How to Do a Crown Braid on Yourself: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorials

A crown braid is one of those hairstyles that looks far more complicated than it really is. The first time I tried one, I assumed I would need another pair of hands to get the braid around the back of my head. In reality, once I understood where to start, how much hair to add and how to keep the tension even, it became much easier.

I also love a crown braid because it works for so many occasions. I can wear it slightly messy for an everyday look, make it smoother for a wedding or special event, or pull out a few face-framing strands when I want something softer.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to do a crown braid step by step, including how I do one on myself, how a Dutch crown braid works, how to keep it from falling out and what to do if your hair is shorter.

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What You Need for a Crown Braid

I don’t use many tools for a basic crown braid, which is another reason I like this hairstyle.

I normally have the following ready before I start:

A hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
A tail comb for making neat sections
Small clear hair elastics
Bobby pins
Texture spray or dry shampoo
Light-hold hairspray
A handheld mirror if I’m braiding my own hair

I actually find crown braids easier on hair that isn’t freshly washed. Very clean, silky hair can slip through my fingers, while second-day hair usually has a little more grip.

If my hair has just been washed, I’ll usually add some dry shampoo or texture spray before I begin.

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How to Do a Crown Braid Step by Step

There are several ways to create a crown braid, but this is the method I find easiest to understand.

1. Brush out the hair

I start by brushing through my hair completely.

Any knots become much more annoying once I’ve started braiding, particularly around the back of my head where I can’t see what I’m doing properly.

2. Decide where I want the braid to begin

I usually start just above or behind one ear.

Starting at the side makes it easier for me to work around the head gradually rather than trying to begin at the back.

I take a small section of hair and divide it into three equal strands.

3. Start the braid

For a classic crown effect, I prefer using a Dutch-braid technique.

Instead of crossing the outside strands over the middle strand, I cross them underneath it.

This makes the finished braid sit on top of the hair rather than disappearing into it.

4. Begin adding hair

Once I’ve made the first few crosses, I start adding small sections of loose hair to the braid.

I try not to take sections that are too large because smaller sections tend to give me better control.

5. Follow the hairline

I continue the braid around the side of my head and toward the back.

The trick is to keep the braid following roughly the same distance from the hairline all the way around.

I also try to keep my hands fairly close to my head. If I pull the braid away from my scalp while I’m working, it can become loose or uneven.

6. Continue around the back

This is normally the most awkward part if I’m doing my own crown braid.

I use my fingers rather than worrying too much about being able to see every section.

As long as I’m adding roughly equal amounts of hair and maintaining consistent tension, it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect.

7. Work around to the other side

I continue adding hair until I’ve worked around the opposite side of my head and used all the loose hair.

At this point, I’ll have a braided section running around most of my head.

8. Finish with a normal braid

Once there is no loose hair left to add, I braid the remaining length normally.

I secure the end with a small clear elastic.

9. Wrap and hide the end

I bring the loose braid around to meet the beginning of the crown.

Then I tuck the end underneath the existing braid and secure it with bobby pins.

I usually need several pins to make this section feel secure.

10. Loosen the braid

Finally, I gently pull at the outer edges of the braid.

This is sometimes called pancaking the braid, and it makes the crown look fuller and softer.

I only pull a little at a time. It’s much easier to loosen a braid gradually than it is to fix one I’ve pulled apart too enthusiastically.

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How to Do a Crown Braid on Yourself

Doing a crown braid on somebody else is relatively straightforward. Doing one on your own head takes a little more patience.

The biggest difference for me is that I rely much more on feel than sight.

I don’t try to watch every movement in the mirror because reversing everything visually can actually make the process more confusing.

Instead, I concentrate on three things:

Where my hands are.
I keep them close to my scalp and move around my head gradually.

How much hair I’m adding.
I try to pick up similarly sized sections each time.

How tight the braid feels.
I want enough tension to hold the shape without pulling painfully at my scalp.

A handheld mirror can help me check the back once I’ve finished, but I don’t worry too much about making every section perfectly symmetrical.

For beginners, I also recommend starting the braid at the side rather than at the back of the head. It’s much easier to get comfortable with the technique before your hands move into the area you can’t see.

Another little trick I use is to pause when my arms get tired. Trying to rush because my shoulders are aching usually results in a messy section that I have to redo anyway.

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How to Do a Dutch Crown Braid

A Dutch crown braid is probably the version most people picture when they think of a traditional crown braid.

The main difference between a Dutch braid and a French braid is the direction in which I cross the strands.

With a French braid, the outside strands go over the middle strand.

With a Dutch braid, they go under the middle strand.

That small difference makes the braid stand out prominently from the head.

To create a Dutch crown braid, I:

Take three strands near one ear.
Cross the right strand underneath the middle strand.
Cross the left strand underneath the new middle strand.
Add a little loose hair to the next outside strand.
Cross it underneath the middle.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Continue working around the head.

I try to direct the braid around the curve of my head as I work rather than braiding downward.

That’s what creates the crown shape.

Once all the hair has been incorporated, I finish the remaining length as a normal Dutch-style three-strand braid, wrap it around and pin it underneath the beginning.

