Fishtail Braid - Ultimate Guide for all types of hair

A fishtail braid, known for its intricate skeletal pattern, is a sure way to add a “wow” factor to any look. While it seems like a complex, professional-level braid, the fishtail is actually easier than it looks. The best part of this unisex braid is that it works for all hair types. We’ll take you through all the fishtail braid styles – French, Dutch, side, short hair, crown, and upside-down – so whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find a look you can master!

Tips and Tricks: The fishtail braid is great for wavy and curly hair, but if your hair is straight, we recommend using second- or third-day hair so that it has more texture and is easier to grip. Otherwise, you can use any sort of texturizing product. If you’re new to fishtails or braiding in general, we recommend starting with the side fishtail braid so that you can easily see what you’re doing. Happy braiding!

Index

How-Tos

How-to fishtail braid

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair where you would like and gather it at the nape of your neck.
Separate your hair into two even sections. Make sure to grip these tightly so that they don’t get mixed together. These will be referred to as Section 1 and Section 2.
While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which we’ll call Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it over Section 1.

Tips and Tricks: It may take a few tries but take your time to get comfortable with the hand position so that your grip is tight enough. Make sure you take Section X from the outside of the large sections and connect it to the new section by passing it over its original section – this is what creates the fishtail pattern. Also, try playing around with the size of your Section X – the smaller the part, the more detailed the design will be – just try to keep it consistent.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it over Section 2.
Continue alternating, taking a Section X from Section 1 and Section 2 until you reach the end of your hair.
Once you reach the end of your hair, secure your braid with a hair elastic. Here, you can add hairspray, hair accessories, or just leave it as is!

Tips and Tricks: If you lightly tug at the sections once you’ve secured the braid, you can achieve the effortless-looking messy fishtail braid. Or, by loosening your grip while braiding, you’ll achieve the loose fishtail braid. ***

***Once you’ve mastered the fishtail braiding technique, try different styles - like the ponytail fishtail braid!

how long does your hair have to be to braid

Side fishtail braid

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair where you want and gather it to one side of your body/face/head/shoulder. For example, if you part your hair on the right side, we recommend braiding the fishtail on your left and vice-versa. If you part it in the middle, you can choose which one you prefer.
Separate your hair into two even sections. Make sure to grip these tightly so that they don’t get mixed together. These will be referred to as Section 1 and Section 2.
While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which we’ll call Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it over Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it over Section 2.
Continue alternate taking a Section X from Section 1 and Section 2 until you reach the end of your hair.
Once you reach the end of your hair, secure your braid with a hair elastic.

Tips and Tricks: You can take your look one step further by twisting your side braid onto itself to create a side fishtail bun!

French Fishtail braid

A French fishtail braid is a cross between a fishtail and a French braid. Rather than starting at your nape, the braid will start at the crown of your head. And rather than having two large sections, you start with two small ones and gradually incorporate more hair as you make your way down your head.

Brush and untangle your hair.
Do not part your hair. Instead, brush it back as if you’re about to tie it up.
At the crown of your head, separate two medium-sized sections. These are Section 1 and Section 2.
With a tight grip, hold Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which we’ll call Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it over Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it over Section 2. This is the base of the braid.
One hand should be tightly holding Section 1 and 2 at all times. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a small section of loose hair from the side of Section 1. This is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y over Section 1 to join them to Section 2.

Tips and Tricks: Holding section Y while separating section X is the most challenging part of the French fishtail braid since a tight grip is essential to create the intricate pattern. Try sectioning them off separately and then joining them together in your hand before joining them to a larger section. It just takes a bit of practice!
Repeat step 6 on Section 2. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a new Section Y from the loose hair on the side of Section 2. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y over Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you run out of loose hair.

Tips and Tricks: Try to be mindful of how large your Section Ys are. As the braid starts to form, you want the loose hair you add to be somewhat level with where you add it into the braid.
Once you have run out of loose hair, continue fishtail braiding by repeating steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of your hair.
Once you have reached the end, tie it off with a hair elastic.
Lastly, make sure it is even. Add bobby pins or hairspray if necessary. If you prefer a relaxed look, you can lightly tug on the braid to create a contained “messy” look.

Tips and Tricks: Part your hair down the middle and braid two French fishtail braids instead of one for a double fishtail braid!

Dutch fishtail braid

A Dutch fishtail braid, also known as an inverted braid, is similar to a French fishtail braid. However, rather than passing sections over the braid, you pass them under instead, which creates a bold, raised braid.

