Master Hailey Baldwin’s Double Dutch Braids: Your Ultimate Guide to Chic, Celebrity-Inspired Hair
On June 21, all eyes were on Hailey Baldwin as she stepped out for lunch with Justin Bieber at Cipriani’s in New York City, sporting a flawlessly executed set of double Dutch braids. This chic and practical hairstyle perfectly complemented her striking cat-eye liner and subtle pink lips, making a strong statement of effortless cool. Far from just a casual look, Hailey’s braids showcased how a classic style can be elevated to high fashion, suitable for everything from a casual city outing to a more polished event. Her choice immediately sparked interest, inspiring many to seek out the secrets to replicating this trendy yet timeless hairdo.
While the exact stylist for Hailey’s look wasn’t confirmed, we turned to a true braiding virtuoso, celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, for her expert insights. Known for her work with an impressive roster of A-list celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Lea Michele, and Emily Blunt, Sarah is a pioneer in the world of hair styling. Her dedication to mastering braids is legendary, highlighted by her incredible feat of creating a different braid every day for an entire year on her Instagram. Although she didn’t personally style Hailey’s specific braids on this occasion, Sarah possesses unparalleled knowledge and technique when it comes to intricate braiding, making her the perfect guide to achieving Hailey’s coveted double Dutch braid look.
Understanding the Allure of Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids, often confused with French braids, possess a distinct characteristic that makes them pop: they lie on top of the hair, giving a more pronounced and textured appearance. This “inverted” braiding technique is what makes them so visually striking and a favorite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, double Dutch braids offer a myriad of benefits that make them ideal for various occasions and lifestyles. They are excellent for keeping hair neatly contained, especially during warm weather or intense activities. The structured nature of the braids also helps to protect your hair from environmental damage and tangles, making them a practical choice for busy schedules. Furthermore, they are incredibly versatile, adaptable to different hair types and lengths, and can be styled in numerous ways once you master the basic technique.
Hailey Baldwin’s interpretation of this style demonstrated its innate elegance and ability to frame the face beautifully, highlighting her features. The tight, sleek execution of her braids exuded sophistication, proving that braids are not just for casual days but can be a powerful fashion statement. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, put-together vibe like Hailey’s or a more relaxed, bohemian look, the double Dutch braid serves as an excellent foundation for a multitude of styles. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its versatility, comfort, and undeniable chic factor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hailey Baldwin’s Double Dutch Braids by Sarah Potempa
Achieving Hailey Baldwin’s sleek double Dutch braids might seem daunting at first glance, but with Sarah Potempa’s expert guidance and a little practice, you’ll be braiding like a pro in no time. The key is in the preparation and understanding the “under” motion that defines the Dutch braid. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to master this stunning hairstyle:
1. Essential Hair Preparation: Creating a Clean Canvas
“Begin by creating a clean part down the middle of your head. A crisp, straight part is fundamental for symmetrical braids that look professional and polished. For best results, start with clean, dry hair. If your hair tends to be textured or prone to frizz, proper preparation is crucial. I recommend using a high-quality smoothing product or a tool like the Beachwaver CoastPro to gently smooth out any unwanted flyaways and create a sleek foundation. This step ensures that your braids will be smooth and uniform from root to tip, mirroring Hailey’s refined look. If you don’t have a specific smoothing tool, a flat brush and a light-hold styling cream can help tame unruly strands and give your hair the necessary control for braiding.”
2. Sectioning for Success: Starting the Braid
“Once your hair is prepped and parted, take a small, manageable section of hair at the front hairline, directly beside your middle part. This initial section will be the starting point for your first braid. Divide this small section into three equal strands. The size of this initial section is important; too large, and your braid might become bulky too quickly; too small, and it might be difficult to maintain tension. Aim for strands that are roughly a half-inch to an inch wide, depending on your hair thickness and desired braid size. This precise sectioning sets the stage for a neat and even braid.”
3. Mastering the Inverted Technique: The Dutch Braid Mantra
“Now, let’s dive into the core of the Dutch braid – the inverted 3-strand technique. Unlike a French braid where you cross strands OVER the middle, for a Dutch braid, you cross them UNDER the middle. My mantra for this is simple and effective: ‘Right under the middle, left under the middle.’ Start by taking the left strand and crossing it UNDER the middle strand. Then, take the right strand and cross it UNDER the new middle strand. This ‘under’ motion is what makes the braid stand out from your scalp, creating that beautiful raised effect. Maintain consistent tension throughout this process to ensure your braid is tight and uniform.”
4. Incorporating Hair: Building the Braid
“Continue to repeat the ‘Right under the middle, left under the middle’ steps, but with a crucial addition: as you cross each strand under the middle, pick up a small, equal section of loose hair from the scalp and add it to the strand before crossing it under. For example, when you take the left strand to cross it under, gather a small piece of hair from the left side of your scalp and merge it with that left strand. Do the same on the right side. This is how the braid progressively integrates more hair from your head, creating a seamless, attached look. Ensure that the sections of hair you add are consistent in size; this consistency is key to a smooth and evenly textured braid. Continue this process, following the curve of your head, until you reach the nape of your neck or have incorporated all the hair you wish to include in the braid. From there, continue with a standard three-strand braid down the remaining length of your hair.”
