Buzz
The fishtail braid looks elegant and can quickly become your favorite hairstyle for busy mornings, especially if you have long hair. It ensures you look beautiful and fabulous every day. This style also becomes more charming as it gets messier, making it perfect for long days. The following guide will show you how to create a fishtail braid and provide additional ideas for styling.
Steps
Classic Fishtail Braid
Divide your hair into two equal sections. One on the left side and one on the right side.
Take a small strand of hair from the left section. Ensure the strand is taken from the outer side and is no thicker than 1.3 cm.
Pull the strand over and cross it through the left section. Then, transfer it over to the right section of hair.
Incorporate the strand into the right section of hair. The strand should now be part of the right section.
Gently pull both sections to secure them tightly. Move your hands as high as possible. Keep the braid tight; you can tousle it later for a natural, effortless look.
Take a small strand of hair from the right section. Make sure the strand is taken from the outer side and is no thicker than 1.3 cm.
Pull the strand over and cross it through the right section. Then, transfer it over to the left section of hair.
Incorporate the strand into the left section of hair. The strand should now be part of the left section.
Continue alternating braiding until you reach the end of your hair. Leave about 2.5 cm of hair unbraided at the ends for tying.
- Use thinner strands as you near the ends. This ensures your braid looks even and tapers naturally at the bottom.
Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie. Optionally, wrap a small strand of hair around the hair tie to conceal it, then secure it with a bobby pin.
Loosen the braid by gently rubbing it with your hands. Skip this step if your hair is layered, as it will naturally appear tousled and voluminous.
French Fishtail Braid
Take a section of hair from the top of your head. Hold it at eye level or higher. Ideally, the section should be from the center of your head.
Divide the section into two equal parts. Hold one part in your left hand and the other in your right hand.
Take a small strand of hair from the left side. Follow the natural flow of your hair. Ensure the strand is thin and no thicker than 1.3 cm.
Pull the strand across the left section and transfer it to the right section.
Incorporate the strand under the right section. The strand should now be part of the right section.
Take a strand of hair from the right side. Again, ensure the strand is no thicker than 1.27 cm.
Pull the strand across the right section and transfer it to the left section.
Incorporate the strand into the left section. The strand should now be part of the left section.
Take a new strand from the middle. This strand should match the size of the first one you took. Fold it across to the left, similar to how you handled the initial middle strand.
Continue alternating the process until you reach the nape of your neck. At this point, you can secure the braid or continue braiding further.
Continue braiding in a fishtail pattern. Ensure the braid remains tight and even. Once completed, you can gently loosen the braid for a more relaxed look.
Secure the braid as you near the end of your hair. When about 2.5 cm of hair remains, use a hair tie to fasten the braid.
Loosen the braid by gently pulling at the edges. However, note that if your hair is layered, the braid will naturally loosen on its own.
Styling Variations for Fishtail Braids
Create a side fishtail braid. Start by gathering all your hair at the nape of your neck, then pull it to either the left or right side and secure it with a hair tie. Proceed to braid a fishtail as usual and tie it off. Finally, use scissors to remove the initial hair tie.
Tie your hair and tuck the ends inward before starting the fishtail braid. First, tie your hair into a low ponytail. Then, slide your finger between the nape and the hair tie, flipping the ponytail through the gap. Once the ends are tucked, braid a fishtail as usual.
- Add one or two flowers to the tucked section for a cute, boho-inspired look.
Use a clip to conceal the hair tie. Alternatively, wrap a ribbon around it and tie a bow. This adds a fun and stylish touch that complements your outfit.
Wrap the braid into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with bobby pins. This style works best with longer hair.
Add colored hair extensions before braiding. This will make your braid stand out and give it a unique, eye-catching appearance.
Creating a Faux Fishtail Braid
Prepare a few small hair ties that match your hair color. Clear ones work if you can't find matching colors. You'll need to create several consecutive flipped ponytails, so ensure you have enough hair ties.
- This style works best with long hair. If your hair is shorter than elbow length, it may be challenging to achieve.
Gather the sides of your hair and tie it into a low ponytail. Position it at the nape of your neck, but avoid tying it too tightly.
Flip the ponytail inside out. Slide your thumb and middle finger into the hair just above the hair tie. Spread your fingers to create a gap between the two sections. Pull the ponytail through the gap and gently tug it down.
Gather another section of hair and tie it a few centimeters below the first ponytail. If your hair is thin and smooth, you can place it close to the first tie. For thicker hair, leave a bit more space.
Flip the ponytail inside out once more. Slide your fingers into the hair just above the hair tie, creating another gap between the sections. Pull the ponytail through the gap and gently tug it down.
Repeat the process until only a small amount of hair remains at the end. Secure it with a hair tie.
Conceal the hair ties. Gently pull on the strands to add volume and cover the ties. Alternatively, wrap a colored ribbon around the ties or add decorative beads for a festive, boho-inspired look.
Tips
- Fishtail braids are easier to create on hair that hasn't been washed for a day or two.
- French fishtail braids work well with short, layered hair.
- It's better to braid tightly and then loosen the braid, rather than starting with a loose braid.
- If your hair is too smooth, try teasing it or using texturizing spray before braiding.
- Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed on your first try. Practice on a small section of hair first, then gradually work with more. You can also practice braiding with string beforehand.
What You'll Need
- Clear hair ties (or any other type of hair tie)
- Regular hair ties
- Comb
- Bobby pins (optional)
