Five Fishtail Braid Hairstyles: Your Step-by-Step Tutorial for Perfect Mermaid Hair

Are you looking for an effortless, chic hairstyle that can enhance any look within minutes? Meet the fishtail braid. While it might look intimidating at first glance, this hairstyle is surprisingly simple and requires no heat styling. Keep scrolling for our simple fishtail braid tutorial and creative braid ideas, and you will be on your way to mastering boho goddess hair.

Fishtail Braid Tutorial

Let’s start with the essentials - how do you even create a fishtail hairstyle? Follow our steps below for the basics:

1. Pull your hair into a ponytail at the base of your scalp. Divide this ponytail into two separate sections that are about the same size. Unlike a traditional braid, a fishtail hair braid only needs two sections. If you’ve rocked this type of braid before and want a loose/messy look, you can skip the ponytail and just separate your hair into two parts.
2. Start the “braid” portion of your style. Take a small piece from the outside of one section and bring it to the inside of the other section. You will then repeat on the opposite side, coming to the center of your braid each time. Keep weaving each piece over to the other side. Make sure to keep a good grip on your braid, so it doesn’t unravel while you’re working.
3. Continue braiding down the length of your hair. If you want your braid to be tight and traditional, grab smaller pieces of hair. For a more whimsical, bohemian look, grab larger chunks of hair. In general, don’t get too hung up on the fishtail braid being perfectly symmetrical; part of the fun is making it look a little messy and playful.
4. Finish the braid, and tie it with an elastic at the end. If you used a hair tie at the top to help secure your braid, you can gently remove it (some like to cut it out, but be careful not to cut your hair in the process!). If you wish you went looser, gently pull at the sides of the braid or lightly use a comb to create a more relaxed style. If a few pieces feel out, don’t worry. This can actually make the look a bit more sophisticated.

Fancy Fishtails: Creative Braids That Are Better Than Basic

You're not basic, so why should your hairstyles be? Here are some of our fave fishtails you need to try!

Textured Hair With Flair

Fishtail hairstyles are perfect for our baddies with textured locks. Not only will the style look beautifully intricate, but your hair’s texture will add staying power and keep your ‘do from falling. Show up and show off with a tight fishtail hair braid that screams you mean business in the front, but are ready for a party in the back.

French Fishtail Updo

This fishtail hairstyle is perfect for all our boho brides out there who want something whimsical yet a little more formal. To achieve this look, you will want to create a deep side part on the right side of your head. Grab a section of hair and divide it in two equal parts like you would for a regular fishtail braid. Start braiding at a diagonal down the back of your head toward the right side of the nape of your neck. Continue the fishtail braid down to the bottom of your hair and secure with bobby pins. Gently pull on the sides of the braid to create a bit more volume. Take the left side of the braid and fold it over itself until the bun is at the scalp, and secure it with bobby pins. (Looking for more bridal hairstyles? We’ve got you covered here.)

Because Two is Better Than One

Sometimes more is more! To create 2 fishtail braids in your hair, you need to follow a similar process as above. Instead of separating the hair in just two parts, you will want to start by splitting your hair down the middle, as if you were making two pigtails. From this, you will then create four separate sections for your hair (two on each side) and follow the same instructions as above. This look is fun, flirty, and perfect for summertime.

Heavenly Fishtail Halos

This intricate style might look like a challenge, but we promise you’re up for it. Start the braid like you would a traditional fishtail, but this time, work along the crown of your head (from right to left), pulling in hair from both sides. Pin down with bobby pins to secure this style which looks straight out of a fairytale.

Short Hair Solutions

Fascinated by fishtails, but sporting a shorter ‘do? There are plenty of options out there. If you’re feeling a more permanent lengthy option, add Tape Its to your natural locks. Or change things up daily with DIY hair extensions like Clip It or Band It. You can also find fishtail plait hair extensions if you want to make it your go-to style. For higher quality and longer-lasting extensions, be sure to shop ones made with 100% Remy Human Hair. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it’s the perfect match.

Feeling inspired? Let’s see your style! Tag us @wickedrootshair on Instagram, so hit the love button on your look.

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