Some days, you just feel like having an “everyday glam” type hairstyle, and other
days, you need to find some up-do that can be totally classy, or even have a cute,
messy style to it. The dutch flip-through is a perfect hairstyle for all of these
occasions. Once learnt, it’ll become a super fast and stylish hairstyle that you can
do for any occasion. This can totally be a DIY hairstyle as well.

Items needed: comb, 5 tiny hair elastics, 1 hair tie, 10 bobby pins (or as needed.)
Skill level: intermediate
Time needed: about 15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Using a comb, part your hair as desired. We decided on a side part, ending at
the crown of the head.

2.Where the part ends, (at about the crown of the head,) separate three section
of your hair, going from the end of the part to the top of your left ear and right ear.
You should now have three separate sections. The center section should naturally
be the largest of the three. Tie the center section into a low, secure, pony-tail.

3. Starting on the heavier side of your part (if you did a middle part, then just pick a
side,) pick up an inch section of hair. Split that section into three even sections and
begin a basic side dutch braid.

4. To do a basic side dutch braid, take the left strand of hair, and cross it under
the middle strand. The left strand should now be the new middle strand. Then,
grab the right strand and bring it under the new middle strand. Go back to the left
side, and gather a small section of hair and add it to the left strand and then cross
that section underneath the middle strand. A dutch braid is simply a “reverse” or
“inside-out” French braid: instead of braiding the strands over, you braid under.
Repeat for the right strand and keep repeating this process. (see video)

5. Once you have run out of pieces to add into your dutch braid, continue braiding
in a normal three-strand braid (continuing to bring the sections under the middle)
and secure with a small, clear elastic. Repeat steps #4 and #5 on the other section
of hair, and secure with another small clear elastic.

6. Go back to each braid and pancake them to make them look fuller and softer.
You can pancake a braid by gently tugging on the outer edges of your dutch braid.

7. Going to the pony-tail, loosen the hair tie by pulling it very slightly
(approximately 1/2 inch,) away from your head. There should now be a tiny bit of
space between your head and the hairband. Using both hands, create a hole
between the hair tie and your head. Make sure the hole does not go all the way
through. (You should not be able to put your fingers through it.)

8. Then, flip your pony-tail upwards and stuff the entire ponytail it into the hole you
just made. It may take awhile, but don’t worry about it looking perfect or making
sure all your layers are in. Also, don’t worry about covering the hair tie. The most
important thing to remember is to not press down into the hole too hard, because
then you’ll end up with a flip-through pony-tail. This part of the style may take
some practice, but once it is learnt, it is very simple to do. Add two bobby pins to
help secure. You should now have the base of your up-do. (see video)

9. Grab one of your dutch braids and cross it over the hair you have just tucked.
Bobby pin in place. Grab the second braid and cross it over the hair you tucked–
this time slightly lower, to cover the hair tie. Bobby pin in place.

10. Bobby pin any layers that are out of place. Accessorize as desired.
The dutch flip-through is a really great hairstyle for formal events, or–with a little
more pancaking–would make a super cute everyday up-do. The flip-through up-do
part of this hairstyle could also be worn on its own, without the dutch braids. This
flip through up-do is a great technique, since, once mastered, you can put your
hair up and off your neck using only one band!

See you later!
-Sophia