Braids are a classic hairstyle that have been around for centuries.
One of the most elegant braided styles is the fishtail braid.
This beautiful braid gets its name from the way it is woven, which resembles the tail of a fish.
Fishtail braids are chic, sophisticated and work for any occasion.
Now let’s look at different ways to wear the fishtail braid for any event.
Simple Fishtail Braid
The simple fishtail braid is a beautiful option for everyday wear.
To get this look, start by brushing the hair smooth and separating it into two even sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of each section and cross them over each other, alternating from side to side as you work down the length of the hair.
The key is to grab small, even pieces each time to keep the braid neat and thin. Make sure to pull the sections taut as you cross them over to get that signature fishtail look.
Finish off by securing the end with a small elastic. For a polished touch, spray hairspray over the finished braid. The classic fishtail is easy to achieve and looks great on straight, wavy or curly hair.
It’s simple enough for casual days, but can also dress up an evening look.
Fishtail Braid with Ribbon
Jazz up your basic fishtail by weaving in a ribbon.
Choose a ribbon that matches your outfit or go for a fun, contrasting color. Start your fishtail braid as usual by separating the hair into two sections.
Once you’ve made a couple of crosses, take the ribbon and place it underneath one of the sections and cross the hair over like normal, enveloping the ribbon.
Continue braiding down, making sure the ribbon stays embedded in the braid. Finish by tying the ends of the ribbon into a bow at the end of the braid.
The ribbon adds a soft, feminine touch that works perfectly for date nights or weddings. It looks beautiful paired with romantic curls or a low braided bun. The options are endless when you incorporate something extra like a ribbon.
Messy Fishtail Braid
Not a fan of perfect, polished braids? Go for a messy fishtail instead.
These are meant to look loose and carefree.
To get the look, separate damp or dry hair into two sections like a regular fishtail braid. When grabbing pieces to cross over, take thicker sections of hair, about double the amount you’d use for a neat braid. Be a little uneven and inconsistent in the sections you pick up.
Once you start braiding down, gently pull on the edges of the braid sections to create a fuller, more relaxed shape. Secure the ends with a clear elastic that blends into the hair.
Finish with hairspray or salt spray for extra texture. Finger comb a few face framing pieces out of the braid for an undone finish. The messy fishtail is great for boho, beachy styles.
Fishtail Braid Bun
Turn your fishtail braid into a beautiful updo by wrapping it into a chic bun. Start by creating your fishtail braid as usual, leaving the last few inches of hair unbraided at the ends.
To wrap the braid, begin coiling the braid into a spiral shape against your head, tucking in the ends once you have wrapped all the way around.
Use bobby pins to secure the coiled braid in place. Finish by covering the bun with the loose ends of hair, tucking and pinning them over the bun to hide the elastic.
You can leave the ends loose, or cross them over each other to form a braided rose shape on top of the bun. This fishtail braid bun is an elegant updo that’s perfect for a wedding or formal event, but also works for an everyday style.
Side Fishtail Braid
Change up your look by wearing your fishtail braid draped over one shoulder. Part your hair to one side and gather all of your hair over that shoulder.
Split the hair in two and fishtail braid down the length. For extra allure, slightly pancake and loosen the braid to make it thicker.
Finish by pulling the end of the braid forward over your shoulder. This style looks great with voluminous curls or beach waves.
The side fishtail braid shows off beautiful necklines, so it’s perfect for dates and going out. For added flair, tuck a flower behind your ear on the opposite side.
French Fishtail Braid
Ooh la la! Get this chic French look by starting with a center part and separating your hair into two low ponytails. Fishtail braid both ponytails, keeping them relatively tight and neat.
Next, cross the two braided ponytails over each other along the back of your head, right at the nape of the neck. Take bobby pins and gently pin the intersected braids in place.
Fan and fluff the ends of the braids out for a polished finish. This intricate look is perfect for a low-key day when you want an elegant braided style. It looks beautiful paired with a beret and cozy sweater for a Parisian flair.