Brush and untangle your hair.
Do not part your hair. Instead, brush it back as if you’re about to tie it up.
At the crown of your head, separate two medium-sized sections. These are Section 1 and Section 2.
With a tight grip, hold Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which is Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it under Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it under Section 2. This is the base of the braid.
One hand should be tightly holding Section 1 and 2 at all times. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a small section of loose hair from the side of Section 1. This is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 1 to join them to Section 2.
Repeat step 6 on Section 2. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a new Section Y from the loose hair on the side of Section 2. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you run out of loose hair.
Once you have run out of loose hair, continue fishtail braiding by repeating steps 4 and 5 until you reach the end of your hair. Remember to pass sections under the braid - this is called reverse fishtail braiding.
Once you have reached the end, tie it off with a hair elastic.
Lastly, make sure it is even. Add bobby pins or hairspray if necessary. If you prefer a relaxed look, you can lightly tug on the braid to create a contained “messy” look.

Tips and Tricks: Part your hair down the middle and braid two Dutch fishtail braids instead of one for a double fishtail braid!

Fishtail braid short hair

The fishtail braid also works well for short hair! Using the Dutch fishtail braid technique, you can create small, intricate braids that frame your face.

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair where you would like and section off what you will use for the braid. You want to leave loose hair by your face – from your part to the top of your ear – and we recommend tying it off or clipping it out of the way. The hair you will use to braid is behind that.
Like the Dutch fishtail braid, take two small sections of hair from the edge of your part, just behind the hair you sectioned off. These are Section 1 and Section 2.

Tips and Tricks: You want these sections to be pretty small. As the braid progresses and picks up more hair, the thicker it will get.
With a tight grip, hold Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which is Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it under Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it under Section 2. This is the base of the braid.
One hand should be tightly holding Section 1 and 2 at all times. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a small section of loose hair from the side of Section 1. This is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 1 to join them to Section 2.
Repeat step 6 on Section 2. Starting with the hair closest to your face, take a new Section Y from the loose hair on the side of Section 2. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you get to the top of your ear. Then, continue the reverse fishtail braid without incorporating any additional hair until you get to the end.
Once you have reached the end, tie it off with a hair elastic. Here, you can lightly tug on the braid to loosen it, apply hair spray, or add bobby pins.
Lastly, you want to pin the end of your braid under loose hair and near the nape of your neck (or as close as possible). This will hide the elastic and give you a seamless look!

Fishtail braid bun

This fishtail braid bun is a perfect everyday look that is quick and easy. The best part is that you can place the buns anywhere you’d like - so get creative with it!

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair where you want and section your hair in two. Tie these sections with hair elastics wherever you would like your buns positioned.
Start by parting one section into two (Section 1 and Section 2). While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which we’ll call Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it over Section 1.
Repeat step 3 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it over Section 2.
Continue alternating, taking a Section X from Section 1 and Section 2 until you reach the end of your hair.
Once you reach the end of your hair, secure your braid with a hair elastic. Here, you can loosen the braid for an effortless look, but it’s optional.
Turn the fishtail braid on itself where the first elastic is until it forms a bun. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray.
Repeat steps 3-7 on the other section.

Fishtail braid updo

A fishtail braid updo is the classiest look on our list - perfect for prom, weddings, or any milestone! This look consists of a French fishtail braid that goes along the frame of the face and wraps around a fishtail braid bun. You can accessorize it with pins or flowers for a bit of extra glam or just keep it simple wispy with a bit of hairspray. Either way, this look is guaranteed to turn heads with its timeless elegance.

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair to one side.
Grabbing from the heavier side, take two medium-sized sections (Section 1 and Section 2) and create the base of your braid. First, take a small section (Section X) from the outside of Section 2 and cross it over to join it to Section 1. Then, take a new Section X from Section 1 and cross it over to join Section 2.
Just like the French fishtail braid, you’re going to start incorporating loose hair into the braid. First, take a small section of loose hair from the side of Section 1; this is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y over Section 1 to join them to Section 2.
Repeat on Section 2. Take a new Section Y from the loose hair on the side of Section 2. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y over Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you get to your ear. Then, continue fishtail braiding (without incorporating any new sections) until you reach the end of your hair and secure it with a hair elastic.
Staring from the bottom, lightly tug on the braid to create a fuller look. It’s meant to look a little loosened, so be gentle.
Moving on to the remainder of the hair, brush and untangle it again if necessary. Gather it at the nape of your neck.
Create a fishtail braid, secure it with a hair elastic, and lightly loosen it.
Once satisfied with the looseness, twist the braid on itself to create a bun. Secure it with bobby pins and make sure to tuck in the end of the braid so that the elastic is not visible.
Then, wrap the French fishtail braid over the bun and secure it into place with bobby pins. Make sure to tuck the end of it under the bun.
Make some final tweaks by tugging on some strands, pinning down fly-aways and using hairspray. Feel free to spruce it up with accessories or keep it simple!