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How to Make a Crown Braid Stay in Place

One of the most frustrating things is creating a lovely crown braid only to have it loosen half an hour later.

I’ve found that preparation makes a surprisingly big difference.

Give the hair some texture

Very silky hair can be difficult to secure.

A little dry shampoo or texture spray gives my hair more grip and helps both the braid and the pins stay in place.

Don’t braid too loosely

I like a soft-looking crown braid, but I create the structure reasonably firmly first.

Once it’s secure, I loosen the braid afterward.

Trying to braid loosely from the beginning usually makes the whole style unstable.

Use enough bobby pins

I don’t rely on one or two pins.

I pin the end of the braid securely and add extra pins anywhere the crown feels loose.

Crossing two bobby pins over each other can create a stronger hold.

Hide the pins underneath the braid

I slide the pins underneath the outer sections of the braid whenever possible.

That keeps the hairstyle looking clean while still giving it support.

Use hairspray strategically

I don’t like soaking a braid in hairspray.

Instead, I use a light mist once the hairstyle is finished, concentrating particularly on shorter pieces that want to escape around the sides and back.

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Crown Braid for Short Hair

You don’t necessarily need waist-length hair to create the look of a crown braid.

If my hair were too short to create one continuous braid around the entire head, I would use two separate braids instead.

One easy method is:

Divide the hair into two sections.
Braid each section separately.
Secure both braids with small elastics.
Bring one braid across the top or back of the head.
Pin it securely.
Bring the second braid across from the opposite direction.
Tuck the ends underneath and pin them out of sight.

This creates a similar crown or milkmaid effect without requiring enough length to braid continuously around the head.

Short layers may poke out slightly. I actually don’t mind this because it can make the hairstyle look softer.

For a neater finish, I’ll use a little styling cream or hairspray to smooth shorter pieces into place.

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Crown Braid vs Halo Braid vs Milkmaid Braid

These names are often used interchangeably, which can make things confusing.

There isn’t always a strict distinction, but this is how I generally think about them.

A Dutch crown braid is often effectively a halo braid because I’m continuously adding hair as I work around my head.

A milkmaid braid tends to be easier because I can create two ordinary braids first and then pin them into position.

If you’re completely new to braiding your own hair, I would probably start with the milkmaid version before attempting a continuous Dutch crown braid.

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Common Crown Braid Mistakes

I’ve discovered that most crown-braid problems come down to a few very fixable things.

Starting with tangled hair

Even a small knot can interfere with the braid.

I always brush through my hair before starting.

Taking sections that are too large

Large sections can make the braid difficult to control.

I get a much neater result when I add smaller amounts of hair gradually.

Pulling the braid away from the head

If my hands drift too far away from my scalp, the braid becomes loose.

I try to keep my fingers close to my head while I’m working.

Changing the tension halfway through

If one section is tight and the next section is loose, the crown can look uneven.

Consistent tension is more important than making the braid extremely tight.

Trying to make it perfect immediately

This was probably my biggest mistake when I first started.

A crown braid often looks quite ordinary until I’ve pinned the end, loosened the braid and adjusted the shape.

I now finish the hairstyle before deciding whether I like it.

Using too few pins

Crown braids need more support than they appear to.

If a section feels unstable, I add another hidden bobby pin rather than hoping it will stay in place.

Pulling the braid apart too much

Loosening the braid makes it look fuller, but I do this very gently.

I start with tiny adjustments and stop once the braid has the softness I want.

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3 Crown Braid Variations to Try

Once I’ve mastered the basic technique, there are several ways I can change the finished look.

1. Classic Dutch Crown Braid

This is the version I’ve described above.

I Dutch-braid around the entire head, adding hair as I go.

Because the strands are crossed underneath, the braid sits prominently on top of the hair.

This is the style I’d choose when I want that unmistakable braided-crown effect.

2. Messy Romantic Crown Braid

For a softer version, I create the braid normally and then loosen it more generously.

I gently pull out a few small pieces around my face and allow some natural texture to show through.

I like this version for weddings, garden parties and relaxed summer hairstyles because it doesn’t look overly polished.

 

3. Easy Milkmaid Crown

When I want the quickest version, this is the one I’d choose.

I divide my hair into two sections, create two normal braids and bring them over the top of my head.

I then pin each braid securely and hide the ends underneath one another.

It’s technically different from a continuous Dutch crown braid, but it creates a very similar effect and is much easier for beginners.

 

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Crown Braid FAQs

1. Is a crown braid difficult to do?

I would call a continuous crown braid an intermediate hairstyle rather than a complete beginner style.

The braid itself isn’t particularly complicated, but working around the back of your own head can take practice.

If you’re new to braiding, I’d start with two ordinary braids pinned into a crown before progressing to a Dutch crown braid.

2. Can I do a crown braid on myself?

Yes. I find it much easier once I stop relying on the mirror and start working by feel.

It may take a few attempts before the tension and positioning feel natural.

3. How long does my hair need to be for a crown braid?

Medium to long hair is easiest for a continuous crown braid.

