Difference in braids

[sahiba]

I am very curious to know the difference between an english and a dutch braid. I've been braiding since I was in school and yet am unaware of the type I braid. Please tell me the difference between the two

[danacc]

Here are instructions and a picture of an English braid: http://www.dreamweaverbraiding.com/braids/basic3.htm.

I've seen the term Dutch braid refer to the reverse of an English braid; that is, instead of always moving the outside strand of hair over the middle strand, you always move it under instead. The result is that the braid's top side meets in a carat shape like this ^ instead of the V shape that the English braid produces. (If you look at the underside of an English braid, you will see that the hair meets in a carat shape (^); in a Dutch, the underside meets in a V.)

More recently, I have seen "Dutch braid" refer exclusively to a Dutch braid braided along the scalp like this: http://www.dreamweaverbraiding.com/braids/dutch.htm.
Somewhat ironically, the English braid form along the scalp in this way is called a French braid. (http://www.dreamweaverbraiding.com/braids/french.htm.)