The Teacher Diva

Dutch Braid Ponytail Tutorial + Giveaway

dutch braid tutorial

Now that the holiday season has officially arrived, I wanted to share with you a hairstyle perfect for any upcoming festivities. This braided ponytail is one of my favorite looks and I love the messy texture. Gone are the days where every strand has to be in place. Now, we are embracing texture, loose curls, and of course, volume!

Pro Beauty Tools, doesn’t want you to miss out on the fun, so be sure to check out below and see how you can win some of my favorite hair appliances. They deliver professional performance and quality that will have you styling like a pro in no time. Good luck and thanks for stopping by! xx

Moroccan oil dry shampoo

Morrocan Oil Dry Shampoo
1. I recommend this look on day old (or 2-day old) hair. I find that when my hair is dirty, it actually turns out better when doing a braided updo such as this.

Start by spraying dry shampoo all over hair, focusing on roots. I’ve tried numerous brands, and one that I am currently loving is the Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo (I use the color light and it helps keep my roots not so harsh). Use at the roots for added volume and a matte texture. Be sure to brush out the powder with a boar bristle teasing comb when finished.

Long hair style

2. Next, section the hair to prep for the braid. Keep in mind, you will be teasing (or adding volume spray) to the back so you want to make sure that you keep the hair separate from the section you are braiding. I put the remaining hair in a pony tail so it’s out of the way.

Starting at the center of your hairline, grab three sections of hair. You are going to create a dutch braid by braiding each strand underneath one another instead of over, like you would with a French braid. Take in a little more hair each time. This is what makes the braid pop.

how to do a side braid

dutch braid tutorial

dutch braid

3. Continue braiding, and secure with a clear hair tie.

Once the braid is finished, gently pull on the braid in opposite directions, making it wider. This is an essential step to getting a fuller looking braid. I slowly pull, until I get the braid thick and voluminous. Don’t worry if it get’s a little messy! Personally, I like it when it’s not “too perfect”.

braid tutorial

dutch braid

4. For more volume, spray Redken Quick Tease 15 at the root of your hair. This stuff is amazing and I find that it works really well in conjunction with any teasing comb. While the teasing comb isn’t always necessary, it definitely helps add some extra oomph.

After teasing, you will then take the braid (along with the rest of your hair) and pull it back into a ponytail. I like to keep mine lower and to the side, but you can do this however you like. Readjust your braid after you secure the tie.

redken quick tease

braided ponytail tutorial

side braid tutorial

5. After my braid is all set and pulled up into the ponytail, I take my Pro Beauty Curling Wand and start curling the ends to create a loose curl finish.

I love this wand because it is perfect for girls with longer hair and it’s really simple to use. It is 2 inches longer than traditional wands, so it is ideal for longer locks. The gold plated barrel provides advance heat technology ideal for all hair types. Yes – you read that right! Fine, coarse or thick hair – this wand will be your new best friend.

I begin by pointing the curling wand downward and wrapping one to two-inch sections of hair around the wand at a time. The more hair you wrap around the wand, the bigger the curl. I like to use Superfine Strong Hairspray before and during curling. This hairspray is my favorite for hold (and I love the smell). Hold each section around the wand (taking care not to burn your fingers!) for only a few seconds, then release.

If you’re in the market for a new wand, I would suggest adding this to your wish list!

pro beauty curling wand

curling wand tutorial

6. Continue curling until you have your desired look. I wanted to achieve a loose curl for my ponytail, so I ran my fingers through the ends to make the curls not so tight. I also like to hide my elastic by wrapping hair around the hair tie. You can secure with a bobbie pin, or tuck into the elastic.

Finish with your favorite hairspray or texture spray and voila!

black lace holiday dress

But what’s a holiday hair style without a party dress? To complete this look, I wore my Eyelash Lace Top & Skirt Set. I wanted to add a festive touch, so I pulled out my red clutch and favorite red lipstick in Cruella. 

