While a fishtail braid may look complex, it’s easier to do than you may think. Yes, it will take some practice, but once you know how to do it, you can wear the darling plait from brunch to graduation, weddings, festivals and beyond. It’s a super versatile hairstyle that looks incredibly impressive and once you get the hang of it you can play around with different variations of the look. If you’ve always wanted to know how to do a fishtail braid, here are 13 beginner tips and tutorials.
What Is a Fishtail Braid?
A fishtail braid resembles a French braid, but uses two sections of hair instead of three. The plait’s intricate, woven appearance resembles overlapping fish scales, giving the braid its name. It’s created by repeatedly taking small pieces of hair from the outside of each section and crossing them over into the other section. The braid can be started from the scalp, at the nape of the neck or you can create it from a ponytail. It’s a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down for almost any occasion!
How to Do a Fishtail Braid (The Basics)
- Divide your hair down the middle in two equal sections.
- Starting on the right side, use your fingers to separate a piece of hair from the outside of that section. You’ll want to start with a larger piece to act as the base.
- Cross the piece over your right section and add it into your left section.
- Repeat the process on the left side.
- Continue braiding by separating small pieces of hair from the outside of one section and crossing them over, joining them into the other section.
- The fishtail pattern will start to appear as you continue to braid.
- Once you’ve braided the remainder of your hair, secure it at the end.
9 Fishtail Braid Tips & Hacks
- Make sure your hair is brushed and detangled to ensure smooth braiding.
- Second or third day hair is ideal for creating a fishtail braid. Unwashed hair provides some texture and grip that will help with hold and will make your hair look fuller.
- If your hair is clean and you need some grit, apply a texture spray or dry shampoo before braiding. This will help with hold and add some texture.
- Always work with small sections of hair to maintain control and create a tighter, more defined braid.
- Maintain consistent tension while braiding. Keeping the strands evenly pulled will create a polished appearance.
- Once you’ve secured the end of the braid, you can leave it as is, or gently pull on the sides of the braid to “pancake it” and loosen it up, helping straighten it out.
- At the end, add texture spray to add grit and shine drops for a silky, frizz-free finish.
- Experiment with different types of fishtail braided hairstyles. You can do half updos, pigtails, ponytail fishtail braids and more. You can also combine them with other plaits like the French or Dutch braid.
- If you’re having trouble doing a fishtail braid, you can try a faux fishtail braid, seen all over social media. We’ve included a video in the below section so you can see exactly how to do it!
5 Step-by-Step Fishtail Braid Tutorials
1. How to Fishtail Braid Your Own Hair | Alex Gaboury
This quick tutorial shows you step-by-step how to fishtail braid your own hair for beginners. It’s perfect for anyone with medium length to long hair and can be worn for anything from a casual brunch with friends to a special occasion like a wedding. All you need is a small elastic to secure the braid and she also finishes her look with pretty gold accessories.
2. Beginner Fishtail Braid Tutorial- Short, Medium and Long Hair- Beginner Braiding | @LaineyMarieBeauty
In this helpful tutorial, she shows you how to do a fishtail side braid. It’s a super clear explanation that will help you nail the braided look in no time! She goes slowly and explains it simply, so it’s super easy to follow along. The result is a thick, beautiful fishtail braid that you can add to your regular hairstyle rotation.
3. How to Dutch Fishtail | @Kennarwood
This tutorial combines the Dutch braid and fishtail braid to create a stunning plaited look. It’s a slight twist on the fishtail braid (crossing under instead of over) and she explains and demonstrates it really well. The end result is gorgeous and super versatile for whatever you want to wear it to!
4. Fishtail Braid Hair Hack | @sallybeauty
If you find the fishtail braid too complicated or don’t have time to do it, try this hair hack! You’ll need a hair elastic and you essentially just pull your hair through again and again. It works super well and the outcome looks just like a fishtail braid.
5. How to French Fishtail Braid Your Own Hair for Beginners | Double Braid | EverydayHairInspiration
The French fishtail braid may seem complicated, but it’s easier than it looks. It is time consuming though and will take some practice, but you’re sure to get the hang of it. She breaks it down step-by-step so you can follow along with ease. She creates a double plaited look that’s perfect for every season.
4 Fishtail Braid Looks to Try
1. Fishtail Braided Ponytail
We love this unique play on a fishtail braid. Instead of starting the braid attached to your head, place your hair in a high ponytail and start the plaited style from there. We love it paired with a blazer and hoops for a business chic look.
2. Tousled Fishtail Braid
This fishtail braid is perfectly messy and undone and we love the aesthetic. To get the look, start by adding waves to your hair with a curling iron and then create the braid, leaving strands out at the front. Gently pull pieces out of the braid for the undone yet glam look.
3. Twisted Fishtail Braids
These double fishtail braids start with a twist at the top of the head and then meld into fishtail braids through the length of the hair. It’s a gorgeous yet playful look ideal for medium length to long hair.
4. Baby Fishtail Braid
If you want a subtle take on the fishtail braid, a tiny plait is the way to go. Pull back a small section of hair from each side of your head and create the baby braid.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to do a fishtail braid, we hope these tips and tutorials help!
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