The art of braiding has always fascinated me, offering a unique blend of creativity, precision, and patience. Over the past few weeks, I have immersed myself in this world, starting with the basic 2,3 strand braids to Dutch braids, french braiding, and waterfall braids, moving on to box braids, and now, I am excited to share my latest experiment the dutch crown braid.

This week, I decided to challenge myself with the Dutch crown braid, a style that exudes elegance. The Dutch crown braid, also known as the halo braid, involves creating an inside-out braid that wraps around the head like a crown. It is a beautiful and intricate style, perfect for formal occasions or simply as a statement of artistry.

The first step was to gather the right tools: a fine-tooth comb, hair elastics, and a few bobby pins to secure the braid in place. Starting with a part in the middle of the head, I began the braid at the nape of the neck, working my way around the head in a counter-clockwise direction. The key to the Dutch braid is to cross the sections of hair under each other, rather than over, which creates the distinctive raised effect. As I progressed, I added small sections of hair to the braid, ensuring it stayed close to the scalp and maintained its crown-like shape.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was maintaining consistent tension throughout the braid. Unlike the simpler waterfall braid or the box braid, the Dutch crown requires a steady hand and even distribution of hair to achieve a smooth, polished look. There were moments of frustration when the braid felt too loose or uneven, and I had to restart. Another challenge was mastering the art of blending the end of the braid seamlessly into the beginning. This requires a bit of practice, but the end result is an incredibly satisfying continuous braid that looks like a single, unbroken circle.

Reflections and Connections

As I worked on perfecting the Dutch crown braid, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my broader educational philosophy. Much like integrating technology in the classroom, learning a new braiding technique requires patience, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. The process of mastering the Dutch crown braid reminded me of the SAMR model, where each step toward proficiency represents a deeper level of integration and transformation.

In the same way that technology can enhance and transform learning experiences, mastering a new braid can enhance and transform person

al style and self-expression. The journey is not just about the end result, but about the skills and insights gained along the way.

Looking Ahead

Dutch crown braid is now a part of my repertoire, and I am eager to explore even more intricate styles and techniques. Next week I will be working on Dutch and French zigzag braids. Each new braid is a step towards greater mastery and a deeper appreciation for this timeless art form. As I continue to braid, I am reminded of the importance of continuous learning and personal growth.