So you want to switch up your look, but you’re also the type of gal who can’t be bothered to take more than 20 minutes to get ready in the morning. Well, maybe you should consider learning how to do a fishtail braid? It’s a super stylish hairstyle that is actually really easy to do.
Here, we’ve put together a little tutorial on the fishtail braid, along with a couple of upgraded styles for those days when you’re feeling extra.
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What Is A Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid, (also called a fishtail plait or fishbone braid) is a method of braiding that involves tightly interweaving hair to give the appearance of, you guessed it, a fish’s tail.
Learning fishtail braids is easy! All you need is some time, some patience, and a good hairband. You’ll probably also need some reference photos too, and it couldn’t hurt to have a guide on hand.
Tips For Beginners
Know Where To Start
And we mean this literally. Fishtail braids should start near the back of your head, closer to your nape rather than the top of your head. A plait that begins at the top of the head is more likely to be a French braid rather than a fishtail plait.
Don’t Worry About The Mess
Try not to aim for perfection. A messy fishtail braid is actually more charming than a perfectly made one. Plus, if you’re a beginner, attempting to get your braid to look perfect will just leave you frustrated. It’s hair; it isn’t always going to behave the way you want it to!
Braid With Unwashed Hair
Normally, we’d recommend you wash your hair regularly, but if you want to have an easier time learning how to do a fishtail braid, you might want to consider holding off on the shampoo. Hair that’s got a little bit of dirt and grease in it is actually easier to handle!
How To Do A Fishtail Braid
This is your standard, easy fishtail braid for beginners. You can try this on a friend first to practice, then eventually do it on yourself once you’ve gotten the hang of it!
Step 1
Part your hair in the centre, dividing your hair into two separate bunches.
Step 2
Get a thin strand from the outermost part of the left bunch and pull it towards the centre, crossing over it.
Step 3
Get a thin strand from the outermost part of the right bunch and cross it over the centre piece.
Step 4
Repeat steps three and four until you reach the end. Ensure that you braid your hair tightly enough.
Step 5
Secure the end with an elastic hairband.
Easy, right? Now let’s try something a little more advanced.
How To Do An Inverted Fishtail Braid
An inverted or reverse fishtail braid is basically the same thing but going in the opposite direction. It might take longer to master, but it’s well worth the effort.
We’ll skip the step-by-step process because it’s pretty much the same as the original version, only that you pull hair from the centre and bring towards the back, rather than the other way around.
Hot tip: If your braid keeps coming apart, add some grip to your hair by using some pomade beforehand.
How To Do A Double Fishtail Braid
A double fishtail braid is basically two fishtail braids on either side of your head. Think of it as having fancier pigtails. Here’s a step-by-step guide on double fishtail braids:
Step 1
Part your hair in the centre. Take a medium-sized bunch of your hair from either side and half each one.
Step 2
Do a fishtail braid on each bunch.
Step 3
Pull the fishtail braids apart to give them the appearance of being “fuller”.
Step 4
Bring the two fishtail plaits to the back of your head and clip them together with a bobby pin.
How To Do A French Fishtail Braid
Okay, so a French braid is technically not the same thing as a fishtail braid, but hear us out. You can combine the fishtail style with the French braid updo to create a hybrid look. It’s a truly unique hairstyle that looks good with both long hair and short hair.
Fun fact: The name “French braid” is a misnomer. This style actually originated in North Africa and was later adopted by the French. The earliest evidence pointing to the origins of this style was Algerian rock art that dates as far back as 6,000 years old.
Step 1
Get a chunk of hair near your part. Ideally, you take the heavier side. Now divide this into two.
Step 2
Take a small bunch from the outermost part of the right side and cross it over to the left side. Repeat on the left side.
Step 3
Repeat step two, but this time add a section of hair from the side you started on.
Step 4
When you reach the top of your ear, pull hair in from the opposite side, bring it to the back, and add it to the plait.
Step 5
Continue doing a regular fishtail until you reach the end. Make the braid loose by pulling the edges and tie it up with a hairband!
Conclusion
For gals who are tired of wearing their hair down and want to add a little oomph to their look, try learning how to do a fishtail braid! It’s a great way to rock a beachy, sexy vibe when you’re having a lazy hair day.
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