To say I am in love with this hairstyle would definitely be an understatement. Crown braids or “head braids” as I used to call them have been my very favorites ever since my mom wrapped my hair up in one for junior high. I had graduated from two french braids tied into a bow and received so many compliments on the look that I knew it was a braid I needed to learn.

This combination was inspired by a friend on instagram, KirstenZellers, who threw the two styles together as milk maid braids. I, personally, am not a big fan of that look because of the spacing it creates in the back. Naturally I decided to try combining the two braids together into one continuous crown. I would rank this style as more advanced but I promise with a bit of practice you can easily get it down.

Dutch and Fishtail Crown Braid

• Step 1 / With a part on the right side, pick up a section of hair on the heavy side of the part and divide it into two sections.
• Step 2 / Separate a small piece from the back section, cross it underneath and add it into the front section.
• Step 3 / Separate off a small section from the front half, crossing it underneath and incorporating it into the back section.
• Step 4 / Repeat step 2 and pick up a section of hair, adding it into the braid as well.
• Step 5 / Now repeat step 4, picking up a section of hair and crossing both underneath to the opposite side.
• Step 6 / Continue braiding the hair, creating a dutch fishtail braid that trails over the left ear towards the back of the head.
• Step 7 / When the braid reaches the middle of the back of the head, divide the bottom half of the two sections in half and cross the far section underneath so it becomes a new middle section.
• Step 8 / With the three sections in place, begin braiding the hair into a dutch braid by crossing the top piece under the middle and incorporate a section of hair into the braid.
• Step 9 / Continue braiding the hair angling it across the back of the head and up towards the right ear.
• Step 10 / Once all the hair is brought in, braid the rest of the section into a regular three strand braid.
• Step 11 / Gently pull on the edges of the entire braid to loosen it and make it appear thicker.
• Step 12 / Then lay the braid behind the fishtail portion and pin it against the head.
• Step 13 / Spritz with hairspray to smooth down any flyaways and throw on your favorite lipstick to finish the look!