Bring the next piece under the middle without adding any hair to it.

Continue in this pattern--adding hair only on the side away from the part--until you run out of hair to add in.  Continue braiding, and add an elastic.

The beginning of the braid doesn't cover the part as well.  I am experimenting to find a solution to that, if there is one.  Please leave a comment if you have a trick.

You can leave it like this, or pull it back with all the rest of the hair into a ponytail.  I added a bow and this cute flower from Gimme Clips.