5. Securing and Repeating: Finishing the First Braid
“Once you’ve braided down to your desired length, or all the hair has been incorporated, secure the end of the braid with a small, discreet elastic band. Clear elastic bands work wonderfully for a seamless finish. Now, repeat the exact same steps on the other side of your head, ensuring your second braid mirrors the first in terms of tightness, sectioning, and overall appearance. Symmetry is vital for the double Dutch braid look, so take your time on the second side to match the first as closely as possible. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get them perfectly even; practice truly makes perfect.”
6. The Finishing Touches: Holding the Style
“After both braids are complete and secured, it’s time for the final touches to ensure longevity and a polished look. Use a flexible hold hairspray to gently mist over your braids. This will help to hold them securely in place, combat any remaining flyaways, and add a subtle shine without making your hair stiff or sticky. For a softer, more voluminous look, you can gently tug on the outer loops of each braid to loosen them slightly, creating a fuller, more lived-in effect. However, for Hailey’s sleek style, a tighter, more compact braid is desired, so a light application of hairspray to smooth everything down is ideal.”
Beyond the Braid: Styling Tips and Benefits
We absolutely adore this braided hairstyle on Hailey Baldwin, and for good reason! It’s more than just a passing trend; it’s a versatile and incredibly practical option that delivers on both style and comfort. Once you get the hang of the technique, it truly becomes easy to execute, and as Sarah Potempa emphasizes, practice is the secret to perfection. You’ll find yourself able to whip up this chic look on your own, saving time and money on salon visits.
Perfect for Any Season, Especially Summer
One of the primary advantages of double Dutch braids is their functionality, particularly in warmer climates. They are perfect for keeping your hair neatly up and off your neck, providing much-needed relief from hot temperatures and humidity. No more sticky hair clinging to your skin! This makes them an ideal choice for summer days, beach trips, outdoor workouts, or simply when you want a neat and tidy look that stays put.
The Magic of Heatless Waves: Wake Up with a New Look
Perhaps one of the most beloved “side effects” of sleeping in this style is the glorious, heatless waves you’ll wake up with. Simply undo your braids in the morning, gently run your fingers through your hair, and behold beautiful, natural-looking beachy waves. This is an incredible time-saver and a fantastic way to achieve texture without exposing your hair to damaging heat styling tools. For best results, ensure your hair is mostly dry or slightly damp when you braid it before bed. Applying a little leave-in conditioner or a wave-enhancing spray before braiding can also help define the waves for the next day, giving you a completely fresh and effortless second-day style.
Versatility and Personalization
While Hailey’s braids were tight and sleek, there’s ample room for personalization. You can experiment with varying degrees of tightness – a looser braid offers a more relaxed, bohemian vibe, while a tighter braid exudes a polished sophistication. Consider incorporating hair accessories like small rings, delicate ribbons woven through the braids, or even a chic headscarf wrapped around your head to elevate the look further. For a truly unique touch, you can even add glitter gel along the part or braid lines for a festival-ready style. The double Dutch braid is a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to adapt it to your personal style and the occasion.
Embracing the Celebrity Hairstylist’s Touch
Sarah Potempa’s reputation as a braiding expert is well-earned. Her dedication to exploring and perfecting diverse braiding techniques, as evidenced by her year-long braiding challenge on Instagram, showcases her deep understanding of hair structure and styling. The tips she provides are not just theoretical; they are born from years of hands-on experience transforming celebrity hair for red carpets, photo shoots, and everyday elegance. Her emphasis on meticulous preparation, consistent tension, and proper finishing products highlights the details that differentiate a good braid from a truly great one. Learning from such an acclaimed professional ensures that you are adopting techniques that are tried, tested, and approved by the best in the business.
The influence of celebrity hairstylists like Sarah Potempa extends far beyond the stars they work with. They set trends, introduce innovative techniques, and make high-fashion looks accessible to the public. By breaking down complex styles into manageable steps, they empower individuals to experiment and achieve salon-quality results at home. This connection between celebrity inspiration and expert guidance makes looks like Hailey Baldwin’s double Dutch braids not just aspirational, but entirely achievable.
Beyond the Braid: General Hair Care for Longevity
To ensure your braids look their best and your hair remains healthy, consider these additional hair care tips:
- Pre-Braid Moisturizing: Before braiding, apply a light leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to add moisture and reduce friction, making the braiding process smoother and preventing breakage.
- Scalp Care: While your hair is braided, your scalp can still get dry or itchy. Use a lightweight scalp oil or spray directly onto your scalp to keep it moisturized and refreshed.
- Protect at Night: To maintain your braids for longer and prevent frizz, sleep with a silk or satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps keep the braids intact.
- Gentle Removal: When it’s time to take out your braids, be patient. Gently undo each braid, working from the ends upwards. Apply a detangling spray or conditioner to help loosen any knots and minimize breakage. Avoid pulling or aggressively combing through the hair immediately after removal.
- Post-Braid Treatment: After removing braids, your hair might feel dry or tangled. Treat it to a deep conditioning mask to replenish moisture and strengthen strands.
Embrace Your Inner Hailey Baldwin
Hailey Baldwin’s double Dutch braids serve as a perfect example of a hairstyle that combines practicality with undeniable style. It’s a look that’s both fierce and feminine, effortlessly chic, and suitable for almost any occasion. With the detailed guidance from celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, you now have all the tools and knowledge to recreate this iconic look yourself. So grab your comb, your elastics, and a good hairspray, and start practicing. You’ll not only master a beautiful braiding technique but also discover a versatile hairstyle that will keep you looking cool and feeling comfortable, whether you’re navigating the city streets or enjoying a sunny day. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be rocking those double Dutch braids with celebrity confidence, just like Hailey!