NARS red lipstick

red lipstick review

black lace holiday dress

red ysl clutc

dutch braid pony tail

OUTFIT DETAILS

Look 1: Tan Long Cardigan (similar here) // V Neck Tee // Lipstick (in Spanish Pink, my favorite for everyday) // Layered Ring // Pave Ring // Timex Weekender Watch in Black (I love this oversized watch! The size is perfect and it’s a great accessory for any casual look.)

Look 2: Eyelash Lace Top & Skirt Set (size up) // Red Clutch (similar under $100) // Pearl Bracelet // Lips Bracelet // Pearl Back Earrings // Lipstick (in Cruella)

GIVEAWAY

After an exciting response from the Voluminous Curls Tutorial, Pro Beauty and I wanted to give you a chance to win the 1 1/4″ Curling Iron and Digital Straightener.  All rules for entry are listed below in the Rafflecopter widget.

One lucky winner will be announced Monday, December 14th. The winner will be contacted within 24hrs on the email used to register. Best of luck and thank you for entering! xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway
images by: mary summers

This post is in collaboration with Pro Beauty Tools. All opinions and selections are my own. 



Related

Comments

  3. I would love both of these products to try! I recently cut my hair and the barrel I have on my Wand is much to large now! This size looks perfect 🙂

    Reply

  10. I would LOVE the Pro Beauty Tools Pro Beauty Tools Shine Enhancing Ceramic Straightener! I’ve been needing a new straightener since my previous THREE have died but can’t bring myself to purchase another one. My hair is naturally curly so it’s nice to change the style up a bit with a more sleek, straighter look.

    Reply

  11. I would love the flat iron! I have very frizzy hair so flat irons help smooth my hair Plus I can use them to curl too! 🙂

    Reply

  15. Love the holiday look and tutorial on the side braid. I’ve been wanting to try your styling products from your other curl tutorial; so now they are must buys! I also have the Cruella lipstick by NARS. How do you sharpen the pencil once it dulls down? Do you need to buy a separate sharpener?

    Reply

    • Hi Meredith,

      Thank you so much for your comment! I had to buy the sharpener separate. I find that the pencil lasts a while before you have to sharpen it, though! I’ve had this one for over a year, and it’s still going strong 🙂 Thanks for reading! xx Ashley

      Reply

  19. This is so cool! I have a straight iron but never even dared look at a curling iron since my hair is naturally wavy–but I want to be adventurous and try that curling iron!!!

    Reply

  23. My hair does not hold a curl well, so I am always looking for something new to try! I am hoping to try the wand!

    Reply

  30. I love, love, love your blog! I cannot wait to ATTEMPT the Dutch Braid Ponytail. I am in search for a new curling iron, so I would love to try the curling iron!

    Reply

  36. I would really, REALLY like to try that straightener! I had a really nice, expensive straightener that I got when I was in beauty school (beauty school dropout here lol) but it’s like years old and dying. I bought a new one that I got tricked/conned on- they said it was an expensive one and when I got it, it was not very good. So using a really nice one again would be super! I have wavy hair so the strongest straightener is the best for my hair 🙂 And I just want to say- I have tried this hair style so many times just playing around and I just can’t…maybe my hair is too short. you make it look so easy and gorgeous!

    Reply

  41. After taking your advice and picking up the pro beauty hair dryer, I would love the opportunity to try out the curling wand!

    Reply

  44. I would like to try the curling iron first. I love how you styled your hair. I also love your style. Thanks for this opportunity.

    Reply

  45. I’d love to try the flatiron. I work in a high school and the girls are always telling me that I should straighten my hair. I have cerebral palsy, so I have limited use of my right hand. I think I might be able to use this flatiron with one hand!

    Reply

  60. You look so gorgeous here! I love your outfit and the hair is perfect! I have followed you on Instagram for a while, but am just now checking out your blog. I am loving your hair tutorials! Thanks for posting!

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply to Shannon Cancel reply