There’s something effortlessly beautiful about a fishtail braid. With its intricate, woven pattern that resembles the tail of a fish, it looks far more complex than it actually is. While it might seem like a style reserved for hair experts, the truth is that with a little patience and practice, anyone can learn how to create this stunning look. It’s a versatile braid that works for everything from a casual day out to a formal event.
What makes the fishtail braid so special is its texture. Unlike a traditional three-strand braid, it’s created by working with just two small sections of hair at a time, resulting in a detailed and elegant finish. If you’ve ever been curious about how it’s done, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the simple steps together.
Mastering the Basic Fishtail Braid
Begin by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. For a smoother look, you can lightly mist your hair with texturizing spray; this helps grip the strands and makes the braiding process a bit easier. Start with your hair down, either over your shoulders or pulled to one side for a side braid.
Step one is to split all of your hair into two equal sections. Hold one section in your left hand and the other in your right. Now, here is the core pattern: from the outside of the right section, take a thin piece of hair and cross it over to join the left section. Then, from the outside of the left section, take a thin piece and cross it over to join the right section. Tighten your grip slightly after each crossover to keep the braid secure. Continue this pattern, alternating sides and always taking hair from the outer edge.
Helpful Tips for a Perfect Braid
If your arms get tired, don’t worry—that’s completely normal! You can rest the braid against your shoulder or collarbone as you work. The key to a neat fishtail is to keep the pieces you cross over small and consistent. Larger pieces will create a looser, more bohemian look, which is also lovely, but smaller pieces will give you that classic, detailed pattern.
If you find your braid is looking a little loose or messy, you can gently pull it apart once it’s secured with a hair tie. Tugging lightly on the outer loops of the braid will loosen it and make the pattern appear fuller and more defined.
Simple Variations to Try
Once you’re comfortable with the basic technique, you can experiment. A fishtail ponytail is a great place to start—simply gather your hair into a low ponytail and braid from there. For a more romantic look, try a fishtail crown braid by creating two side fishtail braids and pinning them across the top of your head. You can also practice on a friend; sometimes, braiding on someone else can be easier than doing it on yourself.
Learning to fishtail braid is a wonderful skill to have. It may feel awkward at first, but your hands will quickly learn the rhythm. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create this beautiful, woven style with ease, adding a gorgeous and timeless option to your hair routine.