How to do a Fishtail Braid With 7 Unique Options

If you’re ready to make a “splash” at your next event with a hairstyle that “makes waves”, fishtail braids are for you!  They’re easy to do, and even easier to customize so they match your style.  You can dress a fishtail braid up for formal events, and keep it casual for nights with the girls.

Unlike Dutch and French braids which are complicated to do, this style is so-”fish”-ticated but simple to create as it only uses two sections of hair.  And if you find the basic style “floundering”, accent it with ribbons, flowers, hair ties, and other accessories to add flair and personality.

If you’re ready to do fishtail braids, make like a mermaid and let's “dive” in!

You will need:

• Hair ties
• Hair clip
• Hairbrush
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

How To Do A Fishtail Braid:

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
3. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.
4. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3, alternating between the left and right sections until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
1. To make the braid appear fuller, gently pull on the edges of the braid to loosen it up.
7. Spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place.

French Fishtail Braid

The French fishtail braid is perfect for special events like graduations and religious ceremonies because of its elegant appearance. It can be styled to look sleek giving structure to curly and wavy hair. On straight hair, the French fishtail braid adds texture and dimension.

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles. 
2. Separate a section of hair from the top of your head  (at eye level or higher) and divide it into two equal parts.
3. Take a small piece of hair from the left section and cross it over to the right section. Then take a small piece of hair from the right section and cross it over to the left section. Repeat this process a few times to establish the braid's pattern.
4. Now start adding hair from the sides into the braid. Take a small section of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left section of the braid. Then, take a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right section of the braid.  Repeat until you reach the nape of your neck.
5. Continue braiding the length of your hair in a regular fishtail braid until you reach the end.
6. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
1. To give the braid a more relaxed, undone look, gently tug on the sections of the braid to loosen it slightly.
7. Spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place.

Half-Up Fishtail Braid

A half-up fishtail braid is an excellent choice for a casual day of running errands or going to a coffee shop.  It keeps your hair out of your face while adding texture to your look for some volume.  

1. Brush your hair to remove tangles.
2. Take a small section of hair from one side of your head near the temple, and divide it into two equal sections.
3. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over the section, and join it with the right section.  Then take a small piece of hair from the outside of the right section, cross it over the section, and join it with the left section.
4. Keep alternating between the left and right sections until you reach the nape of your neck.
5. At the nape of your neck, tie off the braid with a clear hair tie.
6. Repeat the same steps on the other side of your head to create a second fishtail braid.
7. Gather both braids and tie them together at the back of your head with a clear hair tie and spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place.
1. Gently pull on the sections of the braid to loosen them up and create a fuller, more voluminous look.

Side Fishtail Braid

The side fishtail braid is a versatile hairstyle perfect for people with an oval, heart, or square-shaped face. It helps accent cheekbones and adds volume if you have thin or straight hair.

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Gather all your hair over to one side of your head and hold it in place with a hair clip.
3. Separate a small section of hair from the outside edge of the hair closest to your neck.
4. Cross the small section of hair over the larger section of hair, and then bring it under the larger section of hair.
5. Take another small section of hair from the outside edge of the hair closest to your neck on the opposite side of your head, and cross it over the larger section of hair on the other side.
6. Repeat this process, taking small sections of hair from each side and crossing them over the larger section of hair on the opposite side.
7. Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair, then secure the braid with a hair tie and spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place.
1. Gently pull on the sections of the braid to create a looser, more relaxed look. 

Messy Fishtail Braid

Whether you're going to the movies or spending a day at the beach, this braid is a low-maintenance and effortless option that looks great on everyone.  And it holds in place keeping your look together so you can focus on fun, not fixing your hair.

1. Brush your hair to remove tangles.
2. Gather your hair to one side of your head.
3. Divide the hair into two sections of equal thickness.
4. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat this step with a small section of hair from the outside of the right section, crossing it over to the left section.
5. Continue this pattern, taking a small section of hair from the outside of one section and crossing it over to the other section. 
6. When you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair tie, and spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place and prevent flyaways.
7. To create the messy look, gently tug on the strands of the braid to loosen them and create a more relaxed appearance. 

Fishtail Braid With A Twist

Ready to make a statement at your next black tie event?  The fishtail braid with a twist is a unique option that adds a touch of sophistication while helping you stand out in the crowd.  You can elevate this look even more by including statement earrings or a jeweled hair clip.  

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Create a side part in your hair and gather a section of hair from the larger side of the part. Divide this section into two equal parts.
3. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.
4. Take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.
5. Repeat this process, taking small sections of hair from the outside of each section and crossing them over to the inside of the opposite section until you braided to the end of your hair.
6. Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair tie.
7. For the twist, select a small hair section from the ponytail, wrap it around the hair tie, tuck the hair ends into the hair tie, and spray with hairspray to keep the braid in place.
1. Gently pull apart the sections of the braid to create a looser, more textured look.

Fishtail Crown Braid

The fishtail crown braid is one of the best hairstyles for music festivals and other outdoor events.  It's a trendy bohemian style that keeps your hair off your face as you dance, sing, and enjoy.  Best of all it is easy to customize for anything from EDM to folk and country.

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles, and take a section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into two equal parts.
2. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.  Do the same on the right side by taking a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and crossing it over to the inside of the left section.
3. Continue braiding this way, taking small sections of hair from the outside of each section and crossing them over to the inside of the opposite section.
4. Once you reach the nape of your neck, stop adding new hair, braid the fishtail braid to the end, and secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
5. Repeat the same process on the other side of your head, creating a second fishtail braid.
6. Bring the end of the first braid up and over your head, securing it with bobby pins at the back of your head, and do the same with the second braid, tucking the end under the first braid and pinning it in place.
7. Use bobby pins to adjust loose strands and securely fasten the braids to your head.

Lace Fishtail Braid

A lace fishtail braid is a stunning wedding hairstyle, whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest.  This feminine look complements formal wedding attire, especially when you add floral embellishments and jeweled hair pins.  

1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Separate a small section of hair from the crown of your head and divide it into two equal sections.
3. Take a small piece of hair from the left section and cross it over to the right section, pulling it tight.
4. Next, take a small piece of hair from the right section and cross it over to the left section, again pulling it tight.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, taking small sections of hair from each side and crossing them over to the opposite side until you've braided down to the nape of your neck.
6. Once you've reached the nape of your neck, gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail, securing it with a hair tie.
7. Wrap a small section of hair from the ponytail around the hair tie.
1. To create the "lace" effect, gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it and create a more textured, voluminous look.
2. Add any desired embellishments like flowers or jeweled hairpins to finish the look.

Whether you create a messy fishtail braid or sport the classic style, there’s no wrong place or way to customize the look.  And if you’re looking for more easy-to-do hair tutorials, subscribe to the TELETIMES newsletter below.