Fishtail crown braid

This simple yet refined look is created with a single Dutch fishtail braid wrapped around your head. This look perfectly frames the shape of your face, and with a few accessories, it quickly goes from an everyday look to a whimsical hairdo for a night out.

Brush and untangle your hair.
Part your hair where you want.
Create a Dutch fishtail braid that starts at the front of your part by separating two medium-sized sections (Section 1 and Section 2). The braid will go all the way around your head and end on the other side of your part.
With a tight grip, hold Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a small section from the outside of Section 1, which is Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it under Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. While holding Section 1 and 2 in one hand, use your other hand to separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it under Section 2. This is the base of the braid.
Take a small section of loose hair from your hairline; this is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 1 to join them to Section 2.
Repeat on the other side. Take a new Section Y from loose hair that is closer to your crown. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 15 and 16 until you get to the other side of your head and there is no loose hair left.
Then, finish your braid by reverse fishtailing and secure it with a hair elastic.
Lastly, wrap the end of the braid along where you started and secure it with bobby pins. Loosen the braid lightly by tugging on it and add any necessary bobby pins or hairspray.

Upside down fishtail braid

The upside-down fishtail braid takes a bit of practice to get used to, but it’s definitely worth it. Once you master being able to braid upside down, the options are limitless! You can do an upside-down Dutch fishtail or French fishtail braid with a bun, a ponytail, or even a fishtail braid. The possibilities are endless! Here, we’ll show you how to do a Dutch fishtail braid and bun combination.

Flip your head upside down and brush out your hair.
Grab two small sections of hair from the nape of your neck. These are Section 1 and Section 2.
Create the base of your Dutch fishtail braid by separating a small section from the outside of Section 1; this is Section X. Then, join Section X to Section 2 by passing it under Section 1.
Repeat step 4 on Section 2. Separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Then, join Section X to Section 1 by passing it under Section 2.
Now that you have the base of your braid, continue Dutch fishtail braiding. Take a small section of loose hair from the nape of your neck; this is Section Y. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 1. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 1 to join them to Section 2.
Repeat on the other side. Take a new Section Y from the nape of your neck. While holding Section Y, separate a new Section X from the outside of Section 2. Now holding them together, pass sections X and Y under Section 2 and join them to Section 1.
Repeat steps 15 and 16 until you get to the crown of your head.

Tips and Tricks: The smaller the Sections Ys you take, the more detailed the braid will be, but you want to try to incorporate hair up until the top of your ears. If you have larger Section Ys, more hair will be incorporated into the braid than the bun.
Holding the braid tightly in one hand, gather the rest of the loose hair with the braid. Use a hairbrush or comb to avoid bumps.
Twist and tie the hair into a bun. Here, you can lightly tug on the braid to loosen it, or you can leave it as is. Secure with extra bobby pins and hairspray if necessary.

Faux fishtail braid

For those of us who haven’t mastered the fishtail braid, we luckily have the faux fishtail. Rather than braiding, you just tie small sections of hair together and flip them onto themselves to recreate that iconic skeletal pattern.

Brush and part your hair where you would like.
Move it all to one side of your head.
Grab a medium-sized section of hair from the front, near your face. Tie a hair elastic just below where you would like the braid to start.

Tips and Tricks: Use small elastic bands that are clear or match your hair colour. That way, you won’t be able to see them!
Make a part in the section just above the elastic. Then, holding the part open, loop the elastic through the opening and pull the rest of the section through. After having flipped the section on itself, which is where the pattern comes from, you can tighten the section to bring up the elastic and add more volume.
Take two medium-sized sections of hair, one from the right side of the first elastic and the other from the left side. Tie this new section about an inch below the first elastic.
Use the same technique as in step 4 to flip the section on itself. Then, if the first elastic is still visible, tighten the second elastic to bring it higher.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you reach the end of your hair.
Once you reach the end, secure the “braid” with an elastic and use bobby pins or hairspray if necessary.