If your hair is shorter, you can often get a similar result by making two braids and pinning them around your head.

4. Should I do a crown braid on clean or dirty hair?

I personally find slightly lived-in hair easier to braid.

Freshly washed hair can be slippery, although dry shampoo or texture spray can add enough grip to make it manageable.

5. Is a crown braid the same as a halo braid?

The terms overlap considerably.

A halo braid generally refers to a continuous braid that circles the entire head, while crown braid is often used as the broader term for any braid arranged around the head like a crown.

6. Is a crown braid the same as a milkmaid braid?

Not quite.

A traditional milkmaid braid is usually created by making two separate braids and pinning them over the head.

A crown or halo braid is more often created as one continuous braid.

7. Can I sleep in a crown braid?

You can, although I wouldn’t create a very tight braid specifically for sleeping.

If I’m keeping a braid overnight, I prefer it to be comfortable and fairly loose so there’s no unnecessary pulling at my scalp.

8. How do I stop pieces sticking out of my crown braid?

Short layers and flyaways are completely normal.

I smooth them with a very small amount of styling cream or hairspray and use an extra bobby pin for any larger section that refuses to stay tucked in.

9. How do I make my crown braid look thicker?

Once the braid is secure, I gently pull at the outer loops.

I work slowly around the entire crown rather than pulling one section dramatically.

This makes the braid look wider without completely loosening it.

10. Why does my crown braid keep falling down?

In my experience, this usually happens because the hair is too slippery, the braid wasn’t firm enough when it was created or there aren’t enough pins supporting it.

Adding texture before braiding and securing the finished crown at several points normally makes a big difference.

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3 Crown Braid Video Tutorials To Try Yourself

How to: Easy Crown Braid – by Kayley Melissa

First, you need to make two Dutch braids. Split your hair in half and then choose one of the sides to braid upward while you braid downward on the other side.

Next, after finishing braiding, gently pull the braids apart but make sure that they do not look too big or that you may pull too hard and ruin it.

Finally pin in the braids around your head. If you feel like it, you can add extra bobby pins to make sure your braids won’t fall during the day.

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Double Dutch Braid Upstyle in Minutes – by Confessions of a Hairstylist

First, start by parting your hair down to the middle of your head where you will go down to your ears, splitting your hair into three sections. Then, make a little ponytail using the hair section from the back of your head.

Next, braid that ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Tug on a bit and pull your braid apart for more volume.

Now, create a little bun from that braid and add some bobby pins to secure it.

The next step is to drop use one of the sections left and start creating two Dutch braids on each side.

Go all the way towards the back of your head, gradually incorporating more hair as you braid. After braiding, pull apart each braid and secure it with bobby pins around your head.

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3 ways to do a Crown Braid – by Mia & Linda

1) First, let’s take a look at the classic crown braid. Start braiding a long Dutch braid. If you feel like it, tug on the edges of the braid for extra volume. Towards the end, you can finish with a normal braid and secure it with an elastic. Then,  put the braid around your head and secure it with bobby pins.

2) The next hairstyle is the double Dutch fishtail crown braid. Pick up a hair section and start a Dutch fishtail braid. Continue like this with the braid around the head. Of course, you can tug on the braid to have more volume. When you reach the area behind the ear, start braiding a loose Dutch fishtail braid.

Secure the end with an elastic and start a fishtail braid on the other side, beginning from the back of your head. Angle the braid around the head. Once the braid is past the ear, braid the hair in a normal fishtail. Furthermore, tie your braid with a small elastic to secure the end of the braid. Grab the first braid at the back and lay it alongside the other braid, around the head, pinning it in place with bobby pins.

3) The last hairstyle is milkmaid braid. Pick up a large section of hair from the top of your head, slightly twist it and push it for volume. Then, pin it in place with some bobby pins.

Next, split the hair into two equal sections. Start from one side a braid a normal braid. Angle it towards the opposite side of the head. Secure the braid with an elastic. Grab the remaining hair and braid a normal braid.

Lay one of the braids across the top of the head. Furthermore, secure it with bobby pins.

Lay the other braid along the first one and pin it with bobby pins. There it is your amazing look!

Tips

• Use tiny hair extensions or begin braiding nearer your scalp if you have short hair.
• Use enough pins for thick or long hair, and cross them in a “X” shape for added hold.
• After a few attempts, it becomes much easier because practice makes perfect!

Summing up, you should definitely try at least one of these hairstyles which will make you look amazing throughout the whole summer.

View other Braid Ideas >

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to do a crown braid on yourself takes a little practice, but I don’t think it’s one of those hairstyles that has to be left to professional stylists.

The part I found hardest was simply getting comfortable braiding around the back of my head. Once that began to feel natural, everything became much easier.

My approach is to keep the braid fairly secure while I’m creating it, pin everything into place and only then start loosening and styling it.

And if a continuous Dutch crown braid feels too ambitious at first, I’d absolutely start with the two-braid milkmaid version. You still get that beautiful braided-crown effect, and it’s a great way to build confidence before moving on to the full technique.

See also: Guide To Creating The Perfect Waterfall Braid >