Fishtail Crown Braid
Make a crown with your fishtail braid for a regal updo. Start by teasing the hair at your crown for volume. Next, gather hair from around your hairline and start a fishtail braid.
Braid around the crown, adding in more hair as you make your way around your head. Finish back where you started and secure the ends with an elastic.
Use bobby pins to anchor the braid crown in place, fluffing as needed.
Then, gently pull face framing tendrils down around the temples and nape for a soft finish. Feel like royalty with this gorgeous crown braid. It’s fit for a true princess!
Fishtail Milkmaid Braids
Get the milkmaid braid look with two fishtail plaits.
Part hair down the middle and secure the front top section out of the way. Separate hair on each side into two sections and begin your fishtail braids slightly above each ear.
Braid straight back toward the crown. When you reach the ends, cross both braids together and pin or tie them into place at the back of the head.
Leave the rest of the hair down and wavy for a romantic vibe. For an updated version, start the two fishtail braids at the nape of the neck and braid upward toward the crown. This puts a modern spin on the traditional milkmaid style.
Fishtail Updo
This gorgeous updo uses multiple fishtail braids for an intricate, elegant look. Start by making two fishtail braids on either side of the head, positioning them just behind the ears.
Pull the two braids together at the back and cross them into an X shape.
Next, split hair at the back of the head into two sections and fishtail braid down about halfway. Then, flip those two braids upward in opposite directions, crossing them over the top of the X-shaped braids.
\Pin everything together with bobby pins and finish the ends by curling them into ringlets. This multidimensional fishtail updo is eye catching and unique for a formal event or wedding.
Double Fishtail Braid
Amp up your braid game by combining two fishtail braids together.
Separate damp hair into two equal parts at the back of the head. Split each half into two more sections and begin fishtail braiding both sides simultaneously.
Once you’ve braided down a few inches on both sides, combine the two braids together into one larger braid by crossing one over the other.
Continue fishtail braiding down the rest of the hair. Having the extra body of two braids makes for a thicker, more dramatic end result. This double fishtail braid is fun for braid enthusiasts or days when you want an extra dose of style!
Fishtail Accent Braid
Add subtle flair to a loose hairstyle by doing an accent fishtail braid on one side.
Leave most of your hair down and softly curled. On one side, take a small section of hair above the ear and begin your fishtail braid. Braid down close to the head for about 3-4 inches.
Secure the braid with a clear elastic and then gently pancake it to blend with the rest of your hair. Leave the accent braid alone, or take small pieces from it to integrate into the curls.
This quick braid detail elevates loose waves with a delicate touch of elegance.
Fishtail Ponytail
Gather up your fishtail into a chic ponytail for an easy everyday style. Start your fishtail braid a little higher on your head than usual, toward the crown area.
Braid down keeping it tight and sleek.
When you reach the ends, use an elastic to secure your hair in a low ponytail. Take the tail of the pony and gently pull on it to fluff and volumize the braid. Fan pieces out from around the hairline to soften your look.
The fishtail pony is a go-to style for the gym, school or work. Dress it up by wrapping the base of the ponytail with leather or ribbon.
Fishtail Half Updo
This half up, half down style beautifully combines a fishtail braid with long loose curls.
Part your hair down the middle and gather the top half into a ponytail. Fishtail braid the ponytail and secure with an elastic. Leave the bottom half of hair down in soft waves.
Next, gently tug and pancake the fishtail braid to make it fuller. Fan out the ponytail ends and pull down face framing pieces for dimension. Finish with hairspray for hold.
The fishtail half updo is the best of both worlds – you get to show off your fabulous braiding skills and long locks!
As you can see, the opportunities are endless when it comes to styling the fishtail braid!
This gorgeous, intricate braid works beautifully for any occasion and can be dressed up or down.
So grab some hair elastics and get braiding for your next big event!
The fishtail braid is a reliable hairstyle that will make you look and feel your absolute best.
